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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June 6, 2024
Securities Act File No. 333-278194
Investment Company Act File No. 811-22499
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
[X] Registration
Statement under the Securities Act of 1933
[X] Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 2
[
] Post-Effective Amendment No.
and/or
[X] Registration Statement under
the Investment Company Act of 1940
[X] Amendment No. 15
NXG NEXTGEN INFRASTRUCTURE INCOME FUND
(Registrant’s Exact Name as Specified in
Charter)
600 N. Pearl St., Suite 1205
Dallas, Texas 75201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(214) 692-6334
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including
Area Code)
John Musgrave
Cushing® Asset Management, LP
600 N. Pearl St., Suite 1205
Dallas, Texas 75201
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Kevin T. Hardy, Esq.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
320 South Canal Street
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Approximate date of proposed public offering: From
time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
| [ ] | Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form
are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans. |
| [X] | Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis
in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection
with a dividend reinvestment plan. |
| [X] | Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective
amendment thereto. |
| [ ] | Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to
General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e)
under the Securities Act. |
| [ ] | Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration
statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b)
under the Securities Act. |
It is proposed that this filing will become
effective (check appropriate box):
| [ ] | When declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities
Act. |
If appropriate, check the following box:
| [ ] | This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. |
| [ ] | This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering is . |
| [ ] | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the
same offering is . |
| [ ] | This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the
same offering is . |
Check each box that appropriately characterizes
the Registrant:
| [X] | Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (“Investment Company Act”)). |
| [ ] | Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends
or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act). |
| [ ] | Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development
Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act). |
| [X] | A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form). |
| [ ] | Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under
the Securities Act). |
| [ ] | Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)). |
| [ ] | If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant
to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. |
| [ ] | New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company
Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing). |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration
Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that the Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities
Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this Prospectus is not complete
and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state
where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject To Completion Prospectus dated June 6, 2024
BASE PROSPECTUS
$100,000,000
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund
Common Shares
Subscription Rights for Common Shares
Investment Objective
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (the “Fund”)
is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek high total return with
an emphasis on current income.
Investment Strategy
The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in a portfolio of equity
and debt securities of infrastructure companies, including energy infrastructure companies, industrial infrastructure companies, sustainable
infrastructure companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies.
The infrastructure investment landscape is rapidly
evolving due to technological advancement. While some energy and industrial infrastructure companies (sometimes referred to as “traditional”
infrastructure companies) are now in their maturity phase, many traditional infrastructure companies have become leaders in implementing
technological innovations. The Fund’s next generation focus within the infrastructure investment landscape consists of these innovative
infrastructure companies along with sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies. Similar
to traditional infrastructure assets, which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions and are often
said to form the “backbone” of the economy, technology and communication infrastructure assets provide the underlying foundation
of the data that drives the modern knowledge economy.
The Fund invests no more than 25% of its Managed
Assets in securities of energy master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships”
under the Internal Revenue Code.
The Fund may invest in below investment grade
debt securities. A debt security is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by
S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high
yield” securities or “junk bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and to repay principal.
(continued on inside cover)
Investment Adviser
The Fund is managed by Cushing® Asset Management,
LP d/b/a NXG Investment Management (the “Investment Adviser”).
Offering
The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000
aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Shares”), and/or
subscription rights to purchase Common Shares (“Rights” and together with the Common Shares,” “Securities”)
in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus
Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement carefully before you decide to invest in the
Securities.
The Fund may offer Securities (1) directly to
one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale
of Securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or
underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Securities through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Investing in the Fund’s Securities involves
a high degree of risk. See “Risks” on page 40 of this Prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission
nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined that this Prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prospectus dated
, 2024
(continued)
The
Fund considers an infrastructure company to be any company that has at least 50% of its assets, income, revenue, sales or profits committed
to or derived from the ownership, operation, management, construction, development, servicing or financing of infrastructure assets. Infrastructure
assets include energy and industrial infrastructure assets, sustainable infrastructure assets and technology and communication infrastructure
assets. Energy and industrial infrastructure assets are physical structures, networks and systems of transportation, energy, water and
sewage, security and communications. Examples of energy and industrial infrastructure assets include toll roads, bridges, and tunnels;
airports, seaports, railroads, electricity transmission, and distribution lines; facilities used in gathering, treating, processing, fractionation,
transportation and storage of hydrocarbon products; water and sewage treatment facilities and distribution pipelines; communication towers,
cables, and satellites; and security systems related to the foregoing assets. Sustainable infrastructure assets include renewable energy
infrastructure assets such as power generation from renewable and other clean energy sources, including utility scale and distributed
solar power, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power, renewable energy storage and electric vehicle charging networks, as well as waste
collection and recycling, water purification and desalinization. Technology and communication infrastructure assets consist of assets,
systems and technologies that collect, enable, analyze, optimize, automate, transmit and secure the data that allows businesses and other
organizations to operate. Examples of technology and communications infrastructure assets include: data centers, cloud, hosting, and database
systems, transactional and financial backend systems, customer relationship management systems, smart city technologies, network security
and cybersecurity, automation systems, human resource and workforce management and industry specific infrastructure software.
NYSE Listing
The Fund’s currently outstanding Common
Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(the “NYSE”) under the symbol “NXG.” As of May 3, 2024, the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares
was $42.69 per Common Share, and the last reported sale price for the Fund’s Common Shares on the NYSE was $39.68 per Common Share,
representing a discount to net asset value of 7.05%. In connection with any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the
Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights.
Leverage
The Fund generally seeks to enhance total return
by utilizing leverage. The Fund may utilize leverage through the issuance of commercial paper or notes and other forms of borrowing (“Indebtedness”)
or the issuance of preferred shares, in each case to the maximum extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”). Under current market conditions, the Fund currently intends to utilize leverage principally through Indebtedness.
The amount of Indebtedness outstanding is expected to vary over time, but will not exceed 331/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (i.e.,
50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares), including the proceeds of such leverage. The costs associated with
the issuance and use of leverage will be borne by the holders of the Common Shares. Leverage is a speculative technique and investors
should note that there are special risks and costs associated with leverage. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will
be successful during any period in which it is employed. As of November 30, 2023, the Fund had outstanding Indebtedness of approximately
$36.810 million, which represented 25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (or approximately 35.50% of its net assets attributable to
the Fund’s Common Shares). See “Use of Leverage.”
Distributions. The Fund intends to pay
substantially all of its net investment income to Common Shareholders through monthly distributions. In addition, the Fund intends to
distribute any net long-term capital gains to Common Shareholders at least annually. The Fund expects that distributions paid on the Common
Shares will consist primarily of (i) investment company taxable income, which includes, among other things, ordinary income, net short-term
capital gain and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss), and/or (iii) return of capital. Distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month
may be comprised of more or less than the amount of net investment income from that monthly period. As a result, all or a portion of a
distribution may be deemed a return of capital (which is in effect a partial return of the amount a Common Shareholder invested in the
Fund) up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their Common Shares, which would reduce such tax basis. The Fund’s
distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant portion of return of capital. For the fiscal year
ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately 55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital.
Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s
distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield or income. Although a return of capital may not be
taxable, it will generally increase the Common Shareholder’s potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential
loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of Common Shares. Common Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution
from the Fund is net income or profit, and Common Shareholders who receive distributions that include return of capital should not assume
that such return of capital is derived from the Fund’s investments.
Concentration. The Fund’s investments
will be concentrated in companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. See “Risks—Concentration
Risk.”
You should read this Prospectus and the documents
incorporated herein by reference, which contain important information about the Fund that you should know before deciding whether to invest,
and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024 (“SAI”), containing additional
information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents
of which is on page 81 of this Prospectus, and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports by calling toll-free (888) 777-2346,
or you may obtain a copy of such reports, the SAI and other information regarding the Fund from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).
Free copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports are also available from the Fund’s website at www.nxgim.com.
Information on, or accessible through, the Fund’s website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this Prospectus.
The Fund’s securities do not represent
a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY |
1 |
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES |
21 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
23 |
SENIOR SECURITIES |
26 |
THE FUND |
27 |
USE OF PROCEEDS |
27 |
MARKET AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION |
27 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES |
28 |
THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS |
29 |
USE OF LEVERAGE |
37 |
RISKS |
40 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND |
61 |
NET ASSET VALUE |
62 |
DISTRIBUTIONS |
64 |
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN |
64 |
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES |
66 |
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION OF TRUST |
70 |
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW, THE DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS |
72 |
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE |
74 |
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES |
75 |
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS |
76 |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
77 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS |
79 |
LEGAL MATTERS |
80 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
80 |
PRIVACY POLICY |
80 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
81 |
You should rely only on the information contained
or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized any other person to provide you with different information.
If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer to sell
these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information contained in this Prospectus and any related
Prospectus Supplement is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement, regardless of the time
of delivery of this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement or of any sale of Securities of the Fund. The Fund’s business,
financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date.
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This Prospectus is part of
a registration statement on Form N-2 that the Fund filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) using
a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, the Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 aggregate initial
offering price of Securities in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more Prospectus Supplements.
The Prospectus Supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this Prospectus. You should carefully read this Prospectus
and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can
Find More Information.”
This Prospectus, any accompanying
Prospectus Supplement and the Statement of Additional Information, contain (or will contain) or incorporate (or will incorporate) by reference
forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements
describe the Fund’s plans, strategies, and goals and the Fund’s beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other
conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement, words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “objectives,” “goals,”
“future,” “intends,” “seeks,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,”
and similar expressions, and the negative of such terms, are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking
statements may be expressed differently. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results
could differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements. Although the Fund believes that the expectations expressed
in these forward-looking statements are (or will be) reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed
in these forward-looking statements. The Fund’s future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Risks”
sections of this Prospectus and the Fund’s most recent Annual Report, which describe certain currently known risk factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from the Fund’s expectations, and, if applicable, additional risk considerations described
in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The Fund urges you to review carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the risks
associated with an investment in the Fund’s securities. All forward looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in
this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement are made as of the date of this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. The Fund does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The Fund is not entitled
to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933.
You should rely only on the
information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The Fund has not authorized
any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should
not rely on it. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information in this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement is accurate as of any date other
than the date of this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The Fund’s business, financial condition and results
of operations may have changed since that date. The Fund will amend this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement if, during
the period that this Prospectus and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement is required to be delivered, there are any subsequent material
changes.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Fund is subject to the
informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and the 1940 Act and in accordance
therewith files, or will file, reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Fund with the SEC pursuant to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a
web site at www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including the
Fund, that file electronically with the SEC
This Prospectus constitutes
part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain
of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits
for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the
provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free
of charge through the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov).
The
Fund will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or
oral request, a copy of any and all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or any accompanying
Prospectus Supplement. You may request such information by calling (214) 692-6334 or by writing to NXG Investment Management
at 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201, or you may obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Trust) from
the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Free copies of the Fund’s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and any incorporated
information will also be available from the Fund’s website at www.NXGIM.com. Information contained
on the Fund’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement and should not be considered
to be part of this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This
Prospectus is part of a registration statement that the Fund has filed with the SEC. The Fund is permitted to “incorporate by reference”
the information that it files with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this Prospectus, and later information that the Fund files
with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.
The
documents listed below, and any reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2)
under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the termination of the offering, and any
reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to Rule 30(b)(2) under the 1940 Act and Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to effectiveness of the registration
statement, are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and deemed to be part of this Prospectus from the date of the filing of
such reports and documents:
| · | the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, dated , 2024, filed with this Prospectus (the
“SAI”); |
| · | the Fund’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 on Form N-CSR, filed
with the SEC on February 9, 2024 (the “Annual Report”); |
| · | the Fund’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A for its 2024 annual meeting of shareholders,
filed with the SEC on April 19, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”); and |
| · | the Fund’s description of Common Shares contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A
(File No. 001-33641) filed with the SEC on August 2, 2007. |
To
obtain copies of these filings, see “Where You Can Find More Information.”
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This Prospectus, including
documents incorporated by reference, contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by
the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,”
“plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms and the negative of such terms. By their nature, all forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.
Many factors that could materially affect the Fund’s actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities held by the
Fund, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which the Fund’s Common
Shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in this Prospectus and to be discussed in the Fund’s periodic
filings with the SEC.
Although the Fund believes
that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those expressed
or implied in such forward-looking statements. The Fund’s future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Risks”
section of this Prospectus. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus. Except for the Fund’s ongoing
obligations under the federal securities laws, the Fund does not intend, and the Fund undertakes no obligation, to update any forward-looking
statement. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933.
Currently known risk factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Fund’s expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described
in the “Risks” section of this Prospectus. The Fund urges you to review carefully this section for a more detailed discussion
of the risks of an investment in the Fund’s securities.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This is only a summary of information contained
elsewhere in this prospectus (the “Prospectus”). This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider
before investing in the Fund’s securities. In particular, you should carefully read the more detailed information contained in this
Prospectus and the statement of additional information, dated , 2024 (the “SAI”), especially the information set forth
under the heading “Risks.”
The Fund |
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act that commenced investment operations on September 25, 2012. The Fund’s Investment Adviser is Cushing® Asset Management, LP d/b/a NXG Investment Management. |
The Offering |
The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $100,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Shares”), and/or subscription rights to purchase Common Shares (“Rights” and together with the “Common Shares,” “Securities”) in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement carefully before you decide to invest in the Securities. |
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The Fund may offer Securities (1) directly to one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of Securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See “Plan of Distribution.” |
Use of Proceeds |
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated in this Prospectus. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of such offering. Prior to the time the proceeds of each offering are fully invested, such proceeds may temporarily be invested in cash, cash equivalents, or in debt securities that are rated AA or higher. Income received by the Fund from such temporary investments would likely be less than returns sought pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and policies. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to holders of Common Shares (“Common Shareholders”). |
Investment Objective |
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high total return with an emphasis on current income. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. |
Principal Investment Policies |
The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus), in a portfolio of equity and debt
securities of infrastructure companies, including energy infrastructure companies, industrial infrastructure companies, sustainable infrastructure
companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies (the “80% policy”).
The infrastructure investment landscape is rapidly
evolving due to technological advancement. While some energy and industrial infrastructure companies (sometimes referred to as “traditional”
infrastructure companies) are now in their maturity phase, many traditional infrastructure companies have become leaders in implementing
technological innovations. The Fund’s next generation focus within the infrastructure investment landscape consists of these innovative
infrastructure companies along with sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies. Similar
to traditional infrastructure assets, which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions and are often
said to form the “backbone” of the economy, technology and communication infrastructure assets provide the underlying foundation
of the data that drives the modern knowledge economy.
The Fund considers an infrastructure company to
be any company that has at least 50% of its assets, income, revenue, sales or profits committed to or derived from the ownership, operation,
management, construction, development, servicing or financing of infrastructure assets. Infrastructure assets include energy and industrial
infrastructure assets, sustainable infrastructure assets and technology and communication infrastructure assets. Energy and industrial
infrastructure assets are physical structures, networks and systems of transportation, energy, water and sewage, security and communications.
Examples of energy and industrial infrastructure assets include toll roads, bridges, and tunnels; airports, seaports, railroads, electricity
transmission, and distribution lines; facilities used in gathering, treating, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage of
hydrocarbon products; water and sewage treatment facilities and distribution pipelines; communication towers, cables, and satellites;
and security systems related to the foregoing assets. Sustainable infrastructure assets include renewable energy infrastructure assets
such as power generation from renewable and other clean energy sources, including utility scale and distributed solar power, wind, hydroelectric
and geothermal power, renewable energy storage and electric vehicle charging networks, as well as waste collection and recycling, water
purification and desalinization. Technology and communication infrastructure assets consist of assets, systems and technologies that collect,
enable, analyze, optimize, automate, transmit and secure the data that allows businesses and other organizations to operate. Examples
of technology and communication infrastructure assets include: data centers, cloud, hosting, and database systems, transactional and financial
backend systems, customer relationship management systems, smart city technologies, network security and cybersecurity, automation systems,
human resource and workforce management and industry specific infrastructure software.
The Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in
companies operating in industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. As a result, the Fund is concentrated in the energy
sector. See “Risks—Concentration Risk.” The Fund invests no more than 25% of its Managed Assets in securities of energy
MLPs that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). |
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The Fund generally seeks to invest in no more
than 10% of its Managed Assets in any one issue and no more than 20% of Managed Assets in any one issuer, in each case, determined at
the time of investment. For purposes of this limit with respect to an investment in an MLP, an “issuer” includes both an issuer
and its controlling general partner, managing member or sponsor, and an “issue” is a class of an issuer’s securities
or a derivative security that tracks that class of securities.
The Fund seeks attractive investment opportunities
by investing in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and secondary market issuances, private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions and privately negotiated transactions, including pre-acquisition and pre-IPO equity issuances and investments in private
companies.
The Fund invests up to 25% of its Managed Assets
in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies.
The Fund invests, without limitation, in debt
securities rated, at the time of investment, at least (i) B3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), (ii)
B- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or (iii) a comparable
rating by another rating agency, and invests no more than 5% of its Managed Assets in debt securities rated below B3 by Moody’s,
B- by S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Therefore, the Fund may invest in below investment grade debt
securities. A debt security is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P
or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high
yield” securities or “junk bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. Debt securities in which the Fund invests may be of any
maturity.
The Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, including
securities of issuers in emerging markets.
The Fund invests in issuers of any market capitalization
size.
The Fund may seek to hedge risks to the portfolio,
including market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and commodity price risk, as deemed prudent by the Investment Adviser. For a
discussion of the instruments and techniques the Fund may use to implement hedging strategies, see “The Fund’s Investments—Strategic
Transactions.”
The Fund does not invest directly in commodities.
The Fund may, from time to time, seek to enhance
total return by writing call options on a portion of the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio (commonly referred to as “covered”
call options). As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund receives a premium but 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. As the Fund writes covered calls over more
of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited. See “The Fund’s Investments—Options.” |
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As used in this Prospectus, “Managed Assets”
means the total assets of the Fund, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations other than liabilities or obligations
attributable to investment leverage, including, without limitation, investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type
(including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of shares of
preferred stock or other similar preference securities and/or (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance
with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Solely for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy, “Managed Assets”
means net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.
The Fund’s investment objective and percentage
parameters, including its 80% policy, are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval. Shareholders,
however, will be notified in writing of any change of the 80% policy at least 60 days prior to effecting any such change. |
Leverage |
The Fund may seek to enhance total return by utilizing
leverage. The Fund may utilize leverage through the issuance of commercial paper or notes and other forms of borrowing (“Indebtedness”)
or the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may utilize leverage through Indebtedness or preferred shares to the maximum extent permitted
by the 1940 Act. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize leverage principally through Indebtedness. The amount of
Indebtedness outstanding is expected to vary over time, but will not exceed 331⁄3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (i.e.,
50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares), including the proceeds of such leverage.
The Fund will only utilize leverage when it expects
to be able to invest the proceeds at a higher rate of return than its cost of borrowing. The use of leverage for investment purposes creates
opportunities for greater total return, but at the same time increases risk. When leverage is employed, the net asset value, market price
of the Common Shares and the yield to holders of Common Shares may be more volatile. Any investment income or gains earned with respect
to the amounts borrowed in excess of the interest due on the borrowing will augment the Fund’s income. Conversely, if the investment
performance with respect to the amounts borrowed fails to cover the interest on such borrowings, the value of the Fund’s Common
Shares may decrease more quickly than would otherwise be the case and distributions on the Common Shares would be reduced or eliminated.
Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with such borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for distribution
to Common Shareholders.
The Fund currently utilizes Indebtedness pursuant
to a borrowing arrangement with ScotiabankTM. The interest rate charged on such Indebtedness is SOFR plus 1.00%. As of November 30,
2023, the principal balance outstanding was approximately $36.81 million, which represented 25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets
(or approximately 35.50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares). |
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The costs associated with the issuance and use of leverage are borne by the holders of the Common Shares. Because the investment management fee paid to the Investment Adviser is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets, which include the proceeds of leverage, the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Investment Adviser will be higher (and the Investment Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. The Investment Adviser will utilize leverage only if it believes such action would result in a net benefit to the Fund’s shareholders after taking into account the higher fees and expenses associated with leverage (including higher management fees). Leverage is a speculative technique, and investors should note that there are special risks and costs associated with leverage. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. See “Use of Leverage.” |
Other Investment Practices |
Strategic Transactions. The Fund may, but
is not required to, use investment strategies (referred to herein as “Strategic Transactions”) for hedging, risk management
or portfolio management purposes or to earn income. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts. In the course
of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various
transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition, derivative transactions may also include new techniques, instruments
or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. For a more complete discussion of the Fund’s investment practices
involving transactions in derivatives and certain other investment techniques, see “The Fund’s Investments—Strategic
Transactions” in this Prospectus and “Strategic Transactions” in the SAI.
Short Sales, Arbitrage And Other Strategies.
The Fund may use short sales, arbitrage and other strategies to try to generate additional return. As part of such strategies, the
Fund may engage in paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities issued by infrastructure companies, write (or
sell) covered call options on securities held in its portfolio, write (or sell) uncovered call options on the securities of infrastructure
companies, purchase call options or enter into swap contracts to increase its exposure to infrastructure companies, or sell securities
short. With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright, but with a short position, it would sell a security that it does not
own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Fund will realize a profit or incur a loss from a short position depending
on whether the value of the underlying stock decreases or increases, respectively, between the time the stock is sold and when the Fund
replaces the borrowed security. To increase its exposure to certain issuers, the Fund may purchase call options or use swap agreements.
The Fund expects to use these strategies on a limited basis. See “Risks—Short Sales Risk” and “Risks—Strategic
Transactions Risk.”
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund
may lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash
equivalents maintained on a current basis in an amount at least equal to 102% of the value of the securities loaned. The Fund would continue
to receive the equivalent of the interest or distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive an additional
return that may be in the form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable fees for services in arranging
these loans. |
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Temporary Defensive Strategies. When market conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a portion or all of its assets in money-market instruments including obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, other high-quality debt securities, including prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers’ acceptances and certificates of deposit. Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend to be lower than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a defensive position, the Fund would temporarily not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective. |
Tax Treatment of the Fund |
The Fund has elected to be treated as, and intends to continue to qualify as, a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. As long as it so qualifies, the Fund will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes annually its taxable income and gains. There can be no assurance that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for any given year. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.” |
Investment Adviser |
The Fund’s investments are managed by its Investment Adviser, Cushing® Asset Management, LP d/b/a NXG Investment Management, whose principal business address is 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201. The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned investment advisory subsidiary of Swank Capital. The Investment Adviser was founded in 2003 and serves as investment adviser to registered and unregistered funds. As of November 30, 2023, the Investment Adviser managed approximately $1.013 billion in assets. |
Distributions |
The Fund intends to pay substantially all of its
net investment income to Common Shareholders through monthly distributions. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute any net long-term
capital gains to Common Shareholders at least annually. The Fund expects that distributions paid on the Common Shares will consist primarily
of (i) investment company taxable income, which includes, among other things, ordinary income, net short-term capital gain and income
from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss), and/or (iii) return of capital.
The Fund’s net investment income can vary
significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share. The distributions paid by the
Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly period.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the
Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. The Fund may distribute more than the entire amount of the net
investment income earned in a particular period, in which case all or a portion of a distribution may be a return of capital. The Fund’s
distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant portion of return of capital. For the fiscal
year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately 55% ordinary income and 45% return of
capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net income or profit, and the
Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield or income. Return of capital is the
return of a portion of the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their
Common Shares, which would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the Common
Shareholder’s potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition
of Common Shares. |
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Alternatively, the Fund may also distribute less
than its net investment income in a particular period. The undistributed net investment income may be available to supplement future common
share distributions. Undistributed net investment income is included in the Common Shares’ net asset value, and, correspondingly,
distributions from net investment income will reduce the Common Shares’ net asset value.
With each distribution that does not consist solely
of net investment income, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders that will provide estimated information regarding the amount and
composition of the distribution. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in each notice will be estimated, are likely to change
over time and are not provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of such amounts will be made and reported to shareholders
after the end of the calendar year when the Fund determines its earnings and profits for the year. The actual amounts and sources of the
amounts for accounting and tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its full fiscal year
and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send each shareholder a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year
that will tell shareholders how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.
See “Distributions.” |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
Shareholders will automatically have all distributions reinvested in Common Shares issued by the Fund or Common Shares of the Fund purchased on the open market in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan unless an election is made to receive cash. Common Shareholders who receive distributions in the form of additional Common Shares will be subject to the same U.S. federal income tax consequences as Common Shareholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” |
Listing and Symbol |
The Fund’s currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “NXG.” As of May 3, 2024, the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares was $42.69 per Common Share, and the last reported sale price for the Fund’s Common Shares on the NYSE was $39.68 per Common Share, representing a discount to net asset value of 7.05%. In connection with any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights. |
Special Risk Considerations |
The following is a summary of the principal risks associated with an investment in Common Shares of the Fund. Investors should also refer to “Risks” in this Prospectus for a more detailed explanation of these and other risks associated with investing in the Fund. |
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Investment And Market Risk. An investment in the Fund’s Common Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of an investor’s entire investment. The Fund’s Common Shares at any point in time may be worth less than at the time of original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of the Fund’s distributions. The Fund is primarily a long-term investment vehicle and should not be used for short-term trading. An investment in the Fund’s Common Shares is not intended to constitute a complete investment program and should not be viewed as such. |
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Common Stock Risk. The Fund will have exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long-term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may significantly under-perform relative to fixed income securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks is sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase. |
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Concentration Risk. The Fund’s investments will be concentrated in issuers in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Because the Fund will be concentrated in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry or group of industries than if it were more broadly diversified over numerous industries. General changes in market sentiment towards energy companies may adversely affect the Fund, and the performance of energy companies may lag behind the broader market as a whole. |
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Infrastructure Companies Risk. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction and improvement programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies may also be affected by or subject to difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets; inexperience with and potential losses resulting from a developing de-regulatory environment; costs associated with compliance with and changes in environmental and other regulations; regulation or adverse actions by various government authorities; government regulation of rates charged to customers; service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps; the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards; technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products obsolete, and general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure assets. Recently imposed tariffs on imports to the United States could affect operating or construction costs for a number of companies in which the Fund invests. |
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Sustainable infrastructure investments are subject
to certain additional risks including high dependency upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance
the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets; adverse impacts from the reduction or discontinuation of tax benefits
and other similar subsidies that benefit sustainable infrastructure companies; dependency on suitable weather condition and risk of damage
to components used in the generation of renewable energy by severe weather; adverse changes and volatility in the wholesale market price
for electricity in the markets served; the use of newly developed, less proven, technologies and the risk of failure of new technology
to perform as anticipated; and dependence on a limited number of suppliers of system components and the occurrence of shortages, delays
or component price changes. There is a risk that regulations that provide incentives for renewable energy could change or expire in a
manner that adversely impacts the market for sustainable infrastructure companies generally.
Technology and communications infrastructure investments
are subject to certain additional risks including rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life
cycles; fierce competition; high research and development costs; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright
and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; frequent new product introductions and new market entrants;
cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption
of confidential and highly restricted data, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks
or devices that the information infrastructure companies use, or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or
operating systems, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory
fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. |
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Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities
can be affected by macroeconomic, political, global and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest
rates, investor sentiment towards the issuer or the industry or sector in which such issuer operates, changes in a particular issuer’s
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer.
Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities are
subject to many of the risks described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk and, depending
on their quality, other special risks. See “Risks—Debt Securities Risk.”
Below Investment Grade Securities (Junk Bonds)
Risk. Below investment grade and unrated debt securities generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or
debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than those securities. These risks, which reflect
their speculative character, include the following: greater yield and price volatility; greater credit risk and risk of default; potentially
greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional
expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds”
and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance
with the terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. |
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The prices of these below investment grade and unrated debt securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues, downturns in profitability in the sector in which an issuer operates or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher-grade securities. Below investment grade and unrated debt securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market for below investment grade and unrated debt securities could contract further under adverse market or economic conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for the Fund to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a price as could be realized if such securities were more widely traded. The market value of below investment grade and unrated debt securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. In the event of a default by a below investment grade or unrated debt security held in the Fund’s portfolio in the payment of principal or interest, the Fund may incur additional expense to the extent the Fund is required to seek recovery of such principal or interest. |
|
MLP Risks. An investment in MLP units involves
some risks that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. As compared to common stockholders of a corporation, holders
of MLP units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain
tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner,
including those arising from incentive distribution payments.
A portion of the benefit the Fund derives from
its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A
change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, which
would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and causing any such distributions received
by the Fund to be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the MLP’s current or accumulated earnings and profits.
Changes in tax laws or regulations, or future
interpretations of such laws or regulations, could adversely affect the Fund or the MLP investments in which the Fund invests.
Master limited partnership subordinated units
are not typically listed on an exchange or publicly traded. Holders of MLP subordinated units are entitled to receive a distribution only
after the minimum quarterly distribution (the “MQD”) has been paid to holders of common units, but prior to payment of incentive
distributions to the general partner or managing member. Master limited partnership subordinated units generally do not provide arrearage
rights. Most MLP subordinated units are convertible into common units after the passage of a specified period of time or upon the achievement
by the MLP of specified financial goals. |
|
General partner and managing member interests
are not publicly traded, though they may be owned by publicly traded entities such as GP MLPs. A holder of general partner or managing
member interests can be liable in certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder’s investment. In addition,
while a general partner or managing member’s incentive distribution rights can mean that general partners and managing members have
higher distribution growth prospects than their underlying MLPs, these incentive distribution payments would decline at a greater rate
than the decline rate in quarterly distributions to common or subordinated unit holders in the event of a reduction in the MLP’s
quarterly distribution. A general partner or managing member interest can be redeemed by the MLP if the MLP unit holders choose to remove
the general partner, typically by a supermajority vote of the limited partners or members.
See “Risks—MLP Risks.” |
|
Non-U.S. Securities Risk. 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, including expropriation; 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.
Certain countries in which the Fund may invest,
especially emerging market countries, historically have experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest
rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and
unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external
debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest
at rates that are adjusted based upon international interest rates. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a
risk of: the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets; confiscatory taxation; difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a
court judgment; restrictions on currency repatriation; economic, political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could
affect investments in those countries.
Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated
or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in the
Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may
affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s net asset value or current income could
decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Certain investments in non-U.S. securities
also may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Dividend income from non-U.S. corporations may not be eligible for the reduced U.S.
income tax rate currently available for qualified dividend income. These risks often are heightened for investments in smaller, emerging
capital markets. In addition, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as: growth of gross domestic product; rates of inflation; capital reinvestment; resources; self- sufficiency; and balance of payments
position. |
|
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped
emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers to a heightened degree. “Emerging market
countries” generally include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia,
New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. These heightened risks include: greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; the smaller size of the market for such securities and a
lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and an increase in price volatility; and certain national policies that may restrict
the Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests. As a result of these potential risks, the Adviser may determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment criteria,
it may not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular country.
See “Risks—Non U.S. Securities Risk.” |
|
Liquidity Risk. The 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, the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities on its books or the amount paid for such investments
by the Fund. Furthermore, the nature of the Fund’s investments may require a long holding period prior to profitability. See “Risks—Liquidity
Risk.”
Valuation Risk. Market prices may not be
readily available for certain of the Fund’s investments, and the value of such investments will ordinarily be determined based on
fair valuations determined by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees and the Investment Adviser
as valuation designee. Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect the Fund’s ability
to determine its net asset value. The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than the Fund’s
most recent determination of their fair value. See “Risks—Valuation Risk.” |
|
Energy Sector Risks. Under normal circumstances,
the Fund concentrates its investments in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Energy companies are subject
to certain risks, including, but not limited to, the following:
· Commodity
Price Risk
· Cyclicality
Risk |
|
· Supply
Risk
· Demand
Risk
· Competition
Risk
· Weather
Risk
· Interest
Rate Risk
· Regulatory
Risk
· Environmental
Risk
· Catastrophe
Risk
· Risks
Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions
· Technology
Risk
· Business
Segment Specific Risk
See “Risks—Energy Sector Risks.” |
|
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk. Certain of the companies in which the Fund may invest may have small or medium-sized market capitalizations (“small-cap” and “mid-cap” companies, respectively). Investing in the securities of small-cap or mid-cap companies presents some particular investment risks. These companies may have limited product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management and more limited financial resources than larger companies, and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments. Stocks of these companies may be less liquid than those of larger companies, and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger companies. In addition, small-cap or mid-cap company securities may not be widely followed by investors, which may result in reduced demand. |
|
Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs. Securities purchased by the Fund in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile, thus the Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful. As the Fund grows in size, the positive effect of IPO investments on the Fund may decrease. See “Risks—Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs.” |
|
Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE Transactions. Private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) investors purchase securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company’s common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities are “restricted” and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Accordingly, the company typically agrees as part of the PIPE deal to register the restricted securities with the SEC. PIPE securities may be deemed illiquid. See “Risks—Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE Transactions.” |
|
Privately Held Company Risk. Investing in privately held companies involves risk. For example, privately held companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Investment Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the privately held companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, the securities of privately held companies are generally illiquid, and entail the risks described under “Risks—Liquidity Risk.” |
|
Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks combine some of the characteristics of both common stocks and debt securities. Preferred stocks typically have a yield advantage over common stocks as well as comparably-rated fixed income investments. Preferred stocks are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of directors. Preferred stocks also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions. See “Risks—Preferred Stock Risk.” |
|
Convertible Instrument Risk. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed number of Common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible debt instruments have characteristics of both fixed income and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible instrument tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. See “Risks—Convertible Instruments Risk.” |
|
Interest Rate Risk. The costs associated with any leverage used by the Fund are likely to increase when interest rates rise. Accordingly, the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares may decline when interest rates rise. See “Risks—Interest Rate Risk.” |
|
Interest Rate Hedging Risk. The Fund may from time to time hedge against interest rate risk resulting from the Fund’s portfolio holdings and any financial leverage it may incur. Interest rate transactions the Fund may use for hedging purposes will expose the Fund to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with its portfolio holdings. There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, caps and similar techniques, the cost of which can be significant. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedging instruments is subject to the Investment Adviser’s ability to correctly predict changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to the Fund’s leverage risk, and there can be no assurance that the Investment Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. See “Risks—Interest Rate Hedging Risk.” |
|
Leverage Risk. The Fund may use leverage
through the issuance of Indebtedness or the issuance of preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable
effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. Insofar as the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the
Fund will be subject to increased risk of loss. In addition, the Fund pays (and the holders of Common Shares bear) all costs and expenses
relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of leverage, including higher advisory fees. Similarly, any decline in the net asset
value of the Fund’s investments will be borne entirely by the holders of Common Shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s
portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of Common Shares than if the Fund
were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the Common
Shares. See “Risks—Leverage Risk.”
Covered Call Option Risk. As the writer
of 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. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from
capital appreciation becomes more limited. 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 decision as to whether,
when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to
some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. See “Strategic Transactions—Options” in the SAI for additional
information regarding risks associated with option transactions.
Arbitrage Risk. A part of the Investment
Adviser’s investment operations may involve spread positions between two or more securities, or derivatives positions including
commodities hedging positions, or a combination of the foregoing. The Investment Adviser’s trading operations also may involve arbitraging
between two securities or commodities, between the security, commodity and related options or derivatives markets, between spot and futures
or forward markets, and/or any combination of the above. To the extent the price relationships between such positions remain constant,
no gain or loss on the positions will occur. These offsetting positions entail substantial risk that the price differential could change
unfavorably, causing a loss to the position. Certain derivatives transactions have economic characteristics similar to leverage.
Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend
its portfolio securities (up to a maximum of one-third of its Managed Assets) to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards
established by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available
to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss
in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely
affect the Fund’s performance. In addition, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss
of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. These risks may be greater
for non-U.S. securities. |
|
Portfolio Turnover Risk. Portfolio turnover
rate is not considered a limiting factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that
its annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased
realization of net short-term capital gains or capital losses by the Fund.
Strategic Transactions Risk. The Fund may,
but is not required to, use investment strategies (referred to herein as “Strategic Transactions”) for hedging, risk management
or portfolio management purposes or to earn income. The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions may involve the purchase and sale of
derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, indices
and other instruments, enter into forward contracts, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor
or collar transactions, purchase structured investment products and enter into transactions that combine multiple derivative instruments.
Strategic Transactions often have risks similar to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions. However, the use of Strategic
Transactions also involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments.
Strategic Transactions may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different
from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of derivative instruments has risks, including the imperfect correlation
between the value of the derivative instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the counterparty to the transaction
or illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques depends on the Investment
Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may result
in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or
for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment or may cause the
Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash, or other assets held
in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes. It is possible
that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of derivative instruments.
There can be no assurance that such regulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the
Fund to implement certain Strategic Transactions or to achieve its investment objective. Although the Investment Adviser seeks to use
Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of Strategic Transactions
will achieve this result. A more complete discussion of Strategic Transactions and their risks is included in the SAI under the heading
“Strategic Transactions.”
Distributions Risk. The Fund’s net
investment income can vary significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share.
The distributions paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly
period. The Fund may distribute more than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period, in which case
all or a portion of a distribution may be a return of capital. The Fund’s distributions have historically included, and may in the
future include, a significant portion of return of capital. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions
were comprised of approximately 55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source
of a distribution from the Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance
or confused with yield or income. |
|
Return of capital is the return of a portion of
the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their Common Shares, which
would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the Common Shareholder’s
potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of Common Shares.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. To the extent
the amount of distributions paid to shareholders in cash exceeds the total net investment returns of the Fund, the assets of the Fund
will decline, which may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to make such distributions,
the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such
action.
Market Discount from Net Asset Value. Shares
of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value, which is a risk separate and distinct from
the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Although the value of the Fund’s
net assets is generally considered by market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell Common Shares, whether investors
will realize gains or losses upon the sale of Common Shares will depend entirely upon whether the market price of Common Shares at the
time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for Common Shares. Because the market price of Common Shares will be
determined by factors such as net asset value, distribution and distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply
of and demand for Common Shares, stability of distributions or dividends, trading volume of Common Shares, general market and economic
conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, below or above
net asset value or at, below or above the initial public offering price. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term
investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. |
|
Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional Common Shares. The voting power of current Common Shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value per share pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Shares—Common Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.” |
|
Additional Risks of Rights. There are additional risks associated with an offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s Common Shares if the shareholder does not participate in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s Common Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. Such a reduction in net asset value per share may have the effect of reducing market price of the Common Share. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder does not exercise such shareholder’s Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. If the subscription price is substantially less than the then current net asset value per Common Share at the expiration of a rights offering, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution or accretion will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. In addition to the economic dilution described above, if a Common Shareholder does not exercise all of their rights, the Common Shareholder will incur voting dilution as a result of this rights offering. This voting dilution will occur because the Common Shareholder will own a smaller proportionate interest in the Fund after the rights offering than prior to the rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the Common Shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities. Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be transferable or non-transferable rights. In a non-transferable rights offering, Common Shareholders who do not wish to exercise their rights will be unable to sell their rights. In a transferrable rights offering, the Fund will use its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market for the rights; however, investors may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. |
|
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Fund’s
Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. The Fund’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended
(the “Declaration of Trust”), and By-Laws include provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities
or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board of Trustees. For example, the Declaration of Trust
limits the ability of persons to beneficially own (within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code) more than 4.99% of the outstanding
Common Shares of the Fund. This restriction was adopted in order to reduce the risk of the Fund undergoing an “ownership change”
within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, which would limit the Fund’s ability to use a capital loss carryforward and
certain unrealized losses (if such tax attributes exist). See “Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and “Certain
Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”
In addition, as a Delaware statutory trust, the
Fund is subject to the control share acquisition statute (the “Control Share Statute”) contained in Subchapter III of the
Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”), which became automatically applicable to listed closed-end funds, such as the Fund,
upon its effective date of August 1, 2022 (the “Effective Date”). The Control Share Statute provides that an acquirer
of shares above a series of voting power thresholds has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the Fund with respect
to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders. See “Certain
Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Delaware Control Share Statute.”
The ownership restrictions set forth in the Fund’s
Declaration of Trust and the limitations of the Control Share Statute could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity
to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over the
Fund and may reduce market demand for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood that the
Fund’s Common Shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
Additional Risks. For additional risks
relating to investments in the Fund including “Securities Lending Risk,” “Short Sales Risk,” “Deflation
Risk,” “Other Investment Companies Risk,” “ETN and ETF Risk,” “Investment Management Risk, “Dependence
on Key Personnel of the Investment Adviser,” “Conflicts of Interest with the Investment Adviser,” “Reliance on
Service Providers,” “Technology Risk,” “Cyber Security Risk,” “Recent Market, Economic and Social
Developments Risk,” “Legislation and Regulatory Risk,” “SOFR Risk,” “UK Departure from EU Risk,”
“Redenomination Risk,” “Terrorism, Market Disruption, and Catastrophe Risk,” and “Not a Complete Investment
Program” please see “Risks” beginning on page 40 of this Prospectus. |
Other Service Providers |
Under a transfer agency and service agreement
among U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services and the Fund, U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar
and distribution disbursing agent.
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services (the “Administrator”)
provides the Fund with administrative services. The Administrator also performs fund accounting. |
|
U.S. Bank National Association serves as the custodian of the Fund’s securities and other assets. |
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table contains information about
the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund
as of November 30, 2023 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees
and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
Shareholder transaction expenses |
|
Sales load (as a percentage of estimated offering price) |
–%(1) |
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of estimated offering price) |
–% (1) |
Dividend reinvestment Plan fees |
$15.00(2) |
Annual Expenses |
Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares(3)
|
Management fees(4)(5) |
1.76% |
Interest payments on borrowed funds(6) |
2.29% |
Other expenses(7) |
1.53% |
Total annual expenses (before fee waiver)(5) |
5.58% |
Fee waiver |
(0.25)% |
Net annual expenses (after fee waier) |
5.33% |
EXAMPLE
As required by relevant SEC regulations, the
following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) “Total
annual expenses” of 5.33% of net assets attributable to Common Shares in Year 1 and thereafter 5.58% of net assets
attributable to Common Shares and (4) a 5.00% annual return*:
|
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Total expenses incurred |
$ 56 |
$ 166 |
$ 275 |
$ 542 |
| * | Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may
be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. The example assumes that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested at net asset value. |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to
help you understand the Fund’s financial performance. The information in this table for the past five years is derived from the
Fund’s financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose
report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Fund’s annual report
to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 and are incorporated by reference herein.
| |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2023 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2021 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2020 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2019(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2018(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2017(1 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2016(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2015(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2014(1) | |
Per Common Share Data(2) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Net Asset Value, beginning of fiscal year | |
$ | 54.75 | | |
$ | 53.25 | | |
$ | 45.87 | | |
$ | 58.28 | | |
$ | 70.12 | | |
$ | 79.88 | | |
$ | 77.68 | | |
$ | 78.32 | | |
$ | 103.12 | | |
$ | 109.84 | |
Income from Investment Operations: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income (loss) | |
| 0.21 | | |
| (0.06 | ) | |
| 0.70 | | |
| (0.11 | ) | |
| 0.24 | | |
| (3.60 | ) | |
| (0.44 | ) | |
| (0.04 | ) | |
| 2.32 | | |
| 2.12 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | |
| (11.17 | ) | |
| 4.12 | | |
| 9.24 | | |
| (7.74 | ) | |
| (1.80 | ) | |
| 5.28 | | |
| 9.20 | | |
| 5.96 | | |
| (20.56 | ) | |
| (2.28 | ) |
Total increase (decrease) from investment operations | |
| (10.96 | ) | |
| 4.06 | | |
| 9.94 | | |
| (7.85 | ) | |
| (1.56 | ) | |
| 1.68 | | |
| 8.76 | | |
| 5.92 | | |
| (18.24 | ) | |
| (0.16 | ) |
Less Distributions to Common Stockholders: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net investment income | |
| (2.18 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (0.59 | ) | |
| (1.28 | ) | |
| (0.76 | ) | |
| (1.72 | ) | |
| (2.16 | ) | |
| (2.04 | ) | |
| (1.52 | ) |
Net realized gain | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (2.68 | ) | |
| (4.84 | ) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (1.64 | ) |
Return of capital | |
| (1.76 | ) | |
| (2.56 | ) | |
| (2.56 | ) | |
| (3.97 | ) | |
| (2.60 | ) | |
| (0.96 | ) | |
| (4.84 | ) | |
| (4.40 | ) | |
| (4.52 | ) | |
| (3.40 | ) |
Total distributions to common stockholders | |
| (3.94 | ) | |
| (2.56 | ) | |
| (2.56 | ) | |
| (4.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) | |
| (6.56 | ) |
Capital Share Transactions: | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Premiums less underwriting discounts and offering costs on issuance of common shares | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| (3.72 | )(4) | |
| (4.88 | )(3) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Net Asset Value, end of fiscal year | |
| 39.85 | | |
| 54.75 | | |
| 53.25 | | |
| 45.87 | | |
| 58.28 | | |
| 70.12 | | |
| 79.88 | | |
| 77.68 | | |
| 78.32 | | |
| 103.12 | |
Per common share fair value, end of fiscal year | |
| 31.97 | | |
| 42.53 | | |
| 45.02 | | |
| 35.74 | | |
| 50.72 | | |
| 64.68 | | |
| 75.32 | | |
| 69.96 | | |
| 63.00 | | |
| 94.04 | |
Total Investment Return Based on Fair Value(5) | |
| (16.38 | )% | |
| 0.34 | % | |
| 33.40 | % | |
| (19.52 | )% | |
| (12.23 | )% | |
| (6.04 | )% | |
| 17.70 | % | |
| 24.19 | % | |
| (27.15 | )% | |
| 2.85 | % |
| |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2023 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2022 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2021 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2020 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2019(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2018(1) | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2017 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2016 | |
Supplemental Data and Ratios | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of fiscal year (000’s) | |
$ | 103,682 | | |
$ | 142,434 | | |
$ | 138,537 | | |
$ | 119,348 | | |
$ | 151,639 | | |
$ | 136,843 | | |
$ | 116,908 | | |
$ | 117,569 | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets after waiver(6) | |
| 4.15 | % | |
| 2.88 | % | |
| 2.25 | % | |
| 1.99 | % | |
| 2.39 | % | |
| 2.77 | % | |
| 2.49 | % | |
| 1.99 | % |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets before waiver(6) | |
| 0.10 | % | |
| (0.46 | )% | |
| 0.95 | % | |
| 0.92 | % | |
| 2.26 | % | |
| 1.94 | % | |
| 2.04 | % | |
| 3.43 | % |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets after waiver(6) | |
| 0.44 | % | |
| (0.12 | )% | |
| 1.29 | % | |
| 1.10 | % | |
| 2.26 | % | |
| 1.94 | % | |
| 2.04 | % | |
| 3.43 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | |
| 251.22 | % | |
| 124.56 | % | |
| 125.80 | % | |
| 71.35 | % | |
| 59.32 | % | |
| 74.00 | % | |
| 96.21 | % | |
| 226.71 | % |
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands) | |
$ | 36,810 | | |
$ | 41,410 | | |
$ | 56,410 | | |
$ | 18,310 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 42,156 | | |
$ | 22,956 | | |
$ | 10,456 | |
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of indebtedness(7) | |
$ | 3,817 | | |
$ | 4,440 | | |
$ | 3,456 | | |
$ | 7,518 | | |
$ | - | | |
$ | 4,246 | | |
$ | 6,093 | | |
$ | 12,244 | |
| |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2015 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2014 | |
Supplemental Data and Ratios | |
| | | |
| | |
Net assets applicable to common stockholders, end of fiscal year (000’s) | |
$ | 118,568 | | |
$ | 156,094 | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets after waiver(6) | |
| 1.95 | % | |
| 1.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets before waiver(6) | |
| 2.53 | % | |
| 1.81 | % |
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets after waiver(6) | |
| 2.53 | % | |
| 1.81 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | |
| 101.17 | % | |
| 26.08 | % |
| |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2015 | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2014 | |
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands) | |
$ | 7,321 | | |
$ | 24,172 | |
Asset coverage, per $1,000 of indebtedness(7) | |
$ | 17,196 | | |
$ | 7,458 | |
| (1) | Per share data adjusted for 1:4 reverse stock split completed
as of June 12, 2020. |
| (2) | Information presented relates to a share of common stock outstanding for the entire fiscal year. |
| (3) | Represents the share impact related to a rights offering, which was completed on March 22, 2018. |
| (4) | Represents the share impact related to a rights offering, which was completed on July 18, 2019. |
| (5) | The calculation assumes reinvestment of dividends at actual prices pursuant to the Fund’s dividend
reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
| (6) | The ratio of expenses to average net assets before waiver was 4.49%, 3.22%, 2.59%, 2.16%, 2.39%, 2.77%,
2.49%, 1.99%, 1.95% and 1.96% for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014
respectively. |
| (7) | Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including
borrowings) from the Fund’s total assets and dividing by the total borrowings. |
SENIOR SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information about
the Fund’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of the last ten fiscal years. The information in this table for the
fiscal years ended November 30, 2023, November 30, 2022, November 30, 2021, November 30, 2020 and November 30,
2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the
Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 and are incorporated by reference herein.
Fiscal Period Ended | |
Title of Security | |
Total
Principal Amount
Outstanding | | |
Asset
Coverage Per $1,000 of Principal
Amount | |
November 30, 2023 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 36,810,000 | | |
$ | 3,817 | |
November 30, 2022 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 41,410,000 | | |
$ | 4,440 | |
November 30, 2021 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 56,410,000 | | |
$ | 3,456 | |
November 30, 2020 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 18,310,000 | | |
$ | 7,518 | |
November 30, 2019 | |
Borrowings | |
| -- | | |
| -- | |
November 30, 2018 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 42,156,007 | | |
$ | 4,246 | |
November 30, 2017 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 22,956,007 | | |
$ | 6,093 | |
November 30, 2016 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 10,456,007 | | |
$ | 12,244 | |
November 30, 2015 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 7,321,000 | | |
$ | 17,196 | |
November 30, 2014 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 24,171,751 | | |
$ | 7,458 | |
November 30, 2013 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 24,659,062 | | |
$ | 7,742 | |
THE FUND
The NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (the “Fund”)
was formed as a Delaware statutory trust on November 17, 2010 and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act (the “1940 Act”). The Fund commenced investment operations on September 25,
2012. The Fund’s principal office is located at 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement,
the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated
in this Prospectus. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering
of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of such offering. Prior
to the time the proceeds of each offering are fully invested, such proceeds may temporarily be invested in cash, cash equivalents, or
in debt securities that are rated AA or higher. Income received by the Fund from such temporary investments would likely be less than
returns sought pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective and policies. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower
returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to Common Shareholders.
MARKET AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
The Fund’s currently outstanding Common
Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(the “NYSE”). The Fund’s Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE on September 25, 2012. In connection with
any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights.
Historically, the Common Shares have generally
traded at a discount to the Fund’s net asset value per share. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount
to net asset value. The Fund’s net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the
costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales
may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available
may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. See “Risks—Market Discount From Net Asset Value.”
The following table sets forth, for each of the
periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, the net asset value per Common Share and
the premium or discount to net asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading.
| |
Market Price | | |
Corresponding Net Asset Value Per Common Share | | |
Corresponding Premium/(Discount) as a Percentage of Net Asset Value | |
Fiscal Quarter Ended | |
High | | |
Low | | |
High | | |
Low | | |
High | | |
Low | |
November 30, 2023 | |
$ | 41.12 | | |
$ | 30.5015 | | |
$ | 44.90 | | |
$ | 37.50 | | |
| (8.42 | )% | |
| (18.66 | )% |
August 31, 2023 | |
$ | 40.21 | | |
$ | 34.5518 | | |
$ | 50.32 | | |
$ | 43.83 | | |
| (20.09 | )% | |
| (21.17 | )% |
May 31, 2023 | |
$ | 40.22 | | |
$ | 33.78 | | |
$ | 50.35 | | |
$ | 44.82 | | |
| (20.12 | )% | |
| (24.63 | )% |
February 28, 2023 | |
$ | 43.31 | | |
$ | 37.2301 | | |
$ | 54.44 | | |
$ | 48.49 | | |
| (20.44 | )% | |
| (23.22 | )% |
November 30, 2022 | |
$ | 45.85 | | |
$ | 36.41 | | |
$ | 58.65 | | |
$ | 46.98 | | |
| (21.82 | )% | |
| (22.50 | )% |
August 31, 2022 | |
$ | 46.16 | | |
$ | 35.87 | | |
$ | 59.79 | | |
$ | 47.65 | | |
| (22.80 | )% | |
| (24.72 | )% |
May 31, 2022 | |
$ | 46.21 | | |
$ | 38.31 | | |
$ | 55.73 | | |
$ | 47.29 | | |
| (17.08 | )% | |
| (18.99 | )% |
February 28, 2022 | |
$ | 47.30 | | |
$ | 39.66 | | |
$ | 53.30 | | |
$ | 47.69 | | |
| (11.26 | )% | |
| (16.84 | )% |
November 30, 2021 | |
$ | 50.50 | | |
$ | 44.39 | | |
$ | 59.84 | | |
$ | 52.42 | | |
| (15.61 | )% | |
| (15.32 | )% |
As of May 3, 2024, the net asset value of the
Fund’s Common Shares was $42.69 per Common Share, and the last reported sale price for the Fund’s Common Shares on the NYSE
was $39.68 per Common Share, representing a discount to net asset value of 7.05%. The Fund cannot predict whether its Common Shares will
trade in the future at a premium to or discount from net asset value, or the level of any premium or discount. Shares of closed-end investment
companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value. As of May 3, 2024, 2,601,714 Common Shares of the Fund were outstanding.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek
a high total return with an emphasis on current income. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Policies
The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its Managed Assets, in a portfolio of equity and debt securities of infrastructure companies,
including energy infrastructure companies, industrial infrastructure companies, sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and
communication infrastructure companies (the “80% policy”).
The infrastructure investment landscape is rapidly
evolving due to technological advancement. While some energy and industrial infrastructure companies (sometimes referred to as “traditional”
infrastructure companies) are now in their maturity phase, many traditional infrastructure companies have become leaders in implementing
technological innovations. The Fund’s next generation focus within the infrastructure investment landscape consists of these innovative
infrastructure companies along with sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies. Similar
to traditional infrastructure assets, which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions and are often
said to form the “backbone” of the economy, technology and communication infrastructure assets provide the underlying foundation
of the data that drives the modern knowledge economy.
The Fund considers an infrastructure company to
be any company that has at least 50% of its assets, income, revenue, sales or profits committed to or derived from the ownership, operation,
management, construction, development, servicing or financing of infrastructure assets. Infrastructure assets include energy and industrial
infrastructure assets, sustainable infrastructure assets and technology and communication infrastructure assets. Energy and industrial
infrastructure assets are physical structures, networks and systems of transportation, energy, water and sewage, security and communications.
Examples of energy and industrial infrastructure assets include toll roads, bridges, and tunnels; airports, seaports, railroads, electricity
transmission, and distribution lines; facilities used in gathering, treating, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage of
hydrocarbon products; water and sewage treatment facilities and distribution pipelines; communication towers, cables, and satellites;
and security systems related to the foregoing assets. Sustainable infrastructure assets include renewable energy infrastructure assets
such as power generation from renewable and other clean energy sources, including utility scale and distributed solar power, wind, hydroelectric
and geothermal power, renewable energy storage and electric vehicle charging networks, as well as waste collection and recycling, water
purification and desalinization. Technology and communication infrastructure assets consist of assets, systems and technologies that collect,
enable, analyze, optimize, automate, transmit and secure the data that allows businesses and other organizations to operate. Examples
of technology and communications infrastructure assets include: data centers, cloud, hosting, and database systems, transactional and
financial backend systems, customer relationship management systems, smart city technologies, network security and cybersecurity, automation
systems, human resource and workforce management and industry specific infrastructure software.
The Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in
companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. As a result, the Fund is concentrated in the
energy sector. See “Risks—Concentration Risk.” The Fund invests no more than 25% of its Managed Assets in securities
of energy MLPs that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”).
The Fund generally seeks to invest in no more
than 10% of its Managed Assets in any one issue and no more than 20% of Managed Assets in any one issuer, in each case, determined at
the time of investment. For purposes of this limit with respect to an investment in an MLP, an “issuer” includes both an issuer
and its controlling general partner, managing member or sponsor, and an “issue” is a class of an issuer’s securities
or a derivative security that tracks that class of securities.
The Fund invests up to 25% of its Managed Assets
in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies.
The Fund seeks attractive investment opportunities
by investing in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and secondary market issuances, private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions and privately negotiated transactions, including pre-acquisition and pre-IPO equity issuances and investments in private
companies.
The Fund invests, without limitation, in debt
securities rated, at the time of investment, at least (i) B3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), (ii)
B- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or (iii) a comparable
rating by another rating agency, and invests no more than 5% of its Managed Assets in debt securities rated below B3 by Moody’s,
B- by S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Therefore, the Fund may invest in below investment grade debt
securities. A debt security is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P
or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high
yield” securities or “junk bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. Debt securities in which the Fund invests may be of any
maturity.
The Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, including
securities of issuers in emerging markets.
The Fund invests in issuers of any market capitalization
size.
The Fund may seek to hedge risks to the portfolio,
including market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and commodity price risk, as deemed prudent by the Investment Adviser. For a
discussion of the instruments and techniques the Fund may use to implement hedging strategies, see “The Fund’s Investments—Strategic
Transactions.”
The Fund does not invest directly in commodities.
The Fund’s investment objective and percentage
parameters, including its 80% policy, are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval. Shareholders,
however, will be notified in writing of any change at least 60 days prior to effecting any such change.
As used in this Prospectus (except as noted below),
“Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations
other than liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage, including, without limitation, investment leverage obtained
through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities),
(ii) the issuance of shares of preferred stock (“preferred shares”) or other similar preference securities and/or (iii) the
reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Solely
for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy, “Managed Assets” means net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment
purposes.
THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS
Energy Companies
The Fund invests in equity and debt securities
of energy supply chain and energy services companies, including companies that operate assets used in gathering, transporting, processing,
storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products.
The energy supply chain companies in which the
Fund will invest will primarily include:
| · | Upstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in energy exploration and production, including,
among others, crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”); |
| · | Midstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in the gathering, transportation, processing,
fractionation, refining and storage of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids or refined petroleum products; and |
| · | Downstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in the marketing and distribution of
refined energy products, such as petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”), fuel oils, lubricants, plastics and other chemicals,
fertilizer and natural gas to retail customers and industrial end-users. |
Oil and gas services companies in which the Fund
will invest include extractive logistics companies engaged in the delivery and sale of petroleum products such as diesel fuel and lubricating
oil, antifreeze, methanol and other chemicals to customers engaged in drilling, exploration and production and mining activities. Industrial
Companies
The Fund will invest in equity and debt securities
of companies that the Investment Adviser expects to benefit from lower costs of energy and feedstock (i.e. the material to supply or fuel
an industrial process) relative to competitors, including energy-intensive chemical, metal and industrial manufacturing companies and
engineering and construction (“E&C”) companies. For instance, feedstocks such as natural gas play a crucial role in chemical
production. As a result, competitive edge may be gained by chemical production companies that benefit from a lower cost of natural gas
compared to their competitors.
Master Limited Partnerships
The Fund may invest up to 25% of the value of
its Managed Assets in MLPs that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships” under the Code. MLPs are formed as limited partnerships
or limited liability companies and taxed as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The securities issued by many MLPs are
listed and traded on a U.S. exchange. An MLP typically issues general partner and limited partner interests or managing member and member
interests. The general partner or managing member manages and often controls, has an ownership stake in, and may receive incentive distribution
payments from, the MLP. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP must derive at
least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from qualifying sources as described in Section 7704 of the Code. These qualifying
sources include natural resources-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation,
storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources.
The general partner or managing member may be
structured as a private or publicly-traded corporation or other entity. The general partner or managing member typically controls the
operations and management of the entity and has an up to 2% general partner or managing member interest in the entity plus, in many cases,
ownership of some percentage of the outstanding limited partner or member interests. The limited partners or members, through their ownership
of limited partner or member interests, provide capital to the entity, are intended to have no role in the operation and management of
the entity and receive cash distributions.
Due to their structure as partnerships for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and the expected character of their income, MLPs generally do not pay federal income taxes. Thus, unlike investors
in corporate securities, direct MLP investors are generally not subject to double taxation (i.e., corporate level tax and tax on
corporate distributions). Currently, most MLPs operate in the energy and midstream, natural resources, shipping or real estate sectors.
Equity securities issued by MLPs typically consist
of common and subordinated units (which represent the limited partner or member interests) and a general partner or managing member interest.
For more information on MLP securities, see “Investment Strategies and Risks—Master Limited Partnership Interests” in
the SAI.
For purposes of the Fund’s policy with respect
to investments in any single issue or issuer, an MLP “issuer” includes both an MLP issuer and its controlling general partner,
managing member or sponsor and an MLP “issue” is a class of an issuer’s securities or a derivative security that tracks
that class of securities.
Restricted Securities
The Fund invests up to 25% of its Managed Assets
in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. “Restricted securities”
are securities that are unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on resale. The
Fund will typically acquire restricted securities in directly negotiated transactions. The Fund’s investments in restricted securities
may include privately issued securities of both public and private issuers.
Debt Securities
The Fund invests in debt securities rated, at
the time of investment, at least (i) B3 by Moody’s, (ii) B- by S&P or Fitch, or (iii) a comparable rating by another rating
agency, and invests no more than 5% of its Managed Assets in debt securities rated below B3 by Moody’s, B- by S&P or Fitch or
a comparable rating by another rating agency. Therefore, the Fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities. A debt security
is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating
by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high yield” securities or “junk
bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to
capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. Debt securities in which the Fund invests may be of any maturity.
The credit quality policies noted above apply
only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency downgrades
its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, the Investment
Adviser may consider such factors as the Investment Adviser’s assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the
price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. Rating agencies
are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute
standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risks or the liquidity of securities. Rating agencies may fail to make timely changes
in credit ratings; and an issuer’s current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates. To the extent that
the issuer of a security pays a rating agency for the analysis of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could
affect the reliability of the rating. See “Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings” in the SAI.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock generally has a preference as
to distributions and upon liquidation over an issuer’s common stock but ranks junior to other income securities in an issuer’s
capital structure. Preferred stock generally pays distributions in cash (or additional shares of preferred stock) at a defined rate but,
unlike interest payments on other income securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s
board of directors. distributions on preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more
distribution payments on the preferred stock, no distributions may be paid on the issuer’s common stock until all unpaid preferred
stock distributions have been paid. Preferred stock also may provide that, in the event the issuer fails to make a specified number of
distribution payments, the holders of the preferred stock will have the right to elect a specified number of directors to the issuer’s
board. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
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 distribution 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.
Non-U.S. Securities
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities, including
securities of issuers in emerging markets.
Options
An option is a contract that gives the holder
of the option the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (in the case of a call option) or sell to (in the case of a put option) the
seller of the option (the “option writer”) the underlying security at a specified fixed price (the “exercise price”)
prior to a specified date (the “expiration date”). The buyer of the option pays to the option writer the option premium, which
represents the purchase price of the option.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a regulated
intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the
parties to such option. OTC options are purchased from or sold to counterparties through direct bilateral agreement between the counterparties.
Certain options, such as options on individual securities, are settled through physical delivery of the underlying security, whereas other
options, such as index options, are settled in cash in an amount based on the value of the underlying instrument multiplied by a specified
multiplier.
Writing Options
The Fund may write call and put options. As the
writer of a call option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option,
to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. If the option expires without being exercised the Fund is not required
to deliver the underlying security but retains the premium received.
The Fund may write call options that are “covered.”
A call option on a security is covered if (a) the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to
acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, such amount is maintained
by the Fund in segregated liquid assets) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund; or (b) the Fund has purchased
a call on the underlying security, the exercise price of which is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written
Selling call options involves the risk that the
Fund may be required to sell the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, below the market price of such security, at the time
the option is exercised. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the opportunity during the option’s life 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 the Fund retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.
The Fund may also write uncovered call options
(i.e., where the Fund does not own the underlying security or index). Similar to a naked short sale, writing an uncovered call
creates the risk of an unlimited loss, in that the price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing
the cost of buying those securities to cover the call option if it is exercised before it expires. There can be no assurance that the
securities necessary to cover the call option will be available for purchase. Purchasing securities to cover an uncovered call option
can itself cause the price of the securities to rise, further exacerbating the loss.
The Fund may write put options. As the writer
of a put option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to
pay the exercise price and receive delivery of the underlying security. If the option expires without being exercised, the Fund is not
required to receive the underlying security in exchange for the exercise price but retains the option premium.
The Fund may write put options that are “covered.”
A put option on a security is covered if the Fund has purchased a put on the same security as the put written, the exercise price of which
is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
Selling put options involves the risk that the
Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, above the market price of such security, at the time the
option is exercised. While the Fund’s potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the premium received, the Fund’s
risk of loss is equal to the entire value of the underlying security, offset only by the amount of the premium received.
The Fund may also write uncovered put options.
The seller of an uncovered put option theoretically could lose an amount equal to the entire aggregate exercise price of the option if
the underlying security were to become valueless.
The Fund may close out an options position which
it has written through a closing purchase transaction. The Fund would execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a call option
written by purchasing a call option on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the call
option written by the Fund. The Fund would execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a put option written by purchasing a
put option on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the put option written by the Fund.
A closing purchase transaction may or may not result in a profit to the Fund. The Fund could close out its position as an option writer
only if a liquid secondary market exists for options of that series and there is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect
to any particular option.
The writer of an option generally has no control
over the time when the option is exercised and the option writer is required to deliver or acquire the underlying security. Once an option
writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the
option. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to buy or sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than
the current market values of such securities, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause
the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.
Purchasing Options
The Fund may purchase call and put options. As
the buyer of a call option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to purchase the underlying security from
the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security rises above the exercise price, the Fund could
exercise the option and acquire the underlying security at a below market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium
paid. As the buyer of a put option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to sell the underlying security to
the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security declines below the exercise price, the Fund could
exercise the option and sell the underlying security at an above market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium
paid. The Fund may buy call and put options whether or not it holds the underlying securities.
As a buyer of a call or put option, the Fund may
sell put or call options that it has purchased at any time prior to such option’s expiration date through a closing sale transaction.
The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market
price of the underlying security in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security, the underlying
security’s dividend policy, and the time remaining until the expiration date. A closing sale transaction may or may not result in
a profit to the Fund. The Fund’s ability to initiate a closing sale transaction is dependent upon the liquidity of the options market
and there is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect to any particular option. If the Fund does not exercise or sell an
option prior to its expiration date, the option expires and becomes worthless.
OTC Options
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized
with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and strike price, the terms of OTC options generally are established
through negotiation between the parties to the options contract. This type of arrangement allows the purchaser and writer greater flexibility
to tailor the option to their needs. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities or baskets of securities, and in a
wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than exchange-traded options. However, unlike exchange-traded options, which are issued
and guaranteed by a regulated intermediary, such as the OCC, OTC options are entered into directly with the counterparty. Unless the counterparties
provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function for an OTC option. Therefore, OTC options are subject to the risk of
default or non-performance by the counterparty. Accordingly, the Investment Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty
to determine the likelihood that the terms of the option will be satisfied. There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. As a result, the Fund may be unable to enter into closing sale transactions
with respect to OTC options.
Index Options
Call and put options on indices operate similarly
to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on an index give the holder
the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash determined by reference to the value of the underlying index. The
underlying index may be a broad-based index or a narrower market index. Unlike options on securities, all settlements are in cash. The
settlement amount, which the writer of an index option must pay to the holder of the option upon exercise, is generally equal to the difference
between the fixed exercise price of the option and the value of the underlying index, multiplied by a specified multiplier. The multiplier
determines the size of the investment position the option represents. Gain or loss to the Fund on index options transactions will depend
on price movements in the underlying securities market generally or in a particular segment of the market rather than price movements
of individual securities. As with other options, the Fund may close out its position in index options through closing purchase transactions
and closing sale transactions provided that a liquid secondary market exists for such options.
Index options written by the Fund may be covered
in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position. The Fund may cover call options
written on an index by owning securities whose price changes, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, are expected to correlate to those
of the underlying index.
Foreign Currency Options
Options on foreign currencies operate similarly
to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on foreign currencies give
the holder the right to buy or sell foreign currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily
in the OTC market, but may also be traded on United States and foreign exchanges. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent
upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value
of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are
affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. As with other options, the Fund
may close out its position in foreign currency options through closing purchase transactions and closing sale transactions provided that
a liquid secondary market exists for such options. Foreign currency options written by the Fund may be covered in a manner similar to
the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position.
Additional Risks of Options
Transactions
The risks associated with options transactions
are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Options are
highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio
investments. The use of options requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the option itself. Options
may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain
additional risk factors, including:
| · | The exercise of options written or purchased by the Fund could cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities,
thus increasing the Fund’s portfolio turnover. |
| · | The Fund pays brokerage commissions each time it writes or purchases an option or buys or sells an underlying
security in connection with the exercise of an option. Such brokerage commissions could be higher relative to the commissions for direct
purchases of sales of the underlying securities. |
| · | The Fund’s options transactions may be limited by limitations on options positions established by
the exchanges on which such options are traded. |
| · | The hours of trading for exchange listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying
securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price
and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities that cannot be reflected in the options markets. |
| · | Index options based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than options based on
broad market indexes, as narrower indexes are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in the values
of a small number of securities. |
| · | The Fund is subject to the risk of market movements between the time that an option is exercised and the
time of performance thereunder, which could increase the extent of any losses suffered by the Fund in connection with options transactions. |
Other Investment Companies
The Fund invests in securities of other closed-end
or open-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in companies in which the Fund is permitted to invest directly
to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may invest in other investment companies during periods when it has large amounts of
uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its Securities, during periods when
there is a shortage of attractive infrastructure company securities available in the market, or when the Investment Adviser believes share
prices of other investment companies offer attractive values. The Fund invests in investment companies that are advised by the Investment
Adviser or its affiliates only to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the SEC. As a stockholder
in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, and would remain subject to
payment of the Fund’s management fees and other expenses with respect to assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore
be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. The Investment Adviser will take expenses
into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to other available investments.
To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies that invest primarily in infrastructure companies, such investments will be
counted for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy.
Exchange-Traded Notes
Exchange traded notes are typically unsecured,
unsubordinated debt securities that trade on a securities exchange and are designed to replicate the returns of market benchmarks minus
applicable fees. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETNs that are designed to replicate indices comprised primarily of securities
issued by infrastructure companies, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy.
New Securities and Other
Investment Techniques
New types of securities and other investment and
hedging practices are developed from time to time. The Investment Adviser expects, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective
and policies, to invest in such new types of securities and to engage in such new types of investment practices if the Investment Adviser
believes that these investments and investment techniques may assist the Fund in achieving its investment objective. In addition, the
Investment Adviser may use investment techniques and instruments that are not specifically described herein.
Use of Arbitrage and Other Strategies.
The Fund may use short sales, arbitrage and other
strategies to try to generate additional return. As part of such strategies, the Fund may engage in paired long-short trades to arbitrage
pricing disparities in securities issued by midstream energy companies, write (or sell) covered call options on the securities of midstream
energy companies or other securities held in its portfolio, write (or sell) uncovered call options on the securities of midstream energy
companies, purchase call options or enter into swap contracts to increase its exposure to midstream energy companies, or sell securities
short. With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright, but with a short position, it would sell a security that it does not
own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Fund will realize a profit or incur a loss from a short position depending
on whether the value of the underlying stock decreases or increases, respectively, between the time the stock is sold and when the Fund
replaces the borrowed security. To increase its exposure to certain issuers, the Fund may purchase call options or use swap agreements.
The Fund expects to use these strategies on a limited basis. See “Risks—Short Sales Risk” and “Risks—Strategic
Transactions Risk.”
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current
basis in an amount at least equal to 102% of the value of the securities loaned. The Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of
the interest or distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive an additional return that may be in the
form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable fees for services in arranging these loans. The Fund
would have the right to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five (5) business days.
The Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the loan but would call the loan to permit voting of
the securities, if, in the Investment Adviser’s judgment, a material event requiring a shareholder vote would otherwise occur before
the loans were repaid. In the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating
the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including (a) possible decline in the value of the collateral or in
the value of the securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights to the collateral or loaned securities,
(b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Temporary Defensive Investments
When adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a portion or all of its
assets in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, other high-quality
debt securities, including prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers’ acceptances and
certificates of deposit. Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend to be lower
than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a defensive position, the
Fund would temporarily not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective.
Additional Investment Practices (Non-Principal)
Strategic Transactions
The Fund may, but is not required to, use investment
strategies (referred to herein as “Strategic Transactions”) for hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes
or to earn income. Strategic Transactions may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell
exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, indices and other instruments, enter into forward contracts,
purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor or collar transactions, purchase structured investment
products and enter into transactions that combine multiple derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions may
also include newly developed or permitted instruments, strategies and techniques, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives
and applicable regulatory requirements.
Strategic Transactions often have risks similar
to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions. However, the use of Strategic Transactions also involves risks that are different
from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Strategic Transactions may involve the use of
highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio
investments. The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing Strategic Transactions. Although the Investment
Adviser seeks to use Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of
Strategic Transactions will achieve this result.
Examples of how the Fund may use Strategic Transactions
include, but are not limited to:
| · | Using derivative investments to hedge certain risks such as overall market, interest rate and commodity
price risks. The Fund may engage in various interest rate and currency hedging transactions, including buying or selling options or futures,
entering into other transactions including forward contracts, swaps or options on futures and other derivatives transactions. |
| · | Using Strategic Transactions to manage its effective interest rate exposure, including the effective yield
paid on any leverage used by the Fund, protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of the securities held in or to be
purchased for its portfolio, or otherwise protect the value of its portfolio. |
| · | Engaging in Strategic Transactions to hedge the currency risk to which it may be exposed by, for example,
buying or selling options or futures or entering into other foreign currency transactions, including forward foreign currency contracts,
currency swaps or options on currency and currency futures and other derivatives transactions. |
| · | Selling short Treasury securities to hedge its interest rate exposure. When shorting Treasury securities,
the loss is limited to the principal amount that is contractually required to be repaid at maturity and the interest expense that must
be paid at the specified times. See “Risks—Short Sales Risk.” |
| · | Engaging in paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities issued by infrastructure,
write (or sell) covered call options on securities held in its portfolio, write (or sell) uncovered call options on the securities of
infrastructure companies, purchase call options or enter into swap contracts to increase its exposure to infrastructure companies, or
sell securities short. |
Hedging transactions can be expensive and have
risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the
other party to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative instruments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use hedging transactions
depends on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. A more complete discussion
of Strategic Transactions and their risks is included in the SAI under the heading “Strategic Transactions.”
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
may vary greatly from year to year. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was approximately 251.22% and 124.56%, respectively. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain other investment
limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are, unless otherwise indicated, fundamental and may not be changed without
the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. See “Investment
Restrictions” in the SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund. The Fund’s investment objective
and percentage parameters are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval.
USE OF LEVERAGE
The Fund generally seeks to enhance total return
by utilizing leverage. The Fund may utilize leverage through Indebtedness, including through the issuance of commercial paper or notes
and other forms of borrowing, or the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may utilize leverage through Indebtedness or preferred shares
to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under current market conditions, the Fund currently intends to utilize leverage principally
through Indebtedness. The amount of Indebtedness outstanding is expected to vary over time, but will not exceed 331⁄3% of the Fund’s
Managed Assets (i.e., 50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares), including the proceeds of such leverage.
The costs associated with the issuance and use
of leverage will be borne by the holders of the Common Shares. Leverage is a speculative technique and investors should note that there
are special risks and costs associated with leverage. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any
period in which it is employed. The use of leverage creates risks and involves special considerations. See “Risks—Leverage
Risk.” To the extent that the Fund uses leverage, it expects to utilize hedging techniques such as swaps and caps on a portion of
its leverage to mitigate potential interest rate risk. See “Risks—Interest Rate Hedging Risk.”
Indebtedness
Delaware trust law and the Fund’s governing
documents authorize the Fund, without prior approval of its Common Shareholders, to borrow money. In this regard, the Fund may issue notes
or other evidence of Indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such borrowings by mortgaging, pledging
or otherwise subjecting as security its assets. In connection with any borrowing, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average
balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost
of borrowing over the stated interest rate. The rights of the Fund’s lenders to receive interest on and repayment of principal of
borrowings will be senior to those of the Fund’s Common Shareholders, and the terms of any such borrowings may contain provisions
which limit certain of the Fund’s activities, including the payment of distributions to the Fund’s Common Shareholders in
certain circumstances. A borrowing will likely be ranked senior or equal to all of the Fund’s other existing and future borrowings.
Certain types of borrowings may result in the
Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. The Fund may be
subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for Indebtedness
issued by the Fund. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those
imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Investment Adviser from managing the
Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
The Fund may secure any borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security its assets. Except as set forth below, under the requirements of the 1940 Act the Fund, immediately
after any issuance of Indebtedness, must have “asset coverage” of at least 300% (331⁄3% of its Managed Assets, or 50%
of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares). With respect to Indebtedness, asset coverage means the ratio which
the value of the Fund’s total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of such borrowing represented by senior securities issued by the Fund.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not declare any
distribution or other distribution on any class of its shares, or purchase any such shares, unless its aggregate Indebtedness has, at
the time of the declaration of any such distribution or distribution, or at the time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least
300% after declaring the amount of such distribution, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be. Furthermore, the 1940 Act (in
certain circumstances) grants the Fund’s lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or
repayment of principal. Such restrictions do not apply with respect to evidence of Indebtedness in consideration of a loan, extension
or renewal thereof that is privately arranged and not intended for public distribution.
With the use of borrowings, there is a risk that
the interest rates paid by the Fund on the amount it borrows will be higher than the return on the Fund’s investments.
The Fund may also borrow money as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of distributions and the settlement of securities transactions
that otherwise might require untimely dispositions of its securities. Temporary borrowings not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total
assets are not subject to the “asset coverage” limitation under the 1940 Act.
The Fund currently utilizes Indebtedness pursuant
to a borrowing arrangement with ScotiabankTM (the “Loan Agreements”), which permits the Fund to borrow up to $50 million.
The interest rate charged on such Indebtedness is SOFR plus 1.00%. The Fund’s Indebtedness under the Loan Agreements is collateralized
by portfolio assets which are maintained by the Fund in a separate account with the Fund’s custodian for the benefit of the lender,
which collateral exceeds the amount borrowed. In the event of a default by the Fund under the Loan Agreements, the lender has the right
to sell such collateral assets to satisfy the Fund’s obligation to the lender. The Loan Agreements include usual and customary covenants.
These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, collateral requirements, investment strategy requirements, and certain
financial obligations. As of November 30, 2023, the principal balance outstanding was approximately $36.81 million, which represented
25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (or approximately 35.50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares).
Preferred Shares
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the Fund’s Board of Trustees may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by
action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Common Shareholders have no preemptive right
to purchase any preferred shares that might be issued. Any such preferred share offering would be subject to the limits imposed by the
1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the value of
its total assets is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., the liquidation value may
not exceed 50% of the Fund’s total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash distribution or other distribution
on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of its total assets is at least 200% of such liquidation value.
If the Fund issues preferred shares, it intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem them from time to time to the extent necessary
in order to maintain asset coverage on such preferred shares of at least 200%. In addition, as a condition to obtaining ratings on the
preferred shares, the terms of any preferred shares issued are expected to include asset coverage maintenance provisions which will require
the redemption of the preferred shares in the event of non-compliance by the Fund and may also prohibit dividends and other distributions
on the Fund’s Common Shares in such circumstances. In order to meet redemption requirements to maintain asset coverage or otherwise,
the Fund may have to liquidate portfolio securities. Such liquidations and redemptions would cause the Fund to incur related transaction
costs and could result in capital losses to the Fund. If the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, two of its Trustees will be elected
by the holders of preferred shares, voting as a separate class. The Fund’s remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of its
Common Shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. In the event the Fund fails to pay distributions on its preferred
shares for two years, holders of preferred shares would be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees.
Certain Portfolio Transactions
The Fund may engage in certain derivatives transactions
that have economic characteristics similar to leverage. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Derivatives Rule”) permits
the Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of “senior
securities” under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires registered investment companies that enter into
derivatives transactions and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations to, among other things, (i)
comply with a value-at-risk leverage limit, and (ii) adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program, unless the Fund qualifies
as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure (excluding
certain derivative transactions used to hedge currency and interest rate risks) to 10% of its net assets. The Derivatives Rule requires
a limited derivatives user to adopt policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. The Fund currently qualifies, and
intends to continue to qualify, as a limited derivatives user and has adopted policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives
risk in accordance with the Derivatives Rule. In the event that the Fund no longer qualifies as a limited derivatives user, the Fund will
comply with the value-at-risk leverage limit and adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program in accordance with the Derivatives
Rule.
Effects of Leverage
As of November 30, 2023, the Fund had outstanding
Indebtedness of approximately $36.810 million, which represented 25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (or approximately 35.50% of
its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares). The interest rate charged on such Indebtedness as of November 30,
2023 was 6.46%. Assuming that the Fund’s leverage costs remain as described above, then the incremental income generated by the
Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses including expenses related to the leverage) must exceed approximately 2.15% to cover
such interest specifically related to the borrowing. These numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. Actual interest rates may
vary frequently and in the future may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.
The following table is designed to assist the
investor in understanding the effects of leverage by illustrating the effect on the return to a holder of the Fund’s Common Shares
of leverage in the amount of approximately 331/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (i.e., 50% of its net assets attributable
to the Fund’s Common Shares), assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Fund’s portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. As the
table shows, leverage generally increases the return to holders of Common Shares when portfolio return is positive and greater than the
cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing
in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses) |
(10.00)% |
(5.00)% |
0.00% |
5.00% |
10.00% |
Common Share total return |
(18.23)% |
(10.73)% |
(3.23)% |
4.27% |
11.77% |
Common Share total return is composed of two elements:
distributions on Common Shares paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Fund’s net investment income after
paying distributions or interest on its outstanding leverage) and gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required
by SEC rules, the table above assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example,
to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the distributions it receives on its investments are entirely offset by losses
in the value of those securities.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing
leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Investment Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not
utilize such leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of
interest between the Investment Adviser and the Common Shareholders. Because the Fund’s leverage costs will be borne by the Fund
at a specified rate, only the Fund’s Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with such leverage.
RISKS
Investors should consider the
specific risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment
risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. A Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of the Fund’s securities
may identify additional risk associated with such offering.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares of the Fund is
subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the Common Shares
of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably, particularly under current economic, financial, labor, and health conditions. The value of the securities owned
by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived
economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or changes in investor sentiment or market outlook generally. At any point
in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Common Stock Risk
The Fund will have exposure to common stocks.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long-term, common
stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may significantly under-perform relative to fixed income
securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks is sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons, including
changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market,
or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising
interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock
prices can change substantially. While broad market measures of common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than
income securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Common stock in which the Fund
may invest is structurally subordinated to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in
terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently more risky than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
Concentration Risk
The Fund’s investments will be concentrated
in issuers in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Because the Fund will be concentrated in the industry
or group of industries that make up the energy sector, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry or group
of industries than if it were more broadly diversified over numerous industries. General changes in market sentiment towards issuers in
the energy sector may adversely affect the Fund, and the performance of issuers in the energy sector may lag behind the broader market
as a whole.
Infrastructure Companies Risk
Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety
of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction
and improvement programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown,
surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable
prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies may also be affected by or subject to
difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets; inexperience
with and potential losses resulting from a developing de-regulatory environment; costs associated with compliance with and changes in
environmental and other regulations; regulation or adverse actions by various government authorities; government regulation of rates charged
to customers; service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps; the imposition of special tariffs and changes in
tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards; technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products
obsolete, and general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure assets. Recently imposed tariffs on imports to the United States
could affect operating or construction costs for a number of companies in which the Fund invests.
Sustainable infrastructure investments are subject
to certain additional risks including high dependency upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance
the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets; adverse impacts from the reduction or discontinuation of tax benefits
and other similar subsidies that benefit sustainable infrastructure companies; dependency on suitable weather condition and risk of damage
to components used in the generation of renewable energy by severe weather; adverse changes and volatility in the wholesale market price
for electricity in the markets served; the use of newly developed, less proven, technologies and the risk of failure of new technology
to perform as anticipated; and dependence on a limited number of suppliers of system components and the occurrence of shortages, delays
or component price changes. There is a risk that regulations that provide incentives for renewable energy could change or expire in a
manner that adversely impacts the market for sustainable infrastructure companies generally.
Technology and communications infrastructure investments
are subject to certain additional risks including rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life
cycles; fierce competition; high research and development costs; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright
and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; frequent new product introductions and new market entrants;
cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption
of confidential and highly restricted data, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks
or devices that the information infrastructure companies use, or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or
operating systems, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory
fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs.
Equity Securities Risk.
Equity securities can be affected by macroeconomic,
political, global and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards
the issuer or the industry or sector in which such issuer operates, changes in a particular issuer’s financial condition, or unfavorable
or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer.
Debt Securities Risk
Debt securities are subject to many of the risks
described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk and, depending on their quality, other
special risks.
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security
may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived
to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of
a security may further decrease its value.
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt instruments,
particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer of the debt instrument
to prepay principal prior to the debt instrument’s stated maturity. This is also sometimes known as prepayment risk. Prepayment
risk is greater during a falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding
debt instruments with lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to refinance its debt instruments with lower yielding
debt instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio are called
or redeemed, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
Below Investment Grade Securities (Junk Bonds)
Risk
Below investment grade and unrated debt securities
generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are
subject to greater risks than those securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: greater
yield and price volatility; greater credit risk and risk of default; potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions;
potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. Debt
securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds” and are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve
major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
The prices of these below investment grade and
unrated debt securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues, downturns in profitability
in the natural resources industry or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher-grade securities. Below investment grade
and unrated debt securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market for below investment grade and unrated
debt securities could contract further under adverse market or economic conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for the
Fund to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a price as could be realized if such securities were more widely traded.
The market value of below investment grade and unrated debt securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade
securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments
to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. In the
event of a default by a below investment grade or unrated debt security held in the Fund’s portfolio in the payment of principal
or interest, the Fund may incur additional expense to the extent the Fund is required to seek recovery of such principal or interest.
MLP Risks
An investment in MLP units involves some risks
that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. As compared to common stockholders of a corporation, holders of MLP
units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks
associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including
those arising from incentive distribution payments.
A portion of the benefit the Fund derives from
its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Partnerships generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership, in computing
its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and
expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income.
The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash
available for distribution by the MLP and causing any such distributions received by the Fund to be treated as dividend income to the
extent of the MLP’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially
reduced, which could cause a decline in the value of the Common Shares. Recently, a number of MLPs have reduced, suspended or eliminated
their distributions. In addition, changes in tax laws or regulations, or future interpretations of such laws or regulations, could adversely
affect the Fund or the MLP investments in which the Fund invests.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity
securities of an MLP treated as a partnership under the Code, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required
to include in its taxable income the Fund’s allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and credits recognized by each
such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant portion
of their income with tax deductions. The Fund will recognize taxable income on its allocable share of an MLP’s income and gains
that is not offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses and credits. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund
from an MLP that is offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses or credits is essentially treated as a return of capital. However,
those distributions will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase
in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such
equity securities and may increase the amount of income or gain that will be recognized by the Fund upon subsequent distributions in respect
of such equity securities. A distribution from an MLP is treated as capital gain to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor’s
basis. The percentage of an MLP’s income and gains that is offset by tax deductions, losses and credits will fluctuate over time
for various reasons. For example, a significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in the Fund’s
portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in a decrease in the
portion of the MLP’s distributions that is offset by tax deductions.
Because of the Fund’s investments in equity
securities of MLPs, the Fund’s earnings and profits may be calculated using accounting methods that are different from those used
for calculating taxable income. Because of these differences, the Fund may make distributions out of its current or accumulated earnings
and profits, which will be treated as dividends, in years in which the Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income.
Adverse developments in the energy sector may
result in MLPs seeking to restructure debt or file for bankruptcy. Limited partners in such MLPs, such as the Fund, may owe taxes on debt
that is forgiven in a bankruptcy or an out-of-court restructuring, as cancellation of debt income, which creates a tax liability for investors
without an associated cash distribution. While an MLP facing a debt restructuring may seek to implement structures that would limit the
tax liability associated with the debt restructuring, there can be no assurance that such structures could be successfully implemented
or would not have other adverse impacts on the Fund as an investor in the MLP.
The Fund will receive Schedule K-1s from each
MLP in which it is invested. However, the MLPs in which the Fund invests generally will not deliver their Schedule K-1s to the Fund until
after the Fund must deliver Form 1099s to its Fund shareholders. If the Schedule K-1s received by the Fund show that the Fund’s
estimates regarding its income attributable to such MLPs were incorrect, the Fund may have to send corrected Form 1099s to Fund shareholders,
which may result in a Fund shareholder being required to request an extension to file its tax return or to amend a previously filed tax
return.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk
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, including expropriation; 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.
Certain countries in which the Fund may invest,
especially emerging market countries, historically have experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest
rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and
unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external
debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest
at rates that are adjusted based upon international interest rates. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a
risk of: the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets; confiscatory taxation; difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a
court judgment; restrictions on currency repatriation; economic, political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could
affect investments in those countries.
Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated
or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in the
Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may
affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s net asset value or current income could
decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Certain investments in non-U.S. securities
also may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Dividend income from non-U.S. corporations may not be eligible for the reduced U.S.
income tax rate currently available for qualified dividend income. These risks often are heightened for investments in smaller, emerging
capital markets. In addition, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as: growth of gross domestic product; rates of inflation; capital reinvestment; resources; self- sufficiency; and balance of payments
position.
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped
emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers to a heightened degree. “Emerging market
countries” generally include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia,
New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. These heightened risks include: greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; the smaller size of the market for such securities and a
lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and an increase in price volatility; and certain national policies that may restrict
the Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests. As a result of these potential risks, the Investment Adviser may determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment
criteria, it may not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular country.
Liquidity Risk
The 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, the amount paid for such investments by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities
on its books. Furthermore, the nature of the Fund’s investments may require a long holding period prior to profitability.
Although the equity securities of the companies
in which the Fund invests generally trade on major stock exchanges, certain securities may trade less frequently, particularly those with
smaller capitalizations. Securities with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements. Investment of the Fund’s
capital in securities that are less actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may restrict the Fund’s ability
to take advantage of other market opportunities.
Unregistered securities are securities that cannot
be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Restricted securities may be more difficult to value, and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner
or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have
to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and
the time the security is registered so that the Fund could sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length
and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquirer of the securities. The Fund would, in either case,
bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period. The difficulties and delays associated with selling restricted securities
could result in the Fund’s inability to realize a favorable price upon disposition of such securities, and at times might make disposition
of such securities impossible.
Valuation Risk
Market prices may not be readily available for
certain of the Fund’s investments, and the value of such investments will ordinarily be determined based on fair valuations determined
by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees and the Investment Adviser as valuation designee. Restrictions
on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to determine its net asset value.
The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than the Fund’s most recent determination of
their fair value.
In addition, the value of these securities typically
requires more reliance on the judgment of the Investment Adviser than that required for securities for which there is an active trading
market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, the Fund
may not be able to realize these securities’ true value or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
When determining the fair value of an asset, the
Investment Adviser seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset in
an arm’s length transaction. Fair value pricing, however, involves judgments that are inherently subjective and inexact, since fair
valuation procedures are used only when it is not possible to be sure what value should be attributed to a particular asset or when an
event will affect the market price of an asset and to what extent. As a result, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will
reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security will be materially different from the value
that actually could be or is realized upon the sale of that asset.
Energy Sector Risks
Under normal circumstances, the Fund concentrates
its investments in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Energy companies are subject to certain risks,
including, but not limited to, the following:
Commodity Price Risk. Energy companies
may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil,
in the short-and long-term. Natural resources commodity prices have been very volatile in the past and such volatility is expected to
continue. Fluctuations in commodity prices can result from changes in general economic conditions or political circumstances (especially
of key energy-consuming countries); market conditions; weather patterns; domestic production levels; volume of imports; energy conservation;
domestic and foreign governmental regulation; international politics; policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”);
taxation; tariffs; and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate transportation methods. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of, and
interrelationships between, commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain other companies due to the potential impact on the volume
of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. Some companies that own the underlying energy commodity may be unable to
effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by
the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. The prices of companies’
securities can be adversely affected by market perceptions that their performance and dividends or distributions are directly tied to
commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy
consumption which may adversely affect the performance of energy companies.
Prices of oil and other energy commodities have
experienced significant volatility during recent years, including as a result of the pandemic spread of infectious respiratory illness
caused by a novel coronavirus known as “COVID-19,” during which demand for energy commodities fell sharply and energy commodity
prices reached historic lows, and may continue to experience relatively high volatility for a prolonged period. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of commodity
prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities.
Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity
price levels. Energy companies also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy companies is directly linked to commodity
prices. As a result, many companies in which the Fund may invest have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by volatility of
prices of energy commodities. Reductions in production of oil and other energy commodities may lag decreases in demand or declines in
commodity prices, resulting in global oversupply in such commodities. Slower global growth may lower demand for oil and other energy commodities
and increased exports by Iran with the end of sanctions may increase supply, exacerbating oversupply of such commodities and further reducing
commodity prices. Continued volatility of commodity prices could further erode such companies’ growth prospects and negatively impact
such companies’ ability to sustain attractive distribution levels.
Cyclicality Risk. The operating results
of companies in the broader energy sector are cyclical, with fluctuations in commodity prices and demand for commodities driven by a variety
of factors. The highly cyclical nature of the energy sector may adversely affect the earnings or operating cash flows of certain energy
companies in which the Fund will invest.
Supply Risk. A significant decrease in
the production of natural gas, crude oil, or other energy commodities would reduce the revenue, operating income and operating cash flows
of certain energy companies and, therefore, their ability to make distributions or pay dividends. The volume of production of energy commodities
and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety
of factors, including depletion of resources; depressed commodity prices; catastrophic events; labor relations; increased environmental
or other governmental regulation; equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties; import volumes; international politics; policies
of OPEC; and increased competition from alternative energy sources.
Demand Risk. A sustained decline in demand
for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and refined petroleum products could adversely affect an energy company’s revenues
and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a sustained decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions,
an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity that is not, or is not expected to be, merely a short-term increase, higher
taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. Demand may also be adversely affected
by consumer sentiment with respect to global warming and by state or federal legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy
sources.
Competition Risk. The energy sector is
highly competitive. The energy companies in which the Fund will invest will face substantial competition from other companies, many of
which will have greater financial, technological, human and other resources, in acquiring natural resources assets, obtaining and retaining
customers and contracts and hiring and retaining qualified personnel. Larger companies may be able to pay more for assets and may have
a greater ability to continue their operations during periods of low commodity prices. To the extent that the energy companies in which
the Fund will invest are unable to compete effectively, their operating results, financial position, growth potential and cash flows may
be adversely affected, which could in turn adversely affect the results of the Fund.
Weather Risk. Extreme weather conditions
could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas and significant volatility
in the supply of natural resources, commodity prices and the earnings of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their
securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The prices of debt
securities of the energy companies the Fund expects to hold in its portfolio are, and the prices of the equity securities held in its
portfolio may be, susceptible in the short-term to a decline when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation
of securities of certain energy companies as a result of the increased availability of alternative investments with yields comparable
to those of energy companies. Rising interest rates could adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies by increasing
their cost of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner. The risk
of interest rates rising is more pronounced in the current market environment because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest
rate environment in recent years.
Regulatory Risk. The profitability of energy
companies could be adversely affected by changes in the regulatory environment. Energy companies are subject to significant foreign, federal,
state and local regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including with respect to how facilities are constructed, maintained
and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Such regulation
can change over time in both scope and intensity. For example, a particular by-product may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency
and unexpectedly increase production costs.
Various governmental authorities have the power
to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and
criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in
the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. Energy
companies may be adversely affected by future regulatory requirements. While the nature of such regulations cannot be predicted at this
time, they may impose additional costs or limit certain operations by energy companies operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent
risk that energy companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they
handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental
cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage,
and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws,
regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of energy companies, and the cost of any remediation
that may become necessary. Energy companies may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding
that the EPA has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Transportation
jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. These measures, and other programs
addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the total return of certain
of the Fund’s investments.
The types of regulations described above can change
over time in both scope and intensity, may have adverse effects on energy companies and may be implemented in unforeseen manners on an
“emergency” basis in response to catastrophes or other events.
Catastrophe Risk. The operations of energy
companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploration for, and development, production, gathering, transportation, processing,
storage, refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other
hydrocarbons, including: damage to production equipment, pipelines, storage tanks or related equipment and surrounding properties caused
by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction or other
equipment; leaks of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other hydrocarbons; and fires and explosions.
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline
infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss
or destruction of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage;
and personal injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation
of the operations of energy companies. Energy companies may not be fully insured against all risks inherent in their business operations
and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies’ operations, financial conditions and ability
to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions.
Energy companies employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations
through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, or securing additional long-term contracts.
Thus, some energy companies may be subject to construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their
specific business strategies. Energy companies that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired
operations with their existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant
slowdown in merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from
energy companies that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some energy companies
are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development efforts by energy
companies may not result in viable methods or products. Energy companies may bear high research and development costs, which can limit
their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some energy companies may be in the early
stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors.
As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in such energy companies may be considerably more volatile than that
in more established segments of the economy.
Business Segment Specific Risk. Energy
companies are also subject to risks that are specific to the particular business segment of the energy sector in which they operate.
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Gathering and processing. Gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering, and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities price risk. |
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Exploration and production. Exploration, development and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir. In addition, lower commodity prices not only reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on a given exploration and production company’s financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their revenues and distributions. |
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Oil. In addition to the risk described above applicable to gathering and processing companies and exploration and production companies, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production of crude oil or refined petroleum products may be adversely affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil and refined petroleum products as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the reaction thereto. Increased regulation may result in a decline in production and/or increased cost associated with offshore oil exploration in the United States and around the world, which may adversely affect certain energy companies and the oil industry in general. Continued financial deterioration of BP plc as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have wide- ranging and unforeseen impacts on the oil industry and the broader energy sector. |
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk
Certain of the companies in which the Fund may
invest may have small or medium-sized market capitalizations (“small-cap” and “mid-cap” companies, respectively).
Investing in the securities of small-cap or mid-cap companies presents some particular investment risks. These companies may have limited
product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management and more limited financial resources than
larger companies and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments. Stocks of these companies may be less
liquid than those of larger companies and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger companies. In addition, small-cap or mid-cap
company securities may not be widely followed by investors, which may result in reduced demand.
Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs
Securities purchased by the Fund in initial public
offerings (“IPOs”) are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations,
and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available
for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from
time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs, or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion
(if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively
small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest
significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the
Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE
Transactions
In private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions, the Fund purchases securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a
discount to the market price of the company’s common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities are “restricted” and cannot be immediately resold
by the investors into the public markets. Accordingly, the company typically agrees as part of the PIPE deal to register the restricted
securities with the SEC. PIPE securities may be deemed illiquid.
Privately Held Company Risk
Investing in privately held companies involves
risk. For example, privately held companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting
records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over
financial reporting. As a result, the Investment Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition
and results of operations of the privately held companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, the securities of privately held companies
are generally illiquid, and entail the risks described under “—Liquidity Risk” below.
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks combine some of the characteristics
of both common stocks and debt securities. Preferred stocks generally pay a fixed rate of return and are sold on the basis of current
yield, like debt securities. However, because they are equity securities, preferred stock provides equity ownership of a company, and
the income is paid in the form of distributions. Preferred stocks typically have a yield advantage over common stocks as well as comparably
rated fixed income investments. Preferred stocks are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital
structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of
directors. Preferred stocks also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions. Certain of the preferred stocks in which
the Fund may invest may be convertible preferred stocks, which have risks similar to convertible securities as described below in “—Convertible
Instruments Risk.”
Convertible Instruments Risk
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A
convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
number of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible
debt instruments have characteristics of both fixed income and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock
market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the
market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible instrument tends to trade on the basis
of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends
to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments that have varying conversion values.
Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion value. Accordingly, the value of a
convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases (or decreases). If a convertible
instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the instrument, or convert
it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Investment Adviser determines that such equity investment is consistent
with the investment objective of the Fund.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed rate
securities such as preferred and debt securities will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. When market interest
rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Longer-term fixed rate securities are generally more sensitive to
interest rate changes. Greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates typically corresponds to increased volatility and increased risk.
The Fund’s investment in such securities means that the net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, Common Shares
will tend to decline if the market interest rates rise. Duration is a measure of sensitivity to changes in interest rates and reflects
a variety of factors, including the maturity and variability, if any, of the interest rate and the call potential of the security. For
this reason, duration should not be confused with maturity. If a portfolio has a duration of three years and interest rates increase by
1%, then, all else being equal, the portfolio would decline in value by approximately 3%. These risks may be greater in the current market
environment because while interest rates were historically low in recent years, the Federal Reserve has been increasing the Federal Funds
rate to address inflation. Any interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease.
Interest Rate Hedging Risk
The Fund may from time to time hedge against interest
rate risk resulting from the Fund’s portfolio holdings and any financial leverage it may incur. Interest rate transactions the Fund
may use for hedging purposes will expose the Fund to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with its portfolio holdings.
There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, caps and similar techniques, the cost of which can
be significant. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedging instruments is subject to the Investment Adviser’s ability
to correctly predict changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to the Fund’s leverage risk, and there can be no assurance
that the Investment Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the
Fund’s use of interest rate hedging instruments could enhance or decrease investment company taxable income available to the holders
of its Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps or caps could decline, and
result in a decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares. In addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate swap
or cap defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate swap or cap to offset its cost
of financial leverage.
Leverage Risk
The Fund may use leverage through the issuance
of Indebtedness or the issuance of preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price
movements in the investments made by the Fund. Insofar as the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund will be subject
to increased risk of loss. In addition, the Fund will pay (and the holders of Common Shares will bear) all costs and expenses relating
to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of leverage, including higher advisory fees. Similarly, any decline in the net asset value of
the Fund’s investments will be borne entirely by the holders of Common Shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s
portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of Common Shares than if the Fund
were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the Common
Shares.
Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well
as potential for more gain, for the Fund’s Common Shares than if leverage is not used. Preferred shares or debt issued by the Fund
would have complete priority upon distribution of assets over Common Shares. Depending on the type of leverage involved, the Fund’s
use of financial leverage may require the approval of its Board of Trustees. The Fund expects to invest the net proceeds derived from
any leveraging according to the investment objective and policies described in this Prospectus. So long as the Fund’s portfolio
is invested in securities that provide a higher rate of return than the distribution rate or interest rate of the leverage instrument
or other borrowing arrangements, after taking its related expenses into consideration, the leverage will cause the Fund’s Common
Shareholders to receive a higher rate of income than if it were not leveraged. There is no assurance that the Fund will continue to utilize
leverage or, if leverage is utilized, that it will be successful in enhancing the level of the Fund’s total return. The net asset
value of the Fund’s Common Shares will be reduced by the fees and issuance costs of any leverage.
Leverage creates risk for holders of the Fund’s
Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the shares. Risk of fluctuations
in distribution rates or interest rates on leverage instruments or other borrowing arrangements may affect the return to the holders of
the Fund’s Common Shares. To the extent the return on securities purchased with funds received from the use of leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), the Fund’s returns will be greater than if leverage had not been
used. Conversely, if the return derived from such securities is less than the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund),
the Fund’s returns will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore, the amount available for distribution to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders will be reduced. In the latter case, the Investment Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine
to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it expects that the benefits to the Fund’s Common Shareholders of so doing will
outweigh the current reduced return. Under normal market conditions, the Fund anticipates that it will be able to invest the proceeds
from leverage at a higher rate than the costs of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), which would enhance returns to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders. The fees paid to the Investment Adviser will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed
Assets, which include proceeds from leverage instruments and other borrowings. During periods in which the Fund uses financial leverage,
the investment management fee payable to the Investment Adviser will be higher than if the Fund did not use a leveraged capital structure.
Consequently, the Fund and the Investment Adviser may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the Fund’s assets.
The Board of Trustees will monitor the Fund’s use of leverage and this potential conflict.
Covered Call Option Risk
As the writer of 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. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
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 decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves
the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior
or unexpected events.
Arbitrage Risk
A part of the Investment Adviser’s investment
operations may involve spread positions between two or more securities, or derivatives positions including commodities hedging positions,
or a combination of the foregoing. The Investment Adviser’s trading operations also may involve arbitraging between two securities
or commodities, between the security, commodity and related options or derivatives markets, between spot and futures or forward markets,
and/or any combination of the above. To the extent the price relationships between such positions remain constant, no gain or loss on
the positions will occur. These offsetting positions entail substantial risk that the price differential could change unfavorably, causing
a loss to the position. Certain derivatives transactions have economic characteristics similar to leverage.
Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities (up
to a maximum of one-third of its Managed Assets) to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely
basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities
loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
In addition, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. securities.
Portfolio Turnover Risk
Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
may vary greatly from year to year. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital
gains or capital losses by the Fund.
Strategic Transactions Risk
The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions
may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and
call options on securities, indices and other instruments, enter into forward contracts, purchase and sell futures contracts and options
thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor or collar transactions, purchase structured investment products and enter into transactions that
combine multiple derivative instruments. Strategic Transactions often have risks similar to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions.
However, the use of Strategic Transactions also involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated
with other portfolio investments. Strategic Transactions may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment
techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of derivative instruments has risks,
including the imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of
the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques
depends on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of Strategic
Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities
at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment
or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash, or
other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions, are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of
derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not
impair the ability of the Fund to implement certain Strategic Transactions or to achieve its investment objective. Although the Investment
Adviser seeks to use Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of
Strategic Transactions will achieve this result.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect
to the counterparties to the derivative contracts entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform
its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any
recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceedings. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery,
or may obtain no recovery, in such circumstances.
Short Sales Risk
Short selling involves selling securities which
may or may not be owned and borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace the borrowed securities
at a later date. Short selling allows the short seller to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such declines exceed the
transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the securities. A naked short sale creates the risk of an unlimited loss because the
price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying those securities to cover
the short position. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase.
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise, further exacerbating the loss.
The Fund’s obligation to replace the borrowed
security will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities
similar to those borrowed. The Fund also will be required to segregate similar collateral to the extent, if any, necessary so that the
value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold
short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Fund borrowed the security regarding repaying amounts received
by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on the Fund’s collateral deposited with
such broker-dealer.
Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets
or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real
value of the Fund’s Common Shares and distributions can decline. Inflation risk is more pronounced in the current market environment
because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest rate environment in recent years.
Deflation Risk
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and their revenues.
In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may
result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in securities of other investment
companies, including other closed-end or open-end investment companies (including ETFs). The market value of their shares may differ from
the net asset value of the particular fund. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those
assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities. In addition, if the Fund invests
in such investment companies or investment funds, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses
of the Fund (including operating expenses and the fees of the investment adviser), but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the
underlying investment company. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject
to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the section entitled “—Leverage Risk,” the net asset value
and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to stockholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated
by unleveraged shares. Other investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund. In addition, to the
extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund will be dependent upon the investment and research abilities of persons
other than the Investment Adviser.
ETN and ETF Risk
An ETN or ETF that is based on a specific index
may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN or ETF also
incurs certain expenses not incurred by its applicable index. The market value of an ETN or ETF share may differ from its net asset value;
the share may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value, which may be due to, among other things, differences in the supply
and demand in the market for the share and the supply and demand in the market for the underlying assets of the ETN or ETF. In addition,
certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN or ETF may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede the ETN’s
or ETF’s ability to track its index. An ETF that uses leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, which can affect whether its
share price approximates net asset value. As a result of using leverage, an ETF is subject to the risk of failure in the futures and options
markets it uses to obtain leverage and the risk that a counterparty will default on its obligations, which can result in a loss to the
Fund. If the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund,
but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the underlying ETF. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond,
in that there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.
Investment Management Risk
The Fund’s portfolio is subject to investment
management risk because it will be actively managed. The Investment Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making
investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.
The decisions with respect to the management of
the Fund are made exclusively by the Investment Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Investors have no right or
power to take part in the management of the Fund. The Investment Adviser also is responsible for all of the trading and investment decisions
of the Fund. In the event of the withdrawal or bankruptcy of the Investment Adviser, generally the affairs of the Fund will be wound-up,
and its assets will be liquidated.
Dependence on Key Personnel of the Investment
Adviser
The Fund is dependent upon the Investment Adviser’s
key personnel for its future success. In particular, the Fund will depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of
the personnel of the Investment Adviser and its portfolio managers, who will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor the Fund’s
investments. The portfolio managers have equity interests and other financial incentives to remain with the firm. The Fund will also depend
on the senior management of the Investment Adviser. The departure of a member or members of the Investment Adviser’s senior management
could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, the Fund can offer
no assurance that the Investment Adviser will remain its investment adviser, or that the Fund will continue to have access to the Investment
Adviser’s contacts and deal flow.
Conflicts of Interest with the Investment Adviser
Conflicts of interest may arise because the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including, but not limited
to, other client accounts and funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Investment
Adviser or its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts
and other customer accounts may compete with the Fund for specific trades. The Investment Adviser or its affiliates may buy or sell securities
for the Fund which differ from securities bought or sold for other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives and
policies may be similar to the Fund’s. Situations may occur when the Fund could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities
conducted by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be based on, among other things,
legal or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may be taken for the Fund and the other accounts, limiting the size
of the Fund’s position, or the difficulty of liquidating an investment for the Fund and the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position. Notwithstanding these potential conflicts of interest, the Fund’s Board of Trustees and
officers have a fiduciary obligation to act in the Fund’s best interest.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by affiliations of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates with infrastructure companies. In addition, to the extent that
the Investment Adviser sources and structures private investments in infrastructure companies, certain employees of the Investment Adviser
may become aware of actions planned by infrastructure companies, such as acquisitions that may not be announced to the public. It is possible
that the Fund could be precluded from investing in a company about which the Investment Adviser has material non-public information; however,
it is the Investment Adviser’s intention to ensure that any material non-public information available to certain of the Investment
Adviser’s employees not be shared with those employees responsible for the purchase and sale of publicly traded securities.
The Investment Adviser manages several other client
accounts and funds. Some of these other client accounts and funds have investment objectives that are similar to or overlap with the Fund.
Furthermore, the Investment Adviser may at some time in the future manage additional client accounts and investment funds with the same
investment objective as the Fund.
The Investment Adviser and its affiliates generally
will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients’ accounts and funds in which the Fund will have no interest.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of such other clients; however, from time to time, the same investment
decision may be made for more than one fund or account. When two or more clients advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates seek
to purchase or sell the same publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the clients
on a good faith equitable basis by the Investment Adviser in its discretion in accordance with the clients’ various investment objectives
and procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser and approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In some cases, this system may adversely
affect the price or size of the position the Fund may obtain.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by investment opportunities that the Investment Adviser is evaluating for other clients’ accounts and funds. To the extent
a potential investment is appropriate for the Fund and one or more of the Investment Adviser’s other client accounts or funds, the
Investment Adviser will need to fairly allocate that investment to the Fund or another client account or fund, or both, depending on its
allocation procedures and applicable law related to combined or joint transactions. There may occur an attractive limited investment opportunity
suitable for the Fund in which the Fund cannot invest under the particular allocation method being used for that investment.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund and such other client
accounts or funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser may be precluded from co-investing in certain private placements of securities.
Except as permitted by law or positions of the staff of the SEC, the Investment Adviser will not co-invest its other clients’ assets
in private transactions in which the Fund invests. To the extent the Fund is precluded from co-investing, the Investment Adviser will
allocate private investment opportunities among its clients, including, but not limited to, the Fund and its other client accounts and
funds, based on allocation policies that take into account several suitability factors, including the size of the investment opportunity,
the amount each client has available for investment and the client’s investment objectives. These allocation policies may result
in the allocation of investment opportunities to another client account or fund managed or advised by the Investment Adviser rather than
to the Fund.
The management fee payable to the Investment Adviser
is based on the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets, as periodically determined. A portion of the Fund’s Managed Assets may
be illiquid securities acquired in private transactions for which market quotations will not be readily available. Although the Fund will
adopt valuation procedures designed to determine valuations of illiquid securities in a manner that reflects their fair value, there typically
is a range of possible prices that may be established for each individual security.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP,
counsel to the Fund, also represents the Investment Adviser. Such counsel does not purport to represent the separate interests of the
investors and has assumed no obligation to do so. Accordingly, the investors have not had the benefit of independent counsel in the structuring
of the Fund or determination of the relative interests, rights and obligations of the Investment Adviser and the investors.
Reliance on Service Providers
The Fund relies upon service providers to perform
certain functions, which may include functions that are integral to the operations and financial performance of the Fund. Fees and expenses
of these service providers are borne by the Fund, and therefore indirectly by Common Shareholders. Failure by any service provider to
carry out its obligations to the Fund in accordance with the terms of its appointment, to exercise due care and skill, or to perform its
obligations to the Fund at all as a result of insolvency, bankruptcy or other causes could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance and ability to achieve its investment objective. The termination of the Fund’s relationship with any service provider,
or any delay in appointing a replacement for such service provider, could materially disrupt the business of the Fund and could have a
material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and ability to achieve its investment objective.
Technology Risk
As the use of Internet technology has become more
prevalent, the Fund and its service providers and markets generally have become more susceptible to potential operational risks related
to intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption
or lose operational capacity. There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers,
or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce technology and cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot
control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund.
Cyber Security Risk
As the use of technology has become more prevalent
in the course of business, the Fund has become potentially more susceptible to operational and informational security risks resulting
from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional cyber events that may, among
other things, cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction, lose operational capacity, result
in the unauthorized release or other misuse of confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal business operations. In addition,
cyber security breaches involving the Fund’s third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, advisers, administrators,
transfer agents, custodians, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties or issuers in which the Fund invests in can
also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Like with operational risk in general,
the Fund has established risk management systems and business continuity plans designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security.
However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large
part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially
because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties
or third-party service providers to the Fund. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its
shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Distributions Risk
The Fund’s net investment income can vary
significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share. The distributions paid by the
Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly period. The Fund may distribute
more than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period, in which case all or a portion of a distribution
may be a return of capital. The Fund’s distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant portion
of return of capital. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately
55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the
Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield
or income.
Return of capital is the return of a portion of
the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their Common Shares, which
would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the Common Shareholder’s
potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of Common Shares.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. To the extent
the amount of distributions paid to shareholders in cash exceeds the total net investment returns of the Fund, the assets of the Fund
will decline, which may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to make such distributions,
the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such
action.
Market Discount from Net Asset Value
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently
trade at a discount from their net asset value, which is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value
could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Although the value of the Fund’s net assets is generally considered by
market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell Common Shares, whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the
sale of Common Shares will depend entirely upon whether the market price of Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s
purchase price for Common Shares. Because the market price of Common Shares will be determined by factors such as net asset value, distribution
and distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for Common Shares, stability of distributions
or dividends, trading volume of Common Shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund,
the Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above the initial public offering
price. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as
a vehicle for trading purposes.
Recent Market, Economic and Social Developments
Risk
Periods of market volatility remain, and may continue
to occur in the future, in response to various political, social and economic events both within and outside of the United States. These
conditions have resulted in, and in many cases continue to result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads
and a lack of price transparency, with many securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. Such market conditions may adversely
affect the Fund, including by making valuation of some of the Fund’s securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant
valuation increases or declines in the Fund’s holdings. If there is a significant decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio,
this may impact the asset coverage levels for the Fund’s outstanding leverage.
Risks resulting from any future debt or other
economic crisis could also have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, the financial condition of financial institutions
and the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operation. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in
the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt
and home prices, among other factors. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence
and consumer credit factors, the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely
affected. Downgrades to the credit ratings of major banks could result in increased borrowing costs for such banks and negatively affect
the broader economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may also adversely affect the
value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or unfavorable
economic conditions could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
The occurrence of events similar to those in recent
years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing pandemics (such as COVID-19), epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases
in certain parts of the world, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political
discord, debt crises, sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and a number of foreign countries, new
and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the EU or the EMU, continued
changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns, among others, may
result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties
in the U.S. and worldwide.
In particular, the consequences of the Russian
military invasion of Ukraine, including comprehensive international sanctions, the impact on inflation and increased disruption to supply
chains and energy resources may impact our portfolio companies, result in an economic downturn or recession either globally or locally
in the U.S. or other economies, reduce business activity, spawn additional conflicts (whether in the form of traditional military action,
reignited “cold” wars or in the form of virtual warfare such as cyberattacks) with similar and perhaps wider ranging impacts
and consequences and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s returns and net asset value. We have no way to predict the duration or
outcome of the situation, as the conflict and government reactions are rapidly developing and beyond our control. Prolonged unrest, military
activities, or broad-based sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our portfolio companies. Such consequences also may increase
our funding cost or limit our access to the capital markets.
The current political climate has intensified
concerns about a potential trade war between China and the U.S., as each country has imposed tariffs on the other country’s products.
These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price
reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have
a negative impact on our performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales
in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions
and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the
euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or
other escalating actions may be taken in the future. Any of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the Fund.
Legislation and Regulatory Risks
At any time after the date of this Prospectus,
legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the companies in which the Fund invests. Changing approaches to regulation may
also have a negative impact companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, legislation or regulation may change the way in which the
Fund is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect
on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
The SEC and its staff are reportedly engaged in
various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts
appear to be focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including embedded leverage through the use of derivatives
and other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic
risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund’s expenses and impact
its returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit the Fund’s use of various portfolio management strategies or
techniques and adversely impact the Fund.
Changes enacted by the current presidential administration
could significantly impact the regulation of financial markets in the United States. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal
include trade and foreign policy, corporate tax rates, energy and infrastructure policies, the environment and sustainability, criminal
and social justice initiatives, immigration, healthcare and the oversight of certain federal financial regulatory agencies and the Federal
Reserve. Certain of these changes can, and have, been effectuated through executive order. For example, the current administration has
taken steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rejoin the Paris climate accord of 2015, cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, change immigration
enforcement priorities and increase spending on clean energy and infrastructure. Other potential changes that could be pursued by the
current presidential administration could include an increase in the corporate income tax rate and changes to regulatory enforcement priorities.
It is not possible to predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the economy, securities markets
or the financial stability of the United States. The Fund may be affected by governmental action in ways that are not foreseeable, and
there is a possibility that such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment
objective.
Although the Fund cannot predict the impact, if
any, of these changes to the Fund’s business, they could adversely affect the Fund’s business, financial condition, operating
results and cash flows. Until the Fund knows what policy changes are made and how those changes impact the Fund’s business and the
business of the Fund’s competitors over the long term, the Fund will not know if, overall, the Fund will benefit from them or be
negatively affected by them. The Investment Adviser intends to monitor developments and seeks to manage the Fund’s portfolio in
a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in
doing so.
LIBOR Discontinuation Risk
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial
Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. LIBOR can no longer be used to calculate new
deals as of December 31, 2021. Since December 31, 2021, all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR settings and
the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have ceased to be published or are no longer representative, and since June 30,
2023, the overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings ceased to be published or are no longer representative.
On June 22, 2017, the Alternative Reference
Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) convened by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRBNY”)
identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the rate that, in the consensus view of the ARRC, represented
best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing
cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April
2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has also been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014.
Investors should not rely on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of future changes in SOFR.
The composition and characteristics of SOFR are
not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons. First, SOFR is a secured rate, while
LIBOR is an unsecured rate. Second, SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding
over different maturities (e.g., three months). As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as
LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market
volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. Additionally, there can be no guarantee
that SOFR will gain market acceptance as a replacement for U.S. dollar LIBOR. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could negatively
affect financial markets in general and present heightened risks, including with respect to the Fund’s investments. As a result
of this uncertainty and developments relating to the transition process, the Fund and its investments may be adversely affected.
SOFR Risk
SOFR is intended to be a broad measure of the
cost of borrowing funds overnight in transactions that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. SOFR is calculated based on transaction-level
data collected from various sources. For each trading day, SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median rate derived from such data.
SOFR is calculated and published by the FRBNY. If data from a given source required by the FRBNY to calculate SOFR is unavailable for
any day, then the most recently available data for that segment will be used, with certain adjustments. If errors are discovered in the
transaction data or the calculations underlying SOFR after its initial publication on a given day, SOFR may be republished at a later
time that day. Rate revisions will be effected only on the day of initial publication and will be republished only if the change in the
rate exceeds one basis point.
Because SOFR is a financing rate based on overnight
secured funding transactions, it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. LIBOR was intended to be an unsecured rate that represents interbank
funding costs for different short-term maturities or tenors. It was a forward-looking rate reflecting expectations regarding interest
rates for the applicable tenor. Thus, LIBOR was intended to be sensitive, in certain respects, to bank credit risk and to term interest
rate risk. In contrast, SOFR is a secured overnight rate reflecting the credit of U.S. Treasury securities as collateral. Thus, it is
largely insensitive to credit-risk considerations and to short-term interest rate risks. SOFR is a transaction-based rate, and it has
been more volatile than other benchmark or market rates, such as three-month LIBOR, during certain periods. For these reasons, among others,
there is no assurance that SOFR, or rates derived from SOFR, will perform in the same or similar way as LIBOR would have performed at
any time, and there is no assurance that SOFR-based rates will be a suitable substitute for LIBOR. SOFR has a limited history, having
been first published in April 2018. The future performance of SOFR, and SOFR-based reference rates, cannot be predicted based on SOFR’s
history or otherwise. Levels of SOFR in the future, including following the discontinuation of LIBOR, may bear little or no relation to
historical levels of SOFR, LIBOR or other rates.
Terrorism, Market Disruption, and Catastrophe
Risk
Terrorist attacks, catastrophes, pandemics and
other geopolitical events have led to, and may in the future lead to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects
on U.S. and world economies and markets. Global political and economic instability could affect the operations of companies in which the
Fund invests in unpredictable ways, including through disruptions of natural resources supplies and markets and the resulting volatility
in commodity prices. The operation of infrastructure assets in which the Fund invests is subject to many hazards including damage to equipment
and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent
damage from construction or other equipment; leaks; and fires and explosions. The U.S. government has issued warnings that infrastructure
assets may be future targets of terrorist activities. In addition, changes in the insurance markets have made certain types of insurance
more difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and have generally resulted in increased premium costs.
Not a Complete Investment Program
The Fund is intended for investors seeking a high
level of total return with an emphasis on current income. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short-term
swings in the stock market and is intended for long-term investors. An investment in shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete
investment program. Each shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objective as well as the shareholder’s
other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional
Common Shares
The voting power of current Common Shareholders
will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares
or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such
offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances
to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value
per share pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per
Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were
the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common
Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by
all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Shares—Common
Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”
Additional Risks of Rights
There are additional risks associated with an
offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional
interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net
asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription
price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience
an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s Common Shares if the shareholder does not participate
in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s Common
Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. Such a reduction in net asset value per share may have the effect
of reducing market price of the Common Share. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder
does not exercise such shareholder’s Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer
expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. If the subscription price is substantially less than the then current net
asset value per Common Share at the expiration of a rights offering, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution or accretion
will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund’s net asset value per Common
Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. In addition to the economic dilution described
above, if a Common Shareholder does not exercise all of their rights, the Common Shareholder will incur voting dilution as a result of
this rights offering. This voting dilution will occur because the Common Shareholder will own a smaller proportionate interest in the
Fund after the rights offering than prior to the rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the
underlying Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of
the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. If investors exercise only a portion of the
rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the Common Shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings
for similar securities. Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be transferable or non-transferable rights. In a non-transferable rights
offering, Common Shareholders who do not wish to exercise their rights will be unable to sell their rights. In a transferrable rights
offering, the Fund will use its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market for the rights; however, investors may find that there
is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
The Fund’s Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended (the “Declaration of Trust”), and By-Laws include provisions that
could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition
of its Board of Trustees. For example, the Declaration of Trust limits the ability of persons to beneficially own (within the meaning
of Section 382 of the Code) more than 4.99% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund. This restriction was adopted in order to
reduce the risk of the Fund undergoing an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, which would
limit the Fund’s ability to use a capital loss carryforward and certain unrealized losses (if such tax attributes exist). See “Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”
In addition, as a Delaware statutory
trust, the Fund is subject to the control share acquisition statute (the “Control Share Statute”) contained in Subchapter
III of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”), which became automatically applicable to listed closed-end funds, such
as the Fund, upon its effective date of August 1, 2022 (the “Effective Date”). The Control Share Statute provides that
an acquirer of shares above a series of voting power thresholds has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the
Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders.
See “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Delaware Control Share Statute.”
The ownership restrictions set
forth in the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and the limitations of the Control Share Statute could have the effect of depriving shareholders
of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain
control over the Fund and may reduce market demand for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood
that the Fund’s Common Shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Trustees and Officers
The Board of Trustees of the Fund provides broad
oversight over the operations and affairs of the Fund and protects the interests of shareholders. The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility
to manage and control the business affairs of the Fund, including the complete and exclusive authority to establish policies regarding
the management, conduct and operation of the Fund’s business. The Fund’s officers, who are all officers or employees of the
Investment Adviser or its affiliates, are responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the Fund’s operations.
The names and ages of the Trustees and officers of the Fund, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business
occupations during the last five years, the number of funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships or trusteeships during the
last five years are set forth under “Management of the Fund” in the SAI.
Investment Adviser
Subject to the overall supervision of the Board
of Trustees, the Fund is managed by Cushing® Asset Management, LP d/b/a NXG Investment Management, whose principal business address
is 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201. The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned investment advisory subsidiary
of Swank Capital. The Investment Adviser was founded in 2003 and serves as investment adviser to registered and unregistered funds. As
of November 30, 2023, the Investment Adviser managed approximately $1.013 billion in assets. The Investment Adviser has experience in
assessing U.S. and non-U.S. investments and manages two other registered investment companies and several private investment companies
and other accounts that invest a portion of their assets in non-U.S. investments
The Investment Adviser acts as the investment
adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”). Pursuant to the
Investment Management Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay the Investment Adviser a fee, payable at the end of each calendar month, at
an annual rate equal to 1.25% of the average weekly value of the Fund’s Managed Assets during such month (the “Management
Fee”) for the services and facilities provided by the Investment Adviser to the Fund. For purposes of the Management Fee, “Managed
Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations other than liabilities
or obligations attributable to investment leverage, including, without limitation, investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness
of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance
of shares of preferred stock or other similar preference securities and/or (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities
loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
Pursuant to an amended and restated fee waiver agreement by and between
the Fund and the Investment Adviser, effective February 1, 2024, the Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of
the management fee in an amount equal to 0.25% of the Fund’s Managed Assets through the later of June 1, 2025, or 12 months after the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
Prior to the termination date, the waiver agreement may be modified, waived or terminated only with the written consent of the Board of
Trustees.
Because the Management Fee is based upon a percentage
of the Fund’s Managed Assets, the Management Fee will be higher if the Fund employs leverage. Therefore, the Investment Adviser
will have a financial incentive to use leverage, which may create a conflict of interest between the Investment Adviser and the Fund’s
Common Shareholders.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement,
the Investment Adviser is responsible for managing the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies,
making investment decisions for the Fund, placing orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and managing the other
business and affairs of the Fund, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In addition, the
Investment Adviser furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment on behalf of the Fund; provides personnel, including certain
officers required for the Fund’s administrative management; and pays the compensation of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who
are its affiliates.
In addition to the Management Fee, the Fund pays
all other costs and expenses of its operations, including the compensation of its Trustees (other than those affiliated with the Investment
Adviser); the fees and expenses of the Fund’s administrator, the custodian and transfer and distribution disbursing agent; legal
fees; leverage expenses (if any); rating agency fees (if any); listing fees and expenses; fees of independent auditors; expenses of repurchasing
shares; expenses of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies;
and taxes, if any.
A discussion regarding the basis for the approval
of the Investment Management Agreement by the Board of Trustees is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for
the period ended May 31, 2023.
Portfolio Management
John Musgrave, Chief Executive Officer and President
and Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Adviser, and Todd Sunderland, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Investment
Adviser are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Mr. Musgrave has been Chief Executive Officer
of the Investment Adviser since 2023, Chief Investment Officer of the Investment Adviser since 2016 and a Portfolio Manager of the Investment
Adviser since 2007.
Mr. Sunderland has been Chief Risk Officer
and Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Adviser since December 1, 2022. Mr. Sunderland joined the Investment Adviser in
2007.
The SAI provides additional information about
the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership
of securities of the Fund.
Fund Expenses
The Fund pays all costs and expenses of its operations
(in addition to the Management Fee), including fund administration and fund accounting fees, custodian fees, transfer agency fees, administration
fees, legal fees, expenses of its independent registered public accounting firm, expenses of pricing services or valuation agents, expenses
of preparing, printing and distributing shareholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, listing fees
and taxes, if any. Fund expenses are indirectly borne by Common Shareholders.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund will determine the
net asset value of its Common Shares as of the close of regular session trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time) on each day on which there is a regular trading session on the NYSE. The Fund calculates net asset value per Common Share
by subtracting liabilities (including accrued expenses or distributions) from the total assets of the Fund (the value of the securities
plus cash or other assets, including interest accrued but not yet received) and dividing the result by the total number of outstanding
Common Shares of the Fund.
The Board of Trustees has designated
the Investment Adviser as the “valuation designee” for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The valuation
designee is responsible for making fair value determinations pursuant to valuation policies and procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser
and the Fund (the “Valuation Policy”). A committee of voting members comprised of senior personnel of the Investment Adviser
considers various pricing issues and establishes fair valuations of portfolio securities and other instruments held by the Fund in accordance
with the Valuation Policy (the “Valuation Committee”). The Investment Adviser as valuation designee is subject to monitoring
and oversight by the Board of Trustees. As a general principle, the fair value of a portfolio instrument is the amount that an owner might
reasonably expect to receive upon the instrument’s current sale. A range of factors and analysis may be considered when determining
fair value, including relevant market data, interest rates, credit considerations and/or issuer specific news. The Valuation Committee
may consult with and receive input from third parties and will utilize a variety of market data including yields or prices of investments
of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity, rating, indications of value from security dealers, evaluations of anticipated
cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury obligations, and other information and analysis. In addition, the Valuation Committee
may consider valuations provided by valuation firms retained to assist in the valuation of certain of the Fund’s investments. Fair
valuation involves subjective judgments. While the Fund’s use of fair valuation is intended to result in calculation of net asset
value that fairly reflects values of the Fund’s portfolio securities as of the time of pricing, the Fund cannot guarantee that any
fair valuation will, in fact, approximate the amount the Fund would actually realize upon the sale of the securities in question. It is
possible that the fair value determined for a portfolio instrument may be materially different from the value that could be realized upon
the sale of that instrument.
The valuation designee uses
the following valuation methods to determine fair value as either fair value for investments for which market quotations are available,
or if not available, the fair value, as determined in good faith pursuant to the Valuation Policy. The valuation of the portfolio securities
of the Fund currently includes the following processes:
| · | The market value of each security listed or traded on any recognized securities exchange or automated
quotation system will be the last reported sale price at the relevant valuation date on the composite tape or on the principal exchange
on which such security is traded except those listed on the NASDAQ Global Market®, NASDAQ Global Select Market® and the NASDAQ
Capital Market® exchanges (collectively, “NASDAQ”). Securities traded on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official
Closing Price (“NOCP”). If no sale is reported on that date, the security will be valued at the last reported bid price. If
the Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) determines that price is not representative of the actual market price, the Committee
may determine the fair value of the security. |
| · | Securities not traded on a U.S. exchange or NASDAQ and foreign securities that are traded on foreign exchanges
whose operations are similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market will be valued at prices supplied by a pricing service. If the Committee
determines that price is not representative of the actual market price, the Committee may determine the fair value of the security. |
| · | Debt securities will be valued based on evaluated mean prices by an outside pricing service that employs
a pricing model that takes into account bids, yield spreads, and/or other market data and specific security characteristics (e.g., credit
quality, maturity and coupon rate). If a price cannot be obtained from pricing services, quotes from market makers or brokers may be used.
When possible, more than one market maker or broker should be utilized and the mean of bid and ask prices should be used. |
| · | Private Placements in Public Entities (“PIPES”) will be valued using the price of the publicly
traded common stock as a baseline, deducting the discount realized on the original purchase and amortizing the difference over the restricted
period. |
| · | Listed options on debt or equity securities are valued at the last sale price or, if there are no trades
for the day, the mean of the closing bid price and ask price. Unlisted options on debt or equity securities are valued based upon their
composite bid prices if held long, or their composite ask prices if held short. Futures are valued at the settlement price. Premiums for
the sale of options written by an investment company registered under the 1940 Act (a “Registered Fund”) will be included
in the assets of such Registered Fund, and the market value of such options will be included as a liability. |
| · | For valuation purposes, quotations of foreign portfolio securities, other assets and liabilities and forward
contracts stated in foreign currency are as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange each day the Exchange is open for trading
(or earlier as may be specified by the Registered Fund) and translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at the current prevailing market rates
as quoted by a pricing service. |
| · | Foreign securities are valued using “fair value factors.” Fair value factors consider daily
trade activity and price changes for depositary receipts, exchange-traded funds, index futures, foreign currency exchange activity, or
other relevant market data. |
| · | Over-the-counter options on foreign securities and currencies are fair valued by obtaining the “last
available bid” from a single dealer that is either the writer or purchaser of the option. |
| · | Swaps will be valued using market-based prices provided by pricing services or broker-dealer bid counterparty
quotations. |
| · | Whenever trading in a listed security held in a portfolio is temporarily suspended, halted or delisted
from an exchange, the security may be priced using the last closing price for a period of up to 5 business days. The Committee will continue
to monitor the security during this period and, if there is a belief that the last closing price does not reflect the fair value of such
security, then the value of such security will be determined by the Committee based on factors the Committee deems relevant. Whenever
any such valuation determination is made, the Committee will monitor the market and other sources of information available to it in order
to ascertain whether any change in circumstance would suggest a change in the value so determined. |
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to pay substantially all of its
net investment income to Common Shareholders through monthly distributions. In addition, the Fund intends to distribute any net long-term
capital gains to Common Shareholders at least annually. The Fund expects that distributions paid on the Common Shares will consist primarily
of (i) investment company taxable income, which includes, among other things, ordinary income, net short-term capital gain and income
from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss), and/or (iii) return of capital.
The Fund’s net investment income can vary
significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share. The distributions paid by the
Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly period.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the
Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. The Fund may distribute more than the entire amount of the net
investment income earned in a particular period, in which case all or a portion of a distribution may be a return of capital. Return of
capital is the return of a portion of the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax
basis in their Common Shares, which would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase
the Common Shareholder’s potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other
disposition of Common Shares. The Fund’s distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant
portion of return of capital. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately
55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the
Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield
or income.
Alternatively, the Fund may also distribute less
than its net investment income in a particular period. The undistributed net investment income may be available to supplement future common
share distributions. Undistributed net investment income is included in the Common Shares’ net asset value, and, correspondingly,
distributions from net investment income will reduce the Common Shares’ net asset value.
With each distribution that does not consist solely
of net investment income, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders that will provide estimated information regarding the amount and
composition of the distribution. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in each notice will be estimated, are likely to change
over time and are not provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of such amounts will be made and reported to shareholders
after the end of the calendar year when the Fund determines its earnings and profits for the year. The actual amounts and sources of the
amounts for accounting and tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its full fiscal year
and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send each shareholder a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year
that will tell shareholders how to report distributions for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund reserves the right to change its distribution
policy and the basis for establishing the rate of distributions at any time and may do so without prior notice to Common Shareholders.
Payment of future distributions is subject to
approval by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, as well as meeting the covenants of any outstanding Indebtedness or preferred shares and
the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Unless the registered owner of Common Shares elects
to receive cash by contacting the Plan Agent, all distributions declared for your Common Shares of the Fund (including capital gain distributions
and return of capital distributions) will be automatically reinvested by U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services (the “Plan Agent”),
agent for shareholders in administering the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”), in additional Common Shares
of the Fund. If a registered owner of Common Shares elects not to participate in the Plan, you will receive all distributions in cash
paid by check mailed directly to you (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Agent,
as distribution disbursing agent. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all distributions in cash by sending written
instructions or by contacting the Plan Agent, as distribution disbursing agent, at the address set out 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 distribution
record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared distribution. Some brokers
may automatically elect to receive cash on your behalf and may reinvest that cash in additional Common Shares of the Fund for you.
Whenever the Fund declares a distribution 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 for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below,
either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“newly-issued Common Shares”)
or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“open-market purchases”) on the New York Stock Exchange
or elsewhere.
If, on the payment date for any distribution,
the market price per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions is greater than the net asset value per Common Share (such condition
being referred to in this Prospectus as “market premium”), the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in newly-issued
Common Shares, including fractions, on behalf of the participants. 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 distribution by the net asset value per Common Share on the payment date;
provided that, if the net asset value per Common Share is less than 95% of the market price per Common Share on the payment date, the
dollar amount of the distribution will be divided by 95% of the market price per Common Share on the payment date.
If, on the payment date for any distribution,
the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the market value per Common Share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition
being referred to in this Prospectus as “market discount”), the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in Common Shares
acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases.
In the event of a market discount on the payment
date for any distribution, the Plan Agent will have until the last business day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade
on an “ex-distribution” basis or 120 days after the payment date for such distribution, whichever is sooner (the “last
purchase date”), to invest the distribution amount in Common Shares acquired in open-market purchases. The period during which open-market
purchases can be made will exist only from the payment date of each distribution through the date before the “ex-distribution”
date of the following distribution. The price per Common Share of shares acquired by the Plan Agent in open-market purchases will be deemed
to be the average price at which open-market purchases were made during such period. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its open-market
purchases, the market price of a Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price
paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if
the distribution had been paid in newly-issued Common Shares on the distribution payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with
respect to open market purchases, if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full distribution amount in open market purchases during the
purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent may cease making open-market
purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the distribution amount in newly-issued Common Shares at the net asset value per Common
Share at the close of business on the last purchase date; provided that, if the net asset value per Common Share is less than 95% of the
market price per Common Share on the payment date, the dollar amount of the distribution will be divided by 95% of the market price per
Common Share on the payment date.
The 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 or its designee 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. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in
connection with open-market purchases. The automatic reinvestment of distributions will not relieve participants of any federal, state
or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such distributions. Accordingly, any taxable distribution 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. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations.”
Participants whose shares are registered with
the Plan Agent in the name of one bank, broker or nominee firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to
participate in the Plan.
In addition, participants who request a sale of
shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a $15.00 per transaction sales fee and pay a brokerage commission of $0.12 per share sold.
To the extent that reinvested distributions are
invested in newly-issued Common Shares (which occurs when a market premium exists on the payment date for any distribution) the reinvestment
of distributions will increase the Managed Assets of the Fund, and thus the Management Fee paid to the Investment Adviser.
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. The Fund will provide written notice to participants at least 60 days in advance of implementing
any such amendment.
For more information about the Plan you may contact
the Plan Agent in writing at PO Box 708, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, or by calling the Plan Agent.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms
of the securities which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the
Fund’s governing documents. The Fund is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust
dated November 17, 2010, as filed with the State of Delaware on November 17, 2010 and as amended through the date hereof.
Common Shares
The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number
of Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share. Each Common Share has one vote. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust,
when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of this offering, the Common Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. The Declaration
of Trust provides that the Board of Trustees will have the power to cause shareholders to pay expenses of the Fund by setting off charges
due from shareholders from declared but unpaid distributions owed the shareholders and/or by reducing the number of Common Shares owned
by each respective shareholder. No expenses have been paid or are being paid pursuant to such provision, and the Board of Trustees has
no intention to cause expenses to be paid pursuant to such provision, which in any event may only be utilized to the extent permitted
by the 1940 Act.
The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders
so long as the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange and such meetings are required as a condition to such listing.
All Common Shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription
rights. The Fund will furnish annual and semi-annual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares.
Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the
Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional Common
Shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise. Shares of closed-end
funds frequently trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market value of the Common Shares may be influenced
by such factors as distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), distribution stability, net asset value, relative demand
for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund,
the Fund cannot assure you that Common Shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The Common
Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not purchase the Common Shares if you intend to sell them soon after
purchase.
Issuance of Additional
Common Shares
The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require
that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company
must equal or exceed the net asset value of such company’s common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering),
unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its common shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent
of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then-current net
asset value, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than
one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below net asset value in accordance with any conditions adopted
in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund
and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below net asset value will be disclosed
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Until such consent of Common
Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Because the Fund’s advisory
fee is based upon average Managed Assets, the Investment Adviser’s interest in recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares
at a price below net asset value may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.
The Fund will not sell Common Shares at a price
below its net asset value per Common Share (including with shareholder approval or pursuant to rights to purchase Common Shares) under
this Prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement without first filing a new post-effective amendment to the registration statement
if the cumulative dilution to the Fund’s net asset value per share from offerings under the registration statement exceeds 15%.
Subscription Rights to
Purchase Common Shares
The Fund may issue subscription rights to holders
of Common Shares to purchase Common Shares. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security
and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights
offering to holders of Common Shares, the Fund would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement
to our common or preferred shareholders as of the record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription
rights in such subscription rights offering. For complete terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription
rights which will be set forth in the subscription rights agreement and/or subscription certificate relating to such subscription rights.
The Fund may only conduct a subscription rights offering to the extent that the Board of Trustees makes a good faith determination that
the offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe
the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered:
| · | the period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of days such that
all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and will not be open longer than 120 days); |
| · | the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof); |
| · | the number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each Common Share; |
| · | the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded
if they are transferable; |
| · | if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance
or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| · | the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date on which
such right will expire (subject to any extension); |
| · | the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed
securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege; |
| · | any termination right the Fund may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; |
| · | the expected trading market, if any, for rights; and |
| · | any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations
relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise of Subscription
Rights
Each subscription right would entitle the holder
of the subscription right to purchase for cash such number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable
as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights would be exercisable
at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. After
the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Upon expiration of the rights offering and the
receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription
rights agent or any other office indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Fund would issue, as soon as practicable, the Common Shares
purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, the Fund may determine to offer any unsubscribed
offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination
of such methods, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
Transferable Rights Offering
Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be
transferrable. The terms of a transferrable rights offering will fully protect shareholders’ preemptive rights, if any, and will
not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible de minimis effect of not issuing fractional rights). The distribution to
Common Shareholders of transferable rights, which may themselves have intrinsic value, also will afford non-participating Common Shareholders
the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any dilution
of their interests that may occur as a result of the rights offering. In a transferrable rights offering, Fund management will use its
best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights. However, there
can be no assurance that a market for transferable rights will develop or, if such a market does develop, what the price of the transferable
rights will be. In a transferrable rights offering, the subscription ratio will not be less than 1-for-3, that is the holders of Common
Shares of record on the record date of the rights offering will receive one right for each outstanding Common Share owned on the record
date and the rights will entitle their holders to purchase one new Common Share for every three rights held (provided that any Common
Shareholder who owns fewer than three Common Shares as of the record date may subscribe for one full Common Share). Assuming the exercise
of all rights, such a rights offering would result in an approximately 331⁄3% increase in the Fund’s Common Shares outstanding.
Preferred Shares
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the Board of Trustees may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the
Board of Trustees without the approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares have no preemptive right to purchase
any preferred shares that might be issued pursuant to such provision. Whenever preferred shares are outstanding, the holders of Common
Shares will not be entitled to receive any distributions from the Fund unless all accrued distributions on preferred shares have been
paid, unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to
the distributions and unless certain other requirements imposed by any rating agencies rating the preferred shares have been met. If the
Board of Trustees determines to proceed with such an offering, the terms of the preferred shares may be the same as, or different from,
the terms described below, subject to applicable law and the Declaration of Trust. The Board of Trustees, without the approval of the
holders of Common Shares, may authorize an offering of preferred shares or may determine not to authorize such an offering and may fix
the terms of the preferred shares to be offered. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not issued any preferred shares and has
no current expectation to issue preferred shares in the next 12 months.
Distributions
Holders of preferred shares will be entitled to
receive cash distributions, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Trustees and declared by the Fund, out of funds legally available
therefor. The Prospectus Supplement for any offering of preferred shares will describe the distributions payment provisions for those
shares. Distributions so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Delaware law and to the extent available and
in preference to and priority over any distribution declared and payable on the Common Shares.
Limitations on Distributions
So long as the Fund has Indebtedness outstanding,
holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to receive any distributions unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with
respect to outstanding Indebtedness would be at least 300% after giving effect to such distributions.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution,
which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not declared,
before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution
to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets
by the Fund.
Voting Rights
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any
preferred shares, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two trustees at all times. The remaining trustees
will be elected by holders of Common Shares and preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, subject to the prior
rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of senior securities outstanding, the holders of any preferred shares have the right
to elect a majority of the trustees of the Fund at any time two years of distributions on any preferred shares are unpaid. The 1940 Act
also requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority
of any outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would
adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940
Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s sub-classification as a closed-end fund or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent
that there are any preferred shares outstanding.
Debt Securities
The Board of Trustees (subject to applicable law
and the Declaration of Trust) may authorize an offering, without the approval of the holders of either Common Shares or preferred shares,
of other classes of shares, or other classes or series of shares, as they determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, having
such terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate. The Fund currently
does not expect to issue any other classes of shares, or series of shares, except for the Common Shares.
Under Delaware law and the Fund’s Declaration
of Trust, the Board of Trustees may cause the Fund to borrow money, without prior approval of holders of common and preferred stock to
the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment restrictions and the 1940 Act. The Fund may issue debt securities or other evidence
of Indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security Fund assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings will
rank senior to the preferred shares and the Common Shares.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may only issue one
class of senior securities representing Indebtedness.
Limitations
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act the Fund,
immediately after any issuance of debt securities, must have “asset coverage” of at least 300% (i.e., for every dollar
of Indebtedness outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets). The issuance of debt securities also may
result in the Fund being subject to covenants that may be more stringent than the restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act.
Voting Rights
Debt securities are not expected to have any voting
rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided in any documents governing the debt securities. The 1940 Act does,
in certain circumstances, grant to the lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment
of principal.
Capitalization
The following information regarding the Fund’s
authorized shares is as of May 6, 2024:
Title of Class |
Amount
Authorized
|
Amount Held by Fund
for its own Account
|
Amount Outstanding
Exclusive of Amounts
held by Fund
|
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest |
Unlimited |
None |
2,601,714 |
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION
OF TRUST
The Declaration of Trust includes
provisions that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change
the composition of its Board of Trustees. This could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares
at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over the Fund. Such attempts could
have the effect of increasing the expenses of the Fund and disrupting the normal operation of the Fund. In addition, these ownership restrictions
may reduce market demand for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood that the Fund’s
Common Shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
The Board of Trustees is divided
into two classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees
is elected to a two-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. A
Trustee may be removed from office (with or without cause) by the action of a majority of the remaining Trustees followed by a vote of
the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled to vote for the election of the respective Trustee.
In addition, the Declaration
of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the Fund’s Board of Trustees followed by the favorable vote of the holders
of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, to approve,
adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5% or greater holders of a class or series of shares and their associates, unless the transaction
has been approved by at least 75% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund will be required. For purposes of these provisions, a 5% or greater holder of a class or series of shares
(a “Principal Shareholder”) refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its
affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of all outstanding classes or series of shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund.
The 5% holder transactions subject
to these special approval requirements are: the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal
Shareholder; the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash, except pursuant to any automatic dividend
reinvestment plan; the sale, lease or exchange of any assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate
fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any
series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period; or the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund,
in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate fair market value
of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions
within a twelve-month period.
The Declaration of Trust limits
the ability of persons to beneficially own (within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code) more than 4.99% of the outstanding Common
Shares of the Fund and could have an anti-takeover effect on the Fund, which could decrease the Fund’s market price in certain circumstances
or limit the ability of certain shareholders to influence the management of the Fund. This restriction was adopted in order to reduce
the risk of the Fund undergoing an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, which would limit
the Fund’s ability to use a capital loss carryforward and certain unrealized losses (if such tax attributes exist). These ownership
restrictions could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market
prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control over the Fund. Such attempts could have the effect of increasing the
expenses of the Fund and disrupting the normal operation of the Fund. In addition, these ownership restrictions may reduce market demand
for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood that the Fund’s Common Shares trade
at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
To convert the Fund to an open-end
investment company, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the board of the Trustees followed by the favorable
vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of shares of the Fund, voting separately
as a class or series, unless such amendment has been approved by 75% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding
voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund will be required. The foregoing vote would satisfy a separate requirement
in the 1940 Act that any conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company be approved by the shareholders.
For the purposes of calculating
“a majority of the outstanding voting securities” under the Declaration of Trust, each class and series of the Fund will vote
together as a single class, except to the extent required by the 1940 Act or the Declaration of Trust, with respect to any class or series
of shares. If a separate class vote is required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or series, voting as a separate class
or series, also will be required.
The Declaration of Trust also
provides that the Fund may be dissolved and terminated upon the approval of 75% of the Trustees by written notice to the shareholders.
As noted, the voting provisions
described above could have the effect of depriving shareholders of an opportunity to sell their Common Shares at a premium over prevailing
market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. In the
view of the Board of Trustees, however, these provisions offer several possible advantages, including: (1) requiring persons seeking control
of the Fund to negotiate with its management regarding the price to be paid for the amount of Common Shares required to obtain control;
(2) promoting continuity and stability; and (3) enhancing the Fund’s ability to pursue long-term strategies that are consistent
with its investment objective and policies. The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees
and the shareholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware
law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust, on file
with the SEC for the full text of these provisions.
In addition, as a Delaware statutory
trust, the Fund is subject to the Control Share Statute contained in Subchapter III of the DSTA, which became automatically applicable
to listed closed-end funds, such as the Fund, upon its Effective Date of August 1, 2022. The Control Share Statute provides that
an acquirer of shares above a series of voting power thresholds has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the
Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders.
See “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Delaware Control Share Statute.”
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF DELAWARE LAW, THE DECLARATION
OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS
Classified Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is divided into two classes
of trustees serving staggered two-year terms. Upon expiration of their current terms, Trustees of each class will be elected to serve
for two-year terms and until their successors are duly elected and qualified or the Fund terminates, and each year one class of Trustees
will be elected by the shareholders. A classified board may render a change in control of the Fund or removal of the Fund’s
incumbent management more difficult. The Fund believes, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board
of Trustees will help to ensure the continuity and stability of its management and policies.
Election of Trustees
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of Trustees will be
required to elect a Trustee.
Number of Trustees; Vacancies;
Removal
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the number of Trustees will be set by the Board of Trustees. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides that a majority of the
Fund’s Trustees then in office may at any time increase or decrease the number of Trustees provided there will be at least one Trustee.
As soon as any such Trustee has accepted his appointment in writing, the trust estate will vest in the new Trustee, together with the
continuing Trustees, without any further act or conveyance, and he will be deemed a Trustee thereunder. The Trustees’ power of appointment
is subject to Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees will occur, until such vacancy is filled
as provided, the Trustees in office, regardless of their number, will have all the powers granted to the Trustees and will discharge all
the duties imposed upon the Trustees by the Declaration of Trust.
Action by Shareholders
Shareholder action can be taken only at an annual
or special meeting of shareholders or by written consent in lieu of a meeting.
Advance Notice Provisions
for Shareholder Nominations and Shareholder Proposals
The Fund’s By-laws provide that with respect
to an annual meeting of shareholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of business to be
considered by shareholders may be made only (1) pursuant to the Fund’s notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Trustees or (3)
by a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice and at the time of the annual meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting
and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the By-laws. With respect to special meetings of shareholders, only the business
specified in the Fund’s notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board
of Trustees at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to the Fund’s notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Trustees
or (3) provided that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees will be elected at the meeting, by a shareholder of record both
at the time of giving of notice and at the time of the annual meeting who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with
the advance notice provisions of the By-laws.
Calling of Special Meetings
of Shareholders
The Fund’s By-laws provide that special
meetings of shareholders may be called at any time by the Chairman, the President or the Trustees of the Fund. By following certain procedures,
a special meeting of shareholders will also be called by the Secretary of the Fund upon the written request of the Common Shareholders
entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
Additional Provisions of the Declaration of
Trust
The Declaration of Trust provides that there shall
not be applicable to the Fund, the Fund’s trustees or the Declaration of Trust the establishment of fiduciary or other standards
of responsibilities or limitations on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations or liabilities or authorities
and powers of the Trustees set out or referenced in the Declaration of Trust. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of the Declaration
of Trust shall limit, waive or modify the duties of the Fund’s trustees, officers, members of any advisory board, investment adviser
or depositor arising under the federal securities laws.
Under the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and
under Delaware law, the Trustees, officers, employees and certain agents of the Fund are entitled to indemnification under certain circumstances
against liabilities, claims and expenses arising from any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which they are
made parties by reason of the fact that they are or were such Trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Fund, subject to the limitations
of the 1940 Act that prohibit indemnification that would protect such persons against liabilities to the Fund or its shareholders to which
they would otherwise be subject by reason of their own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties.
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, in order
to bring a derivative action on behalf of the Funda shareholder or shareholders must make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring
the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed. A demand shall only be deemed
not likely to succeed and therefore excused if a majority of the Board of Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider
the merits of such action, is composed of Trustees who are not “independent trustees” (as that term is defined in the DSTA).
Unless a demand is not required pursuant to the foregoing, shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action who hold at least 10%
of the outstanding shares of the Fund must join in the request for the Board Trustees to commence such action and the Board of Trustees
must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees
shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the
shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fundfor the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not
to bring such action. The Fund is aware that it is the view of the Staff of the SEC that the requirement of shareholders holding 10% of
the outstanding shares join in a demand request and the requirement that a shareholder making a pre-suit demand undertake to reimburse
the Fund for the expense of advisers retained by the Trustees in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action do not
apply to claims under the federal securities laws.
Delaware Control Share Statute
Because the Fund is organized
as a Delaware statutory trust it is subject to the Control Share Statute contained in Subchapter III of the DSTA, which became automatically
applicable to listed closed-end funds, such as the Fund, upon its Effective Date of August 1, 2022.
The Control Share Statute provides
for a series of voting power thresholds above which shares are considered control shares. These thresholds are:
| · | 10% or more, but less than 15% of all voting power; |
| · | 15% or more, but less than 20% of all voting power; |
| · | 20% or more, but less than 25% of all voting power; |
| · | 25% or more, but less than 30% of all voting power; |
| · | 30% or more, but less than a majority of all voting power; or |
| · | a majority or more of all voting power. |
Voting power is defined by the
Control Share Statute as the power to directly or indirectly exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of Fund shares in the
election of Trustees. Whether a voting power threshold is met is determined by aggregating the holdings of the acquirer as well as those
of its “associates,” as defined by the Control Share Statute.
Once a threshold is reached,
an acquirer has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that
threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders. Approval by shareholders requires the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares held by the acquirer and its associates as well as
shares held by certain insiders of a Fund. The Control Share Statute provides procedures for an acquirer to request a shareholder meeting
for the purpose of considering whether voting rights shall be accorded to control shares. Further approval by a Fund’s shareholders
would be required with respect to additional acquisitions of control shares above the next applicable threshold level.
The Control Share Statute effectively
allows non-interested shareholders to evaluate the intentions and plans of an acquiring person above each threshold level.
Alternatively, the Board of
Trustees is permitted, but not obligated, to exempt specific acquisitions or classes of acquisitions of control shares, either in advance
or retroactively. The Board of Trustees has considered the Control Share Statute. As of the date hereof, the Board of Trustees has not
received notice of the occurrence of a control share acquisition nor has been requested to exempt any acquisition. Therefore, the Board
of Trustees has not determined whether the application of the Control Share Statute to an acquisition of Fund shares is in the best interest
of the Fund and its shareholders and has not exempted, and has no present intention to exempt, any acquisition or class of acquisitions.
If the Board of Trustees receives
a notice of a control share acquisition and/or a request to exempt any acquisition, it will consider whether the application of the Control
Share Statute or the granting of such an exemption would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund should not
be viewed as a vehicle for trading purposes. It is designed primarily for risk-tolerant long-term investors.
The Control Share Statute does
not retroactively apply to acquisitions of shares that occurred prior to the Effective Date. However, such shares will be aggregated with
any shares acquired after the Effective Date for purposes of determining whether a voting power threshold is exceeded, resulting in the
newly acquired shares constituting control shares.
The Control Share Statute requires
shareholders to disclose to the Fund any control share acquisition within 10 days of such acquisition and, upon request, to provide any
information that the Board of Trustees reasonably believes is necessary or desirable to determine whether a control share acquisition
has occurred.
Some uncertainty around the
general application under the 1940 Act of state control share statutes exists as a result of recent federal and state court decisions
that have found that certain control share by-laws and the opting in to state control share statutes violated the 1940 Act. Additionally,
in some circumstances uncertainty may also exist in how to enforce the control share restrictions contained in state control share statutes
against beneficial owners who hold their shares through financial intermediaries. The Board has considered the Control Share Statute and
the uncertainty around the general application under the 1940 Act of state control share statutes and enforcement of statute control share
statutes. The Board intends to continue to monitor developments relating to the Control Share Statute and state control share statutes
generally.
The foregoing is only a summary of certain aspects
of the Control Share Statute. Shareholders should consult their own legal counsel to determine the application of the Control Share Statute
with respect to their shares of the Fund and any subsequent acquisitions of shares.
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE
Closed-end funds differ from open-end management
investment companies (commonly referred to as “mutual funds”). Closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on
a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. In contrast, mutual funds issue securities redeemable
at net asset value at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Although mutual funds
are subject to continuous asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, closed-end funds generally can stay more
fully invested in securities consistent with the closed-end fund’s investment objective and policies. Accordingly, closed-end funds
have greater flexibility than open-end funds to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.
Shares of closed-end funds listed for trading
on a securities exchange frequently trade at discounts to their net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. The market price
may be affected by net asset value, distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for the shares,
stability of distributions, trading volume of the shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control
of the closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares being greater than, less
than or equal to net asset value. The Board of Trustees has reviewed the Fund’s structure in light of its investment objective and
policies and has determined that the closed-end structure is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. However, the Board
of Trustees may periodically review the trading range and activity of the Fund’s shares with respect to their net asset value and
may take certain actions to seek to reduce or eliminate any such discount. Such actions may include open market repurchases or tender
offers for the Fund’s Common Shares at net asset value or the Fund’s possible conversion to an open-end mutual fund. There
can be no assurance that the Board of Trustees will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if undertaken, such actions would
result in the Fund’s Common Shares trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per share of its Common Shares.
To convert the Fund to an open-end investment
company, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of a majority of the board of the Trustees followed by the favorable vote
of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of shares of the Fund, voting separately as
a class or series, unless such amendment has been approved by 75% of the Trustees, in which case “a majority of the outstanding
voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund will be required. The foregoing vote would satisfy a separate requirement
in the 1940 Act that any conversion of the Fund to an open-end investment company be approved by the shareholders. Following any such
conversion, it is possible that certain of the Fund’s investment policies and strategies would have to be modified to assure sufficient
portfolio liquidity. In the event of conversion, the Fund would be required to redeem any preferred shares then outstanding (requiring
in turn that it liquidate a portion of its investment portfolio) and the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the New York Stock
Exchange or other national securities exchanges or market systems. Shareholders of an open-end investment company may require the investment
company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or permitted under the 1940 Act) at their
net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to avoid maintaining large
cash positions or liquidating favorable investments to meet redemptions, open-end investment companies typically engage in a continuous
offering of their shares. Open-end investment companies are thus subject to periodic asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate
portfolio management. The Fund’s Board of Trustees may at any time propose the Fund’s conversion to open-end status, depending
upon its judgment regarding the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing. However, based on the determination
of the Board of Trustees in connection with this initial offering of the Fund’s Common Shares that the closed-end structure is desirable
in light of the Fund’s investment objective and policies, it is highly unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert
the Fund to an open-end investment company.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES
In recognition of the possibility that the Fund’s
Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of the Fund’s Common
Shareholders, the Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Investment Adviser, from time to time may, but is not required to, review
possible actions to reduce any such discount. The Board of Trustees also may, but is not required to, consider from time to time open
market repurchases of and/or tender offers for the Fund’s Common Shares, as well as other potential actions, to seek to reduce any
market discount from net asset value that may develop. After any consideration of potential actions to seek to reduce any significant
market discount, the Board of Trustees may, subject to its applicable duties and compliance with applicable U.S. state and federal laws,
authorize the commencement of a share-repurchase program or tender offer. The size and timing of any such share repurchase program or
tender offer will be determined by the Board of Trustees in light of the market discount of the Fund’s Common Shares, trading volume
of the Fund’s Common Shares, information presented to the Board of Trustees regarding the potential impact of any such share repurchase
program or tender offer, general market and economic conditions and applicable law. There can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact
effect repurchases of or tender offers for any of its Common Shares. The Fund may, subject to its investment limitation with respect to
borrowings, incur debt to finance such repurchases or a tender offer or for other valid purposes. Interest on any such borrowings would
increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce its net income.
There can be no assurance that repurchases of
the Fund’s Common Shares or tender offers, if any, will cause its Common Shares to trade at a price equal to or in excess of their
net asset value. Nevertheless, the possibility that a portion of the Fund’s outstanding Common Shares may be the subject of repurchases
or tender offers may reduce the spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist. Sellers may be less inclined
to accept a significant discount in the sale of their Common Shares if they have a reasonable expectation of being able to receive a price
of net asset value for a portion of their Common Shares in conjunction with an announced repurchase program or tender offer for the Fund’s
Common Shares.
Although the Board of Trustees believes that repurchases
or tender offers generally would have a favorable effect on the market price of the Fund’s Common Shares, the acquisition of Common
Shares by the Fund will decrease its total assets and therefore will have the effect of increasing its expense ratio and decreasing the
asset coverage with respect to any preferred shares outstanding. Because of the nature of the Fund’s investment objective, policies
and portfolio, particularly its investment in illiquid or otherwise restricted securities, it is possible that repurchases of Common Shares
or tender offers could interfere with the Fund’s ability to manage its investments in order to seek its investment objective. Further,
it is possible that the Fund could experience difficulty in borrowing money or be required to dispose of portfolio securities to consummate
repurchases of or tender offers for Common Shares.
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the U.S. federal
income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of Common Shares of the Fund. A more detailed discussion
of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its Common Shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial
and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue
Service (“IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address any other U.S. federal tax considerations
(such as estate, gift, or net investment taxes) or any state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations. No ruling has been or will be sought
from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not
sustain, a position different from any of the tax aspects set forth below. This discussion assumes that you are taxable as a U.S. person
(as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and that you hold Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes
(generally, assets held for investment). No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal, state, local and foreign
tax concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders (including Common Shareholders subject to special provisions of the Code).
The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors to determine the tax
consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected to be taxed as, and intends
to continue to qualify each year for special tax treatment afforded to, a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter
M of the Code. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy certain income, asset diversification and distribution
requirements. As long as it so qualifies, the Fund will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes
annually its investment company taxable income (which includes ordinary income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss) and its “net capital gain” (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such income and gain. If the Fund retains any investment
company taxable income or net capital gain, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the retained amount at regular corporate
tax rates. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a RIC for any taxable year and relief is not available, it will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on all of its income and gains at regular corporate tax rates. The remainder of this discussion assumes the Fund
qualifies to be treated as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Taxation of Common Shareholders
For each taxable year the Fund is treated as a
RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions paid to you by the Fund from its investment company taxable income are generally
taxable to you as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Certain properly reported
distributions may, however, qualify (provided that holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and the Common Shareholder)
(i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate Common Shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists
of dividend income from U.S. corporations or (ii) in the case of individual Common Shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible
to be taxed at a reduced maximum rate to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in
general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain non-U.S. corporations. There can be no assurance as to what portion
of the Fund’s dividends will qualify for the dividends received deduction or for treatment as qualified dividend income.
Distributions made to you from an excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss (“capital gain distributions”), including capital gain distributions
credited to you but retained by the Fund, are taxable to you as long-term capital gains if they have been properly reported by the Fund,
regardless of the length of time you have owned Common Shares. For individuals, long-term capital gains are generally taxed at a reduced
maximum rate.
If, for any calendar year, the Fund’s total
distributions exceed both the current taxable year’s earnings and profits and accumulated earnings and profits from prior years,
the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a Common Shareholder’s tax basis in the
Common Shares, reducing that basis accordingly. Such distributions exceeding the Common Shareholder’s basis will be treated as gain
from the sale or exchange of the Common Shares. When you sell your Common Shares, the amount, if any, by which your sales price exceeds
your basis in the Common Shares is gain subject to tax. Because a return of capital reduces your basis in the Common Shares, it will increase
the amount of your gain or decrease the amount of your loss when you sell the Common Shares. Generally, after the end of each year, you
will be provided with a written notice reporting the amount of ordinary dividend income, capital gain distributions and other distributions
(if relevant).
The sale or other disposition of Common Shares
will generally result in capital gain or loss to you which will be long-term capital gain or loss if the Common Shares have been held
for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated
as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received by you (including amounts credited to you as an undistributed
capital gain distribution). Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical
shares are acquired (whether through the automatic reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date of disposition of Common Shares. In such case, the basis of the Common Shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable
to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, under current law short-term capital gain is taxed at the U.S. federal income tax rates
applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at a reduced maximum U.S. federal income tax rate.
Dividends and other taxable distributions are
generally taxable to Common Shareholders when paid. If, however, the Fund pays you a distribution in January that was declared in the
previous October, November or December to Common Shareholders of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such distribution
will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the distribution
was declared.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Fund may sell up to $100,000,000 in aggregate
initial offering price of Common Shares or Rights from time to time under this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement (1) directly
to one or more purchases, including existing shareholders in a Rights offering; (2) through agents; (3) through underwriters; (4) through
dealers; or (5) pursuant to the Plan. Each Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of securities will state the terms of the offering,
including:
| · | the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers; |
| · | any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation; |
| · | any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents; |
| · | the public offering or purchase price of the offered Securities and the net proceeds the Fund will receive
from the sale; and |
| · | any securities exchange on which the offered Securities may be listed. |
In the case of a Rights offering, the applicable
Prospectus Supplement will set forth the number of Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such
rights offering.
Direct Sales
The Fund may sell Securities directly to, and
solicit offers from, institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act for any resales
of the securities. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. The Fund may use electronic media, including the Internet,
to sell offered securities directly. The Fund will describe the terms of any of those sales in a Prospectus Supplement.
By Agents
The Fund may offer Securities through agents that
the Fund may designate. The Fund will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by the Fund in
the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the agents will be acting on a best efforts basis
for the period of their appointment.
By Underwriters
The Fund may offer and sell Securities from time
to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the Securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment
or best efforts basis. If the Fund sells Securities to underwriters, the Fund will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the
time of the sale and will name them in the Prospectus Supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have
received compensation from the Fund in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions
from purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters will
not be obligated to purchase the Securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters
purchase any of the Securities, they will be required to purchase all of the offered Securities. The underwriters may sell the offered
Securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as
from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
In connection with an offering of Common Shares,
if a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Fund may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional Common Shares at the public
offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any
overallotments.
By Dealers
The Fund may offer and sell Securities from time
to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered Securities to the
public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. The Fund will set forth the names of the dealers
and the terms of the transaction in the Prospectus Supplement.
General Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating
in an offering of Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commission received by them and any profit realized
by them on resale of the offered Securities for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under
the Securities Act.
The Fund may offer to sell securities either at
a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices
or at negotiated prices.
To facilitate an offering of Common Shares in
an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain,
or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares or any other Security. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering
stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer.
| · | An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the common stock for the underwriter’s
own account. |
| · | An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the Common Shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing,
or maintaining the price of the Common Shares. |
| · | Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the
price of the Common Shares by bidding for, and purchasing, the Common Shares or any other Securities in the open market in order to reduce
a short position created in connection with the offering. |
| · | The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession
in connection with an offering when the Common Shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions
or otherwise. |
Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain
the market price of the Securities above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and
may end any of these activities at any time.
In connection with any Rights offering, the Fund
may also enter into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter(s) will purchase
Common Shares remaining unsubscribed for after the Rights offering.
Any underwriters to whom the offered Securities
are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered Securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market-making at any time without notice. There can be no assurance that there will be a liquid trading market for the
offered Securities.
Under agreements entered into with the Fund, underwriters
and agents may be entitled to indemnification by the Fund and the Investment Adviser against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates
may engage in financial or other business transactions with the Fund in the ordinary course of business.
Pursuant to a requirement of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, the maximum compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer may not
be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received by the Fund for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant
to SEC Rule 415 under the Securities Act.
The aggregate offering price specified on the
cover of this Prospectus relates to the offering of the Securities not yet issued as of the date of this Prospectus.
To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as a broker or dealer and receive fees in
connection with the execution of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and,
subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
A Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement
in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of
Securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of Securities for internet distributions will be made
on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Securities may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Securities
to online brokerage account holders.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, located at
615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, has entered into a transfer agent servicing agreement with the Fund. Under this
agreement, U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar and distribution disbursing agent.
U.S. Bank National Association, which is located
at 1555 N. River Center Dr., Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, acts as custodian of the Fund’s securities and other assets.
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, the Administrator,
which is located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the Fund’s administrator pursuant to a fund
administration servicing agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, the Administrator provides the Fund with, among other things, compliance
oversight, financial reporting oversight and tax reporting. The Administrator acts as the Fund’s fund accountant. The Administrator
will assist in the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value. The Administrator will also maintain and keep current the accounts,
books, records and other documents relating to the Fund’s financial and portfolio transactions.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed on for the
Fund by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Chicago, Illinois.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP, Dallas, Texas, is the independent
registered public accounting firm of the Fund and is expected to render an opinion annually on the financial statements of the Fund.
PRIVACY POLICY
In order to conduct its business, the Fund collects
and maintains certain nonpublic personal information about its shareholders with respect to their transactions in shares of the Fund.
This information includes:
| · | information the Fund receives from you on or in applications or other forms, correspondence, or conversations,
including, but not limited to, your name, address, phone number, social security number, assets, income and date of birth; and |
| · | information about your transactions with the Fund, its affiliates or others, including, but not limited
to, your account number and balance, payment history, parties to transactions, cost basis information and other financial information. |
The Fund does not disclose any nonpublic personal
information about you, the Fund’s other shareholders or the Fund’s former shareholders to third parties unless necessary to
process a transaction, service an account, or as otherwise permitted by law. To protect your personal information internally, the Fund
restricts access to nonpublic personal information about the Fund’s shareholders to those employees who need to know that information
to provide services to the Fund’s shareholders. The Fund also maintains certain other safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal
information.
In the event that you hold shares of the Fund
through a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to, a broker-dealer, bank or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial
intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared with nonaffiliated third parties.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
The Fund |
S-1 |
Investment Strategies and Risks |
S-1 |
Strategic Transactions |
S-4 |
Investment Restrictions |
S-14 |
Management of the Fund |
S-15 |
Portfolio Management |
S-21 |
Investment Management Agreement |
S-22 |
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage |
S-23 |
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations |
S-24 |
Service Providers |
S-30 |
General Information |
S-31 |
Financial Statements |
S-32 |
$100,000,000
The NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund
Common Shares
Subscription Rights for Common Shares
The information in this Statement of Additional
Information is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated June 6, 2024
$100,000,000
The NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund
Common Shares
Subscription Rights for Common Shares
Statement of Additional Information
The NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (the “Fund”)
was formed as a Delaware statutory trust on November 17, 2010 and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek high total return with an emphasis on current income. No assurance can be given that
the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)
is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Fund dated ,
2024 (the “Prospectus”). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing common shares. A copy of
the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge, by calling the Fund at (214) 692-6334.
The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the
information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The registration
statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the Securities
and Exchange Commission’s office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have
the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
The Fund is managed by Cushing® Asset Management,
LP (the “Investment Adviser”).
This Statement of Additional Information is
dated , 2024.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Fund |
S-1 |
Investment Strategies and Risks |
S-1 |
Strategic Transactions |
S-4 |
Investment Restrictions |
S-14 |
Management of the Fund |
S-15 |
Portfolio Management |
S-21 |
Investment Management Agreement |
S-22 |
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage |
S-23 |
U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations |
S-24 |
Service Providers |
S-30 |
General Information |
S-31 |
Financial Statements |
S-32 |
THE
FUND
The Fund was formed as a Delaware statutory trust
on November 17, 2010 and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund commenced investment operations on September 25, 2012.
INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The sections below describe, in greater detail
than in the Prospectus, some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Fund and the investment practices in which
the Fund may engage. The Fund may make the following investments, among others, some of which are part of its principal investment strategies
and some of which are not. The principal risks of the Fund’s principal investment strategies are discussed in the Prospectus. The
Fund may not buy all of the types of securities or use all of the investment techniques that are described.
Master Limited Partnership
Interests
Master limited partnerships are formed as limited
partnerships or limited liability companies and are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The equity securities
issued by many MLPs are listed and traded on a U.S. exchange. An MLP typically issues general partner and limited partner interests. The
general partner manages and often controls, has an ownership stake in, and is normally eligible to receive incentive distribution payments
from, the MLP. To be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP must derive at least 90% of its gross income
for each taxable year from certain qualifying sources as described in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
These qualifying sources include natural resources-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing,
refining, transportation, storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources. The general partner may be structured as a private
or publicly-traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the entity through
an up to 2% general partner interest in the entity plus, in many cases, ownership of some percentage of the outstanding limited partner
interests. The limited partners, through their ownership of limited partner interests, provide capital to the entity, are intended to
have no role in the operation and management of the entity and receive cash distributions. Due to their structure as partnerships for
U.S. federal income tax purposes and the expected character of their income, MLPs generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes. Thus,
unlike investors in corporate securities, direct MLP investors are generally not subject to double taxation (i.e., corporate level
tax and tax on corporate dividends).
Certain MLPs are dependent on their parents or
sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by an MLP’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations
would impact the MLP’s revenues and cash flows and ability to make distributions. Moreover, the terms of an MLP’s transactions
with its parent or sponsor are typically not arrived at on an arm’s-length basis, and may not be as favorable to the MLP as a transaction
with a non-affiliate.
MLP Equity Securities
Equity securities issued by MLPs typically consist
of common units, subordinated units and general partner interests.
Common Units
The common units of many MLPs are listed and traded
on national securities exchanges, including the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) and the NASDAQ Stock Market
(the “NASDAQ”). Holders of MLP common units typically have very limited control and voting rights. Holders of such common
units are typically entitled to receive the minimum quarterly distribution (the “MQD”), including arrearage rights, from the
issuer. In the event of a liquidation, common unit holders are intended to have a preference to the remaining assets of the issuer over
holders of subordinated units. The Fund may invest in different classes of common units that may have different voting, trading, and distribution
rights.
Subordinated Units.
Subordinated units, which, like common units,
represent limited partner interests, are not typically listed on an exchange or publicly traded. Holders of such subordinated units are
generally entitled to receive a distribution only after the MQD and any arrearages from prior quarters have been paid to holders of common
units. Holders of subordinated units typically have the right to receive distributions before any incentive distributions are payable
to the general partner. Subordinated units generally do not provide arrearage rights. Most MLP subordinated units are convertible into
common units after the passage of a specified period of time or upon the achievement by the issuer of specified financial goals. The Fund
may invest in different classes of subordinated units that may have different voting, trading, and distribution rights.
General Partner Interests
The general partner interest in MLPs is typically
retained by the original sponsors of an MLP, such as its founders, corporate partners and entities that sell assets to the MLP. The holder
of the general partner interest can be liable in certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder’s investment.
General partner interests often confer direct board participation rights in, and in many cases control over the operations of, the MLP.
General partner or managing member interests receive cash distributions, typically in an amount of up to 2% of available cash, which is
contractually defined in the partnership or limited liability company agreement. In addition, holders of general partner or managing member
interests typically receive incentive distribution rights, which provide them with an increasing share of the entity’s aggregate
cash distributions upon the payment of per common unit distributions that exceed specified threshold levels above the MQD. Due to the
incentive distribution rights, GP MLPs have higher distribution growth prospects than their underlying MLPs, but quarterly incentive distribution
payments would also decline at a greater rate than the decline rate in quarterly distributions to common and subordinated unit holders
in the event of a reduction in the MLP’s quarterly distribution.
I-Shares
I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued
by an MLP affiliate. The MLP affiliate uses the proceeds from the sale of I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in the MLP
in the form of I-units. Thus, I-Shares represent an indirect limited partner interest in the MLP. I-units have features similar to MLP
common units in terms of voting rights, liquidation preference and distribution. I-Shares differ from MLP common units primarily in that
instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of I-Shares will receive distributions of additional I-Shares in an amount equal to the
cash distributions received by common unit holders. I-Shares are traded on the NYSE.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with
broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions to earn a return on temporarily available cash. A repurchase agreement is a short-term
investment in which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a security and the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation
at a future time and set price, thereby determining the yield during the holding period. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks in
the event of default by the other party. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial
institutions deemed to be creditworthy by the Investment Adviser under guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The Fund does not
bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the
event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the
underlying securities and losses including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund
seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period; and (c) expenses
of enforcing its rights.
Repurchase agreements are fully collateralized
by the underlying securities and are considered to be loans under the 1940 Act. The Fund pays for such securities only upon physical delivery
or evidence of book-entry transfer to the account of a custodian or bank acting as agent. The seller under a repurchase agreement will
be required to maintain the value of the underlying securities marked-to-market daily at not less than the repurchase price. The underlying
securities (normally securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) may have maturity dates exceeding one year.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale
of a portfolio-eligible security by the Fund, coupled with its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. Under
a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund continues to receive any principal and interest payments on the underlying security during the
term of the agreement. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities retained by the Fund may decline
below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase.
Rights and Warrants
Warrants are in effect longer-term call options.
They give the holder the right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular company at specified prices within certain periods
of time. Rights are similar to warrants except that they have a substantially shorter term. The purchaser of a warrant expects that the
market price of the security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the exercise price of the warrant, thus producing a profit.
Of course, since the market price may never exceed the exercise price before the expiration date of the warrant, the purchaser of the
warrant risks the loss of the entire purchase price of the warrant. Warrants generally trade in the open market and may be sold rather
than exercised.
Warrants are sometimes sold in unit form with
other securities of an issuer. Units of warrants and common stock may be employed in financing young, unseasoned companies. The purchase
price of a warrant varies with the exercise price of the warrant, the current market value of the underlying security, the life of the
warrant and various other investment factors. Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative and less liquid than certain other
types of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities nor
do they represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company and may lack a secondary market.
Depositary Receipts
American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”)
typically are issued by an American bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a non-U.S. corporation.
European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts, are receipts issued
in Europe, typically by non-U.S. banks and trust companies, that evidence ownership of either non-U.S. or domestic underlying securities.
Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) are depositary receipts structured like global debt issues to facilitate trading on an
international basis. Unsponsored ADR, EDR and GDR programs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the
underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs, EDRs and
GDRs, and the prices of unsponsored ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Investments
in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs present additional investment considerations of non-U.S. securities.
When-Issued and Delayed
Delivery Transactions
The Fund may purchase and sell portfolio securities
on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis. No income accrues to the Fund on securities in connection with such purchase transactions
prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuation; the value
of the securities at delivery may be more or less than their purchase price, and yields generally available on comparable securities when
delivery occurs may be higher or lower than yields on the securities obtained pursuant to such transactions. Because the Fund relies on
the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to consummate the transaction, failure by the other party to complete the transaction may result
in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the
1940 Act (the “Derivatives Rule”), the Fund may invest in securities on a when-issued or forward-settling basis or with a
non-standard settlement cycle, provided (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and (ii) the transaction will settle
within 35 days of its trade date. Otherwise, such transactions, depending on their terms, may be treated as unfunded commitment agreements,
which requires the Fund to reasonably believe that, at the time it enters into such a transaction, it will have sufficient cash and cash
equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements as they come due, or as derivatives transactions.
The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on such basis only with the intention of actually acquiring these securities, but
the Fund may sell such securities prior to the settlement date if such sale is considered to be advisable. To the extent the Fund engages
in when-issued and delayed delivery transactions, it will do so for the purpose of acquiring securities for the Fund’s portfolio
consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage.
Since the market value of the securities or currency
subject to the commitment may fluctuate, the use of commitments may magnify the impact of interest rate changes on the Fund’s net
asset value. A commitment sale is covered if the Fund owns or has the right to acquire the underlying securities or currency subject to
the commitment. A commitment sale is for cross-hedging purposes if it is not covered, but is designed to provide a hedge against a decline
in value of a security or currency which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire. By entering into a commitment sale transaction, the
Fund foregoes or reduces the potential for both gain and loss in the security which is being hedged by the commitment sale.
Short Sales Against the
Box
The Fund may from time to time make short sales
of securities it owns or has the right to acquire. A short sale is “against the box” to the extent that the Fund contemporaneously
owns or has the right to obtain at no added cost securities identical to those sold short. In a short sale, the Fund does not immediately
deliver the securities sold and does not receive the proceeds from the sale. The Fund is required to recognize gain from the short sale
for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the time it enters into the short sale, even though it does not receive the sales proceeds until
it delivers the securities. The Fund is said to have a short position in the securities sold until it delivers such securities at which
time it receives the proceeds of the sale. The Fund may close out a short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the
securities sold short, rather than by delivering securities already held by the Fund, because the Fund may want to continue to receive
interest and dividend payments on securities in its portfolio.
STRATEGIC
TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may, but is not required to, use various
investment strategies as described below (“Strategic Transactions”). Strategic Transactions may be used for a variety of purposes
including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Any or all of the investment techniques described herein may
be used at any time and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather than another, as the use of any
Strategic Transaction by the Fund is a function of numerous variables including market conditions. The Fund complies with applicable regulatory
requirements when implementing Strategic Transactions, including the Derivatives Rule. Although the Investment Adviser seeks to use Strategic
Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of Strategic Transactions will achieve
this result.
General Risks of Derivatives
Strategic Transactions may involve the purchase
and sale of derivative instruments. A derivative is a financial instrument the value of which depends upon (or derives from) the
value of another asset, security, interest rate, or index. Derivatives may relate to a wide variety of underlying instruments, including
equity and debt securities, indexes, interest rates, currencies and other assets. Certain derivative instruments which the Fund may use
and the risks of those instruments are described in further detail below. The Fund may in the future also utilize derivatives techniques,
instruments and strategies that may be newly developed or permitted as a result of regulatory changes, consistent with the Fund’s
investment objective and policies. Such newly developed techniques, instruments and strategies may involve risks different than or in
addition to those described herein. No assurance can be given that any derivatives strategy employed by the Fund will be successful.
The risks associated with the use of derivatives
are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the instruments underlying such derivatives.
Derivatives are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from other portfolio investments.
The use of derivative instruments requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself. Certain
risk factors generally applicable to derivative transactions are described below.
| · | Derivatives are subject to the risk that the market value of the derivative itself or the market value
of underlying instruments will change in a way adverse to the Fund’s interests. The Fund bears the risk that the Investment Adviser
may incorrectly forecast future market trends and other financial or economic factors or the value of the underlying security, index,
interest rate or currency when establishing a derivatives position for the Fund. |
| · | Derivatives may be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a derivative becomes
extraordinarily expensive (or inexpensive) relative to historical prices or corresponding instruments. Under such market conditions, it
may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. |
| · | Many derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased
payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. |
| · | Using derivatives as a hedge against a portfolio investment presents the risk that the derivative will
have imperfect correlation with the portfolio investment, which could result in the Fund incurring substantial losses. This correlation
risk may be greater in the case of derivatives based on an index or other basket of securities, as the portfolio securities being hedged
may not duplicate the components of the underlying index or the basket may not be of exactly the same type of obligation as those underlying
the derivative. The use of derivatives for “cross hedging” purposes (using a derivative based on one instrument as a hedge
on a different instrument) may also involve greater correlation risks. |
| · | While using derivatives for hedging purposes can reduce the Fund’s risk of loss, it may also limit
the Fund’s opportunity for gains or result in losses by offsetting or limiting the Fund’s ability to participate in favorable
price movements in portfolio investments. |
| · | Derivatives transactions for non-hedging purposes involve greater risks and may result in losses which
would not be offset by increases in the value of portfolio securities or declines in the cost of securities to be acquired. In the event
that the Fund enters into a derivatives transaction as an alternative to purchasing or selling the underlying instrument or in order to
obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the Fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the
underlying instruments directly. |
| · | The use of certain derivatives transactions involves the risk of loss resulting from the insolvency or
bankruptcy of the other party to the contract (the “counterparty”) or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments
or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty, the Fund may have contractual remedies
pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. |
| · | Liquidity risk exists when a particular derivative is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction
is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, the Fund may be unable to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position
at an advantageous time or price. |
| · | Certain derivatives transactions, including over-the-counter (“OTC”) options, swaps, forward
contracts, certain options on foreign currencies and other OTC derivatives, are not entered into or traded on exchanges or in markets
regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or the SEC. Instead, such OTC derivatives are entered
into directly by the counterparties and may be traded only through financial institutions acting as market makers. OTC derivatives transactions
can only be entered into with a willing counterparty. Where no such counterparty is available, the Fund will be unable to enter into a
desired transaction. There also may be greater risk that no liquid secondary market in the trading of OTC derivatives will exist, in which
case the Fund may be required to hold such instruments until exercise, expiration or maturity. Many of the protections afforded to exchange
participants will not be available to participants in OTC derivatives transactions. OTC derivatives transactions are not subject to the
guarantee of an exchange or clearinghouse and as a result the Fund would bear greater risk of default by the counterparties to such transactions. |
| · | The Fund may be required to make physical delivery of portfolio securities underlying a derivative in
order to close out a derivatives position or to sell portfolio securities at a time or price at which it may be disadvantageous to do
so in order to obtain cash to close out or to maintain a derivatives position. |
| · | As a result of the structure of certain derivatives, adverse changes in the value of the underlying instrument
can result in a losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential
for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. |
| · | Certain derivatives, including certain OTC options and swap agreements, may be considered illiquid. |
| · | Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage associated with derivative
transactions may cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to
maintain compliance with applicable SEC rules and regulations, or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been
leveraged. |
| · | Derivatives transactions conducted outside the United States may not be conducted in the same manner as
those entered into on U.S. exchanges, and may be subject to different margin, exercise, settlement or expiration procedures. Many of the
risks of OTC derivatives transactions are also applicable to derivatives transactions conducted outside the United States. Derivatives
transactions conducted outside the United States are subject to the risk of governmental action affecting the trading in, or the prices
of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments The value of such positions could be adversely affected by foreign political
and economic factors; lesser availability of data on which to make trading decisions; delays the Fund’s ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets; and less liquidity than U.S. markets. |
| · | Currency derivatives are subject to additional risks. Currency derivatives transactions may be negatively
affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and manipulations. Currency exchange rates may be influenced by factors extrinsic
to a country’s economy. There is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to foreign currencies. As a result,
the available information on which trading in currency derivatives will be based may not be as complete as comparable data for other transactions.
Events could occur in the foreign currency market which will not be reflected in currency derivatives until the following day, making
it more difficult for the Fund to respond to such events in a timely manner. |
| · | Legislation regarding regulation of the financial sector could potentially limit or completely restrict
the ability of the Fund to use certain derivative instruments as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these
instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivatives
transactions could also prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments,
or may change the availability of certain investments. There can be no assurance that such legislation or regulation will not have a material
adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to utilize certain derivatives transactions or achieve its investment
objective. |
| · | The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool
operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5. Accordingly, the Investment Adviser is currently not
subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to the Fund. If the Investment
Adviser was unable to claim the exclusion with respect to the Fund, the Investment Adviser would become subject to registration and regulation
as a commodity pool operator, which would subject the Investment Adviser and the Fund to additional registration and regulatory requirements
and increased operating expenses. The Fund intends to limit its investments such that the Investment Adviser may continue to claim the
exclusion with respect to the Fund, which may limit the Fund’s ability to use certain Strategic Transactions, including futures,
options on futures and swaps. |
Futures Contracts
A futures contract is a standardized agreement
between two parties to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specific price at a specific future time (the
“settlement date”). Futures contracts may be based on a specified equity security (securities futures), a specified debt security
or reference rate (interest rate futures), the value of a specified securities index (index futures) or the value of a foreign currency
(forward contracts and currency futures). The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the
underlying instrument. The buyer of a futures contract agrees to purchase the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said
to be “long” the contract. The seller of a futures contract agrees to sell the underlying instrument on the settlement date
and is said to be “short” the contract. Futures contracts differ from options in that they are bilateral agreements, with
both the purchaser and the seller equally obligated to complete the transaction. Futures contracts call for settlement only on the expiration
date and cannot be “exercised” at any other time during their term.
Depending on the terms of the particular contract,
futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date (such as in the case
of securities futures and interest rate futures based on a specified debt security) or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement
date (such as in the case of futures contracts relating to interest rates, foreign currencies and broad-based securities indexes). In
the case of cash settled futures contracts, the settlement amount is equal to the difference between the reference instrument’s
price on the last trading day of the contract and the reference instrument’s price at the time the contract was entered into. Most
futures contracts, particularly futures contracts requiring physical delivery, are not held until the settlement date, but instead are
offset before the settlement date through the establishment of an opposite and equal futures position (buying a contract that had been
sold, or selling a contract that had been purchased). All futures transactions (except currency forward contracts) are effected through
a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the futures are traded.
The buyer and seller of a futures contract are
not required to deliver or pay for the underlying commodity unless the contract is held until the settlement date. However, both the buyer
and seller are required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commodities merchant when the futures contract is entered
into. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as a percentage of the contract’s market value. If the value of either party’s
position declines, the party will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to settle the change in value
on a daily basis. The process is known as “marking-to-market.” Upon the closing of a futures position through the establishment
of an offsetting position, a final determination of variation margin will be made and additional cash will be paid by or released to the
Fund.
Currency Forward Contracts
and Currency Futures
A foreign currency forward contract is a negotiated
agreement between two parties to exchange specified amounts of two or more currencies at a specified future time at a specified rate.
The rate specified by the forward contract can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the
contract. Settlement of a foreign currency forward contract for the purchase of most currencies typically must occur at a bank based in
the issuing nation. Currency futures are similar to currency forward contracts, except that they are traded on an exchange and standardized
as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. Unanticipated changes in currency
prices may result in losses to the Fund and poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into forward contracts.
Options on Futures Contracts
Options on futures contracts are similar to options
on securities except that options on futures contracts give the purchasers the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position
in a futures contract (a long position in the case of a call option and a short position in the case of a put option) at a specified exercise
price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the parties will be subject to all of the risks
associated with futures transactions and subject to margin requirements. As the writer of options on futures contracts, the Fund would
also be subject to initial and variation margin requirements on the option position.
Options on futures contracts written by the Fund
may be covered in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position. The Fund may
cover an option on a futures contract by purchasing or selling the underlying futures contract. In such instances the exercise of the
option will serve to close out the Fund’s futures position.
Additional Risks of Futures
Transactions
The risks associated with futures contract transactions
are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Futures are
highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio
investments. The use of futures requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the futures contract itself.
Futures may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject
to certain additional risk factors, including:
| · | The risk of loss in buying and selling futures contracts can be substantial. Small price movements in
the commodity underlying a futures position may result in immediate and substantial loss (or gain) to the Fund. |
| · | Buying and selling futures contracts may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the position
in the form of initial margin. In the event of adverse price movements in the underlying commodity, security, index, currency or instrument,
the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities
in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund could lose margin payments deposited
with a futures commodities merchant if the futures commodities merchant breaches its agreement with the Fund, becomes insolvent or declares
bankruptcy. |
| · | Most exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during any single
trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at prices beyond
that limit. If futures contract prices were to move to the daily limit for several trading days with little or no trading, the Fund could
be prevented from prompt liquidation of a futures position and subject to substantial losses. The daily limit governs only price movements
during a single trading day and therefore does not limit the Fund’s potential losses. |
| · | Index futures based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than futures based on
broad market indexes, as narrower indexes are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in value of a
small number of securities. |
Swap Contracts and Related
Derivative Instruments
A swap contract is an agreement between two parties
pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated
by reference to specified securities, indexes, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Most swap agreements provide that when
the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are
netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund’s obligations or rights under a swap contract entered
into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values
of the positions held by each counterparty. Swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and there is no central clearing
or guaranty function for swaps. Therefore, swaps are subject to the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Accordingly,
the Investment Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty to determine the likelihood that the terms of the swap will
be satisfied.
Swap agreements allow for a wide variety of transactions.
For example, fixed rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments, U.S. dollar denominated payments may be exchanged for payments
denominated in foreign currencies, and payments tied to the price of one security, index, reference rate, currency or other instrument
may be exchanged for payments tied to the price of a different security, index, reference rate, currency or other instrument. Swap contracts
are typically individually negotiated and structured to provide exposure to a variety of particular types of investments or market factors.
Swap contracts can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. To the extent consistent with the Fund’s investment
objective and policies, the Fund is not limited to any particular form or variety of swap contract. The Fund may utilize swaps to increase
or decrease their exposure to the underlying instrument, reference rate, foreign currency, market index or other asset. The Fund may also
enter into related derivative instruments including caps, floors and collars.
Interest Rate Swaps,
Caps, Floors and Collars
Interest rate swaps consist of an agreement between
two parties to exchange their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for
fixed rate payments). Interest rate swaps are generally entered into on a net basis.
The Fund may also buy or sell interest rate caps,
floors and collars. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined
interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a specified notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase
of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive
payments of interest on a specified notional amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. A collar is a combination of a cap
and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rate of values. Caps, floors and collars may be less
liquid that other types of swaps.
Index Swaps
An index swap consists of an agreement between
two parties in which a party exchanges a cash flow based on a notional amount of a reference index for a cash flow based on a different
index or on another specified instrument or reference rate. Index swaps are generally entered into on a net basis.
Currency Swaps
A currency swap consists of an agreement between
two parties to exchange cash flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among them,
such as exchanging a right to receive a payment in foreign currency for the right to receive U.S. dollars. Currency swap agreements may
be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the
entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the
risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
Credit Default Swaps
The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts
and options thereon. A credit default swap consists of an agreement between two parties in which the “buyer” agrees to pay
to the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and the seller agrees to pay the buyer the par
value (or other agreed-upon value) of a referenced debt obligation upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the issuer of
the referenced debt obligation. Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration or modified restructuring.
The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. As the buyer in a credit default swap, the Fund would pay to the
counterparty the periodic stream of payments. If no default occurs, the Fund would receive no benefit from the contract. As the seller
in a credit default swap, the Fund would receive the stream of payments but would be subject to exposure on the notional amount of the
swap, which it would be required to pay in the event of default. The use of credit default swaps could result in losses to the Fund if
the Investment Adviser fails to correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.
Inflation Swaps
Inflation swap agreements are contracts in which
one party agrees to pay the cumulative percentage increase in a price index, such as the Consumer Price Index, over the term of the swap
(with some lag on the referenced inflation index), and the other party pays a compounded fixed rate. Inflation swap agreements may be
used to protect the net asset value of the Fund against an unexpected change in the rate of inflation measured by an inflation index.
The value of inflation swap agreements is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates are tied
to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than
inflation, real interest rates may rise, leading to a decrease in value of an inflation swap agreement.
Swaptions
An option on a swap agreement, also called a “swaption,”
is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for paying a market
based “premium.” A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the total return of a specified asset, reference
rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the total return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions
also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.
General Risks of Swaps
The risks associated with swap transactions are
different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Swaps are highly
specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.
The use of swaps requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the swap contract itself. Swap transactions
may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described above, and may also be subject to certain
additional risk factors, including:
Some swap agreements
are not traded on exchanges and not subject to government regulation like exchange-traded derivatives. As a result, parties to such swap
agreements are not protected by such government regulations as participants in transactions in derivatives traded on organized exchanges.
| · | In addition to the risk of default by the counterparty, if the creditworthiness of a counterparty to a
swap agreement declines, the value of the swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses. |
| · | It is possible that further developments in the swaps market, including potential governmental regulation,
could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to utilize swaps, terminate existing swap agreements or realize amounts to be received
under such agreements. |
Structured Products
The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets
in structured notes and other types of structured investments (referred to collectively as “structured products”). A structured
note is a derivative security for which the amount of principal repayment and/or interest payments is based on the movement of one or
more “factors.” These factors include, but are not limited to, currency exchange rates, interest rates (such as the prime
lending rate or SOFR), referenced bonds and stock indices. The cash flow or rate of return on a structured note may be determined by applying
a multiplier to the rate of total return on the referenced factor. Application of a multiplier is comparable to the use of financial leverage,
a speculative technique. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. As a result, a relatively small decline in the
value of the referenced factor could result in a relatively large loss in the value of a structured note.
Investments in structured notes involve risks
including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Where the Fund’s investments in structured notes are based upon the movement
of one or more factors, including currency exchange rates, interest rates, referenced bonds and stock indices, depending on the factor
used and the use of multipliers or deflators, changes in interest rates and movement of the factor may cause significant price fluctuations.
Additionally, changes in the reference factor may cause the interest rate on the structured note to be reduced to zero and any further
changes in the reference factor may then reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Structured notes may be less liquid than other
types of securities and more volatile than the reference factor underlying the note.
Generally, structured investments are interests
in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of underlying investment interests
or securities. These investment entities may be structured as trusts or other types of pooled investment vehicles. This type of restructuring
generally involves the deposit with or purchase by an entity of the underlying investments and the issuance by that entity of one or more
classes of securities backed by, or representing interests in, the underlying investments. The cash flow or rate of return on the underlying
investments may be apportioned among the newly issued securities to create different investment characteristics, such as varying maturities,
credit quality, payment priorities and interest rate provisions. The Fund may have the right to receive payments to which it is entitled
only from the structured investment, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer. Holders of structured investments bear
risks of the underlying investment and are subject to counterparty risk. While certain structured investment vehicles enable the investor
to acquire interests in a pool of securities without the brokerage and other expenses associated with directly holding the same securities,
investors in structured investment vehicles generally pay their share of the investment vehicle’s administrative and other expenses.
Certain structured products may be thinly traded
or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a
particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.
Combined Transactions
Combined transactions involve entering into multiple
derivatives transactions (such as multiple options transactions, including purchasing and writing options in combination with each other;
multiple futures transactions; and combinations of options, futures, forward and swap transactions) instead of a single derivatives transaction
in order to customize the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. Combined transactions typically contain elements of
risk that are present in each of the component transactions. The Fund may enter into a combined transaction instead of a single derivatives
transaction when, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. Because combined transactions
involve multiple transactions, they may result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to close out.
Regulatory Matters
The Derivatives Rule permits the Fund to enter
into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of “senior securities”
under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires registered investment companies that enter into derivatives transactions
and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations to, among other things, (i) comply with a value-at-risk
leverage limit, and (ii) adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program, unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives
user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure (excluding certain derivative transactions
used to hedge currency and interest rate risks) to 10% of its net assets. The Derivatives Rule requires a limited derivatives user to
adopt policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. The Fund currently qualifies, and intends to continue to qualify,
as a limited derivatives user and has adopted policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives risk in accordance with the Derivatives
Rule. In the event that the Fund no longer qualifies as a limited derivatives user, the Fund will comply with the value-at-risk leverage
limit and adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program in accordance with the Derivatives Rule.
In addition, each of the exchanges and other trading
facilitates on which options are traded has established limitations on the maximum number of put or call options on a given underlying
security that may be written by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written
on different exchanges or through one or more brokers. These position limits may restrict the number of listed options which the Fund
may write. Option positions of all investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser are combined for purposes of these limits. An
exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits and may impose certain other sanctions or restrictions.
INVESTMENT
RESTRICTIONS
The Fund operates under the following restrictions
that constitute fundamental policies that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund voting together as a single class, which is defined by the 1940 Act as the
lesser of (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the Fund’s
outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities.
Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any
subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. These restrictions provide
that the Fund shall not:
| 1. | Issue senior securities nor borrow money, except the Fund may issue senior securities or borrow money
to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under
the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940
Act, as amended from time to time. |
| 2. | Act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with the
disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable securities laws. |
| 3. | Invest in any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the value of the Fund’s total assets, taken
at market value at the time of each investment, are in the securities of issuers in any particular industry, except as otherwise provided
by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended
from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time
to time; provided, however, that the Fund will, in normal circumstances, invest more than 25% of its assets in the industry or group of
industries that constitute the energy sector and may invest to an unlimited degree in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government
and its agencies and instrumentalities or tax-exempt securities of state and municipal governments or their political subdivisions. |
| 4. | Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may: (a) acquire or lease office space for its own use,
(b) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein or that are engaged in or operate in the real estate
industry, (c) invest in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, (d) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities,
(e) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities and (f) as otherwise permitted by (i) the
1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time
to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
| 5. | Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other
instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts and related
options thereon, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and any other financial instruments or from investing in securities or
other instruments backed by physical commodities or as otherwise permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the
rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable
to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
| 6. | Make loans of money or property to any person, except (a) to the extent that securities or interests in
which the respective Fund may invest are considered to be loans, (b) through the loan of portfolio securities, (c) by engaging in repurchase
agreements or (d) as may otherwise be permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated
by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief applicable to the respective Fund from
the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time. |
The rest of the Fund’s investment policies,
including the Fund’s investment objective and percentage parameters described in the Fund’s Prospectus, are not fundamental
policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval.
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of the Fund provides broad
oversight over the operations and affairs of the Fund and protects the interests of shareholders. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has
overall responsibility for monitoring the operations of the Fund and for supervising the services provided by the Investment Adviser and
other organizations. The officers of the Fund are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Fund.
The names and ages of the Trustees and officers
of the Fund, the year each was first elected or appointed to office, their principal business occupations during the last five years,
the number of funds overseen by each Trustee and other directorships or trusteeships during the last five years are shown below. The business
address of the Fund, its Trustees and officers is 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201.
Name and Year
of Birth
|
Position(s) Held
With the Fund
|
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
|
Principal Occupations
During Past Five
Years
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen by
Trustee
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
During the Past
Five Years
|
Independent Trustees |
|
|
|
|
Brian R. Bruce
(1955) |
Trustee and Chair of the Board |
Trustee since 2007 |
Retired. Previously, Chief Executive Officer, Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC (2008–2022) (registered investment adviser). |
2 |
CM Advisers Family of Funds (2 series) (2003–2020). |
Andrea N. Mullins
(1967) |
Trustee and Chair of Audit Committee |
Trustee since 2021 |
Private Investor; Independent Contractor, SWM Advisors (2014 – present). |
2 |
Valued Advisers Trust (14 portfolios)
(2013–present); Angel Oak Family of Funds (9 portfolios) (2019–present). |
Name and Year
of Birth
|
Position(s) Held
With the Fund
|
Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served (1)
|
Principal Occupations
During Past Five
Years
|
Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex(2)
Overseen by
Trustee
|
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
During the Past
Five Years
|
Ronald P. Trout
(1939) |
Trustee and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee |
Trustee since 2007 |
Retired. Previously, founding partner and Senior
Vice President of Hourglass Capital
Management, Inc. (1989 – 2002) (investment
management company). |
2 |
Dorchestor Minerals, L.P. (2008 – present) (acquisition, ownership and administration of natural gas and crude oil royalty, net profits and leasehold interests in the U.S.) |
Interested Trustee |
|
|
|
|
John H. Alban
(1963)(3) |
Trustee |
Trustee since 2022 |
Retired. Previously, Chief Executive Officer (2019
- 2022)
and Chief Operating Officer
(2010 - 2022) of the Investment Adviser. |
2 |
None. |
| (1) | Each Trustee serves a two-year term with the class of Trustees for which he serves: |
| · | Brian R. Bruce and Ronald P. Trout, as Class I Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the
Fund’s 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. |
| · | Andrea N. Mullins and John H. Alban, as Class II Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the
Fund’s 2024 annual meeting of shareholders. |
| (2) | The “Fund Complex” includes each registered investment company for which the Investment Adviser
serves as investment adviser. As of November 30, 2023, there were two funds in the Fund Complex. |
| (3) | Mr. Alban is an “interested person” of the Fund, as defined under the 1940 Act, by virtue
of his position as an officer of the Investment Adviser prior to November 30, 2022. |
Trustee Qualifications
The Board of Trustees has determined that each
Trustee should serve as such based on several factors (none of which alone is decisive). Among the factors the Board of Trustees considered
when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board of Trustees were the following: (i) availability and commitment to attend
meetings and perform the responsibilities of a Trustee, (ii) personal and professional background, (iii) educational background, (iv)
financial expertise, and (v) ability, judgment, attributes and expertise. In respect of each current Trustee, the individual’s professional
accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the operations of the Fund, were a significant factor
in the determination that the individual should serve as a trustee of the Fund.
Following is a summary of various qualifications,
experiences and skills of each Trustee (in addition to business experience during the past five years as set forth in the table above)
that contributed to the Board of Trustee’s conclusion that an individual should serve on the Board of Trustees. References to the
qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees do not constitute the holding out of any Trustee as being an expert under Section 7
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) or the rules and regulations of the SEC
Brian R. Bruce
Mr. Bruce has served as a Trustee of the
Fund since the Fund’s inception, and has served as a Trustee of the portfolios in the Fund Complex since 2007. Through his experience
as a Trustee of and Chairman of the Audit Committee of funds in the Fund Complex and certain other registered investment companies, as
a professor at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and Director of the ENCAP Investments & LCM Group Alternative
Asset Management Center and as a chief executive officer, and formerly chief investment officer, of investment management firms, Mr. Bruce
is experienced in financial, accounting, regulatory and investment matters.
Andrea N. Mullins
Ms. Mullins has served as a Trustee of funds
in the Fund Complex since 2021 and since 2021 has served as Chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Mullins has served as a trustee of
a family of investment companies since 2013. Through her experience as a Trustee of funds in the Fund Complex and Chair of the Audit Committee
of funds in the Fund Complex and her former positions in senior financial roles at asset management companies, her service as a trustee
of other investment companies, including as a member of the audit and pricing committees and her experience as an independent contractor
with a registered investment adviser, Ms. Mullins is experienced in financial, accounting, regulatory and investment matters.
Ronald P. Trout
Mr. Trout has served as a Trustee of funds
in the Fund Complex since 2007. Through his experience as a Trustee of and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
of funds in the Fund Complex, as founding partner and senior vice president of an investment management firm and his service on the board
of a publicly traded natural resources company, Mr. Trout is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
John H. Alban
Mr. Alban has served as a Trustee of funds
in the Fund Complex since January 2023. Through his former positions as the Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Adviser from 2019-2022
and as Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Adviser from 2010-2019 and his experience as Chief Executive Officer and President of
funds in the Fund complex from 2021-2022, Mr. Alban is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
Board Leadership Structure
The primary responsibility of the Board is to
represent the interests of the Funds and to provide oversight of the management of the Funds. The Funds’ day-to-day operations are
managed by the Investment Adviser and other service providers who have been approved by the Board. The Board is currently comprised of
four Trustees, three of whom are classified under the 1940 Act as “non-interested” persons of the Funds and one of whom is
classified as an “interested person” of the Funds. Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including
a majority vote of the Independent Trustees, if required by applicable law.
An Independent Trustee, Mr. Brian R Bruce,
currently serves as Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board presides at meetings of the Board and acts as a liaison with service providers,
officers, attorneys and other Trustees generally between meetings, and performs such other functions as may be requested by the Board
from time to time.
The Board meets regularly four times each year
to discuss and consider matters concerning the Fund, and also holds special meetings to address matters arising between regular meetings.
Regular meetings generally take place in-person; other meetings may take place in-person or by telephone. The Independent Trustees are
advised by independent legal counsel and regularly meet outside the presence of Fund management.
The Trustees have determined that the efficient
conduct of the Trustees’ affairs makes it desirable to delegate responsibility for certain specific matters to committees of the
Board. The committees meet as often as necessary, either in conjunction with regular meetings of the Board or otherwise. The committees
of the Board are the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (each a “Committee”). The functions
and role of each Committee are described below under “—Board Committees.” The membership of each Committee consists
of all of the Independent Trustees, which the Board believes allows them to participate in the full range of the Board’s oversight
duties.
The Board has determined that this leadership
structure, including a Chairman of the Board who is an Independent Trustee, a supermajority of Independent Trustees and Committee membership
limited to Independent Trustees, is appropriate in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Fund. In reaching this conclusion,
the Board considered, among other things, the role of the Investment Adviser in the day-to-day management of Fund affairs, the extent
to which the work of the Board will be conducted through the Committees, the projected net assets of the Fund and the management, distribution
and other service arrangements of the Fund. The Board also believes that its structure, including the presence of one Trustee who is or
was previously an executive officer of the Investment Adviser, facilitates an efficient flow of information concerning the management
of the Fund to the Independent Trustees.
Board Committees
Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
Brian R. Bruce, Ronald P. Trout and Andrea N.
Mullins, who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, serve on the Fund’s Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee. Ronald P. Trout serves as chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. As part of its duties,
the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes recommendations to the full Board with respect to candidates for the Board in
the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee would consider Trustee candidates recommended
by Shareholders if a vacancy were to exist. Such recommendations should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Fund. In considering candidates
submitted by Shareholders, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the
qualifications of the candidate.
Audit Committee
Brian R. Bruce, Ronald P. Trout and Andrea N.
Mullins, who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, serve on the Fund’s Audit Committee.
Andrea N. Mullins serves as chair of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for reviewing and evaluating issues
related to the accounting and financial reporting policies and internal controls of the Fund and, as appropriate, the internal controls
of certain service providers, overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the audit thereof and
acting as a liaison between the Board and the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Board and Committee Meetings
During the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30,
2023, the Board held four meetings, the Audit Committee held one meeting and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held two
meetings.
Board’s Role in Risk
Oversight
The Fund has retained the Investment Adviser to
provide investment advisory services and certain administrative services. The Investment Adviser is primarily responsible for the management
of risks that may arise from Fund investments and operations. Certain employees of the Investment Adviser serve as the Fund’s officers,
including the Fund’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Board of Trustees oversees the performance
of these functions by the Investment Adviser, both directly and through the Committee structure the Board of Trustees has established.
The Board of Trustees will receive from the Investment Adviser reports on a regular and as-needed basis relating to the Fund’s investment
activities and to the actual and potential risks of the Fund, including reports on investment risks, compliance with applicable laws,
and the Fund’s financial accounting and reporting. In addition, the Board of Trustees will meet periodically with the portfolio
managers of the Fund to receive reports regarding the portfolio management of the Fund and its performance and investment risks.
In addition, the Board of Trustees has appointed
a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The CCO oversees the development of compliance policies and procedures of the Fund that
are reasonably designed to minimize the risk of violations of the federal securities laws (“Compliance Policies”). The CCO
reports directly to the Independent Trustees, and will provide presentations to the Board of Trustees at its quarterly meetings and an
annual report on the application of the Compliance Policies. The Board of Trustees will discuss relevant risks affecting the Fund with
the CCO at these meetings. The Board of Trustees has approved the Compliance Policies and will review the CCO’s reports. Further,
the Board of Trustees will annually review the sufficiency of the Compliance Policies, as well as the appointment and compensation of
the CCO.
Executive Officers
The following information relates to the executive
officers of the Funds who are not Trustees. The officers of the Fund were appointed by the Board of Trustees and will serve until their
respective successors are chosen and qualified.
Name and Year
of Birth |
Position |
Principal
Occupation During the Past Five Years |
John Musgrave
(1982) |
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Chief Executive Officer and President (2023-Present), Co-Chief Investment Officer (2016-2023), Managing Director (2016-2023), Chief Investment Officer (2023-present) and Portfolio Manager (2007-Present) of the Investment Adviser. |
Blake R. Nelson
(1986) |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
Chief Financial Officer (2021-present) and Controller (2013-2021) of the Investment Adviser. Previously, fund accountant at JD Clark & Company (2011-2013). Mr. Nelson is a Certified Public Accountant. |
Jeffrey Engelsman
(1967) |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser and funds in the fund complex (2023-present); Outsourced legal and compliance services through Financial Services Consulting, LLC (2021 -2023); Global Chief Compliance Officer of TCW Group, LLC and the funds in the TCW Group complex (2014-2020). |
Shareholder Communications
Shareholders may send communications to the Fund’s
Board of Trustees. Shareholders should send communications intended for the Fund’s Board of Trustees by addressing the communications
directly to the Board of Trustees (or individual Board member(s)) and/or otherwise clearly indicating in the salutation that the communication
is for the Board of Trustees (or individual Board members) and by sending the communication to either the Fund’s office or directly
to such Board member(s) at the address specified above for each Trustee. Other shareholder communications received by the Fund not directly
addressed and sent to the Board of Trustees will be reviewed and generally responded to by management and will be forwarded to the Board
of Trustees only at management’s discretion based on the matters contained in those communications.
Remuneration of Trustees
and Officers
The following table provides information regarding
compensation of the Trustees of the Fund and for the Fund Complex, each for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023. Officers of
the Fund do not receive any compensation from the Fund; however, a portion of the compensation paid to the Chief Compliance Officer is
allocated to funds in the Fund Complex, including the Fund. The Trustees do not receive any pension or retirement benefits from the Fund
Complex.
Trustee(1) | |
Aggregate Estimated Compensation From Fund | | |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses(2) | |
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement () | |
Total Compensation from Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(3) | |
Independent Trustees: | |
| | |
| |
| |
| |
Brian R. Bruce | |
$ | 54,333 | | |
None | |
None | |
$ | 54,333 | |
Andrea N. Mullins | |
$ | 49,663 | | |
None | |
None | |
$ | 49,663 | |
Ronald P. Trout | |
$ | 49,663 | | |
None | |
None | |
$ | 49,663 | |
| (1) | Trustees not entitled to compensation are not included in the table. |
| (2) | The Fund does not accrue or pay retirement or pension benefits to Trustees as of the date of this SAI. |
| (3) | As of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. The “Fund Complex” includes the
Fund and each other registered investment company for which the Investment Adviser serves as investment adviser. As of the date of this
SAI, there are two funds (including the Fund) in the Fund Complex. |
Trustee Share Ownership
As of November 30, 2023, each Trustee of
the Fund beneficially owned equity securities of the Fund and all of the registered investment companies in the family of investment companies
overseen by the Trustee in the dollar range amounts specified below.
Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range
of Equity Securities in the Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by Trustee in
Family of Investment Companies(1)
|
Independent Trustees: |
|
|
Brian R. Bruce |
None |
$10,001-$50,000 |
Andrea N. Mullins |
None |
None |
Ronald P. Trout |
None |
$1—$10,000 |
Interested Trustee: |
|
|
John H. Alban |
$10,001-$50,000 |
$10,001-$50,000 |
| (1) | The “Family of Investment Companies” includes the Fund and each other registered investment
company for which the Investment Adviser serves as investment adviser. As of the date of this SAI, there are two funds (including the
Fund) in the Family of Investment Companies. |
As of November 30, 2023, the Trustees and
officers of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding common shares of the Fund. There are no control persons of the Fund.
PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT
John Musgrave and Todd Sunderland (the “portfolio
managers”) are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The following section discusses
the accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the structure and method of their compensation and potential conflicts of interest.
Other accounts managed
by the portfolio managers
The following table reflects information regarding
accounts for which each portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities (other than the Fund). Accounts are grouped into
three categories: (a) registered investment companies, (b) other pooled investment accounts, and (c) other accounts. To the extent that
any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance, this information will be reflected in a separate table
below. Asset amounts are approximate and have been rounded.
As of November 30, 2023, Mr. Musgrave
managed or was a member of the management team for the following client accounts (excluding the Fund):
| |
Number of Accounts | | |
Assets of Accounts | | |
Number of Accounts Subject to a Performance Fee | | |
Assets Subject to a Performance Fee | |
Registered Investment Companies | |
| 2 | | |
$ | 854,561,651 | | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Than Registered Investment Companies | |
| 1 | | |
$ | 36,700,902 | | |
| 1 | | |
$ | 36,700,902 | |
Other Accounts | |
| 16 | | |
$ | 16,129,248 | | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
As of November 30, 2023, Mr. Sunderland
managed or was a member of the management team for the following client accounts (excluding the Fund):
| |
Number of Accounts | | |
Assets of Accounts | | |
Number of Accounts Subject to a Performance Fee | | |
Assets Subject to a Performance Fee | |
Registered Investment Companies | |
| 1 | | |
$ | 84,805,681 | | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Than Registered Investment Companies | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
Other Accounts | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | | |
| 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
Compensation and Potential
Conflicts of Interest
Each portfolio manager is compensated by the Investment
Adviser. Each portfolio manager receives a base salary and is eligible to receive incentive compensation based on the profits of the Investment
Adviser. The incentive compensation is affected by the amount of assets the Investment Adviser manages and the appreciation of those assets,
particularly over the long-term, but are not determined with specific reference to any particular performance benchmark or time period.
Some of the other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, including the Affiliated Funds, have investment strategies that are similar
to the registrant’s investment strategy. However, the Investment Adviser manages potential material conflicts of interest by allocating
investment opportunities in accordance with its allocation policies and procedures.
Securities Ownership of
the Portfolio Managers
As of November 30, 2023, the dollar range
of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager was as follows:
| Mr. Sunderland: | $0-$10,000 |
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Cushing® Asset Management, LP d/b/a NXG Investment
Management acts as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Investment Adviser’s principal business address is 600 N. Pearl
Street, Suite 1205, Dallas, Texas 75201.
The Investment Adviser provides investment advisory
services to the Fund pursuant to the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”), dated
July 26, 2012, between the Investment Adviser and the Fund. The Investment Management Agreement has an initial term expiring two
years after the date of its execution, and may be continued in effect from year to year thereafter subject to the approval thereof by
(1) the Board of Trustees or (2) vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; provided
that in either event the continuance must also be approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees, by vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated
at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon 60 days’ written notice by either party. The Fund may terminate by action
of the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities (accompanied by appropriate notice),
and the Investment Management Agreement will terminate automatically upon its assignment (as defined in the 1940 act and the rules thereunder).
The Investment Management Agreement may also be terminated, at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees or by
vote of a majority of outstanding voting securities, in the event that it is established by a court of competent jurisdiction that the
Investment Adviser or any principal, officer or employee of the Investment Adviser has taken any action that results in a breach of the
covenants of the Investment Adviser set out in the Investment Management Agreement. The Investment Management Agreement will provide that
the Investment Adviser will not be liable for any loss sustained by reason of the purchase, sale or retention of any security, whether
or not such purchase, sale or retention will have been based upon the investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or
corporation, if such recommendation will have been selected with due care and in good faith, except loss resulting from willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser in performance of its obligations and duties, or by reason of its
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Investment Management Agreement.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement,
the Investment Adviser is responsible for managing the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies,
makes investment decisions for the Fund, placing orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and managing the other business
and affairs of the Fund, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. Although the Investment Adviser
intends to devote such time and effort to the business of the Fund as is reasonably necessary to perform its duties to the Fund, the services
of the Investment Adviser are not exclusive, and the Investment Adviser provides similar services to other clients and may engage in other
activities.
Pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement,
the Fund has agreed to pay the Investment Adviser a fee, payable at the end of each calendar month, at an annual rate equal to 1.25% of
the average weekly value of the Fund’s Managed Assets during such month (the “Management Fee”) for the services and
facilities provided by the Investment Adviser to the Fund. For purposes of the Management Fee, “Managed Assets” means the
total assets of the Fund, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations other than liabilities or obligations
attributable to investment leverage, including, without limitation, investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type
(including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of shares of
preferred stock or other similar preference securities and/or (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance
with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
Pursuant to an amended and restated fee waiver agreement by and between
the Fund and the Investment Adviser, effective February 1, 2024, the Investment Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of
the management fee in an amount equal to 0.25% of the Fund’s Managed Assets through the later of June 1, 2025 or 12 months after the date of effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part.
Prior to the termination date, the waiver agreement may be modified , waived or terminated only with the written consent of the Board
of Trustees.
Because the Management Fee is based upon a percentage
of the Fund’s Managed Assets, the Management Fee will be higher if the Fund employs leverage. Therefore, the Investment Adviser
will have a financial incentive to use leverage, which may create a conflict of interest between the Investment Adviser and the Fund’s
Common Shareholders.
The Investment Adviser also provides such additional
administrative services as the Fund may require beyond those furnished by the Administrator and furnishes, at its own expense, such office
space, facilities, equipment, clerical help, and other personnel and services as may reasonably be necessary in connection with the operations
of the Fund. In addition, the Investment Adviser pays the salaries of officers of the Fund who are employees of the Investment Adviser
and any fees and expenses of Trustees of the Fund who are also officers, directors, or employees of the Investment Adviser or who are
officers or employees of any company affiliated with the Investment Adviser and bears the cost of telephone service, heat, light, power,
and other utilities associated with the services it provides.
Advisory Fees Paid
The following summarizes the investment advisory
fees, less any fees waived by the Investment Adviser, paid pursuant to the investment advisory fee agreement in effect during the last
three fiscal years ended November 30:
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
$1,645,272 |
$ 1,864,503 |
$ 1,894,568 |
PORTFOLIO
TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees,
the Investment Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, the negotiation of the commissions to be
paid on brokerage transactions, the prices for principal trades in securities, and the allocation of portfolio brokerage and principal
business. It is the policy of the Investment Adviser to seek the best execution at the best security price available with respect to each
transaction in light of the overall quality of brokerage and research services provided to the Investment Adviser. In selecting broker/dealers
and in negotiating commissions, the Investment Adviser will consider, among other things, the firm’s reliability, the quality of
its execution services on a continuing basis and its financial condition.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause an account to pay a broker or dealer who
supplies brokerage and research services a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker
or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction. Brokerage and research services include (a) furnishing advice as to the value
of securities, the advisability of investing, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers
of securities; (b) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio
strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (c) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental to those transactions
(such as clearance, settlement, and custody).
In light of the above, in selecting brokers, the
Investment Adviser may consider investment and market information and other research, such as economic, securities and performance measurement
research, provided by such brokers, and the quality and reliability of brokerage services, including execution capability, performance,
and financial responsibility. Accordingly, the commissions charged by any such broker may be greater than the amount another firm might
charge if the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of such commissions is reasonable in relation to the value of
the research information and brokerage services provided by such broker to the Investment Adviser or to the Fund. The Investment Adviser
believes that the research information received in this manner provides the Fund with benefits by supplementing the research otherwise
available to the Investment Adviser.
The Investment Adviser seeks to allocate portfolio
transactions equitably whenever concurrent decisions are made to purchase or sell securities on behalf of the Fund and another advisory
account. In some cases, this procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or the amount of securities available to the Fund. In
making such allocations between the Fund and other advisory accounts, the main factors considered by the Investment Adviser are the investment
objective, the relative size of portfolio holding of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment and the
size of investment commitments generally held, and the views of the persons responsible for recommending investments to the Fund and such
other accounts and funds.
Commissions Paid
The Fund paid approximately the following commissions
to brokers during the fiscal years shown:
Fiscal Year Ended November 30: | |
All Brokers | | |
Affiliated Brokers | |
2023 | |
$ | 1,067,697 | | |
| 0 | |
2022 | |
$ | 547,793 | | |
| 0 | |
2021 | |
$ | 686,652 | | |
| 0 | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2023 Percentages:
Commissions with affiliate to total transactions: |
None |
Value of brokerage transactions with affiliate to total transactions: |
None |
During the fiscal period ended November 30,
2023, the Fund paid $291,670 in brokerage commissions on transactions totaling $223,164,596 to brokers selected primarily on the basis
of research services provided to the Investment Adviser.
U.S.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a summary of the U.S.
federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the ownership and disposition of Common Shares. This discussion is based upon
current provisions of the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which
are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with
retroactive effect. This discussion does not address any other U.S. federal tax considerations (such as estate, gift, or net investment
taxes) or any state, local or non-U.S. tax considerations. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed
herein. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position different from any of the
tax aspects set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that the Common Shares are held by U.S. persons and that
Common Shareholders hold their Common Shares as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (generally, assets held for investment).
No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax concerns affecting the Fund and its Common Shareholders
(including Common Shareholders that are subject to special provisions of the Code, such as financial institutions, insurance companies,
a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Common Shareholders whose “functional currency”
is not the U.S. dollar, tax-exempt organizations, a controlled foreign corporation or a passive foreign investment company, dealers in
securities or currencies, traders in securities or commodities that elect mark-to-market treatment, persons that will hold Common Shares
as a position in a “straddle,” “hedge” or as part of a “constructive sale” for federal income tax
purposes, persons subject to special rules or exemptions under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, persons that actually
or constructively own or have owned a large position in the Fund and, except as otherwise expressly indicated, non-U.S. persons), and
the discussions set forth here and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding
the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
Taxation of the Fund
The Fund has elected to be taxed as, and intends
to continue to qualify for special tax treatment afforded to, a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of
the Code. As long as it so qualifies, in any taxable year in which it meets the distribution requirements described below, the Fund (but
not its Common Shareholders) will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent that it distributes its investment company taxable
income and net recognized capital gains. Except as otherwise expressly indicated, the remainder of this discussion assumes the Fund qualifies
to be treated as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
In order to qualify to be taxed as a RIC, the
Fund must, among other things: (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the following sources, which are
referred herein as “Qualifying Income”: (a) dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to
certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, or other income (including,
but not limited to, gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies and (b) net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes and derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in clause (a) above
(each a “Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership”), which includes most MLPs; and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the
end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash
items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of
any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities
of (I) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other RICs), (II) any two or more issuers (other than
RICs) that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or
(III) any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships. The Fund may generate certain income that might not qualify as good income
for purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. The Fund will monitor the Fund’s transactions to endeavor
to prevent the Fund’s disqualification as a RIC.
Income from the Fund’s investments in equity
interests of partnerships that are not Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships (if any) will be Qualifying Income only to the extent it
is attributable to items of income of such MLP that would be Qualifying Income if earned directly by the Fund.
The Fund’s investments in partnerships,
including in Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise
or withholding tax liabilities.
If the Fund fails to satisfy the 90% annual gross
income requirement or the asset diversification requirements discussed above in any taxable year, it may be eligible for relief provisions
if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy
the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the asset diversification requirements
where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the applicable relief provisions are not available or cannot be met,
all of the Fund’s income would be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax as described below. The fund cannot provide
assurance that the Fund would qualify for any such relief should the Fund fail the 90% annual gross income requirement or the asset diversification
requirements discussed above.
For each taxable year the Fund is treated as a
RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, subject to the discussion of built-in gains below the Fund generally will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it distributes each taxable year to its Common Shareholders; provided that in such taxable
year it distributes at least 90% of the sum of (i) its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends,
interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and other taxable income, other than net capital
gain (as defined below), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii) its net
tax-exempt interest income (the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions), if any (the “Annual
Distribution Requirement”). The Fund intends to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income and gain on a timely
basis. If the Fund retains any investment company taxable income or net capital gain (as defined below), it will be subject to U.S. federal
income tax on the retained amount at regular corporate tax rates.
The Fund may retain for investment its net capital
gain (which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss). However, if the Fund retains
any net capital gain or any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to a tax on such amount at regular corporate tax rates.
If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it may elect to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to
its Common Shareholders, each of whom, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include
in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its share of such undistributed net capital gain, (ii) will be entitled to credit its proportionate
share of the tax paid by the Fund against its U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit
exceeds such liability and (iii) will increase its tax basis in its Common Shares by the excess of the amount described in clause (i)
over the amount described in clause (ii). A Common Shareholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise is not
required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form in
order to claim a refund for the taxes paid by the Fund.
Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance
with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the
excise tax, the Fund must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum
of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31
of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund’s taxable year instead). In addition, the minimum amounts that
must be distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution,
as the case may be, from previous years. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize
imposition of the 4% federal excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund’s taxable income and capital
gains will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the
amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
Dividends and distributions will be treated as
paid during the calendar year if they are paid during the calendar year or declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the
year, payable to Common Shareholders of record on a date during such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following year.
Any such dividend or distribution paid during January of the following year will be deemed to be received by Common Shareholders on December 31
of the year the dividend or distribution was declared, rather than when the dividend or distribution is actually received.
If the Fund were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution
requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, it would be taxed on all of its taxable income in the same manner
as an ordinary corporation and distributions to Common Shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.
To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent
year following the Fund’s failure to qualify as a RIC, the Fund would be required to distribute to its Common Shareholders its accumulated
earnings and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two
taxable years, then, in order to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on
any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the
Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years.
Gain or loss on the sale of securities by the
Fund will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss
on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short-term capital gain or loss. If the Fund realizes a net capital loss,
the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital loss over the Fund’s net long-term capital gain is treated as a short-term
capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year and the excess of the Fund’s net long-term capital loss
over the Fund’s net short-term capital gain is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s
next taxable year. If future capital gain is offset by carried forward capital losses, such future capital gain is not subject to fund
level U.S. federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to Common Shareholders. A RIC cannot carry back or carry forward
any net operating losses.
The Fund may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation
even if the Fund would otherwise qualify as a RIC if the Fund determines that treatment as a corporation for a particular year would be
in the Fund’s best interests.
Certain Fund Investments
Certain of the Fund’s investment practices
are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise
limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions (including the dividends received deduction), (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital
gains or qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction
into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding
receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely
alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as good income for
purposes of the 90% annual gross income requirement described above. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections
and may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the
Fund as a RIC.
Certain investment practices could limit the Fund’s
ability to make sufficient distributions to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement and to eliminate the imposition of Fund-level
income and excise taxes. For example, the MLPs in which the Fund intends to invest are expected to be treated as partnerships for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The cash distributions received by the Fund from an MLP may not correspond to the amount of income allocated
to the Fund by the MLP in any given taxable year, and the amount of income allocated by an MLP to the Fund may exceed the amount of cash
received by the Fund from such MLP. In addition, certain other investments by the Fund may require the Fund to recognize income or gains
without a corresponding receipt of cash. Moreover, if the Fund utilizes leverage, it may be prevented by 1940 Act requirements or loan
covenants from declaring and paying dividends in certain circumstances. For the foregoing reasons, among others, the Fund may have difficulty
making distributions to its Common Shareholders in the amounts necessary to satisfy the requirements for maintaining its status as a RIC
or avoiding U.S. federal income or excise taxes. Accordingly, the Fund may have to dispose of securities under disadvantageous circumstances
in order to generate sufficient cash to satisfy the distribution requirements.
The Fund expects that the income derived by the
Fund from the MLPs in which it invests will be Qualifying Income. If, however, an MLP in which the Fund invests is not a Qualified Publicly
Traded Partnership, the income derived by the Fund from such investment may not be Qualifying Income and, therefore, could adversely affect
the Fund’s status as a RIC. The Fund intends to monitor its investments in MLPs to prevent to disqualification of the Fund as a
RIC.
If the Fund invests in foreign securities, its
income from such securities may be subject to withholding and other non-U.S. taxes. The Fund will not be eligible to elect to “pass
through” to Common Shareholders of the Fund the ability to use the foreign tax deduction or foreign tax credit for foreign taxes
paid with respect to qualifying taxes.
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders
For purposes of this discussion, a “U.S.
shareholder” (or in this section, a “shareholder”) is a beneficial owner of Common Shares which is for U.S. federal
income tax purposes (1) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (2) a corporation (or other entity taxable as
a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof,
or the District of Columbia, (3) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source, or (4) a trust
if (a) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized
to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. If a partnership or other entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. tax purposes holds
the Common Shares, the tax treatment of the partnership and each partner generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and
the status of the partner. Partnerships acquiring Common Shares, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors.
Prospective investors that are not U.S. shareholders should refer to the section “Non-U.S. shareholders” below and are urged
to consult their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund’s Common Shares,
including the potential application of U.S. withholding taxes.
Distributions paid by the Fund from its investment
company taxable income (as defined above) (dividends from investment company taxable income referred to hereinafter as “ordinary
income dividends”), whether paid in cash or reinvested in Common Shares, will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income to
the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Certain properly reported distributions may, however, qualify
(provided that holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund and U.S. shareholders) (i) for the dividends received deduction
in the case of corporate U.S. shareholders to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations
or (ii) in the case of individual U.S. shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at a reduced maximum rate to the
extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic
corporations and certain foreign corporations. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund’s distributions will qualify
for the dividends received deduction or for treatment as qualified dividend income.
Distributions made from net capital gain, which
is the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital
gain dividends credited to a U.S. shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to U.S. shareholder as long-term capital gains if
they have been properly reported by the Fund, regardless of the length of time the U.S. shareholder has owned Common Shares of the Fund.
Net long-term capital gain of individuals is generally taxed at a reduced maximum rate. For corporate taxpayers, net long-term capital
gain is taxed at ordinary income rates.
Subject to any future regulatory guidance to the
contrary, any distribution of income attributable to income from the Fund’s investment in an MLP will not qualify for the 20% deduction
for “qualified PTP income” that would generally be available to a non-corporate U.S. shareholder were the shareholder to own
such MLP directly. As a result, it is possible that a non-corporate U.S. shareholder will be subject to a higher effective tax rate on
any such distributions received from the Fund compared to the effective rate applicable to any income the U.S. shareholder would receive
if the shareholder invested directly in an MLP.
If, for any calendar year, the Fund’s total
distributions exceed both current earnings and profits and accumulated earnings and profits, the excess will generally be treated as a
tax-free return of capital up to the amount of a U.S. shareholder’s tax basis in the Common Shares, reducing that basis accordingly.
Such distributions exceeding the U.S. shareholder’s basis will be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the Common Shares.
When you sell your Common Shares, the amount, if any, by which your sales price exceeds your basis in the Fund’s Common Shares is
gain subject to tax. Because a return of capital reduces your basis in the Common Shares, it will increase the amount of your gain or
decrease the amount of your loss when you sell the Common Shares, all other things being equal.
Generally, after the close of its taxable year,
the Fund will provide its U.S. shareholders with a written notice reporting the amount of any ordinary income dividends or capital gain
dividends and other distributions.
The sale or other disposition of Common Shares
will generally result in capital gain or loss to U.S. shareholders measured by the difference between the sale price and the U.S. shareholder’s
tax basis in its Common Shares. Generally, a U.S. shareholder’s gain or loss will be long-term gain or loss if the Common Shares
have been held for more than one year. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated
as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital
gain) by the U.S. shareholder. Any loss a U.S. shareholder realizes on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed if the U.S.
shareholder acquires other Common Shares (whether through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the U.S. shareholder’s sale or exchange of the Common Shares. In such case, the
basis of the Common Shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital
gains of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain is taxed at the
U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally is taxed at a reduced maximum U.S.
federal income tax rate.
U.S. shareholders may be entitled to offset their
capital gains with capital losses. There are several provisions of the Code affecting when capital losses may offset capital gain, and
limiting the use of losses from certain investments and activities. Accordingly, U.S. shareholders with capital losses are urged to consult
their tax advisors.
An investor should be aware that if Common Shares
are purchased shortly before the record date for any taxable distribution (including a capital gain dividend), the purchase price likely
will reflect the value of the distribution and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution likely to reduce the trading value
of such Common Shares, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price.
Dividends and other taxable distributions will
be taxable to you even though they are reinvested in additional Common Shares. The Fund has the ability to declare distributions payable
in cash or Common Shares at the election of each U.S. shareholder. As long as a large enough portion of such dividend is available to
be paid in cash (20% under current guidance) and certain requirements are met, the entire distribution will be treated as a dividend for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. shareholders will be taxed on 100% of the dividend in the same manner as a cash dividend,
even though most of the dividend was paid in Common Shares.
Dividends and other distributions paid by the
Fund will generally be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution is made.
If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December and you were the
U.S. shareholder of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes
as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. In addition, certain
other distributions made after the close of the Fund’s taxable year may be “spilled back” and treated as paid by the
Fund (except for purposes of the 4% nondeductible excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, you will be treated as having received
such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.
Certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals,
estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their
“net investment income,” which ordinarily includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gain from the sale or other
disposition of the Fund’s common shares.
Withholding at a rate of 30% will be required
on dividends in respect of Common Shares held by or through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries if certain disclosure requirements
related to U.S. accounts or ownership are not satisfied. The Fund will not pay any additional amounts in respect to any amounts withheld.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders
For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S.
shareholder” is a beneficial owner of Common Shares, other than a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership
for U.S. federal income tax purposes), that is not a U.S. shareholder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Whether an investment in Common
Shares is appropriate for a non-U.S. shareholder will depend on that non-U.S. shareholder’s particular circumstances. An investment
in Common Shares by a non-U.S. shareholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors
before investing in the Common Shares.
A non-U.S. shareholder generally will be subject
to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or possibly a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on ordinary income dividends
to the extent of the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits (except as discussed below). Actual or deemed distributions
of the Fund’s net capital gain to a non-U.S. shareholder, and gains recognized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon the sale of Common
Shares, will generally not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Different tax
consequences may result if (i) the non-U.S. shareholder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States (and, if an income tax
treaty applies, the non-U.S. shareholder’s income or gains are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder
in the United States), (ii) the non-U.S. shareholder is an individual that is present in the United States for 183 days or more during
a taxable year and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) in the case of gain on the disposition of Common Shares, the Fund is or
has been a “United States real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) at any time within the shorter of the
five-year period ending on the date the Common Shares are sold or the period that such non-U.S. shareholder held the shares (and as long
as the Common Shares are treated as regularly traded on an established securities market, such non-U.S. shareholder owns or owned (actually
or constructively) more than five percent of the Common Shares at any time during the shorter of the two periods mentioned above), or
(iv) in the case of distributions that are attributable to the Fund’s gain on the disposition of a “U.S. real property interest”
(which may include equity securities in companies that own significant interests in U.S. real estate), the Fund is a “qualified
investment entity” (generally, an entity that either is a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions
to the definition thereof). The determination of whether the Fund is a USRPHC or qualified investment entity will depend on the exact
nature of its assets, and no assurances can be given in that regard. Though the Fund expects that its Common Shares will be treated as
“regularly traded” on an established securities market, no assurance can be given in this regard. Special certification requirements
apply to a non-U.S. shareholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such entities are urged to consult their tax advisors.
Subject to the discussion of FATCA below, properly
reported dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. shareholders are generally exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax where they (i) are
paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified net interest income” (generally, the Fund’s U.S.-source interest income,
other than certain contingent interest and interest from obligations of a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is at least a 10%
shareholder, reduced by expenses that are allocable to such income) or (ii) are paid in respect of the Fund’s “qualified short-term
capital gains” (generally, the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital gain over the Fund’s long-term capital loss
for such taxable year). In order to qualify for this exemption from withholding, a non-U.S. shareholder must comply with applicable certification
requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or W8BEN-E or substitute form).
In the case of Common Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund designates the payment as qualified
net interest income or qualified short-term capital gain. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the
application of these rules to their accounts. There can be no assurance as to what portion, if any, of the Fund’s distributions
would qualify for favorable treatment as “qualified net interest income” or “qualified short-term capital gains.”
Notwithstanding the foregoing, under certain provisions
of the Code referred to as “FATCA,” withholding at a rate of 30% will be required on dividends in respect of Common Shares
held by or through certain foreign financial institutions (including investment funds), unless such institution enters into an agreement
with the Treasury to report, on an annual basis, information with respect to interests in, and accounts maintained by, the institution
to the extent such interests or accounts are held by certain United States persons or by certain non-U.S. entities that are wholly or
partially owned by United States persons and to withhold on certain payments. Accordingly, the entity or entities through which Common
Shares are held will affect the determination of whether such withholding is required. Similarly, withholding at a rate of 30% will be
required on dividends in respect of Common Shares held by an investor that is a non-financial non-U.S. entity that does not qualify under
certain exemptions, unless such entity either (i) certifies that such entity does not have any “substantial United States owners”
or (ii) provides certain information regarding the entity’s “substantial United States owners,” which the applicable
withholding agent will in turn provide to the Secretary of the Treasury. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and
an applicable foreign country, or future Treasury regulations or other guidance, may modify these requirements. The Fund will not pay
any additional amounts to Common Shareholders in respect of any amounts withheld. Non-U.S. shareholders are encouraged to consult with
their tax advisors regarding the possible withholding implications of an investment in Common Shares.
Furthermore, if the Fund distributes its net capital
gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions (which the Fund may do in the future), a non-U.S. shareholder will be entitled
to a U.S. federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the shareholder’s allocable share of the tax the Fund pays on the capital
gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the non-U.S. shareholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification
number and file a federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. shareholder is not otherwise required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification
number or file a federal income tax return. For a corporate non-U.S. shareholder, distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized
upon the sale of Common Shares that are in each case effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business (or, where an applicable treaty
applies, are attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States) may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional
“branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable tax treaty). Accordingly, investment
in Common Shares may not be appropriate for certain non-U.S. shareholders.
The foregoing is a general summary of the provisions
of the Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its Common Shareholders. These
provisions are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Ordinary income
and capital gain dividends may also be subject to state, local and foreign taxes. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
SERVICE
PROVIDERS
Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, the Administrator,
which is located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the Fund’s administrator pursuant to a fund
administration servicing agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, the Administrator provides the Fund with, among other things, compliance
oversight, financial reporting oversight and tax reporting. The Fund pays the Administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of
0.09% of the first $100 million of Managed Assets, 0.07% on the next $200 million of Managed Assets and 0.04% on the balance of Managed
Assets, subject to a minimum annual fee of $70,000. The Fund will also pay for the Administrator’s out-of-pocket expenses. The Administrator
also serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement.
Custodian
U.S. Bank, National Association (the “Custodian”),
Custody Operations, 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as custodian for the Fund pursuant to
the Custodian Agreement with the Fund (the “Custodian Agreement”). The Custodian and the Administrator are affiliates of each
other. Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian will be responsible for, among other things, receipt of and disbursement of funds
from the Fund’s accounts, establishment of segregated accounts as necessary, and transfer, exchange and delivery of Fund portfolio
securities.
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, located at
615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, has entered into a transfer agent servicing agreement with the Fund. Under this
agreement, U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Additional Information
The Prospectus and this SAI constitutes part of
a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain
of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits
for further information with respect to the Fund and the common shares offered hereby. Any statements contained in the Prospectus and
herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its
entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its
rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov).
Principal Holders
As of the date of this SAI, to the knowledge of
the Fund, no person beneficially owned more than 5% of the voting securities of any class of equity securities of the Fund.
Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP, Dallas, Texas, serves as
the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and will annually render an opinion on the financial statements of the Fund.
The Fund’s audited financial statements appearing in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ended November 30,
2023, including accompanying notes thereto and the report of Ernst & Young LLP thereon, have been incorporated by reference herein
in reliance on their report given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Proxy Voting Policy and
Procedures and Proxy Voting Record
The Fund has delegated authority to vote proxies
to the Investment Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees. Attached hereto as Appendix B is the Proxy Voting
Policy which is currently in effect as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information.
The Proxy Voting Policy is subject to change over
time and investors seeking the most current copy of the Proxy Voting Policy should call the Fund toll free at (877) 965-7386. The Fund’s
most recent proxy voting record for the period ended June 30 which has been filed with the SEC is available without charge by calling
the Fund toll free at (877) 965-7386.
Trustee and Officer Liability
Under the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and
its By-laws, and under Delaware law, the Trustees, officers, employees and certain agents of the Fund are entitled to indemnification
under certain circumstances against liabilities, claims and expenses arising from any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding to which they are made parties by reason of the fact that they are or were such Trustees, officers, employees or agents of
the Fund, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act that prohibit indemnification that would protect such persons against liabilities
to the Fund or its shareholders to which they would otherwise be subject by reason of their own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of duties.
Code of Ethics
The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted
a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. This code permits personnel subject to the code to invest in securities, including
securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. This code of ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference
Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090.
The code of ethics is available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), and copies of this code
may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or
by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
The Fund’s audited financial statements,
including accompanying notes thereto and the report of Ernst & Young LLP thereon, appearing in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders
for the period ended November 30, 2023, as contained in the Fund’s Form N-CSR filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the “Commission”) on February 9, 2024, are incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional Information. Shareholder
reports are available upon request and without charge by calling toll-free (877) 965-7386, or you may obtain a copy of such reports from
the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) or from the Fund’s website at www.nxgim.com. Information on, or accessible through,
the Fund’s website is not a part of, and is not incorporated into, this Statement of Additional Information, the Prospectus or any
Prospectus Supplement.
Appendix A
Description of Securities Ratings
STANDARD & POOR’S CORPORATION
A brief description of the
applicable Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P)
follows.
Issue Credit Ratings Definition
A Standard & Poor’s
issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation,
a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial
paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the
obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P’s view of the
obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral
security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Issue credit ratings can
be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant
market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days—including commercial
paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations.
The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term
notes are assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*
Issue credit ratings are
based, in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of the following considerations:
Likelihood of
payment—capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of
the obligation.
Nature of and
provisions of the obligation.
Protection afforded
by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy
and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.
Issue ratings are an assessment
of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations
are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation
may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding
company obligations.)
AAA An obligation
rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated
‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated
‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations
in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
| * | Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’
may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. |
BBB An obligation
rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
BB; B; CCC; CC; and
C Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as
having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest.
While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated
‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
B An obligation rated
‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s
capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation
rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions,
the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated
‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C A ‘C’
rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed
by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not
experienced a payment default. Among others, the ‘C’ rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other
obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms or when preferred stock is the
subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other
instruments having a total value that is less than par.
D An obligation rated
‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the
date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within five business days, irrespective of any grace
period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments
on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ upon completion of a distressed exchange
offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value
that is less than par.
NR This indicates
that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular
obligation as a matter of policy.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1 A short-term obligation
rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s
capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation
rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations
in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation
rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation
rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity
to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity
to meet its financial commitments.
C A short-term obligation
rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions
for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D A short-term obligation
rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on
the date due, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any
stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used
upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
SPUR (S&Ps Underlying
Rating) A SPUR rating is a rating of a stand-alone capacity of an issue to pay debt service on a credit-enhanced debt issue, without giving
effect to the enhancement that applies to it. These ratings are published only at the request of the debt issuer/obligor with the designation
SPUR to distinguish them from the credit-enhanced rating that applies to the debt issue. S&P maintains surveillance of an issue with
a published SPUR.
Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings Definitions
A S&P’s U.S. Municipal
note rating reflects S&P’s opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three
years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term
debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P’s analysis will review the following considerations:
Amortization schedule—the
larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and
Source of payment—the
more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.
Note rating symbols are as
follows:
SP-1 Strong capacity
to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory
capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity
to pay principal and interest.
Dual Ratings S&P assigns
“dual” ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure. The first rating addresses
the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term rating
symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the short-term rating symbols for the put option (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’).
With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, note rating symbols are used with the short-term issue credit rating symbols (for example,
‘SP-1+/A-1+’).
The ratings and other credit
related opinions of S&P and its affiliates are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact
or recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell any securities or make any investment decisions. S&P assumes no obligation to update
any information following publication. Users of ratings and credit related opinions should not rely on them in making any investment decision.
S&P’s opinions and analyses do not address the suitability of any security. S&P’s Financial Services LLC does not
act as a fiduciary or an investment advisor. While S&P has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, S&P does
not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives. Ratings and credit
related opinions may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn at any time.
Active Qualifiers (Currently Applied and/or
Outstanding)
i This suffix is used
for issues in which the credit factors, terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of interest are different
from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of principal on the obligation. The ‘i’ suffix
indicates that the rating addresses the interest portion of the obligation only. The ‘i’ suffix will always be used in conjunction
with the ‘p’ suffix, which addresses likelihood of receipt of principal. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned
ratings of “AAAp NRi” indicating that the principal portion is rated “AAA” and the interest portion of the obligation
is not rated.
L Ratings qualified
with ‘L’ apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.
p This suffix is used
for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different
from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The ‘p’ suffix
indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only. The ‘p’ suffix will always be used in conjunction
with the ‘i’ suffix, which addresses likelihood of receipt of interest. For example, a rated obligation could be assigned
ratings of “AAAp NRi” indicating that the principal portion is rated “AAA” and the interest portion of the obligation
is not rated.
pi Ratings with a
‘pi’ suffix are based on an analysis of an issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information
in the public domain. They do not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s management and therefore may be based on
less comprehensive information than ratings without a ‘pi’ suffix. Ratings with a ‘pi’ suffix are reviewed annually
based on a new year’s financial statements, but may be reviewed on an interim basis if a major event occurs that may affect the
issuer’s credit quality.
preliminary Preliminary
ratings, with the ‘prelim’ suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances
described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P of appropriate documentation. S&P reserves
the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.
Preliminary ratings
may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal
opinions.
Preliminary ratings
are assigned to Rule 415 Shelf Registrations. As specific issues, with defined terms, are offered from the master registration, a
final rating may be assigned to them in accordance with Standard & Poor’s policies.
Preliminary ratings
may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor’s emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization,
based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to
the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes
of the anticipated obligation(s).
Preliminary ratings
may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P’s
opinion, documentation is close to final.
Preliminary ratings
may also be assigned to these entities’ obligations.
Preliminary ratings
may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing
or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned
to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor,
as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative
event not occur, S&P would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.
A preliminary
recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.
sf The (sf) suffix
is assigned to all issues and issuers to which a regulation, such as the European Union Regulation on Credit Rating Agencies, requires
the assignment of an additional symbol which distinguishes a structured finance instrument or obligor (as defined in the regulation) from
any other instrument or obligor. The addition of this suffix to a credit rating does not change the definition of that rating or our opinion
about the issue’s or issuer’s creditworthiness.
t This symbol indicates
termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash
settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.
unsolicited Unsolicited
ratings are those credit ratings assigned at the initiative of S&P and not at the request of the issuer or its agents.
MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
A brief description of the
applicable Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody’s)
follows.
Global Rating Scales
Ratings assigned on Moody’s
global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued
by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles and public sector entities.
Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood
of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Short-term ratings are
assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually
promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Moody’s differentiates
structured finance ratings from fundamental ratings (i.e., ratings on nonfinancial corporate, financial institution and public
sector entities) on the global long-term scale by adding (sf) to all structured finance ratings. The addition of (sf) to structured finance
ratings should eliminate any presumption that such ratings and fundamental ratings at the same letter grade level will behave the same.
The (sf) indicator for structured finance security ratings indicates that otherwise similarly rated structured finance and fundamental
securities may have different risk characteristics. Through its current methodologies, however, Moody’s aspires to achieve broad
expected equivalence in structured finance and fundamental rating performance when measured over a long period of time.
Global Long-Term Rating Scale
Aaa Obligations rated
Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
Aa Obligations rated
Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A Obligations rated
A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa Obligations rated
Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Ba Obligations rated
Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B Obligations rated
B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
Caa Obligations rated
Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca Obligations rated
Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C Obligations rated
C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody’s
appends numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking
in the lower end of that generic rating
category. Additionally, a
“(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies and securities
firms.
By their terms, hybrid securities
allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an
omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment.
Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit
risk associated with that security.
Global Short-Term Rating Scale
P-1 Issuers (or supporting
institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 Issuers (or supporting
institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 Issuers (or supporting
institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. NP Issuers (or supporting institutions)
rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Short-Term Obligation
Ratings. While the global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to US municipal tax-exempt commercial paper,
these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map
to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal
obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (i.e.,
the MIG and VMIG scales discussed below).
The Municipal Investment
Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG
scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire
at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG
ratings are divided into three levels—MIG1 through MIG3—while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.
MIG 1 This designation
denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation
denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 This designation
denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be
less well-established.
SG This designation
denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
Demand Obligation Ratings.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating
and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and
interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price
upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG
rating. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support
generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
VMIG 1 This designation
denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider
and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2 This designation
denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural
and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 This designation
denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider
and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG This designation
denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not
have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment
of purchase price upon demand.
Other Ratings Symbols
e Expected Ratings
Indicator. To address market demand for timely information on particular types of credit ratings, Moody’s has licensed to certain
third parties the right to generate “Expected Ratings.” Expected Ratings are designated by an “e” after the rating
code, and are intended to anticipate Moody’s forthcoming rating assignments based on reliable information from third-party sources
(such as the issuer or underwriter associated with the particular securities) or established Moody’s rating practices (i.e.,
medium term notes are typically, but not always, assigned the same rating as the note’s program rating). Expected Ratings will exist
only until Moody’s confirms the Expected Rating, or issues a different rating for the relevant instrument. Moody’s encourages
market participants to contact Moody’s Ratings Desk or visit www.moodys.com if they have questions, or wish Moody’s
to confirm an Expected Rating.
(P) Provisional Ratings.
As a service to the market and at the request of an issuer, Moody’s will often assign a provisional rating when the assignment of
a final rating is subject to the fulfillment of contingencies but it is highly likely that the rating will become definitive after all
documents are received or an obligation is issued into the market. A provisional rating is denoted by placing a (P) in front of the rating.
Such ratings are typically assigned to shelf registrations under SEC rule 415 or transaction-based structures that require investor
education. When a transaction uses a well-established structure and the transaction’s structure and terms are not expected to change
prior to sale in a manner that would affect the rating, a definitive rating may be assigned directly.
# Refunded. Issues that are
secured by escrowed funds held in trust, reinvested in direct, non-callable US government obligations or non-callable obligations unconditionally
guaranteed by the US Government or Resolution Funding Corporation are identified with a # (hatch mark) symbol, e.g., #Aaa.
WR Withdrawn. When
Moody’s no longer rates an obligation on which it previously maintained a rating, the symbol WR is employed.
NR Not Rated. The
symbol NR is assigned to unrated obligations, issuers and/or programs. NAV Not Available. An issue that Moody’s has not yet
rated is denoted by the NAV symbol.
TWR Terminated Without
Rating. The symbol TWR applies primarily to issues that mature or are redeemed without having been rated.
FITCH RATINGS, INC.
A brief description of the
applicable Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) ratings symbols and meanings (as published by Fitch) follows.
Rated entities in a number
of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns and insurance companies, are generally assigned Issuer Default
Ratings (IDRs). IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold”
default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure
of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although
the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.
In aggregate, IDRs provide
an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of
a specific percentage likelihood of default. For historical information on the default experience of Fitch-rated issuers, please consult
the transition and default performance studies available from the Fitch Ratings website.
Long-Term Credit Ratings Scales
AAA Highest credit quality.
‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity
for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality.
‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments.
This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A High credit quality.
‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong.
This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality.
‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments
is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.
BB Speculative. ‘BB’
ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions
over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B Highly speculative.
‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments
are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.
CCC Substantial credit
risk. Default is a real possibility.
CC Very high levels of
credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.
C Exceptionally High Levels
of Credit Risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill.
Conditions that are indicative
of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:
| (a) | the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; |
| (b) | the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment
default on a material financial obligation; or |
| (c) | Fitch Ratings otherwise believes a condition of ‘RD’ or ‘D’ to be imminent or
inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt exchange. |
RD Restricted default.
‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan
or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or
other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:
| (a) | the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; |
| (b) | the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following
a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; |
| (c) | the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material
financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or |
| (d) | execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. |
D Default. ‘D’
ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation
or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.
Default ratings are not assigned
prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or
grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is
otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
“Imminent” default
typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example,
be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default.
Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies
several days or weeks in the immediate future.
In all cases, the assignment
of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe
of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial
practice.
Note: The modifiers
“+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes
are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.
Limitations for the Issuer Credit
Rating Scale:
Specific limitations relevant
to the issuer credit rating scale include:
The ratings do
not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood over any given time period.
The ratings do
not opine on the market value of any issuer’s securities or stock, or the likelihood that this value may change.
The ratings do
not opine on the liquidity of the issuer’s securities or stock.
The ratings do
not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an issuer default.
The ratings do
not opine on the suitability of an issuer as counterparty to trade credit.
The ratings do
not opine on any quality related to an issuer’s business, operational or financial profile other than the agency’s opinion
on its relative vulnerability to default.
Ratings assigned by Fitch
Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader’s
convenience.
Short-Term Ratings
Assigned to Issuers or Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance. A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based
in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial
obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose
initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate,
sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest short-term
credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+”
to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good short-term
credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair short-term
credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.
B: Speculative short-term
credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes
in financial and economic conditions.
C: High short-term
default risk. Default is a real possibility.
RD: Restricted default.
Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial
obligations. Applicable to entity ratings only.
D: Default. Indicates
a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation. Limitations of the Short-Term Ratings Scale:
Specific limitations relevant
to the Short-Term Ratings scale include:
The ratings do
not predict a specific percentage of default likelihood over any given time period.
The ratings do
not opine on the market value of any issuer’s securities or stock, or the likelihood that this value may change.
The ratings do
not opine on the liquidity of the issuer’s securities or stock.
The ratings do
not opine on the possible loss severity on an obligation should an obligation default.
The ratings do
not opine on any quality related to an issuer or transaction’s profile other than the agency’s opinion on the relative vulnerability
to default of the rated issuer or obligation.
Ratings assigned by Fitch
Ratings articulate an opinion on discrete and specific areas of risk. The above list is not exhaustive, and is provided for the reader’s
convenience.
Appendix B
PROXY
VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Cushing® Asset Management, LP (the “Investment
Manager”) serves as the investment adviser and general partner, respectively, of certain the investment accounts and pooled investment
(each a “Client” and collectively, the “Clients”). Through these relationships the Investment Manager is sometimes
delegated the right to vote, on behalf of the Clients, proxies received from companies, the securities of which are owned by the Clients.
Purpose
The Investment Manager follows this proxy voting
policy (the “Policy”) to ensure that proxies the Investment Manager votes, on behalf of each Client, are voted to further
the best interest of that Client. The Policy establishes a mechanism to address any conflicts of interests between the Investment Manager
and the Client. Further, the Policy establishes how Clients may obtain information on how the proxies have been voted.
Determination of Vote
The Investment Manager determines how to vote
after studying the proxy materials and any other materials that may be necessary or beneficial to voting. The Investment Manager votes
in a manner that the Investment Manager believes reasonably furthers the best interests of the Client and is consistent with the Client’s
investment philosophy as set forth in the relevant investment management documents.
The major proxy-related issues generally fall
within five categories: corporate governance, takeover defenses, compensation plans, capital structure, and social responsibility. The
Investment Manager will cast votes for these matters on a case-by-case basis. The Investment Manager will generally vote in favor of matters
which follow an agreeable corporate strategic direction, support an ownership structure that enhances shareholder value without diluting
management’s accountability to shareholders and/or present compensation plans that are commensurate with enhanced manager performance
and market practices.
Resolution of any Conflicts
of Interest
If a proxy vote creates a material conflict between
the interests of the Investment Manager and a Client, the Investment Manager will resolve the conflict before voting the proxies. The
Investment Manager will either disclose the conflict to the Client and obtain a consent or take other steps designed to ensure that a
decision to vote the proxy was based on the Investment Manager’s determination of the Client’s best interest and was not the
product of the conflict.
Records
The Investment Manager maintains records of (i)
all proxy statements and materials the Investment Manager receives on behalf of Clients; (ii) all proxy votes that are made on behalf
of the Clients; (iii) all documents that were material to a proxy vote; (iv) all written requests from Clients regarding voting history;
and (v) all responses (written and oral) to Clients’ requests. Such records are available to the Clients (and owners of a Client
that is an investment vehicle) upon request.
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits
| 1) | Included in Part A: Financial highlights |
Incorporated by reference
into Part B:
The Registrant’s audited
financial statements, notes to such financial statements and the report of independent registered public accounting firm thereon, by reference
to the Registrant’s Annual Report for the period ended November 30, 2023, as contained in the Registrant’s Form N-CSR
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on February 8, 2024.
| (d) | Form of Subscription Documents for Rights++ |
| (h) | Form of Underwriting/Sales/Dealer Manager Agreement++ |
| ++ | To be filed by amendment. |
| (1) | Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Securities
Act File No. 333-170869 and Investment Company Act File No. 811-22499), on Form N-2, filed on August 30, 2012. |
| (2) | Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Securities Act File No. 333-191810 and Investment
Company Act File No. 811-22499), on Form N-2, filed on October 18, 2013. |
| (3) | Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Securities Act File No. 333-222383 and Investment
Company Act File No. 811-22499), on Form N-2, filed on December 29, 2017. |
| (4) | Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration
Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Securities
Act File No. 333-222383 and Investment Company Act File No. 811-22499), on Form N-2, filed on February 2, 2018. |
| (5) | Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (Securities Act File No. 333-278194 and Investment Company
Act File No. 811-22499), filed on March 22, 2024. |
| (6) | Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-2 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (Securities Act File No. 333-278194 and Investment Company Act File No. 811-22499), filed on May 13, 2024. |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
The information contained under the heading “Plan
of Distribution” in this Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference and any information concerning any underwriters
for a particular offering will be contained in the Prospectus Supplement related to that offering.
Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance
and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses
to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
SEC Fees | |
$ | 14,760 | |
FINRA Fees | |
| 15,500 | |
Printing and Mailing Expenses | |
| 50,000 | |
Legal Fees | |
| 200,000 | |
Exchange Listing Fees | |
| 40,000 | |
Audit Fees | |
| 50,000 | |
Miscellaneous Expenses | |
| 150,000 | |
Total | |
$ | 520,260 | |
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under
Common Control with Registrant
None
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
Title Class |
Number of Record Shareholders
as of April 30, 2024
|
Common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share |
4 |
Item 30. Indemnification
Article IV of the Registrant’s
Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides as follows:
Section 2. Limitation
of Liability. All persons contracting with or having any claim against the Trust or a particular Series shall look only to the assets
of the Trust or, as applicable, all Series or such particular Series for payment under such contract or claim; and neither the Trustees
nor, when acting in such capacity, any of the Trust’s officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be personally
liable therefor. Every written instrument or obligation on behalf of the Trust or any Series shall contain a statement to the foregoing
effect, but the absence of such statement shall not operate to make any Trustee or officer of the Trust liable thereunder. Provided they
have exercised reasonable care and have acted under the reasonable belief that their actions are in the best interest of the Trust, the
Trustees and officers of the Trust shall not be responsible or liable for any act or omission or for neglect or wrongdoing of them or
any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser or independent contractor of the Trust, but nothing contained in this Declaration or
in the Delaware Act shall protect any Trustee or officer of the Trust against liability to the Trust or to Shareholders to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office.
Section 3. Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the exceptions
and limitations contained in subsection (b) below:
(i) every
person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Trust (including any individual who serves at its request
as director, officer, partner, employee, trustee, agent or the like of another organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder,
creditor or otherwise) (“Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the Trust or the appropriate Series to the fullest extent
permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit
or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Covered Person and against
amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof; and
(ii) as
used herein, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit,” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims,
actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, arbitration or other, including appeals), actual or threatened,
and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments,
amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall
be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:
(i) who
shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office,
or (B) not to have acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the Trust; or
(ii) in
the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office; (A) by the court or other body approving the
settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter
based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); (C) by written opinion of independent legal
counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) or (D) by a vote of a majority of the
Outstanding Shares entitled to vote (excluding any Outstanding Shares owned of record or beneficially by such individual).
(c) The rights of indemnification
herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any
other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of a Covered Person.
(d) To
the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit or proceeding of the character described in subsection (a) of this Section may be paid by the Trust or applicable Series
from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount
will be paid over by him to the Trust or applicable Series if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under
this Section; provided, however, that either (i) such Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (ii)
the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance payments or (iii) either a majority of a quorum of the Trustees who
are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall have determined,
based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason to believe that such Covered
Person will not be disqualified from indemnification under this Section. Independent counsel retained for the purpose of rendering an
opinion regarding advancement of expenses and/or a majority of a quorum of the Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust
nor parties to the matter, may proceed under a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Covered Person’s duties to the Trust and were based on the Covered Person’s
determination that those actions were in the best interests of the Trust and its Shareholders; provided that the Covered Person is not
an Interested Person (or is an Interested Person solely by reason of being an officer of the Trust).
(e) Any
repeal or modification of this Article IV by the Shareholders, or adoption or modification of any other provision of the Declaration
or By-Laws inconsistent with this Article, shall be prospective only, to the extent that such repeal, or modification would, if applied
retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification available to any Covered Person
with respect to any act or omission which occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption. Any such repeal or modification by
the Shareholders shall require a vote of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy
at any meeting of the Shareholders.
Section 4. Indemnification
of Shareholders.
(a) If
any Shareholder or former Shareholder of the Trust (as opposed to a Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series) shall be held personally
liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the
Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the case of any entity,
its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the Trust to be held harmless from and indemnified against all
loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust shall, upon request by such Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made
against such Shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
(b) If
any Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall be held personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a Shareholder
and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators
or other legal representatives or in the case of any entity, its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets belonging to the
applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, on behalf
of the affected Series, shall, upon request by such Shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against such Shareholder for any
act or obligation of the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
Section 5. No Bond
Required of Trustees. No Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his duties hereunder.
Section 6. No Duty
of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, Etc. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person dealing with the Trustees
or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or a Series thereof shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction
purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid,
loaned, or delivered to or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation, contract, instrument,
certificate, Share, other security of the Trust or a Series thereof or undertaking, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in
connection with the Trust shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity
as Trustees under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust or a Series thereof. Every written
obligation, contract, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust or a Series thereof or undertaking made or issued by
the Trustees may recite that the same is executed or made by them not individually, but as Trustees under the Declaration, and that the
obligations of the Trust or a Series thereof under any such instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or Shareholders individually,
but bind only the Trust Property or the Trust Property of the applicable Series, and may contain any further recital which they may deem
appropriate, but the omission of such recital shall not operate to bind the Trustees individually. The Trustees may maintain insurance
for the protection of the Trust Property or the Trust Property of the applicable Series, its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees
and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible tort liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees
in their sole judgment shall deem advisable.
Section 7. Reliance
on Experts, Etc. Each Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust or a Series thereof shall, in the performance of his duties, powers
and discretions hereunder be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from
reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust or a Series thereof, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon
reports made to the Trust or a Series thereof by any of its officers or employees or by the Investment Adviser, the Administrator, the
Distributor, the Principal Underwriter, Transfer Agent, selected dealers, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected
with reasonable care by the Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.
Section 18 of the Investment
Management Agreement between Registrant and Cushing® Asset Management, LP provides as follows:
18. Limitation
of Liability of the Fund and the Shareholders. None of the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders of the Fund will be personally
liable under this Agreement. The name “NXG Cushing NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund” is the designation of the Fund for
the time being under the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and all persons dealing with the Fund must look solely
to the property of the Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the Fund, as none of the Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders
assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Fund.
Insofar as indemnification
for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections
of the Advisor
The Investment Adviser is not engaged in any other
business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature. A description of any other business, profession, vocation or employment
of a substantial nature in which each limited partner or executive officer of the Investment Adviser is or has been during the past two
fiscal years engaged in for his or her own account or in his or her capacity as trustee, officer, or portfolio manager of the Fund, is
set forth in Part A and Part B of this Registration Statement in the sections entitled “Management of the Fund”
or in the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV, as filed with the SEC (SEC File No. 801-63255), and which Form ADV is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts, books or other documents required
to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act, and the rules promulgated under the 1940 Act, are kept by the Registrant or its
custodian, transfer agent, administrator and fund accountant. The Registrant is located at the following address: The NextGen Infrastructure
Income Fund, 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 1205 Dallas, Texas 75201. The Fund’s custodian is located at the following address:
U.S. Bank National Association, 1555 N. Riveright Dr., Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. The Fund’s transfer agent, registrar
and administrator is located at the following address: U.S. Bancorp Global Fund Services, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202.
Item 33. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 34. Undertakings
Not applicable.
| (a) | to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement: |
(1) to include
any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(2) to reflect
in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post- effective amendment
thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be
reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration
Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(3) to include
any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material
change to such information in the registration statement.
Provided, however, that paragraphs a(1),
a(2), and a(3) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is filed pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form and
the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished
to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference
into the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration
statement.
| (b) | that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment
shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; |
| (c) | to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; |
| (d) | that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser: |
(1) if the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B
(A)
Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as
of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(B)
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in
reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of
providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the
registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the
first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability
purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of
the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no
statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document
incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement
that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document
immediately prior to such effective date; or
(2) If
the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C: Each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act as part of a
registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses
filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first
used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is
part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify
any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such
document immediately prior to such date of first use.
| (e) | that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser
in the initial distribution of securities: |
The undersigned Registrant undertakes
that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting
method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following
communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to
the purchaser:
(1) any
preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424
under the Securities Act;
(2) free
writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned
Registrants;
(3) the
portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering
containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant;
and
(4) any
other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.
| 4. | Registrant undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any
liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement
in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) will
be deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective. |
Registrant undertakes that, for the purpose
of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus will be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
| 5. | Registrant undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933,
each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 that is incorporated by reference into the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof. |
| 7. | Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery,
within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information constituting Part B of
this Registration Statement. |
SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, this Registrant’s Registration Statement has been signed on behalf
of the Registrant, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on the 6th day of June, 2024.
|
NXG NEXTGEN INFRASTRUCTURE INCOME FUND |
|
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|
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By: |
/s/ John Musgrave |
|
|
Name: |
John Musgrave |
|
|
Title: |
Chief Executive Officer and President |
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities set forth below on the 6th day of June, 2024.
Principal Executive Officer |
|
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/s/ John Musgrave |
|
John Musgrave |
|
Chief Executive Officer and President |
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Principal Financial Officer |
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/s/ Blake Nelson |
|
Blake Nelson |
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Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
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Trustees |
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* |
|
Brian R. Bruce |
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Trustee |
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* |
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John H. Alban |
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Trustee |
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* |
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Andrea N. Mullins |
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Trustee |
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* | Signed by Blake Nelson, an attorney-in-fact, pursuant to a power
of attorney filed herewith. |
By: |
/s/ Blake Nelson |
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Blake Nelson |
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Attorney-In-Fact |
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June 6, 2024 |
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
NXG Investment Management
600 N. Pearl Street
Suite 1205
Dallas, Texas 75201
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund
600 N. Pearl Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This letter agreement (the “Agreement”)
confirms the temporary fee waiver by NXG Investment Management (Cushing MLP Asset Management, LP) (the “Adviser”) with
respect to the management fee payable in connection with the management of NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (the “Fund”).
The Fund and the Adviser have entered into an Investment
Management Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2012 (the “Management Agreement”). Pursuant to the Management Agreement,
the Fund pays to the Adviser a monthly fee (the “Management Fee”) at an annual rate equal to 1.25% of the Fund’s
Managed Assets (as defined in the Management Agreement).
The Fund and the Adviser entered into a fee waiver
letter agreement effective as of February 1, 2024.
The Fund has filed a registration statement on Form
N-2 (File Nos. 333-278194 and 811-22499), as filed on March 22, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”). In connection with the
Registration Statement, the Fund and the Adviser desire to amend and restate the fee waiver letter agreement.
1. Fee
Waiver. The Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of the Management Fee equal to 0.25% of the Fund’s Managed Assets.
2. Effective
Date. The fee waiver is effective as of February 1, 2024.
3. Recoupment.
Amounts waived by the Adviser are not subject to recoupment from the Fund in future years.
4. Term
and Termination. This Agreement shall continue until the later of (i) June 1, 2025 or (ii) 12 months after the date of effectiveness
of the Registration Statement. Prior to the termination date, this Agreement may be modified, waived or terminated only with the written
consent of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. This Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of the termination of the Management
Agreement.
5. Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware for contracts to be performed
entirely therein without reference to choice of law principles thereof and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
|
Very truly yours, |
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Cushing MLP Asset Management, LP |
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/s/ Blake Nelson |
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Name: |
Blake Nelson |
|
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
Accepted and Agreed:
NXG NEXTGEN INFRASTRUCTURE INCOME FUND
By: |
/s/ Blake Nelson |
|
|
Name: |
Blake Nelson |
|
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
We consent to the references to our firm under the
captions “Financial Highlights”, “Senior Securities”, and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm”
in the Prospectus and “Financial Statements” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement
of Additional Information each dated June 6, 2024, and each included in this Pre-Effective Amendment No.2 to
the Registration Statement (Form N-2, File No. 333-278194) of NXG Nextgen Infrastructure Income Fund (the “Registration Statement”).
We also consent to the incorporation by reference
of our report dated January 29, 2024, with respect to the financial statements and financial highlights of NXG NextGen Infrastructure
Income Fund included in the Annual Report to Shareholders (Form N-CSR) for the year ended November 30, 2023, into this Registration Statement,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Dallas, Texas
June 6, 2024
Exhibit (s)
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
FORM N-2
(Form Type)
NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward
Securities
|
Security
Type |
Security
Class
Title |
Fee
Calculation
or Carry
Forward
Rule |
Amount
Registered |
Proposed
Maximum
Offering
Price Per
Unit |
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price |
Fee
Rate |
Amount of
Registration
Fee(2) |
Carry
Forward
Form
Type |
Carry
Forward
File
Number |
Carry
Forward
Initial
effective
date |
Filing Fee
Previously
Paid In
Connection
with
Unsold
Securities
to be
Carried
Forward |
Newly Registered Securities |
Fees previously paid |
Equity |
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest |
Rule 457(o) |
|
|
$ 100,000,000(1) |
0.0001476 |
$ 14,760.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares of Beneficial Interest |
Rule 457(o) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Offering Amounts |
|
$ 100,000,000 |
|
$ 14,760.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total Fees Previously Paid |
|
|
|
$ 14,760.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total Fee Offsets |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
Net Fee Due |
|
|
|
$ 0.00 |
|
|
|
|
| (1) | Estimated
pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee. |
| (2) | Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o)
under the Securities Act o 1933, as amended, and paid in connection with the filing of this Registration Statement. |
v3.24.1.1.u2
N-2 - USD ($)
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3 Months Ended |
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Jun. 06, 2024 |
May 06, 2024 |
May 03, 2024 |
Nov. 30, 2023 |
Aug. 31, 2023 |
May 31, 2023 |
Feb. 28, 2023 |
Nov. 30, 2022 |
Aug. 31, 2022 |
May 31, 2022 |
Feb. 28, 2022 |
Nov. 30, 2021 |
Nov. 30, 2020 |
Nov. 30, 2019 |
Nov. 30, 2018 |
Nov. 30, 2017 |
Nov. 30, 2016 |
Nov. 30, 2015 |
Nov. 30, 2014 |
Nov. 30, 2013 |
Cover [Abstract] |
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Entity Central Index Key |
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0001506488
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Amendment Flag |
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Entity Inv Company Type |
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N-2
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Securities Act File Number |
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333-278194
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Investment Company Act File Number |
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811-22499
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Document Type |
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N-2/A
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Document Registration Statement |
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true
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Pre-Effective Amendment |
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true
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Pre-Effective Amendment Number |
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2
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Post-Effective Amendment |
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false
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Investment Company Act Registration |
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true
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Investment Company Registration Amendment |
|
true
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Investment Company Registration Amendment Number |
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15
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Entity Registrant Name |
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NXG NEXTGEN INFRASTRUCTURE INCOME FUND
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Entity Address, Address Line One |
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600 N. Pearl St.
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Entity Address, Address Line Two |
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Suite 1205
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Entity Address, City or Town |
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Dallas
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Entity Address, State or Province |
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TX
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Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
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75201
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City Area Code |
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(214)
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Local Phone Number |
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692-6334
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Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to Public |
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From
time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
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Dividend or Interest Reinvestment Plan Only |
|
false
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Delayed or Continuous Offering |
|
true
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Primary Shelf [Flag] |
|
true
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Effective Upon Filing, 462(e) |
|
false
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Additional Securities Effective, 413(b) |
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false
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Effective when Declared, Section 8(c) |
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false
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New Effective Date for Previous Filing |
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false
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Additional Securities. 462(b) |
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false
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No Substantive Changes, 462(c) |
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false
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Exhibits Only, 462(d) |
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false
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Registered Closed-End Fund [Flag] |
|
true
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Business Development Company [Flag] |
|
false
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Interval Fund [Flag] |
|
false
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Primary Shelf Qualified [Flag] |
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true
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Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer |
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No
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Entity Emerging Growth Company |
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false
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New CEF or BDC Registrant [Flag] |
|
false
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|
Fee Table [Abstract] |
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Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block] |
|
Shareholder transaction expenses |
|
Sales load (as a percentage of estimated offering price) |
–%(1) |
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of estimated offering price) |
–% (1) |
Dividend reinvestment Plan fees |
$15.00(2) |
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Sales Load [Percent] |
[1] |
0.00%
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Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees |
[2] |
$ 15.00
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Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract] |
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|
Other Transaction Expenses [Percent] |
[1] |
0.00%
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Annual Expenses [Table Text Block] |
|
Annual Expenses |
Percentage of Net Assets
Attributable to Common Shares(3)
|
Management fees(4)(5) |
1.76% |
Interest payments on borrowed funds(6) |
2.29% |
Other expenses(7) |
1.53% |
Total annual expenses (before fee waiver)(5) |
5.58% |
Fee waiver |
(0.25)% |
Net annual expenses (after fee waier) |
5.33% |
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Management Fees [Percent] |
[3],[4],[5] |
1.76%
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Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] |
[3],[6] |
2.29%
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Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |
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Other Annual Expenses [Percent] |
[3],[7] |
1.53%
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Total Annual Expenses [Percent] |
[3],[5] |
5.58%
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Waivers and Reimbursements of Fees [Percent] |
[3] |
(0.25%)
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Net Expense over Assets [Percent] |
[3] |
5.33%
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Expense Example [Table Text Block] |
|
EXAMPLE
As required by relevant SEC regulations, the
following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) “Total
annual expenses” of 5.33% of net assets attributable to Common Shares in Year 1 and thereafter 5.58% of net assets
attributable to Common Shares and (4) a 5.00% annual return*:
|
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Total expenses incurred |
$ 56 |
$ 166 |
$ 275 |
$ 542 |
| * | The example should not be considered a representation of future
expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may
be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. The example assumes that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested at net asset value. |
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Expense Example, Year 01 |
[8] |
$ 56
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 |
[8] |
166
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 |
[8] |
275
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|
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 |
[8] |
$ 542
|
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|
Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block] |
|
The following table contains information about
the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund
as of November 30, 2023 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees
and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
|
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Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] |
|
as a percentage of estimated offering price
|
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Other Expenses, Note [Text Block] |
|
“Other expenses” are estimated based upon those incurred during the fiscal period ended November 30,
2023. Other expenses include acquired funds fees and expenses, which did not exceed 0.01 percent of the average net assets of the Fund
for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023. Other expenses do not include expense related to realized or unrealized investment gains
or losses. See “Management of the Fund—Fund Expenses.”
|
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|
Financial Highlights [Abstract] |
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|
Senior Securities [Table Text Block] |
|
SENIOR SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information about
the Fund’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of the last ten fiscal years. The information in this table for the
fiscal years ended November 30, 2023, November 30, 2022, November 30, 2021, November 30, 2020 and November 30,
2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting
firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the
Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023 and are incorporated by reference herein.
Fiscal Period Ended | |
Title of Security | |
Total
Principal Amount
Outstanding | | |
Asset
Coverage Per $1,000 of Principal
Amount | |
November 30, 2023 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 36,810,000 | | |
$ | 3,817 | |
November 30, 2022 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 41,410,000 | | |
$ | 4,440 | |
November 30, 2021 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 56,410,000 | | |
$ | 3,456 | |
November 30, 2020 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 18,310,000 | | |
$ | 7,518 | |
November 30, 2019 | |
Borrowings | |
| -- | | |
| -- | |
November 30, 2018 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 42,156,007 | | |
$ | 4,246 | |
November 30, 2017 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 22,956,007 | | |
$ | 6,093 | |
November 30, 2016 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 10,456,007 | | |
$ | 12,244 | |
November 30, 2015 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 7,321,000 | | |
$ | 17,196 | |
November 30, 2014 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 24,171,751 | | |
$ | 7,458 | |
November 30, 2013 | |
Borrowings | |
$ | 24,659,062 | | |
$ | 7,742 | |
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|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
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|
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
|
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek
a high total return with an emphasis on current income. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
Principal Investment Policies
The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its Managed Assets, in a portfolio of equity and debt securities of infrastructure companies,
including energy infrastructure companies, industrial infrastructure companies, sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and
communication infrastructure companies (the “80% policy”).
The infrastructure investment landscape is rapidly
evolving due to technological advancement. While some energy and industrial infrastructure companies (sometimes referred to as “traditional”
infrastructure companies) are now in their maturity phase, many traditional infrastructure companies have become leaders in implementing
technological innovations. The Fund’s next generation focus within the infrastructure investment landscape consists of these innovative
infrastructure companies along with sustainable infrastructure companies and technology and communication infrastructure companies. Similar
to traditional infrastructure assets, which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions and are often
said to form the “backbone” of the economy, technology and communication infrastructure assets provide the underlying foundation
of the data that drives the modern knowledge economy.
The Fund considers an infrastructure company to
be any company that has at least 50% of its assets, income, revenue, sales or profits committed to or derived from the ownership, operation,
management, construction, development, servicing or financing of infrastructure assets. Infrastructure assets include energy and industrial
infrastructure assets, sustainable infrastructure assets and technology and communication infrastructure assets. Energy and industrial
infrastructure assets are physical structures, networks and systems of transportation, energy, water and sewage, security and communications.
Examples of energy and industrial infrastructure assets include toll roads, bridges, and tunnels; airports, seaports, railroads, electricity
transmission, and distribution lines; facilities used in gathering, treating, processing, fractionation, transportation and storage of
hydrocarbon products; water and sewage treatment facilities and distribution pipelines; communication towers, cables, and satellites;
and security systems related to the foregoing assets. Sustainable infrastructure assets include renewable energy infrastructure assets
such as power generation from renewable and other clean energy sources, including utility scale and distributed solar power, wind, hydroelectric
and geothermal power, renewable energy storage and electric vehicle charging networks, as well as waste collection and recycling, water
purification and desalinization. Technology and communication infrastructure assets consist of assets, systems and technologies that collect,
enable, analyze, optimize, automate, transmit and secure the data that allows businesses and other organizations to operate. Examples
of technology and communications infrastructure assets include: data centers, cloud, hosting, and database systems, transactional and
financial backend systems, customer relationship management systems, smart city technologies, network security and cybersecurity, automation
systems, human resource and workforce management and industry specific infrastructure software.
The Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in
companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. As a result, the Fund is concentrated in the
energy sector. See “Risks—Concentration Risk.” The Fund invests no more than 25% of its Managed Assets in securities
of energy MLPs that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
“Code”).
The Fund generally seeks to invest in no more
than 10% of its Managed Assets in any one issue and no more than 20% of Managed Assets in any one issuer, in each case, determined at
the time of investment. For purposes of this limit with respect to an investment in an MLP, an “issuer” includes both an issuer
and its controlling general partner, managing member or sponsor, and an “issue” is a class of an issuer’s securities
or a derivative security that tracks that class of securities.
The Fund invests up to 25% of its Managed Assets
in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies.
The Fund seeks attractive investment opportunities
by investing in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and secondary market issuances, private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions and privately negotiated transactions, including pre-acquisition and pre-IPO equity issuances and investments in private
companies.
The Fund invests, without limitation, in debt
securities rated, at the time of investment, at least (i) B3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), (ii)
B- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), or (iii) a comparable
rating by another rating agency, and invests no more than 5% of its Managed Assets in debt securities rated below B3 by Moody’s,
B- by S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Therefore, the Fund may invest in below investment grade debt
securities. A debt security is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P
or Fitch or a comparable rating by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high
yield” securities or “junk bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. Debt securities in which the Fund invests may be of any
maturity.
The Fund invests in non-U.S. securities, including
securities of issuers in emerging markets.
The Fund invests in issuers of any market capitalization
size.
The Fund may seek to hedge risks to the portfolio,
including market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk and commodity price risk, as deemed prudent by the Investment Adviser. For a
discussion of the instruments and techniques the Fund may use to implement hedging strategies, see “The Fund’s Investments—Strategic
Transactions.”
The Fund does not invest directly in commodities.
The Fund’s investment objective and percentage
parameters, including its 80% policy, are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval. Shareholders,
however, will be notified in writing of any change at least 60 days prior to effecting any such change.
As used in this Prospectus (except as noted below),
“Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations
other than liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage, including, without limitation, investment leverage obtained
through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities),
(ii) the issuance of shares of preferred stock (“preferred shares”) or other similar preference securities and/or (iii) the
reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Solely
for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy, “Managed Assets” means net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment
purposes.
THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS
Energy Companies
The Fund invests in equity and debt securities
of energy supply chain and energy services companies, including companies that operate assets used in gathering, transporting, processing,
storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products.
The energy supply chain companies in which the
Fund will invest will primarily include:
| · | Upstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in energy exploration and production, including,
among others, crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”); |
| · | Midstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in the gathering, transportation, processing,
fractionation, refining and storage of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids or refined petroleum products; and |
| · | Downstream Energy Companies, which are businesses engaged in the marketing and distribution of
refined energy products, such as petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”), fuel oils, lubricants, plastics and other chemicals,
fertilizer and natural gas to retail customers and industrial end-users. |
Oil and gas services companies in which the Fund
will invest include extractive logistics companies engaged in the delivery and sale of petroleum products such as diesel fuel and lubricating
oil, antifreeze, methanol and other chemicals to customers engaged in drilling, exploration and production and mining activities. Industrial
Companies
The Fund will invest in equity and debt securities
of companies that the Investment Adviser expects to benefit from lower costs of energy and feedstock (i.e. the material to supply or fuel
an industrial process) relative to competitors, including energy-intensive chemical, metal and industrial manufacturing companies and
engineering and construction (“E&C”) companies. For instance, feedstocks such as natural gas play a crucial role in chemical
production. As a result, competitive edge may be gained by chemical production companies that benefit from a lower cost of natural gas
compared to their competitors.
Master Limited Partnerships
The Fund may invest up to 25% of the value of
its Managed Assets in MLPs that are “qualified publicly traded partnerships” under the Code. MLPs are formed as limited partnerships
or limited liability companies and taxed as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The securities issued by many MLPs are
listed and traded on a U.S. exchange. An MLP typically issues general partner and limited partner interests or managing member and member
interests. The general partner or managing member manages and often controls, has an ownership stake in, and may receive incentive distribution
payments from, the MLP. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP must derive at
least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from qualifying sources as described in Section 7704 of the Code. These qualifying
sources include natural resources-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation,
storage and certain marketing of mineral or natural resources.
The general partner or managing member may be
structured as a private or publicly-traded corporation or other entity. The general partner or managing member typically controls the
operations and management of the entity and has an up to 2% general partner or managing member interest in the entity plus, in many cases,
ownership of some percentage of the outstanding limited partner or member interests. The limited partners or members, through their ownership
of limited partner or member interests, provide capital to the entity, are intended to have no role in the operation and management of
the entity and receive cash distributions.
Due to their structure as partnerships for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and the expected character of their income, MLPs generally do not pay federal income taxes. Thus, unlike investors
in corporate securities, direct MLP investors are generally not subject to double taxation (i.e., corporate level tax and tax on
corporate distributions). Currently, most MLPs operate in the energy and midstream, natural resources, shipping or real estate sectors.
Equity securities issued by MLPs typically consist
of common and subordinated units (which represent the limited partner or member interests) and a general partner or managing member interest.
For more information on MLP securities, see “Investment Strategies and Risks—Master Limited Partnership Interests” in
the SAI.
For purposes of the Fund’s policy with respect
to investments in any single issue or issuer, an MLP “issuer” includes both an MLP issuer and its controlling general partner,
managing member or sponsor and an MLP “issue” is a class of an issuer’s securities or a derivative security that tracks
that class of securities.
Restricted Securities
The Fund invests up to 25% of its Managed Assets
in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. “Restricted securities”
are securities that are unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on resale. The
Fund will typically acquire restricted securities in directly negotiated transactions. The Fund’s investments in restricted securities
may include privately issued securities of both public and private issuers.
Debt Securities
The Fund invests in debt securities rated, at
the time of investment, at least (i) B3 by Moody’s, (ii) B- by S&P or Fitch, or (iii) a comparable rating by another rating
agency, and invests no more than 5% of its Managed Assets in debt securities rated below B3 by Moody’s, B- by S&P or Fitch or
a comparable rating by another rating agency. Therefore, the Fund may invest in below investment grade debt securities. A debt security
is considered below investment grade if it is rated below Baa3- by Moody’s or below BBB- by S&P or Fitch or a comparable rating
by another rating agency. Below investment grade debt securities are often referred to as “high yield” securities or “junk
bonds.” Below investment grade debt securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to
capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. Debt securities in which the Fund invests may be of any maturity.
The credit quality policies noted above apply
only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of a security in the event that a rating agency downgrades
its assessment of the credit characteristics of a particular issue. In determining whether to retain or sell such a security, the Investment
Adviser may consider such factors as the Investment Adviser’s assessment of the credit quality of the issuer of such security, the
price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by other rating agencies. Rating agencies
are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute
standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risks or the liquidity of securities. Rating agencies may fail to make timely changes
in credit ratings; and an issuer’s current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates. To the extent that
the issuer of a security pays a rating agency for the analysis of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could
affect the reliability of the rating. See “Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings” in the SAI.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock generally has a preference as
to distributions and upon liquidation over an issuer’s common stock but ranks junior to other income securities in an issuer’s
capital structure. Preferred stock generally pays distributions in cash (or additional shares of preferred stock) at a defined rate but,
unlike interest payments on other income securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s
board of directors. distributions on preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more
distribution payments on the preferred stock, no distributions may be paid on the issuer’s common stock until all unpaid preferred
stock distributions have been paid. Preferred stock also may provide that, in the event the issuer fails to make a specified number of
distribution payments, the holders of the preferred stock will have the right to elect a specified number of directors to the issuer’s
board. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
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 distribution 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.
Non-U.S. Securities
The Fund may invest in non-U.S. securities, including
securities of issuers in emerging markets.
Options
An option is a contract that gives the holder
of the option the right, but not the obligation, to buy from (in the case of a call option) or sell to (in the case of a put option) the
seller of the option (the “option writer”) the underlying security at a specified fixed price (the “exercise price”)
prior to a specified date (the “expiration date”). The buyer of the option pays to the option writer the option premium, which
represents the purchase price of the option.
Exchange-traded options are issued by a regulated
intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the
parties to such option. OTC options are purchased from or sold to counterparties through direct bilateral agreement between the counterparties.
Certain options, such as options on individual securities, are settled through physical delivery of the underlying security, whereas other
options, such as index options, are settled in cash in an amount based on the value of the underlying instrument multiplied by a specified
multiplier.
Writing Options
The Fund may write call and put options. As the
writer of a call option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option,
to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. If the option expires without being exercised the Fund is not required
to deliver the underlying security but retains the premium received.
The Fund may write call options that are “covered.”
A call option on a security is covered if (a) the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to
acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, such amount is maintained
by the Fund in segregated liquid assets) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund; or (b) the Fund has purchased
a call on the underlying security, the exercise price of which is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written
Selling call options involves the risk that the
Fund may be required to sell the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, below the market price of such security, at the time
the option is exercised. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the opportunity during the option’s life 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 the Fund retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.
The Fund may also write uncovered call options
(i.e., where the Fund does not own the underlying security or index). Similar to a naked short sale, writing an uncovered call
creates the risk of an unlimited loss, in that the price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing
the cost of buying those securities to cover the call option if it is exercised before it expires. There can be no assurance that the
securities necessary to cover the call option will be available for purchase. Purchasing securities to cover an uncovered call option
can itself cause the price of the securities to rise, further exacerbating the loss.
The Fund may write put options. As the writer
of a put option, the Fund receives the premium from the purchaser of the option and has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to
pay the exercise price and receive delivery of the underlying security. If the option expires without being exercised, the Fund is not
required to receive the underlying security in exchange for the exercise price but retains the option premium.
The Fund may write put options that are “covered.”
A put option on a security is covered if the Fund has purchased a put on the same security as the put written, the exercise price of which
is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written.
Selling put options involves the risk that the
Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price, above the market price of such security, at the time the
option is exercised. While the Fund’s potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the premium received, the Fund’s
risk of loss is equal to the entire value of the underlying security, offset only by the amount of the premium received.
The Fund may also write uncovered put options.
The seller of an uncovered put option theoretically could lose an amount equal to the entire aggregate exercise price of the option if
the underlying security were to become valueless.
The Fund may close out an options position which
it has written through a closing purchase transaction. The Fund would execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a call option
written by purchasing a call option on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the call
option written by the Fund. The Fund would execute a closing purchase transaction with respect to a put option written by purchasing a
put option on the same underlying security and having the same exercise price and expiration date as the put option written by the Fund.
A closing purchase transaction may or may not result in a profit to the Fund. The Fund could close out its position as an option writer
only if a liquid secondary market exists for options of that series and there is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect
to any particular option.
The writer of an option generally has no control
over the time when the option is exercised and the option writer is required to deliver or acquire the underlying security. Once an option
writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the
option. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to buy or sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than
the current market values of such securities, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause
the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.
Purchasing Options
The Fund may purchase call and put options. As
the buyer of a call option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to purchase the underlying security from
the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security rises above the exercise price, the Fund could
exercise the option and acquire the underlying security at a below market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium
paid. As the buyer of a put option, the Fund pays the premium to the option writer and has the right to sell the underlying security to
the option writer at the exercise price. If the market price of the underlying security declines below the exercise price, the Fund could
exercise the option and sell the underlying security at an above market price, which could result in a gain to the Fund, minus the premium
paid. The Fund may buy call and put options whether or not it holds the underlying securities.
As a buyer of a call or put option, the Fund may
sell put or call options that it has purchased at any time prior to such option’s expiration date through a closing sale transaction.
The principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market
price of the underlying security in relation to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security, the underlying
security’s dividend policy, and the time remaining until the expiration date. A closing sale transaction may or may not result in
a profit to the Fund. The Fund’s ability to initiate a closing sale transaction is dependent upon the liquidity of the options market
and there is no assurance that such a market will exist with respect to any particular option. If the Fund does not exercise or sell an
option prior to its expiration date, the option expires and becomes worthless.
OTC Options
Unlike exchange-traded options, which are standardized
with respect to the underlying instrument, expiration date, contract size and strike price, the terms of OTC options generally are established
through negotiation between the parties to the options contract. This type of arrangement allows the purchaser and writer greater flexibility
to tailor the option to their needs. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities or baskets of securities, and in a
wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than exchange-traded options. However, unlike exchange-traded options, which are issued
and guaranteed by a regulated intermediary, such as the OCC, OTC options are entered into directly with the counterparty. Unless the counterparties
provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function for an OTC option. Therefore, OTC options are subject to the risk of
default or non-performance by the counterparty. Accordingly, the Investment Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of the counterparty
to determine the likelihood that the terms of the option will be satisfied. There can be no assurance that a continuous liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular OTC option at any specific time. As a result, the Fund may be unable to enter into closing sale transactions
with respect to OTC options.
Index Options
Call and put options on indices operate similarly
to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on an index give the holder
the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash determined by reference to the value of the underlying index. The
underlying index may be a broad-based index or a narrower market index. Unlike options on securities, all settlements are in cash. The
settlement amount, which the writer of an index option must pay to the holder of the option upon exercise, is generally equal to the difference
between the fixed exercise price of the option and the value of the underlying index, multiplied by a specified multiplier. The multiplier
determines the size of the investment position the option represents. Gain or loss to the Fund on index options transactions will depend
on price movements in the underlying securities market generally or in a particular segment of the market rather than price movements
of individual securities. As with other options, the Fund may close out its position in index options through closing purchase transactions
and closing sale transactions provided that a liquid secondary market exists for such options.
Index options written by the Fund may be covered
in a manner similar to the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position. The Fund may cover call options
written on an index by owning securities whose price changes, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, are expected to correlate to those
of the underlying index.
Foreign Currency Options
Options on foreign currencies operate similarly
to options on securities. Rather than the right to buy or sell a single security at a specified price, options on foreign currencies give
the holder the right to buy or sell foreign currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars. Options on foreign currencies are traded primarily
in the OTC market, but may also be traded on United States and foreign exchanges. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent
upon the value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The price of the option may vary with changes in the value
of either or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security. Options on foreign currencies are
affected by all of those factors which influence foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. As with other options, the Fund
may close out its position in foreign currency options through closing purchase transactions and closing sale transactions provided that
a liquid secondary market exists for such options. Foreign currency options written by the Fund may be covered in a manner similar to
the covering of other types of options, by holding an offsetting financial position.
Additional Risks of Options
Transactions
The risks associated with options transactions
are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Options are
highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio
investments. The use of options requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the option itself. Options
may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain
additional risk factors, including:
| · | The exercise of options written or purchased by the Fund could cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities,
thus increasing the Fund’s portfolio turnover. |
| · | The Fund pays brokerage commissions each time it writes or purchases an option or buys or sells an underlying
security in connection with the exercise of an option. Such brokerage commissions could be higher relative to the commissions for direct
purchases of sales of the underlying securities. |
| · | The Fund’s options transactions may be limited by limitations on options positions established by
the exchanges on which such options are traded. |
| · | The hours of trading for exchange listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying
securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price
and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities that cannot be reflected in the options markets. |
| · | Index options based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than options based on
broad market indexes, as narrower indexes are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in the values
of a small number of securities. |
| · | The Fund is subject to the risk of market movements between the time that an option is exercised and the
time of performance thereunder, which could increase the extent of any losses suffered by the Fund in connection with options transactions. |
Other Investment Companies
The Fund invests in securities of other closed-end
or open-end investment companies (including ETFs) that invest primarily in companies in which the Fund is permitted to invest directly
to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may invest in other investment companies during periods when it has large amounts of
uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds of the offering of its Securities, during periods when
there is a shortage of attractive infrastructure company securities available in the market, or when the Investment Adviser believes share
prices of other investment companies offer attractive values. The Fund invests in investment companies that are advised by the Investment
Adviser or its affiliates only to the extent permitted by applicable law and/or pursuant to exemptive relief from the SEC. As a stockholder
in an investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of that investment company’s expenses, and would remain subject to
payment of the Fund’s management fees and other expenses with respect to assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore
be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. The Investment Adviser will take expenses
into account when evaluating the investment merits of an investment in an investment company relative to other available investments.
To the extent that the Fund invests in investment companies that invest primarily in infrastructure companies, such investments will be
counted for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy.
Exchange-Traded Notes
Exchange traded notes are typically unsecured,
unsubordinated debt securities that trade on a securities exchange and are designed to replicate the returns of market benchmarks minus
applicable fees. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETNs that are designed to replicate indices comprised primarily of securities
issued by infrastructure companies, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy.
New Securities and Other
Investment Techniques
New types of securities and other investment and
hedging practices are developed from time to time. The Investment Adviser expects, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective
and policies, to invest in such new types of securities and to engage in such new types of investment practices if the Investment Adviser
believes that these investments and investment techniques may assist the Fund in achieving its investment objective. In addition, the
Investment Adviser may use investment techniques and instruments that are not specifically described herein.
Use of Arbitrage and Other Strategies.
The Fund may use short sales, arbitrage and other
strategies to try to generate additional return. As part of such strategies, the Fund may engage in paired long-short trades to arbitrage
pricing disparities in securities issued by midstream energy companies, write (or sell) covered call options on the securities of midstream
energy companies or other securities held in its portfolio, write (or sell) uncovered call options on the securities of midstream energy
companies, purchase call options or enter into swap contracts to increase its exposure to midstream energy companies, or sell securities
short. With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright, but with a short position, it would sell a security that it does not
own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Fund will realize a profit or incur a loss from a short position depending
on whether the value of the underlying stock decreases or increases, respectively, between the time the stock is sold and when the Fund
replaces the borrowed security. To increase its exposure to certain issuers, the Fund may purchase call options or use swap agreements.
The Fund expects to use these strategies on a limited basis. See “Risks—Short Sales Risk” and “Risks—Strategic
Transactions Risk.”
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to
broker-dealers and banks. Any such loan must be continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a current
basis in an amount at least equal to 102% of the value of the securities loaned. The Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of
the interest or distributions paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive an additional return that may be in the
form of a fixed fee or a percentage of the collateral. The Fund may pay reasonable fees for services in arranging these loans. The Fund
would have the right to call the loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five (5) business days.
The Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during the existence of the loan but would call the loan to permit voting of
the securities, if, in the Investment Adviser’s judgment, a material event requiring a shareholder vote would otherwise occur before
the loans were repaid. In the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating
the loan collateral or recovering the loaned securities and losses, including (a) possible decline in the value of the collateral or in
the value of the securities loaned during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights to the collateral or loaned securities,
(b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Temporary Defensive Investments
When adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a portion or all of its
assets in money-market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, other high-quality
debt securities, including prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers’ acceptances and
certificates of deposit. Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend to be lower
than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a defensive position, the
Fund would temporarily not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective.
Additional Investment Practices (Non-Principal)
Strategic Transactions
The Fund may, but is not required to, use investment
strategies (referred to herein as “Strategic Transactions”) for hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes
or to earn income. Strategic Transactions may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell
exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, indices and other instruments, enter into forward contracts,
purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor or collar transactions, purchase structured investment
products and enter into transactions that combine multiple derivative instruments. The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions may
also include newly developed or permitted instruments, strategies and techniques, consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives
and applicable regulatory requirements.
Strategic Transactions often have risks similar
to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions. However, the use of Strategic Transactions also involves risks that are different
from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Strategic Transactions may involve the use of
highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio
investments. The Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing Strategic Transactions. Although the Investment
Adviser seeks to use Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of
Strategic Transactions will achieve this result.
Examples of how the Fund may use Strategic Transactions
include, but are not limited to:
| · | Using derivative investments to hedge certain risks such as overall market, interest rate and commodity
price risks. The Fund may engage in various interest rate and currency hedging transactions, including buying or selling options or futures,
entering into other transactions including forward contracts, swaps or options on futures and other derivatives transactions. |
| · | Using Strategic Transactions to manage its effective interest rate exposure, including the effective yield
paid on any leverage used by the Fund, protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of the securities held in or to be
purchased for its portfolio, or otherwise protect the value of its portfolio. |
| · | Engaging in Strategic Transactions to hedge the currency risk to which it may be exposed by, for example,
buying or selling options or futures or entering into other foreign currency transactions, including forward foreign currency contracts,
currency swaps or options on currency and currency futures and other derivatives transactions. |
| · | Selling short Treasury securities to hedge its interest rate exposure. When shorting Treasury securities,
the loss is limited to the principal amount that is contractually required to be repaid at maturity and the interest expense that must
be paid at the specified times. See “Risks—Short Sales Risk.” |
| · | Engaging in paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities issued by infrastructure,
write (or sell) covered call options on securities held in its portfolio, write (or sell) uncovered call options on the securities of
infrastructure companies, purchase call options or enter into swap contracts to increase its exposure to infrastructure companies, or
sell securities short. |
Hedging transactions can be expensive and have
risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the
other party to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative instruments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use hedging transactions
depends on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. A more complete discussion
of Strategic Transactions and their risks is included in the SAI under the heading “Strategic Transactions.”
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
may vary greatly from year to year. For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2023 and November 30, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was approximately 251.22% and 124.56%, respectively. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain other investment
limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are, unless otherwise indicated, fundamental and may not be changed without
the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. See “Investment
Restrictions” in the SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund. The Fund’s investment objective
and percentage parameters are not fundamental policies of the Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval.
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Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |
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RISKS
Investors should consider the
specific risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment
risk, including the possible loss of your entire investment. A Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of the Fund’s securities
may identify additional risk associated with such offering.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares of the Fund is
subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the Common Shares
of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably, particularly under current economic, financial, labor, and health conditions. The value of the securities owned
by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived
economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or changes in investor sentiment or market outlook generally. At any point
in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Common Stock Risk
The Fund will have exposure to common stocks.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long-term, common
stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may significantly under-perform relative to fixed income
securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks is sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons, including
changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market,
or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising
interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock
prices can change substantially. While broad market measures of common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than
income securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Common stock in which the Fund
may invest is structurally subordinated to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in
terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently more risky than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
Concentration Risk
The Fund’s investments will be concentrated
in issuers in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Because the Fund will be concentrated in the industry
or group of industries that make up the energy sector, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry or group
of industries than if it were more broadly diversified over numerous industries. General changes in market sentiment towards issuers in
the energy sector may adversely affect the Fund, and the performance of issuers in the energy sector may lag behind the broader market
as a whole.
Infrastructure Companies Risk
Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety
of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction
and improvement programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown,
surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable
prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies may also be affected by or subject to
difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets; inexperience
with and potential losses resulting from a developing de-regulatory environment; costs associated with compliance with and changes in
environmental and other regulations; regulation or adverse actions by various government authorities; government regulation of rates charged
to customers; service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps; the imposition of special tariffs and changes in
tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards; technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products
obsolete, and general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure assets. Recently imposed tariffs on imports to the United States
could affect operating or construction costs for a number of companies in which the Fund invests.
Sustainable infrastructure investments are subject
to certain additional risks including high dependency upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance
the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets; adverse impacts from the reduction or discontinuation of tax benefits
and other similar subsidies that benefit sustainable infrastructure companies; dependency on suitable weather condition and risk of damage
to components used in the generation of renewable energy by severe weather; adverse changes and volatility in the wholesale market price
for electricity in the markets served; the use of newly developed, less proven, technologies and the risk of failure of new technology
to perform as anticipated; and dependence on a limited number of suppliers of system components and the occurrence of shortages, delays
or component price changes. There is a risk that regulations that provide incentives for renewable energy could change or expire in a
manner that adversely impacts the market for sustainable infrastructure companies generally.
Technology and communications infrastructure investments
are subject to certain additional risks including rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life
cycles; fierce competition; high research and development costs; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright
and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; frequent new product introductions and new market entrants;
cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption
of confidential and highly restricted data, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks
or devices that the information infrastructure companies use, or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or
operating systems, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory
fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs.
Equity Securities Risk.
Equity securities can be affected by macroeconomic,
political, global and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards
the issuer or the industry or sector in which such issuer operates, changes in a particular issuer’s financial condition, or unfavorable
or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer.
Debt Securities Risk
Debt securities are subject to many of the risks
described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk and, depending on their quality, other
special risks.
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security
may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived
to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of
a security may further decrease its value.
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt instruments,
particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer of the debt instrument
to prepay principal prior to the debt instrument’s stated maturity. This is also sometimes known as prepayment risk. Prepayment
risk is greater during a falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding
debt instruments with lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to refinance its debt instruments with lower yielding
debt instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio are called
or redeemed, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
Below Investment Grade Securities (Junk Bonds)
Risk
Below investment grade and unrated debt securities
generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are
subject to greater risks than those securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: greater
yield and price volatility; greater credit risk and risk of default; potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions;
potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. Debt
securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds” and are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve
major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
The prices of these below investment grade and
unrated debt securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues, downturns in profitability
in the natural resources industry or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher-grade securities. Below investment grade
and unrated debt securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market for below investment grade and unrated
debt securities could contract further under adverse market or economic conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for the
Fund to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a price as could be realized if such securities were more widely traded.
The market value of below investment grade and unrated debt securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade
securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments
to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. In the
event of a default by a below investment grade or unrated debt security held in the Fund’s portfolio in the payment of principal
or interest, the Fund may incur additional expense to the extent the Fund is required to seek recovery of such principal or interest.
MLP Risks
An investment in MLP units involves some risks
that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. As compared to common stockholders of a corporation, holders of MLP
units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks
associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including
those arising from incentive distribution payments.
A portion of the benefit the Fund derives from
its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Partnerships generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership, in computing
its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and
expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income.
The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash
available for distribution by the MLP and causing any such distributions received by the Fund to be treated as dividend income to the
extent of the MLP’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially
reduced, which could cause a decline in the value of the Common Shares. Recently, a number of MLPs have reduced, suspended or eliminated
their distributions. In addition, changes in tax laws or regulations, or future interpretations of such laws or regulations, could adversely
affect the Fund or the MLP investments in which the Fund invests.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity
securities of an MLP treated as a partnership under the Code, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required
to include in its taxable income the Fund’s allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and credits recognized by each
such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant portion
of their income with tax deductions. The Fund will recognize taxable income on its allocable share of an MLP’s income and gains
that is not offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses and credits. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund
from an MLP that is offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses or credits is essentially treated as a return of capital. However,
those distributions will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase
in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such
equity securities and may increase the amount of income or gain that will be recognized by the Fund upon subsequent distributions in respect
of such equity securities. A distribution from an MLP is treated as capital gain to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor’s
basis. The percentage of an MLP’s income and gains that is offset by tax deductions, losses and credits will fluctuate over time
for various reasons. For example, a significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in the Fund’s
portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in a decrease in the
portion of the MLP’s distributions that is offset by tax deductions.
Because of the Fund’s investments in equity
securities of MLPs, the Fund’s earnings and profits may be calculated using accounting methods that are different from those used
for calculating taxable income. Because of these differences, the Fund may make distributions out of its current or accumulated earnings
and profits, which will be treated as dividends, in years in which the Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income.
Adverse developments in the energy sector may
result in MLPs seeking to restructure debt or file for bankruptcy. Limited partners in such MLPs, such as the Fund, may owe taxes on debt
that is forgiven in a bankruptcy or an out-of-court restructuring, as cancellation of debt income, which creates a tax liability for investors
without an associated cash distribution. While an MLP facing a debt restructuring may seek to implement structures that would limit the
tax liability associated with the debt restructuring, there can be no assurance that such structures could be successfully implemented
or would not have other adverse impacts on the Fund as an investor in the MLP.
The Fund will receive Schedule K-1s from each
MLP in which it is invested. However, the MLPs in which the Fund invests generally will not deliver their Schedule K-1s to the Fund until
after the Fund must deliver Form 1099s to its Fund shareholders. If the Schedule K-1s received by the Fund show that the Fund’s
estimates regarding its income attributable to such MLPs were incorrect, the Fund may have to send corrected Form 1099s to Fund shareholders,
which may result in a Fund shareholder being required to request an extension to file its tax return or to amend a previously filed tax
return.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk
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, including expropriation; 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.
Certain countries in which the Fund may invest,
especially emerging market countries, historically have experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest
rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and
unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external
debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest
at rates that are adjusted based upon international interest rates. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a
risk of: the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets; confiscatory taxation; difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a
court judgment; restrictions on currency repatriation; economic, political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could
affect investments in those countries.
Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated
or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in the
Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may
affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s net asset value or current income could
decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Certain investments in non-U.S. securities
also may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Dividend income from non-U.S. corporations may not be eligible for the reduced U.S.
income tax rate currently available for qualified dividend income. These risks often are heightened for investments in smaller, emerging
capital markets. In addition, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as: growth of gross domestic product; rates of inflation; capital reinvestment; resources; self- sufficiency; and balance of payments
position.
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped
emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers to a heightened degree. “Emerging market
countries” generally include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia,
New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. These heightened risks include: greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; the smaller size of the market for such securities and a
lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and an increase in price volatility; and certain national policies that may restrict
the Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests. As a result of these potential risks, the Investment Adviser may determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment
criteria, it may not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular country.
Liquidity Risk
The 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, the amount paid for such investments by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities
on its books. Furthermore, the nature of the Fund’s investments may require a long holding period prior to profitability.
Although the equity securities of the companies
in which the Fund invests generally trade on major stock exchanges, certain securities may trade less frequently, particularly those with
smaller capitalizations. Securities with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements. Investment of the Fund’s
capital in securities that are less actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may restrict the Fund’s ability
to take advantage of other market opportunities.
Unregistered securities are securities that cannot
be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Restricted securities may be more difficult to value, and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner
or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have
to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and
the time the security is registered so that the Fund could sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length
and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquirer of the securities. The Fund would, in either case,
bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period. The difficulties and delays associated with selling restricted securities
could result in the Fund’s inability to realize a favorable price upon disposition of such securities, and at times might make disposition
of such securities impossible.
Valuation Risk
Market prices may not be readily available for
certain of the Fund’s investments, and the value of such investments will ordinarily be determined based on fair valuations determined
by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees and the Investment Adviser as valuation designee. Restrictions
on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to determine its net asset value.
The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than the Fund’s most recent determination of
their fair value.
In addition, the value of these securities typically
requires more reliance on the judgment of the Investment Adviser than that required for securities for which there is an active trading
market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, the Fund
may not be able to realize these securities’ true value or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
When determining the fair value of an asset, the
Investment Adviser seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset in
an arm’s length transaction. Fair value pricing, however, involves judgments that are inherently subjective and inexact, since fair
valuation procedures are used only when it is not possible to be sure what value should be attributed to a particular asset or when an
event will affect the market price of an asset and to what extent. As a result, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will
reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security will be materially different from the value
that actually could be or is realized upon the sale of that asset.
Energy Sector Risks
Under normal circumstances, the Fund concentrates
its investments in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Energy companies are subject to certain risks,
including, but not limited to, the following:
Commodity Price Risk. Energy companies
may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil,
in the short-and long-term. Natural resources commodity prices have been very volatile in the past and such volatility is expected to
continue. Fluctuations in commodity prices can result from changes in general economic conditions or political circumstances (especially
of key energy-consuming countries); market conditions; weather patterns; domestic production levels; volume of imports; energy conservation;
domestic and foreign governmental regulation; international politics; policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”);
taxation; tariffs; and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate transportation methods. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of, and
interrelationships between, commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain other companies due to the potential impact on the volume
of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. Some companies that own the underlying energy commodity may be unable to
effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by
the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. The prices of companies’
securities can be adversely affected by market perceptions that their performance and dividends or distributions are directly tied to
commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy
consumption which may adversely affect the performance of energy companies.
Prices of oil and other energy commodities have
experienced significant volatility during recent years, including as a result of the pandemic spread of infectious respiratory illness
caused by a novel coronavirus known as “COVID-19,” during which demand for energy commodities fell sharply and energy commodity
prices reached historic lows, and may continue to experience relatively high volatility for a prolonged period. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of commodity
prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities.
Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity
price levels. Energy companies also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy companies is directly linked to commodity
prices. As a result, many companies in which the Fund may invest have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by volatility of
prices of energy commodities. Reductions in production of oil and other energy commodities may lag decreases in demand or declines in
commodity prices, resulting in global oversupply in such commodities. Slower global growth may lower demand for oil and other energy commodities
and increased exports by Iran with the end of sanctions may increase supply, exacerbating oversupply of such commodities and further reducing
commodity prices. Continued volatility of commodity prices could further erode such companies’ growth prospects and negatively impact
such companies’ ability to sustain attractive distribution levels.
Cyclicality Risk. The operating results
of companies in the broader energy sector are cyclical, with fluctuations in commodity prices and demand for commodities driven by a variety
of factors. The highly cyclical nature of the energy sector may adversely affect the earnings or operating cash flows of certain energy
companies in which the Fund will invest.
Supply Risk. A significant decrease in
the production of natural gas, crude oil, or other energy commodities would reduce the revenue, operating income and operating cash flows
of certain energy companies and, therefore, their ability to make distributions or pay dividends. The volume of production of energy commodities
and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety
of factors, including depletion of resources; depressed commodity prices; catastrophic events; labor relations; increased environmental
or other governmental regulation; equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties; import volumes; international politics; policies
of OPEC; and increased competition from alternative energy sources.
Demand Risk. A sustained decline in demand
for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and refined petroleum products could adversely affect an energy company’s revenues
and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a sustained decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions,
an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity that is not, or is not expected to be, merely a short-term increase, higher
taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. Demand may also be adversely affected
by consumer sentiment with respect to global warming and by state or federal legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy
sources.
Competition Risk. The energy sector is
highly competitive. The energy companies in which the Fund will invest will face substantial competition from other companies, many of
which will have greater financial, technological, human and other resources, in acquiring natural resources assets, obtaining and retaining
customers and contracts and hiring and retaining qualified personnel. Larger companies may be able to pay more for assets and may have
a greater ability to continue their operations during periods of low commodity prices. To the extent that the energy companies in which
the Fund will invest are unable to compete effectively, their operating results, financial position, growth potential and cash flows may
be adversely affected, which could in turn adversely affect the results of the Fund.
Weather Risk. Extreme weather conditions
could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas and significant volatility
in the supply of natural resources, commodity prices and the earnings of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their
securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The prices of debt
securities of the energy companies the Fund expects to hold in its portfolio are, and the prices of the equity securities held in its
portfolio may be, susceptible in the short-term to a decline when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation
of securities of certain energy companies as a result of the increased availability of alternative investments with yields comparable
to those of energy companies. Rising interest rates could adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies by increasing
their cost of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner. The risk
of interest rates rising is more pronounced in the current market environment because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest
rate environment in recent years.
Regulatory Risk. The profitability of energy
companies could be adversely affected by changes in the regulatory environment. Energy companies are subject to significant foreign, federal,
state and local regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including with respect to how facilities are constructed, maintained
and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Such regulation
can change over time in both scope and intensity. For example, a particular by-product may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency
and unexpectedly increase production costs.
Various governmental authorities have the power
to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and
criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in
the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. Energy
companies may be adversely affected by future regulatory requirements. While the nature of such regulations cannot be predicted at this
time, they may impose additional costs or limit certain operations by energy companies operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent
risk that energy companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they
handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental
cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage,
and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws,
regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of energy companies, and the cost of any remediation
that may become necessary. Energy companies may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding
that the EPA has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Transportation
jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. These measures, and other programs
addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the total return of certain
of the Fund’s investments.
The types of regulations described above can change
over time in both scope and intensity, may have adverse effects on energy companies and may be implemented in unforeseen manners on an
“emergency” basis in response to catastrophes or other events.
Catastrophe Risk. The operations of energy
companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploration for, and development, production, gathering, transportation, processing,
storage, refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other
hydrocarbons, including: damage to production equipment, pipelines, storage tanks or related equipment and surrounding properties caused
by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction or other
equipment; leaks of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other hydrocarbons; and fires and explosions.
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline
infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss
or destruction of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage;
and personal injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation
of the operations of energy companies. Energy companies may not be fully insured against all risks inherent in their business operations
and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies’ operations, financial conditions and ability
to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions.
Energy companies employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations
through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, or securing additional long-term contracts.
Thus, some energy companies may be subject to construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their
specific business strategies. Energy companies that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired
operations with their existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant
slowdown in merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from
energy companies that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some energy companies
are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development efforts by energy
companies may not result in viable methods or products. Energy companies may bear high research and development costs, which can limit
their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some energy companies may be in the early
stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors.
As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in such energy companies may be considerably more volatile than that
in more established segments of the economy.
Business Segment Specific Risk. Energy
companies are also subject to risks that are specific to the particular business segment of the energy sector in which they operate.
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Gathering and processing. Gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering, and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities price risk. |
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Exploration and production. Exploration, development and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir. In addition, lower commodity prices not only reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on a given exploration and production company’s financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their revenues and distributions. |
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Oil. In addition to the risk described above applicable to gathering and processing companies and exploration and production companies, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production of crude oil or refined petroleum products may be adversely affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil and refined petroleum products as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the reaction thereto. Increased regulation may result in a decline in production and/or increased cost associated with offshore oil exploration in the United States and around the world, which may adversely affect certain energy companies and the oil industry in general. Continued financial deterioration of BP plc as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have wide- ranging and unforeseen impacts on the oil industry and the broader energy sector. |
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk
Certain of the companies in which the Fund may
invest may have small or medium-sized market capitalizations (“small-cap” and “mid-cap” companies, respectively).
Investing in the securities of small-cap or mid-cap companies presents some particular investment risks. These companies may have limited
product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management and more limited financial resources than
larger companies and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments. Stocks of these companies may be less
liquid than those of larger companies and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger companies. In addition, small-cap or mid-cap
company securities may not be widely followed by investors, which may result in reduced demand.
Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs
Securities purchased by the Fund in initial public
offerings (“IPOs”) are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations,
and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available
for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from
time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs, or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion
(if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively
small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest
significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the
Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE
Transactions
In private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions, the Fund purchases securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a
discount to the market price of the company’s common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities are “restricted” and cannot be immediately resold
by the investors into the public markets. Accordingly, the company typically agrees as part of the PIPE deal to register the restricted
securities with the SEC. PIPE securities may be deemed illiquid.
Privately Held Company Risk
Investing in privately held companies involves
risk. For example, privately held companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting
records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over
financial reporting. As a result, the Investment Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition
and results of operations of the privately held companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, the securities of privately held companies
are generally illiquid, and entail the risks described under “—Liquidity Risk” below.
Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks combine some of the characteristics
of both common stocks and debt securities. Preferred stocks generally pay a fixed rate of return and are sold on the basis of current
yield, like debt securities. However, because they are equity securities, preferred stock provides equity ownership of a company, and
the income is paid in the form of distributions. Preferred stocks typically have a yield advantage over common stocks as well as comparably
rated fixed income investments. Preferred stocks are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital
structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of
directors. Preferred stocks also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions. Certain of the preferred stocks in which
the Fund may invest may be convertible preferred stocks, which have risks similar to convertible securities as described below in “—Convertible
Instruments Risk.”
Convertible Instruments Risk
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A
convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
number of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible
debt instruments have characteristics of both fixed income and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock
market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the
market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible instrument tends to trade on the basis
of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends
to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments that have varying conversion values.
Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion value. Accordingly, the value of a
convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases (or decreases). If a convertible
instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the instrument, or convert
it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Investment Adviser determines that such equity investment is consistent
with the investment objective of the Fund.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed rate
securities such as preferred and debt securities will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. When market interest
rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Longer-term fixed rate securities are generally more sensitive to
interest rate changes. Greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates typically corresponds to increased volatility and increased risk.
The Fund’s investment in such securities means that the net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, Common Shares
will tend to decline if the market interest rates rise. Duration is a measure of sensitivity to changes in interest rates and reflects
a variety of factors, including the maturity and variability, if any, of the interest rate and the call potential of the security. For
this reason, duration should not be confused with maturity. If a portfolio has a duration of three years and interest rates increase by
1%, then, all else being equal, the portfolio would decline in value by approximately 3%. These risks may be greater in the current market
environment because while interest rates were historically low in recent years, the Federal Reserve has been increasing the Federal Funds
rate to address inflation. Any interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease.
Interest Rate Hedging Risk
The Fund may from time to time hedge against interest
rate risk resulting from the Fund’s portfolio holdings and any financial leverage it may incur. Interest rate transactions the Fund
may use for hedging purposes will expose the Fund to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with its portfolio holdings.
There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, caps and similar techniques, the cost of which can
be significant. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedging instruments is subject to the Investment Adviser’s ability
to correctly predict changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to the Fund’s leverage risk, and there can be no assurance
that the Investment Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the
Fund’s use of interest rate hedging instruments could enhance or decrease investment company taxable income available to the holders
of its Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps or caps could decline, and
result in a decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares. In addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate swap
or cap defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate swap or cap to offset its cost
of financial leverage.
Leverage Risk
The Fund may use leverage through the issuance
of Indebtedness or the issuance of preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price
movements in the investments made by the Fund. Insofar as the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund will be subject
to increased risk of loss. In addition, the Fund will pay (and the holders of Common Shares will bear) all costs and expenses relating
to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of leverage, including higher advisory fees. Similarly, any decline in the net asset value of
the Fund’s investments will be borne entirely by the holders of Common Shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s
portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of Common Shares than if the Fund
were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the Common
Shares.
Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well
as potential for more gain, for the Fund’s Common Shares than if leverage is not used. Preferred shares or debt issued by the Fund
would have complete priority upon distribution of assets over Common Shares. Depending on the type of leverage involved, the Fund’s
use of financial leverage may require the approval of its Board of Trustees. The Fund expects to invest the net proceeds derived from
any leveraging according to the investment objective and policies described in this Prospectus. So long as the Fund’s portfolio
is invested in securities that provide a higher rate of return than the distribution rate or interest rate of the leverage instrument
or other borrowing arrangements, after taking its related expenses into consideration, the leverage will cause the Fund’s Common
Shareholders to receive a higher rate of income than if it were not leveraged. There is no assurance that the Fund will continue to utilize
leverage or, if leverage is utilized, that it will be successful in enhancing the level of the Fund’s total return. The net asset
value of the Fund’s Common Shares will be reduced by the fees and issuance costs of any leverage.
Leverage creates risk for holders of the Fund’s
Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the shares. Risk of fluctuations
in distribution rates or interest rates on leverage instruments or other borrowing arrangements may affect the return to the holders of
the Fund’s Common Shares. To the extent the return on securities purchased with funds received from the use of leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), the Fund’s returns will be greater than if leverage had not been
used. Conversely, if the return derived from such securities is less than the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund),
the Fund’s returns will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore, the amount available for distribution to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders will be reduced. In the latter case, the Investment Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine
to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it expects that the benefits to the Fund’s Common Shareholders of so doing will
outweigh the current reduced return. Under normal market conditions, the Fund anticipates that it will be able to invest the proceeds
from leverage at a higher rate than the costs of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), which would enhance returns to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders. The fees paid to the Investment Adviser will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed
Assets, which include proceeds from leverage instruments and other borrowings. During periods in which the Fund uses financial leverage,
the investment management fee payable to the Investment Adviser will be higher than if the Fund did not use a leveraged capital structure.
Consequently, the Fund and the Investment Adviser may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the Fund’s assets.
The Board of Trustees will monitor the Fund’s use of leverage and this potential conflict.
Covered Call Option Risk
As the writer of 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. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
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 decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves
the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior
or unexpected events.
Arbitrage Risk
A part of the Investment Adviser’s investment
operations may involve spread positions between two or more securities, or derivatives positions including commodities hedging positions,
or a combination of the foregoing. The Investment Adviser’s trading operations also may involve arbitraging between two securities
or commodities, between the security, commodity and related options or derivatives markets, between spot and futures or forward markets,
and/or any combination of the above. To the extent the price relationships between such positions remain constant, no gain or loss on
the positions will occur. These offsetting positions entail substantial risk that the price differential could change unfavorably, causing
a loss to the position. Certain derivatives transactions have economic characteristics similar to leverage.
Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities (up
to a maximum of one-third of its Managed Assets) to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely
basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities
loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
In addition, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. securities.
Portfolio Turnover Risk
Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
may vary greatly from year to year. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital
gains or capital losses by the Fund.
Strategic Transactions Risk
The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions
may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and
call options on securities, indices and other instruments, enter into forward contracts, purchase and sell futures contracts and options
thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor or collar transactions, purchase structured investment products and enter into transactions that
combine multiple derivative instruments. Strategic Transactions often have risks similar to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions.
However, the use of Strategic Transactions also involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated
with other portfolio investments. Strategic Transactions may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment
techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of derivative instruments has risks,
including the imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of
the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques
depends on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of Strategic
Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities
at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment
or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash, or
other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions, are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of
derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not
impair the ability of the Fund to implement certain Strategic Transactions or to achieve its investment objective. Although the Investment
Adviser seeks to use Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of
Strategic Transactions will achieve this result.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect
to the counterparties to the derivative contracts entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform
its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any
recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceedings. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery,
or may obtain no recovery, in such circumstances.
Short Sales Risk
Short selling involves selling securities which
may or may not be owned and borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace the borrowed securities
at a later date. Short selling allows the short seller to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such declines exceed the
transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the securities. A naked short sale creates the risk of an unlimited loss because the
price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying those securities to cover
the short position. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase.
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise, further exacerbating the loss.
The Fund’s obligation to replace the borrowed
security will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities
similar to those borrowed. The Fund also will be required to segregate similar collateral to the extent, if any, necessary so that the
value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold
short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Fund borrowed the security regarding repaying amounts received
by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on the Fund’s collateral deposited with
such broker-dealer.
Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets
or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real
value of the Fund’s Common Shares and distributions can decline. Inflation risk is more pronounced in the current market environment
because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest rate environment in recent years.
Deflation Risk
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and their revenues.
In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may
result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in securities of other investment
companies, including other closed-end or open-end investment companies (including ETFs). The market value of their shares may differ from
the net asset value of the particular fund. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those
assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities. In addition, if the Fund invests
in such investment companies or investment funds, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses
of the Fund (including operating expenses and the fees of the investment adviser), but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the
underlying investment company. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject
to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the section entitled “—Leverage Risk,” the net asset value
and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to stockholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated
by unleveraged shares. Other investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund. In addition, to the
extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund will be dependent upon the investment and research abilities of persons
other than the Investment Adviser.
ETN and ETF Risk
An ETN or ETF that is based on a specific index
may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN or ETF also
incurs certain expenses not incurred by its applicable index. The market value of an ETN or ETF share may differ from its net asset value;
the share may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value, which may be due to, among other things, differences in the supply
and demand in the market for the share and the supply and demand in the market for the underlying assets of the ETN or ETF. In addition,
certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN or ETF may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede the ETN’s
or ETF’s ability to track its index. An ETF that uses leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, which can affect whether its
share price approximates net asset value. As a result of using leverage, an ETF is subject to the risk of failure in the futures and options
markets it uses to obtain leverage and the risk that a counterparty will default on its obligations, which can result in a loss to the
Fund. If the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund,
but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the underlying ETF. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond,
in that there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.
Investment Management Risk
The Fund’s portfolio is subject to investment
management risk because it will be actively managed. The Investment Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making
investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.
The decisions with respect to the management of
the Fund are made exclusively by the Investment Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Investors have no right or
power to take part in the management of the Fund. The Investment Adviser also is responsible for all of the trading and investment decisions
of the Fund. In the event of the withdrawal or bankruptcy of the Investment Adviser, generally the affairs of the Fund will be wound-up,
and its assets will be liquidated.
Dependence on Key Personnel of the Investment
Adviser
The Fund is dependent upon the Investment Adviser’s
key personnel for its future success. In particular, the Fund will depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of
the personnel of the Investment Adviser and its portfolio managers, who will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor the Fund’s
investments. The portfolio managers have equity interests and other financial incentives to remain with the firm. The Fund will also depend
on the senior management of the Investment Adviser. The departure of a member or members of the Investment Adviser’s senior management
could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, the Fund can offer
no assurance that the Investment Adviser will remain its investment adviser, or that the Fund will continue to have access to the Investment
Adviser’s contacts and deal flow.
Conflicts of Interest with the Investment Adviser
Conflicts of interest may arise because the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including, but not limited
to, other client accounts and funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Investment
Adviser or its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts
and other customer accounts may compete with the Fund for specific trades. The Investment Adviser or its affiliates may buy or sell securities
for the Fund which differ from securities bought or sold for other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives and
policies may be similar to the Fund’s. Situations may occur when the Fund could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities
conducted by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be based on, among other things,
legal or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may be taken for the Fund and the other accounts, limiting the size
of the Fund’s position, or the difficulty of liquidating an investment for the Fund and the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position. Notwithstanding these potential conflicts of interest, the Fund’s Board of Trustees and
officers have a fiduciary obligation to act in the Fund’s best interest.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by affiliations of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates with infrastructure companies. In addition, to the extent that
the Investment Adviser sources and structures private investments in infrastructure companies, certain employees of the Investment Adviser
may become aware of actions planned by infrastructure companies, such as acquisitions that may not be announced to the public. It is possible
that the Fund could be precluded from investing in a company about which the Investment Adviser has material non-public information; however,
it is the Investment Adviser’s intention to ensure that any material non-public information available to certain of the Investment
Adviser’s employees not be shared with those employees responsible for the purchase and sale of publicly traded securities.
The Investment Adviser manages several other client
accounts and funds. Some of these other client accounts and funds have investment objectives that are similar to or overlap with the Fund.
Furthermore, the Investment Adviser may at some time in the future manage additional client accounts and investment funds with the same
investment objective as the Fund.
The Investment Adviser and its affiliates generally
will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients’ accounts and funds in which the Fund will have no interest.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of such other clients; however, from time to time, the same investment
decision may be made for more than one fund or account. When two or more clients advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates seek
to purchase or sell the same publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the clients
on a good faith equitable basis by the Investment Adviser in its discretion in accordance with the clients’ various investment objectives
and procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser and approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In some cases, this system may adversely
affect the price or size of the position the Fund may obtain.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by investment opportunities that the Investment Adviser is evaluating for other clients’ accounts and funds. To the extent
a potential investment is appropriate for the Fund and one or more of the Investment Adviser’s other client accounts or funds, the
Investment Adviser will need to fairly allocate that investment to the Fund or another client account or fund, or both, depending on its
allocation procedures and applicable law related to combined or joint transactions. There may occur an attractive limited investment opportunity
suitable for the Fund in which the Fund cannot invest under the particular allocation method being used for that investment.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund and such other client
accounts or funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser may be precluded from co-investing in certain private placements of securities.
Except as permitted by law or positions of the staff of the SEC, the Investment Adviser will not co-invest its other clients’ assets
in private transactions in which the Fund invests. To the extent the Fund is precluded from co-investing, the Investment Adviser will
allocate private investment opportunities among its clients, including, but not limited to, the Fund and its other client accounts and
funds, based on allocation policies that take into account several suitability factors, including the size of the investment opportunity,
the amount each client has available for investment and the client’s investment objectives. These allocation policies may result
in the allocation of investment opportunities to another client account or fund managed or advised by the Investment Adviser rather than
to the Fund.
The management fee payable to the Investment Adviser
is based on the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets, as periodically determined. A portion of the Fund’s Managed Assets may
be illiquid securities acquired in private transactions for which market quotations will not be readily available. Although the Fund will
adopt valuation procedures designed to determine valuations of illiquid securities in a manner that reflects their fair value, there typically
is a range of possible prices that may be established for each individual security.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP,
counsel to the Fund, also represents the Investment Adviser. Such counsel does not purport to represent the separate interests of the
investors and has assumed no obligation to do so. Accordingly, the investors have not had the benefit of independent counsel in the structuring
of the Fund or determination of the relative interests, rights and obligations of the Investment Adviser and the investors.
Reliance on Service Providers
The Fund relies upon service providers to perform
certain functions, which may include functions that are integral to the operations and financial performance of the Fund. Fees and expenses
of these service providers are borne by the Fund, and therefore indirectly by Common Shareholders. Failure by any service provider to
carry out its obligations to the Fund in accordance with the terms of its appointment, to exercise due care and skill, or to perform its
obligations to the Fund at all as a result of insolvency, bankruptcy or other causes could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance and ability to achieve its investment objective. The termination of the Fund’s relationship with any service provider,
or any delay in appointing a replacement for such service provider, could materially disrupt the business of the Fund and could have a
material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and ability to achieve its investment objective.
Technology Risk
As the use of Internet technology has become more
prevalent, the Fund and its service providers and markets generally have become more susceptible to potential operational risks related
to intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption
or lose operational capacity. There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers,
or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce technology and cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot
control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund.
Cyber Security Risk
As the use of technology has become more prevalent
in the course of business, the Fund has become potentially more susceptible to operational and informational security risks resulting
from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional cyber events that may, among
other things, cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction, lose operational capacity, result
in the unauthorized release or other misuse of confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal business operations. In addition,
cyber security breaches involving the Fund’s third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, advisers, administrators,
transfer agents, custodians, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties or issuers in which the Fund invests in can
also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Like with operational risk in general,
the Fund has established risk management systems and business continuity plans designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security.
However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large
part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially
because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties
or third-party service providers to the Fund. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its
shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Distributions Risk
The Fund’s net investment income can vary
significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share. The distributions paid by the
Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly period. The Fund may distribute
more than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period, in which case all or a portion of a distribution
may be a return of capital. The Fund’s distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant portion
of return of capital. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately
55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the
Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield
or income.
Return of capital is the return of a portion of
the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their Common Shares, which
would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the Common Shareholder’s
potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of Common Shares.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. To the extent
the amount of distributions paid to shareholders in cash exceeds the total net investment returns of the Fund, the assets of the Fund
will decline, which may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to make such distributions,
the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such
action.
Market Discount from Net Asset Value
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently
trade at a discount from their net asset value, which is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value
could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Although the value of the Fund’s net assets is generally considered by
market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell Common Shares, whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the
sale of Common Shares will depend entirely upon whether the market price of Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s
purchase price for Common Shares. Because the market price of Common Shares will be determined by factors such as net asset value, distribution
and distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for Common Shares, stability of distributions
or dividends, trading volume of Common Shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund,
the Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above the initial public offering
price. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as
a vehicle for trading purposes.
Recent Market, Economic and Social Developments
Risk
Periods of market volatility remain, and may continue
to occur in the future, in response to various political, social and economic events both within and outside of the United States. These
conditions have resulted in, and in many cases continue to result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads
and a lack of price transparency, with many securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. Such market conditions may adversely
affect the Fund, including by making valuation of some of the Fund’s securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant
valuation increases or declines in the Fund’s holdings. If there is a significant decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio,
this may impact the asset coverage levels for the Fund’s outstanding leverage.
Risks resulting from any future debt or other
economic crisis could also have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, the financial condition of financial institutions
and the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operation. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in
the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt
and home prices, among other factors. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence
and consumer credit factors, the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely
affected. Downgrades to the credit ratings of major banks could result in increased borrowing costs for such banks and negatively affect
the broader economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may also adversely affect the
value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or unfavorable
economic conditions could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
The occurrence of events similar to those in recent
years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing pandemics (such as COVID-19), epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases
in certain parts of the world, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political
discord, debt crises, sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and a number of foreign countries, new
and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the EU or the EMU, continued
changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns, among others, may
result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties
in the U.S. and worldwide.
In particular, the consequences of the Russian
military invasion of Ukraine, including comprehensive international sanctions, the impact on inflation and increased disruption to supply
chains and energy resources may impact our portfolio companies, result in an economic downturn or recession either globally or locally
in the U.S. or other economies, reduce business activity, spawn additional conflicts (whether in the form of traditional military action,
reignited “cold” wars or in the form of virtual warfare such as cyberattacks) with similar and perhaps wider ranging impacts
and consequences and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s returns and net asset value. We have no way to predict the duration or
outcome of the situation, as the conflict and government reactions are rapidly developing and beyond our control. Prolonged unrest, military
activities, or broad-based sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our portfolio companies. Such consequences also may increase
our funding cost or limit our access to the capital markets.
The current political climate has intensified
concerns about a potential trade war between China and the U.S., as each country has imposed tariffs on the other country’s products.
These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price
reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have
a negative impact on our performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales
in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions
and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the
euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or
other escalating actions may be taken in the future. Any of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the Fund.
Legislation and Regulatory Risks
At any time after the date of this Prospectus,
legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the companies in which the Fund invests. Changing approaches to regulation may
also have a negative impact companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, legislation or regulation may change the way in which the
Fund is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect
on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
The SEC and its staff are reportedly engaged in
various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts
appear to be focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including embedded leverage through the use of derivatives
and other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic
risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund’s expenses and impact
its returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit the Fund’s use of various portfolio management strategies or
techniques and adversely impact the Fund.
Changes enacted by the current presidential administration
could significantly impact the regulation of financial markets in the United States. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal
include trade and foreign policy, corporate tax rates, energy and infrastructure policies, the environment and sustainability, criminal
and social justice initiatives, immigration, healthcare and the oversight of certain federal financial regulatory agencies and the Federal
Reserve. Certain of these changes can, and have, been effectuated through executive order. For example, the current administration has
taken steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rejoin the Paris climate accord of 2015, cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, change immigration
enforcement priorities and increase spending on clean energy and infrastructure. Other potential changes that could be pursued by the
current presidential administration could include an increase in the corporate income tax rate and changes to regulatory enforcement priorities.
It is not possible to predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the economy, securities markets
or the financial stability of the United States. The Fund may be affected by governmental action in ways that are not foreseeable, and
there is a possibility that such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment
objective.
Although the Fund cannot predict the impact, if
any, of these changes to the Fund’s business, they could adversely affect the Fund’s business, financial condition, operating
results and cash flows. Until the Fund knows what policy changes are made and how those changes impact the Fund’s business and the
business of the Fund’s competitors over the long term, the Fund will not know if, overall, the Fund will benefit from them or be
negatively affected by them. The Investment Adviser intends to monitor developments and seeks to manage the Fund’s portfolio in
a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in
doing so.
LIBOR Discontinuation Risk
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial
Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. LIBOR can no longer be used to calculate new
deals as of December 31, 2021. Since December 31, 2021, all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR settings and
the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have ceased to be published or are no longer representative, and since June 30,
2023, the overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings ceased to be published or are no longer representative.
On June 22, 2017, the Alternative Reference
Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) convened by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRBNY”)
identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the rate that, in the consensus view of the ARRC, represented
best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing
cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April
2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has also been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014.
Investors should not rely on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of future changes in SOFR.
The composition and characteristics of SOFR are
not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons. First, SOFR is a secured rate, while
LIBOR is an unsecured rate. Second, SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding
over different maturities (e.g., three months). As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as
LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market
volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. Additionally, there can be no guarantee
that SOFR will gain market acceptance as a replacement for U.S. dollar LIBOR. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could negatively
affect financial markets in general and present heightened risks, including with respect to the Fund’s investments. As a result
of this uncertainty and developments relating to the transition process, the Fund and its investments may be adversely affected.
SOFR Risk
SOFR is intended to be a broad measure of the
cost of borrowing funds overnight in transactions that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. SOFR is calculated based on transaction-level
data collected from various sources. For each trading day, SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median rate derived from such data.
SOFR is calculated and published by the FRBNY. If data from a given source required by the FRBNY to calculate SOFR is unavailable for
any day, then the most recently available data for that segment will be used, with certain adjustments. If errors are discovered in the
transaction data or the calculations underlying SOFR after its initial publication on a given day, SOFR may be republished at a later
time that day. Rate revisions will be effected only on the day of initial publication and will be republished only if the change in the
rate exceeds one basis point.
Because SOFR is a financing rate based on overnight
secured funding transactions, it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. LIBOR was intended to be an unsecured rate that represents interbank
funding costs for different short-term maturities or tenors. It was a forward-looking rate reflecting expectations regarding interest
rates for the applicable tenor. Thus, LIBOR was intended to be sensitive, in certain respects, to bank credit risk and to term interest
rate risk. In contrast, SOFR is a secured overnight rate reflecting the credit of U.S. Treasury securities as collateral. Thus, it is
largely insensitive to credit-risk considerations and to short-term interest rate risks. SOFR is a transaction-based rate, and it has
been more volatile than other benchmark or market rates, such as three-month LIBOR, during certain periods. For these reasons, among others,
there is no assurance that SOFR, or rates derived from SOFR, will perform in the same or similar way as LIBOR would have performed at
any time, and there is no assurance that SOFR-based rates will be a suitable substitute for LIBOR. SOFR has a limited history, having
been first published in April 2018. The future performance of SOFR, and SOFR-based reference rates, cannot be predicted based on SOFR’s
history or otherwise. Levels of SOFR in the future, including following the discontinuation of LIBOR, may bear little or no relation to
historical levels of SOFR, LIBOR or other rates.
Terrorism, Market Disruption, and Catastrophe
Risk
Terrorist attacks, catastrophes, pandemics and
other geopolitical events have led to, and may in the future lead to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects
on U.S. and world economies and markets. Global political and economic instability could affect the operations of companies in which the
Fund invests in unpredictable ways, including through disruptions of natural resources supplies and markets and the resulting volatility
in commodity prices. The operation of infrastructure assets in which the Fund invests is subject to many hazards including damage to equipment
and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent
damage from construction or other equipment; leaks; and fires and explosions. The U.S. government has issued warnings that infrastructure
assets may be future targets of terrorist activities. In addition, changes in the insurance markets have made certain types of insurance
more difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and have generally resulted in increased premium costs.
Not a Complete Investment Program
The Fund is intended for investors seeking a high
level of total return with an emphasis on current income. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short-term
swings in the stock market and is intended for long-term investors. An investment in shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete
investment program. Each shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objective as well as the shareholder’s
other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional
Common Shares
The voting power of current Common Shareholders
will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares
or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such
offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances
to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value
per share pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per
Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were
the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common
Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by
all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Shares—Common
Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”
Additional Risks of Rights
There are additional risks associated with an
offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional
interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net
asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription
price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience
an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s Common Shares if the shareholder does not participate
in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s Common
Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. Such a reduction in net asset value per share may have the effect
of reducing market price of the Common Share. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder
does not exercise such shareholder’s Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer
expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. If the subscription price is substantially less than the then current net
asset value per Common Share at the expiration of a rights offering, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution or accretion
will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund’s net asset value per Common
Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. In addition to the economic dilution described
above, if a Common Shareholder does not exercise all of their rights, the Common Shareholder will incur voting dilution as a result of
this rights offering. This voting dilution will occur because the Common Shareholder will own a smaller proportionate interest in the
Fund after the rights offering than prior to the rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the
underlying Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of
the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. If investors exercise only a portion of the
rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the Common Shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings
for similar securities. Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be transferable or non-transferable rights. In a non-transferable rights
offering, Common Shareholders who do not wish to exercise their rights will be unable to sell their rights. In a transferrable rights
offering, the Fund will use its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market for the rights; however, investors may find that there
is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
The Fund’s Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended (the “Declaration of Trust”), and By-Laws include provisions that
could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition
of its Board of Trustees. For example, the Declaration of Trust limits the ability of persons to beneficially own (within the meaning
of Section 382 of the Code) more than 4.99% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund. This restriction was adopted in order to
reduce the risk of the Fund undergoing an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, which would
limit the Fund’s ability to use a capital loss carryforward and certain unrealized losses (if such tax attributes exist). See “Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”
In addition, as a Delaware statutory
trust, the Fund is subject to the control share acquisition statute (the “Control Share Statute”) contained in Subchapter
III of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”), which became automatically applicable to listed closed-end funds, such
as the Fund, upon its effective date of August 1, 2022 (the “Effective Date”). The Control Share Statute provides that
an acquirer of shares above a series of voting power thresholds has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the
Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders.
See “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Delaware Control Share Statute.”
The ownership restrictions set
forth in the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and the limitations of the Control Share Statute could have the effect of depriving shareholders
of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain
control over the Fund and may reduce market demand for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood
that the Fund’s Common Shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
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Effects of Leverage [Text Block] |
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USE OF LEVERAGE
The Fund generally seeks to enhance total return
by utilizing leverage. The Fund may utilize leverage through Indebtedness, including through the issuance of commercial paper or notes
and other forms of borrowing, or the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may utilize leverage through Indebtedness or preferred shares
to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under current market conditions, the Fund currently intends to utilize leverage principally
through Indebtedness. The amount of Indebtedness outstanding is expected to vary over time, but will not exceed 331⁄3% of the Fund’s
Managed Assets (i.e., 50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares), including the proceeds of such leverage.
The costs associated with the issuance and use
of leverage will be borne by the holders of the Common Shares. Leverage is a speculative technique and investors should note that there
are special risks and costs associated with leverage. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any
period in which it is employed. The use of leverage creates risks and involves special considerations. See “Risks—Leverage
Risk.” To the extent that the Fund uses leverage, it expects to utilize hedging techniques such as swaps and caps on a portion of
its leverage to mitigate potential interest rate risk. See “Risks—Interest Rate Hedging Risk.”
Indebtedness
Delaware trust law and the Fund’s governing
documents authorize the Fund, without prior approval of its Common Shareholders, to borrow money. In this regard, the Fund may issue notes
or other evidence of Indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such borrowings by mortgaging, pledging
or otherwise subjecting as security its assets. In connection with any borrowing, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average
balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost
of borrowing over the stated interest rate. The rights of the Fund’s lenders to receive interest on and repayment of principal of
borrowings will be senior to those of the Fund’s Common Shareholders, and the terms of any such borrowings may contain provisions
which limit certain of the Fund’s activities, including the payment of distributions to the Fund’s Common Shareholders in
certain circumstances. A borrowing will likely be ranked senior or equal to all of the Fund’s other existing and future borrowings.
Certain types of borrowings may result in the
Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. The Fund may be
subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for Indebtedness
issued by the Fund. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those
imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Investment Adviser from managing the
Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
The Fund may secure any borrowings by mortgaging,
pledging or otherwise subjecting as security its assets. Except as set forth below, under the requirements of the 1940 Act the Fund, immediately
after any issuance of Indebtedness, must have “asset coverage” of at least 300% (331⁄3% of its Managed Assets, or 50%
of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares). With respect to Indebtedness, asset coverage means the ratio which
the value of the Fund’s total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of such borrowing represented by senior securities issued by the Fund.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not declare any
distribution or other distribution on any class of its shares, or purchase any such shares, unless its aggregate Indebtedness has, at
the time of the declaration of any such distribution or distribution, or at the time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least
300% after declaring the amount of such distribution, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be. Furthermore, the 1940 Act (in
certain circumstances) grants the Fund’s lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or
repayment of principal. Such restrictions do not apply with respect to evidence of Indebtedness in consideration of a loan, extension
or renewal thereof that is privately arranged and not intended for public distribution.
With the use of borrowings, there is a risk that
the interest rates paid by the Fund on the amount it borrows will be higher than the return on the Fund’s investments.
The Fund may also borrow money as a temporary
measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of distributions and the settlement of securities transactions
that otherwise might require untimely dispositions of its securities. Temporary borrowings not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total
assets are not subject to the “asset coverage” limitation under the 1940 Act.
The Fund currently utilizes Indebtedness pursuant
to a borrowing arrangement with ScotiabankTM (the “Loan Agreements”), which permits the Fund to borrow up to $50 million.
The interest rate charged on such Indebtedness is SOFR plus 1.00%. The Fund’s Indebtedness under the Loan Agreements is collateralized
by portfolio assets which are maintained by the Fund in a separate account with the Fund’s custodian for the benefit of the lender,
which collateral exceeds the amount borrowed. In the event of a default by the Fund under the Loan Agreements, the lender has the right
to sell such collateral assets to satisfy the Fund’s obligation to the lender. The Loan Agreements include usual and customary covenants.
These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, collateral requirements, investment strategy requirements, and certain
financial obligations. As of November 30, 2023, the principal balance outstanding was approximately $36.81 million, which represented
25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (or approximately 35.50% of its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares).
Preferred Shares
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the Fund’s Board of Trustees may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by
action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Common Shareholders have no preemptive right
to purchase any preferred shares that might be issued. Any such preferred share offering would be subject to the limits imposed by the
1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the value of
its total assets is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., the liquidation value may
not exceed 50% of the Fund’s total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash distribution or other distribution
on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of its total assets is at least 200% of such liquidation value.
If the Fund issues preferred shares, it intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem them from time to time to the extent necessary
in order to maintain asset coverage on such preferred shares of at least 200%. In addition, as a condition to obtaining ratings on the
preferred shares, the terms of any preferred shares issued are expected to include asset coverage maintenance provisions which will require
the redemption of the preferred shares in the event of non-compliance by the Fund and may also prohibit dividends and other distributions
on the Fund’s Common Shares in such circumstances. In order to meet redemption requirements to maintain asset coverage or otherwise,
the Fund may have to liquidate portfolio securities. Such liquidations and redemptions would cause the Fund to incur related transaction
costs and could result in capital losses to the Fund. If the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, two of its Trustees will be elected
by the holders of preferred shares, voting as a separate class. The Fund’s remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of its
Common Shares and preferred shares voting together as a single class. In the event the Fund fails to pay distributions on its preferred
shares for two years, holders of preferred shares would be entitled to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees.
Certain Portfolio Transactions
The Fund may engage in certain derivatives transactions
that have economic characteristics similar to leverage. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Derivatives Rule”) permits
the Fund to enter into derivatives transactions and certain other transactions notwithstanding the restrictions on the issuance of “senior
securities” under Section 18 of the 1940 Act. The Derivatives Rule requires registered investment companies that enter into
derivatives transactions and certain other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations to, among other things, (i)
comply with a value-at-risk leverage limit, and (ii) adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program, unless the Fund qualifies
as a “limited derivatives user,” which the Derivatives Rule defines as a fund that limits its derivatives exposure (excluding
certain derivative transactions used to hedge currency and interest rate risks) to 10% of its net assets. The Derivatives Rule requires
a limited derivatives user to adopt policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk. The Fund currently qualifies, and
intends to continue to qualify, as a limited derivatives user and has adopted policies and procedures designed to manage its derivatives
risk in accordance with the Derivatives Rule. In the event that the Fund no longer qualifies as a limited derivatives user, the Fund will
comply with the value-at-risk leverage limit and adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program in accordance with the Derivatives
Rule.
Effects of Leverage
As of November 30, 2023, the Fund had outstanding
Indebtedness of approximately $36.810 million, which represented 25.16% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (or approximately 35.50% of
its net assets attributable to the Fund’s Common Shares). The interest rate charged on such Indebtedness as of November 30,
2023 was 6.46%. Assuming that the Fund’s leverage costs remain as described above, then the incremental income generated by the
Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses including expenses related to the leverage) must exceed approximately 2.15% to cover
such interest specifically related to the borrowing. These numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. Actual interest rates may
vary frequently and in the future may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.
The following table is designed to assist the
investor in understanding the effects of leverage by illustrating the effect on the return to a holder of the Fund’s Common Shares
of leverage in the amount of approximately 331/3% of the Fund’s Managed Assets (i.e., 50% of its net assets attributable
to the Fund’s Common Shares), assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Fund’s portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. As the
table shows, leverage generally increases the return to holders of Common Shares when portfolio return is positive and greater than the
cost of leverage and decreases the return when the portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing
in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses) |
(10.00)% |
(5.00)% |
0.00% |
5.00% |
10.00% |
Common Share total return |
(18.23)% |
(10.73)% |
(3.23)% |
4.27% |
11.77% |
Common Share total return is composed of two elements:
distributions on Common Shares paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Fund’s net investment income after
paying distributions or interest on its outstanding leverage) and gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required
by SEC rules, the table above assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example,
to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the distributions it receives on its investments are entirely offset by losses
in the value of those securities.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing
leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Investment Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not
utilize such leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund’s Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of
interest between the Investment Adviser and the Common Shareholders. Because the Fund’s leverage costs will be borne by the Fund
at a specified rate, only the Fund’s Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with such leverage.
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Return at Minus Ten [Percent] |
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(18.23%)
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Return at Minus Five [Percent] |
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(10.73%)
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Return at Zero [Percent] |
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(3.23%)
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Return at Plus Five [Percent] |
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4.27%
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Return at Plus Ten [Percent] |
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11.77%
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Effects of Leverage, Purpose [Text Block] |
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Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses) |
(10.00)% |
(5.00)% |
0.00% |
5.00% |
10.00% |
Common Share total return |
(18.23)% |
(10.73)% |
(3.23)% |
4.27% |
11.77% |
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Share Price [Table Text Block] |
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The following table sets forth, for each of the
periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, the net asset value per Common Share and
the premium or discount to net asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading.
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Market Price | | |
Corresponding Net Asset Value Per Common Share | | |
Corresponding Premium/(Discount) as a Percentage of Net Asset Value | |
Fiscal Quarter Ended | |
High | | |
Low | | |
High | | |
Low | | |
High | | |
Low | |
November 30, 2023 | |
$ | 41.12 | | |
$ | 30.5015 | | |
$ | 44.90 | | |
$ | 37.50 | | |
| (8.42 | )% | |
| (18.66 | )% |
August 31, 2023 | |
$ | 40.21 | | |
$ | 34.5518 | | |
$ | 50.32 | | |
$ | 43.83 | | |
| (20.09 | )% | |
| (21.17 | )% |
May 31, 2023 | |
$ | 40.22 | | |
$ | 33.78 | | |
$ | 50.35 | | |
$ | 44.82 | | |
| (20.12 | )% | |
| (24.63 | )% |
February 28, 2023 | |
$ | 43.31 | | |
$ | 37.2301 | | |
$ | 54.44 | | |
$ | 48.49 | | |
| (20.44 | )% | |
| (23.22 | )% |
November 30, 2022 | |
$ | 45.85 | | |
$ | 36.41 | | |
$ | 58.65 | | |
$ | 46.98 | | |
| (21.82 | )% | |
| (22.50 | )% |
August 31, 2022 | |
$ | 46.16 | | |
$ | 35.87 | | |
$ | 59.79 | | |
$ | 47.65 | | |
| (22.80 | )% | |
| (24.72 | )% |
May 31, 2022 | |
$ | 46.21 | | |
$ | 38.31 | | |
$ | 55.73 | | |
$ | 47.29 | | |
| (17.08 | )% | |
| (18.99 | )% |
February 28, 2022 | |
$ | 47.30 | | |
$ | 39.66 | | |
$ | 53.30 | | |
$ | 47.69 | | |
| (11.26 | )% | |
| (16.84 | )% |
November 30, 2021 | |
$ | 50.50 | | |
$ | 44.39 | | |
$ | 59.84 | | |
$ | 52.42 | | |
| (15.61 | )% | |
| (15.32 | )% |
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Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
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Capital Stock [Table Text Block] |
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DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The following is a brief description of the terms
of the securities which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the
Fund’s governing documents. The Fund is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust
dated November 17, 2010, as filed with the State of Delaware on November 17, 2010 and as amended through the date hereof.
Common Shares
The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number
of Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.001 per share. Each Common Share has one vote. Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust,
when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of this offering, the Common Shares will be fully paid and non-assessable. The Declaration
of Trust provides that the Board of Trustees will have the power to cause shareholders to pay expenses of the Fund by setting off charges
due from shareholders from declared but unpaid distributions owed the shareholders and/or by reducing the number of Common Shares owned
by each respective shareholder. No expenses have been paid or are being paid pursuant to such provision, and the Board of Trustees has
no intention to cause expenses to be paid pursuant to such provision, which in any event may only be utilized to the extent permitted
by the 1940 Act.
The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of shareholders
so long as the Common Shares are listed on a national securities exchange and such meetings are required as a condition to such listing.
All Common Shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription
rights. The Fund will furnish annual and semi-annual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares.
Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the
Fund do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional Common
Shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise. Shares of closed-end
funds frequently trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. Because the market value of the Common Shares may be influenced
by such factors as distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), distribution stability, net asset value, relative demand
for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund,
the Fund cannot assure you that Common Shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset value in the future. The Common
Shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not purchase the Common Shares if you intend to sell them soon after
purchase.
Issuance of Additional
Common Shares
The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require
that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company
must equal or exceed the net asset value of such company’s common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering),
unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its common shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent
of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund’s then-current net
asset value, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than
one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below net asset value in accordance with any conditions adopted
in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund
and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below net asset value will be disclosed
in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Until such consent of Common
Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Because the Fund’s advisory
fee is based upon average Managed Assets, the Investment Adviser’s interest in recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares
at a price below net asset value may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.
The Fund will not sell Common Shares at a price
below its net asset value per Common Share (including with shareholder approval or pursuant to rights to purchase Common Shares) under
this Prospectus or an accompanying prospectus supplement without first filing a new post-effective amendment to the registration statement
if the cumulative dilution to the Fund’s net asset value per share from offerings under the registration statement exceeds 15%.
Subscription Rights to
Purchase Common Shares
The Fund may issue subscription rights to holders
of Common Shares to purchase Common Shares. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security
and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights
offering to holders of Common Shares, the Fund would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement
to our common or preferred shareholders as of the record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription
rights in such subscription rights offering. For complete terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription
rights which will be set forth in the subscription rights agreement and/or subscription certificate relating to such subscription rights.
The Fund may only conduct a subscription rights offering to the extent that the Board of Trustees makes a good faith determination that
the offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe
the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered:
| · | the period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of days such that
all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and will not be open longer than 120 days); |
| · | the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof); |
| · | the number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each Common Share; |
| · | the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded
if they are transferable; |
| · | if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance
or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| · | the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date on which
such right will expire (subject to any extension); |
| · | the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed
securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege; |
| · | any termination right the Fund may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; |
| · | the expected trading market, if any, for rights; and |
| · | any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations
relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise of Subscription
Rights
Each subscription right would entitle the holder
of the subscription right to purchase for cash such number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable
as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights would be exercisable
at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. After
the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Upon expiration of the rights offering and the
receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription
rights agent or any other office indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Fund would issue, as soon as practicable, the Common Shares
purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, the Fund may determine to offer any unsubscribed
offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination
of such methods, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
Transferable Rights Offering
Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be
transferrable. The terms of a transferrable rights offering will fully protect shareholders’ preemptive rights, if any, and will
not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible de minimis effect of not issuing fractional rights). The distribution to
Common Shareholders of transferable rights, which may themselves have intrinsic value, also will afford non-participating Common Shareholders
the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any dilution
of their interests that may occur as a result of the rights offering. In a transferrable rights offering, Fund management will use its
best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not exercise such rights. However, there
can be no assurance that a market for transferable rights will develop or, if such a market does develop, what the price of the transferable
rights will be. In a transferrable rights offering, the subscription ratio will not be less than 1-for-3, that is the holders of Common
Shares of record on the record date of the rights offering will receive one right for each outstanding Common Share owned on the record
date and the rights will entitle their holders to purchase one new Common Share for every three rights held (provided that any Common
Shareholder who owns fewer than three Common Shares as of the record date may subscribe for one full Common Share). Assuming the exercise
of all rights, such a rights offering would result in an approximately 331⁄3% increase in the Fund’s Common Shares outstanding.
Preferred Shares
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides
that the Board of Trustees may authorize and issue preferred shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the
Board of Trustees without the approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares have no preemptive right to purchase
any preferred shares that might be issued pursuant to such provision. Whenever preferred shares are outstanding, the holders of Common
Shares will not be entitled to receive any distributions from the Fund unless all accrued distributions on preferred shares have been
paid, unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to preferred shares would be at least 200% after giving effect to
the distributions and unless certain other requirements imposed by any rating agencies rating the preferred shares have been met. If the
Board of Trustees determines to proceed with such an offering, the terms of the preferred shares may be the same as, or different from,
the terms described below, subject to applicable law and the Declaration of Trust. The Board of Trustees, without the approval of the
holders of Common Shares, may authorize an offering of preferred shares or may determine not to authorize such an offering and may fix
the terms of the preferred shares to be offered. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not issued any preferred shares and has
no current expectation to issue preferred shares in the next 12 months.
Distributions
Holders of preferred shares will be entitled to
receive cash distributions, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Trustees and declared by the Fund, out of funds legally available
therefor. The Prospectus Supplement for any offering of preferred shares will describe the distributions payment provisions for those
shares. Distributions so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Delaware law and to the extent available and
in preference to and priority over any distribution declared and payable on the Common Shares.
Limitations on Distributions
So long as the Fund has Indebtedness outstanding,
holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to receive any distributions unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with
respect to outstanding Indebtedness would be at least 300% after giving effect to such distributions.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution,
which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accrued and unpaid distributions, whether or not declared,
before any distribution of assets is made to holders of Common Shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution
to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets
by the Fund.
Voting Rights
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any
preferred shares, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two trustees at all times. The remaining trustees
will be elected by holders of Common Shares and preferred shares, voting together as a single class. In addition, subject to the prior
rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of senior securities outstanding, the holders of any preferred shares have the right
to elect a majority of the trustees of the Fund at any time two years of distributions on any preferred shares are unpaid. The 1940 Act
also requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority
of any outstanding preferred shares, voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would
adversely affect the preferred shares, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940
Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s sub-classification as a closed-end fund or changes in its fundamental
investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent
that there are any preferred shares outstanding.
Debt Securities
The Board of Trustees (subject to applicable law
and the Declaration of Trust) may authorize an offering, without the approval of the holders of either Common Shares or preferred shares,
of other classes of shares, or other classes or series of shares, as they determine to be necessary, desirable or appropriate, having
such terms, rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate. The Fund currently
does not expect to issue any other classes of shares, or series of shares, except for the Common Shares.
Under Delaware law and the Fund’s Declaration
of Trust, the Board of Trustees may cause the Fund to borrow money, without prior approval of holders of common and preferred stock to
the extent permitted by the Fund’s investment restrictions and the 1940 Act. The Fund may issue debt securities or other evidence
of Indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security Fund assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings will
rank senior to the preferred shares and the Common Shares.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may only issue one
class of senior securities representing Indebtedness.
Limitations
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act the Fund,
immediately after any issuance of debt securities, must have “asset coverage” of at least 300% (i.e., for every dollar
of Indebtedness outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets). The issuance of debt securities also may
result in the Fund being subject to covenants that may be more stringent than the restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act.
Voting Rights
Debt securities are not expected to have any voting
rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided in any documents governing the debt securities. The 1940 Act does,
in certain circumstances, grant to the lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment
of principal.
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Outstanding Securities [Table Text Block] |
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The following information regarding the Fund’s
authorized shares is as of May 6, 2024:
Title of Class |
Amount
Authorized
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Amount Held by Fund
for its own Account
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Amount Outstanding
Exclusive of Amounts
held by Fund
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Common Shares of Beneficial Interest |
Unlimited |
None |
2,601,714 |
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Investment and Market Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares of the Fund is
subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the Common Shares
of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably, particularly under current economic, financial, labor, and health conditions. The value of the securities owned
by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived
economic conditions, changes in interest or currency rates or changes in investor sentiment or market outlook generally. At any point
in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
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Common Stock Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Common Stock Risk
The Fund will have exposure to common stocks.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income securities over the long-term, common
stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in those returns and may significantly under-perform relative to fixed income
securities during certain periods. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock held by the Fund. Also, the price of common stocks is sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons, including
changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market,
or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising
interest rates, as the cost of capital rises and borrowing costs increase.
At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock
prices can change substantially. While broad market measures of common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than
income securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. Common stock in which the Fund
may invest is structurally subordinated to preferred stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in
terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently more risky than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
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Concentration Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Concentration Risk
The Fund’s investments will be concentrated
in issuers in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Because the Fund will be concentrated in the industry
or group of industries that make up the energy sector, it will be more susceptible to the risks associated with that industry or group
of industries than if it were more broadly diversified over numerous industries. General changes in market sentiment towards issuers in
the energy sector may adversely affect the Fund, and the performance of issuers in the energy sector may lag behind the broader market
as a whole.
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Infrastructure Companies Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Infrastructure Companies Risk
Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety
of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction
and improvement programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown,
surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable
prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies may also be affected by or subject to
difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets; inexperience
with and potential losses resulting from a developing de-regulatory environment; costs associated with compliance with and changes in
environmental and other regulations; regulation or adverse actions by various government authorities; government regulation of rates charged
to customers; service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps; the imposition of special tariffs and changes in
tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards; technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products
obsolete, and general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure assets. Recently imposed tariffs on imports to the United States
could affect operating or construction costs for a number of companies in which the Fund invests.
Sustainable infrastructure investments are subject
to certain additional risks including high dependency upon on government policies that support renewable power generation and enhance
the economic viability of owning renewable electric generation assets; adverse impacts from the reduction or discontinuation of tax benefits
and other similar subsidies that benefit sustainable infrastructure companies; dependency on suitable weather condition and risk of damage
to components used in the generation of renewable energy by severe weather; adverse changes and volatility in the wholesale market price
for electricity in the markets served; the use of newly developed, less proven, technologies and the risk of failure of new technology
to perform as anticipated; and dependence on a limited number of suppliers of system components and the occurrence of shortages, delays
or component price changes. There is a risk that regulations that provide incentives for renewable energy could change or expire in a
manner that adversely impacts the market for sustainable infrastructure companies generally.
Technology and communications infrastructure investments
are subject to certain additional risks including rapidly changing technologies and existing product obsolescence; short product life
cycles; fierce competition; high research and development costs; aggressive pricing and reduced profit margins; the loss of patent, copyright
and trademark protections; cyclical market patterns; evolving industry standards; frequent new product introductions and new market entrants;
cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption
of confidential and highly restricted data, denial of service attacks, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks
or devices that the information infrastructure companies use, or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or
operating systems, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory
fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs.
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Equity Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Equity Securities Risk.
Equity securities can be affected by macroeconomic,
political, global and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards
the issuer or the industry or sector in which such issuer operates, changes in a particular issuer’s financial condition, or unfavorable
or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer.
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Debt Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Debt Securities Risk
Debt securities are subject to many of the risks
described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk and, depending on their quality, other
special risks.
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security
may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived
to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of
a security may further decrease its value.
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt instruments,
particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer of the debt instrument
to prepay principal prior to the debt instrument’s stated maturity. This is also sometimes known as prepayment risk. Prepayment
risk is greater during a falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding
debt instruments with lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to refinance its debt instruments with lower yielding
debt instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio are called
or redeemed, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
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Below Investment Grade Securities (Junk Bonds) Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Below Investment Grade Securities (Junk Bonds)
Risk
Below investment grade and unrated debt securities
generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are
subject to greater risks than those securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: greater
yield and price volatility; greater credit risk and risk of default; potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions;
potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. Debt
securities rated below investment grade are commonly known as “junk bonds” and are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve
major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
The prices of these below investment grade and
unrated debt securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues, downturns in profitability
in the natural resources industry or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher-grade securities. Below investment grade
and unrated debt securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market for below investment grade and unrated
debt securities could contract further under adverse market or economic conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for the
Fund to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a price as could be realized if such securities were more widely traded.
The market value of below investment grade and unrated debt securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade
securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments
to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. In the
event of a default by a below investment grade or unrated debt security held in the Fund’s portfolio in the payment of principal
or interest, the Fund may incur additional expense to the extent the Fund is required to seek recovery of such principal or interest.
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MLP Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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MLP Risks
An investment in MLP units involves some risks
that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. As compared to common stockholders of a corporation, holders of MLP
units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks
associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders and the general partner, including
those arising from incentive distribution payments.
A portion of the benefit the Fund derives from
its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Partnerships generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership, in computing
its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and
expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income.
The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash
available for distribution by the MLP and causing any such distributions received by the Fund to be treated as dividend income to the
extent of the MLP’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially
reduced, which could cause a decline in the value of the Common Shares. Recently, a number of MLPs have reduced, suspended or eliminated
their distributions. In addition, changes in tax laws or regulations, or future interpretations of such laws or regulations, could adversely
affect the Fund or the MLP investments in which the Fund invests.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity
securities of an MLP treated as a partnership under the Code, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required
to include in its taxable income the Fund’s allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and credits recognized by each
such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant portion
of their income with tax deductions. The Fund will recognize taxable income on its allocable share of an MLP’s income and gains
that is not offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses and credits. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund
from an MLP that is offset by the MLP’s tax deductions, losses or credits is essentially treated as a return of capital. However,
those distributions will reduce the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase
in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes upon the sale of any such
equity securities and may increase the amount of income or gain that will be recognized by the Fund upon subsequent distributions in respect
of such equity securities. A distribution from an MLP is treated as capital gain to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor’s
basis. The percentage of an MLP’s income and gains that is offset by tax deductions, losses and credits will fluctuate over time
for various reasons. For example, a significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in the Fund’s
portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in a decrease in the
portion of the MLP’s distributions that is offset by tax deductions.
Because of the Fund’s investments in equity
securities of MLPs, the Fund’s earnings and profits may be calculated using accounting methods that are different from those used
for calculating taxable income. Because of these differences, the Fund may make distributions out of its current or accumulated earnings
and profits, which will be treated as dividends, in years in which the Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income.
Adverse developments in the energy sector may
result in MLPs seeking to restructure debt or file for bankruptcy. Limited partners in such MLPs, such as the Fund, may owe taxes on debt
that is forgiven in a bankruptcy or an out-of-court restructuring, as cancellation of debt income, which creates a tax liability for investors
without an associated cash distribution. While an MLP facing a debt restructuring may seek to implement structures that would limit the
tax liability associated with the debt restructuring, there can be no assurance that such structures could be successfully implemented
or would not have other adverse impacts on the Fund as an investor in the MLP.
The Fund will receive Schedule K-1s from each
MLP in which it is invested. However, the MLPs in which the Fund invests generally will not deliver their Schedule K-1s to the Fund until
after the Fund must deliver Form 1099s to its Fund shareholders. If the Schedule K-1s received by the Fund show that the Fund’s
estimates regarding its income attributable to such MLPs were incorrect, the Fund may have to send corrected Form 1099s to Fund shareholders,
which may result in a Fund shareholder being required to request an extension to file its tax return or to amend a previously filed tax
return.
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Non-U.S. Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Non-U.S. Securities Risk
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, including expropriation; 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.
Certain countries in which the Fund may invest,
especially emerging market countries, historically have experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest
rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and
unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external
debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest
at rates that are adjusted based upon international interest rates. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a
risk of: the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets; confiscatory taxation; difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a
court judgment; restrictions on currency repatriation; economic, political or social instability; and diplomatic developments that could
affect investments in those countries.
Because the Fund may invest in securities denominated
or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange rates may affect the value of securities in the
Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments. Currencies of certain countries may be volatile and therefore may
affect the value of securities denominated in such currencies, which means that the Fund’s net asset value or current income could
decline as a result of changes in the exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Certain investments in non-U.S. securities
also may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Dividend income from non-U.S. corporations may not be eligible for the reduced U.S.
income tax rate currently available for qualified dividend income. These risks often are heightened for investments in smaller, emerging
capital markets. In addition, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as: growth of gross domestic product; rates of inflation; capital reinvestment; resources; self- sufficiency; and balance of payments
position.
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped
emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers to a heightened degree. “Emerging market
countries” generally include every nation in the world except developed countries, that is the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia,
New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. These heightened risks include: greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability; the smaller size of the market for such securities and a
lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and an increase in price volatility; and certain national policies that may restrict
the Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national
interests. As a result of these potential risks, the Investment Adviser may determine that, notwithstanding otherwise favorable investment
criteria, it may not be practicable or appropriate to invest in a particular country.
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Liquidity Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Liquidity Risk
The 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, the amount paid for such investments by the Fund or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities
on its books. Furthermore, the nature of the Fund’s investments may require a long holding period prior to profitability.
Although the equity securities of the companies
in which the Fund invests generally trade on major stock exchanges, certain securities may trade less frequently, particularly those with
smaller capitalizations. Securities with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements. Investment of the Fund’s
capital in securities that are less actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may restrict the Fund’s ability
to take advantage of other market opportunities.
Unregistered securities are securities that cannot
be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from such registration is available.
Restricted securities may be more difficult to value, and the Fund may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner
or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, the Fund, where it has contractual rights to do so, may have
to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and
the time the security is registered so that the Fund could sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length
and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquirer of the securities. The Fund would, in either case,
bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period. The difficulties and delays associated with selling restricted securities
could result in the Fund’s inability to realize a favorable price upon disposition of such securities, and at times might make disposition
of such securities impossible.
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Valuation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Valuation Risk
Market prices may not be readily available for
certain of the Fund’s investments, and the value of such investments will ordinarily be determined based on fair valuations determined
by the Investment Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees and the Investment Adviser as valuation designee. Restrictions
on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to determine its net asset value.
The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than the Fund’s most recent determination of
their fair value.
In addition, the value of these securities typically
requires more reliance on the judgment of the Investment Adviser than that required for securities for which there is an active trading
market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, the Fund
may not be able to realize these securities’ true value or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
When determining the fair value of an asset, the
Investment Adviser seeks to determine the price that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive from the current sale of that asset in
an arm’s length transaction. Fair value pricing, however, involves judgments that are inherently subjective and inexact, since fair
valuation procedures are used only when it is not possible to be sure what value should be attributed to a particular asset or when an
event will affect the market price of an asset and to what extent. As a result, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will
reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security will be materially different from the value
that actually could be or is realized upon the sale of that asset.
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Energy Sector Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Energy Sector Risks
Under normal circumstances, the Fund concentrates
its investments in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector. Energy companies are subject to certain risks,
including, but not limited to, the following:
Commodity Price Risk. Energy companies
may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil,
in the short-and long-term. Natural resources commodity prices have been very volatile in the past and such volatility is expected to
continue. Fluctuations in commodity prices can result from changes in general economic conditions or political circumstances (especially
of key energy-consuming countries); market conditions; weather patterns; domestic production levels; volume of imports; energy conservation;
domestic and foreign governmental regulation; international politics; policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”);
taxation; tariffs; and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate transportation methods. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of, and
interrelationships between, commodity prices can also indirectly affect certain other companies due to the potential impact on the volume
of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed. Some companies that own the underlying energy commodity may be unable to
effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by
the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. The prices of companies’
securities can be adversely affected by market perceptions that their performance and dividends or distributions are directly tied to
commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy
consumption which may adversely affect the performance of energy companies.
Prices of oil and other energy commodities have
experienced significant volatility during recent years, including as a result of the pandemic spread of infectious respiratory illness
caused by a novel coronavirus known as “COVID-19,” during which demand for energy commodities fell sharply and energy commodity
prices reached historic lows, and may continue to experience relatively high volatility for a prolonged period. Companies engaged in crude
oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation
and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resource’s commodity prices. The volatility of commodity
prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities.
Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity
price levels. Energy companies also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy companies is directly linked to commodity
prices. As a result, many companies in which the Fund may invest have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by volatility of
prices of energy commodities. Reductions in production of oil and other energy commodities may lag decreases in demand or declines in
commodity prices, resulting in global oversupply in such commodities. Slower global growth may lower demand for oil and other energy commodities
and increased exports by Iran with the end of sanctions may increase supply, exacerbating oversupply of such commodities and further reducing
commodity prices. Continued volatility of commodity prices could further erode such companies’ growth prospects and negatively impact
such companies’ ability to sustain attractive distribution levels.
Cyclicality Risk. The operating results
of companies in the broader energy sector are cyclical, with fluctuations in commodity prices and demand for commodities driven by a variety
of factors. The highly cyclical nature of the energy sector may adversely affect the earnings or operating cash flows of certain energy
companies in which the Fund will invest.
Supply Risk. A significant decrease in
the production of natural gas, crude oil, or other energy commodities would reduce the revenue, operating income and operating cash flows
of certain energy companies and, therefore, their ability to make distributions or pay dividends. The volume of production of energy commodities
and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety
of factors, including depletion of resources; depressed commodity prices; catastrophic events; labor relations; increased environmental
or other governmental regulation; equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties; import volumes; international politics; policies
of OPEC; and increased competition from alternative energy sources.
Demand Risk. A sustained decline in demand
for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and refined petroleum products could adversely affect an energy company’s revenues
and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a sustained decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions,
an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity that is not, or is not expected to be, merely a short-term increase, higher
taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. Demand may also be adversely affected
by consumer sentiment with respect to global warming and by state or federal legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy
sources.
Competition Risk. The energy sector is
highly competitive. The energy companies in which the Fund will invest will face substantial competition from other companies, many of
which will have greater financial, technological, human and other resources, in acquiring natural resources assets, obtaining and retaining
customers and contracts and hiring and retaining qualified personnel. Larger companies may be able to pay more for assets and may have
a greater ability to continue their operations during periods of low commodity prices. To the extent that the energy companies in which
the Fund will invest are unable to compete effectively, their operating results, financial position, growth potential and cash flows may
be adversely affected, which could in turn adversely affect the results of the Fund.
Weather Risk. Extreme weather conditions
could result in substantial damage to the facilities of certain energy companies located in the affected areas and significant volatility
in the supply of natural resources, commodity prices and the earnings of energy companies, and could therefore adversely affect their
securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The prices of debt
securities of the energy companies the Fund expects to hold in its portfolio are, and the prices of the equity securities held in its
portfolio may be, susceptible in the short-term to a decline when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation
of securities of certain energy companies as a result of the increased availability of alternative investments with yields comparable
to those of energy companies. Rising interest rates could adversely impact the financial performance of energy companies by increasing
their cost of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner. The risk
of interest rates rising is more pronounced in the current market environment because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest
rate environment in recent years.
Regulatory Risk. The profitability of energy
companies could be adversely affected by changes in the regulatory environment. Energy companies are subject to significant foreign, federal,
state and local regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including with respect to how facilities are constructed, maintained
and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Such regulation
can change over time in both scope and intensity. For example, a particular by-product may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency
and unexpectedly increase production costs.
Various governmental authorities have the power
to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and
criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in
the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of energy companies. Energy
companies may be adversely affected by future regulatory requirements. While the nature of such regulations cannot be predicted at this
time, they may impose additional costs or limit certain operations by energy companies operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent
risk that energy companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they
handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental
cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage,
and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws,
regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of energy companies, and the cost of any remediation
that may become necessary. Energy companies may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding
that the EPA has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Transportation
jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. These measures, and other programs
addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the total return of certain
of the Fund’s investments.
The types of regulations described above can change
over time in both scope and intensity, may have adverse effects on energy companies and may be implemented in unforeseen manners on an
“emergency” basis in response to catastrophes or other events.
Catastrophe Risk. The operations of energy
companies are subject to many hazards inherent in the exploration for, and development, production, gathering, transportation, processing,
storage, refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other
hydrocarbons, including: damage to production equipment, pipelines, storage tanks or related equipment and surrounding properties caused
by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction or other
equipment; leaks of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other hydrocarbons; and fires and explosions.
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline
infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss
or destruction of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage;
and personal injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation
of the operations of energy companies. Energy companies may not be fully insured against all risks inherent in their business operations
and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies’ operations, financial conditions and ability
to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions.
Energy companies employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations
through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, or securing additional long-term contracts.
Thus, some energy companies may be subject to construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their
specific business strategies. Energy companies that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired
operations with their existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant
slowdown in merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from
energy companies that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some energy companies
are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development efforts by energy
companies may not result in viable methods or products. Energy companies may bear high research and development costs, which can limit
their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some energy companies may be in the early
stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors.
As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in such energy companies may be considerably more volatile than that
in more established segments of the economy.
Business Segment Specific Risk. Energy
companies are also subject to risks that are specific to the particular business segment of the energy sector in which they operate.
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Gathering and processing. Gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering, and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities price risk. |
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Exploration and production. Exploration, development and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir. In addition, lower commodity prices not only reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on a given exploration and production company’s financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their revenues and distributions. |
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Oil. In addition to the risk described above applicable to gathering and processing companies and exploration and production companies, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production of crude oil or refined petroleum products may be adversely affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil and refined petroleum products as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the reaction thereto. Increased regulation may result in a decline in production and/or increased cost associated with offshore oil exploration in the United States and around the world, which may adversely affect certain energy companies and the oil industry in general. Continued financial deterioration of BP plc as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have wide- ranging and unforeseen impacts on the oil industry and the broader energy sector. |
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Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk
Certain of the companies in which the Fund may
invest may have small or medium-sized market capitalizations (“small-cap” and “mid-cap” companies, respectively).
Investing in the securities of small-cap or mid-cap companies presents some particular investment risks. These companies may have limited
product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management and more limited financial resources than
larger companies and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments. Stocks of these companies may be less
liquid than those of larger companies and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger companies. In addition, small-cap or mid-cap
company securities may not be widely followed by investors, which may result in reduced demand.
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Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with an Investment in IPOs
Securities purchased by the Fund in initial public
offerings (“IPOs”) are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations,
and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available
for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from
time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs, or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion
(if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively
small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The investment performance of the Fund during periods when it is unable to invest
significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when the Fund is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the
Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
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Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE Transactions [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with an Investment in PIPE
Transactions
In private investment in public equity (“PIPE”)
transactions, the Fund purchases securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a
discount to the market price of the company’s common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities are “restricted” and cannot be immediately resold
by the investors into the public markets. Accordingly, the company typically agrees as part of the PIPE deal to register the restricted
securities with the SEC. PIPE securities may be deemed illiquid.
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Privately Held Company Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Privately Held Company Risk
Investing in privately held companies involves
risk. For example, privately held companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting
records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over
financial reporting. As a result, the Investment Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition
and results of operations of the privately held companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, the securities of privately held companies
are generally illiquid, and entail the risks described under “—Liquidity Risk” below.
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Preferred Stock Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Preferred Stock Risk
Preferred stocks combine some of the characteristics
of both common stocks and debt securities. Preferred stocks generally pay a fixed rate of return and are sold on the basis of current
yield, like debt securities. However, because they are equity securities, preferred stock provides equity ownership of a company, and
the income is paid in the form of distributions. Preferred stocks typically have a yield advantage over common stocks as well as comparably
rated fixed income investments. Preferred stocks are typically subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital
structure, in terms of priority to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock distributions are payable only if declared by the issuer’s board of
directors. Preferred stocks also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions. Certain of the preferred stocks in which
the Fund may invest may be convertible preferred stocks, which have risks similar to convertible securities as described below in “—Convertible
Instruments Risk.”
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Convertible Instruments Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Convertible Instruments Risk
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A
convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
number of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible
debt instruments have characteristics of both fixed income and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock
market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with fixed-income securities. As the
market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible instrument tends to trade on the basis
of its yield and other fixed-income characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends
to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments that have varying conversion values.
Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion value. Accordingly, the value of a
convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases (or decreases). If a convertible
instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the instrument, or convert
it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Investment Adviser determines that such equity investment is consistent
with the investment objective of the Fund.
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Interest Rate Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed rate
securities such as preferred and debt securities will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. When market interest
rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Longer-term fixed rate securities are generally more sensitive to
interest rate changes. Greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates typically corresponds to increased volatility and increased risk.
The Fund’s investment in such securities means that the net asset value and market price of, and distributions on, Common Shares
will tend to decline if the market interest rates rise. Duration is a measure of sensitivity to changes in interest rates and reflects
a variety of factors, including the maturity and variability, if any, of the interest rate and the call potential of the security. For
this reason, duration should not be confused with maturity. If a portfolio has a duration of three years and interest rates increase by
1%, then, all else being equal, the portfolio would decline in value by approximately 3%. These risks may be greater in the current market
environment because while interest rates were historically low in recent years, the Federal Reserve has been increasing the Federal Funds
rate to address inflation. Any interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease.
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Interest Rate Hedging Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Interest Rate Hedging Risk
The Fund may from time to time hedge against interest
rate risk resulting from the Fund’s portfolio holdings and any financial leverage it may incur. Interest rate transactions the Fund
may use for hedging purposes will expose the Fund to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with its portfolio holdings.
There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, caps and similar techniques, the cost of which can
be significant. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedging instruments is subject to the Investment Adviser’s ability
to correctly predict changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to the Fund’s leverage risk, and there can be no assurance
that the Investment Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the
Fund’s use of interest rate hedging instruments could enhance or decrease investment company taxable income available to the holders
of its Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps or caps could decline, and
result in a decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s Common Shares. In addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate swap
or cap defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate swap or cap to offset its cost
of financial leverage.
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Leverage Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Leverage Risk
The Fund may use leverage through the issuance
of Indebtedness or the issuance of preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price
movements in the investments made by the Fund. Insofar as the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund will be subject
to increased risk of loss. In addition, the Fund will pay (and the holders of Common Shares will bear) all costs and expenses relating
to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of leverage, including higher advisory fees. Similarly, any decline in the net asset value of
the Fund’s investments will be borne entirely by the holders of Common Shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s
portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of Common Shares than if the Fund
were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the Common
Shares.
Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well
as potential for more gain, for the Fund’s Common Shares than if leverage is not used. Preferred shares or debt issued by the Fund
would have complete priority upon distribution of assets over Common Shares. Depending on the type of leverage involved, the Fund’s
use of financial leverage may require the approval of its Board of Trustees. The Fund expects to invest the net proceeds derived from
any leveraging according to the investment objective and policies described in this Prospectus. So long as the Fund’s portfolio
is invested in securities that provide a higher rate of return than the distribution rate or interest rate of the leverage instrument
or other borrowing arrangements, after taking its related expenses into consideration, the leverage will cause the Fund’s Common
Shareholders to receive a higher rate of income than if it were not leveraged. There is no assurance that the Fund will continue to utilize
leverage or, if leverage is utilized, that it will be successful in enhancing the level of the Fund’s total return. The net asset
value of the Fund’s Common Shares will be reduced by the fees and issuance costs of any leverage.
Leverage creates risk for holders of the Fund’s
Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the shares. Risk of fluctuations
in distribution rates or interest rates on leverage instruments or other borrowing arrangements may affect the return to the holders of
the Fund’s Common Shares. To the extent the return on securities purchased with funds received from the use of leverage exceeds
the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), the Fund’s returns will be greater than if leverage had not been
used. Conversely, if the return derived from such securities is less than the cost of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund),
the Fund’s returns will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore, the amount available for distribution to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders will be reduced. In the latter case, the Investment Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine
to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it expects that the benefits to the Fund’s Common Shareholders of so doing will
outweigh the current reduced return. Under normal market conditions, the Fund anticipates that it will be able to invest the proceeds
from leverage at a higher rate than the costs of leverage (including increased expenses to the Fund), which would enhance returns to the
Fund’s Common Shareholders. The fees paid to the Investment Adviser will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed
Assets, which include proceeds from leverage instruments and other borrowings. During periods in which the Fund uses financial leverage,
the investment management fee payable to the Investment Adviser will be higher than if the Fund did not use a leveraged capital structure.
Consequently, the Fund and the Investment Adviser may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage the Fund’s assets.
The Board of Trustees will monitor the Fund’s use of leverage and this potential conflict.
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Covered Call Option Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Covered Call Option Risk
As the writer of 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. As the Fund writes covered calls over more of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
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 decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves
the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior
or unexpected events.
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Arbitrage Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Arbitrage Risk
A part of the Investment Adviser’s investment
operations may involve spread positions between two or more securities, or derivatives positions including commodities hedging positions,
or a combination of the foregoing. The Investment Adviser’s trading operations also may involve arbitraging between two securities
or commodities, between the security, commodity and related options or derivatives markets, between spot and futures or forward markets,
and/or any combination of the above. To the extent the price relationships between such positions remain constant, no gain or loss on
the positions will occur. These offsetting positions entail substantial risk that the price differential could change unfavorably, causing
a loss to the position. Certain derivatives transactions have economic characteristics similar to leverage.
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Securities Lending Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities (up
to a maximum of one-third of its Managed Assets) to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely
basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities
loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance.
In addition, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. securities.
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Portfolio Turnover Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Portfolio Turnover Risk
Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting
factor in the Investment Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
may vary greatly from year to year. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transactional expenses that are borne by the Fund. High portfolio turnover may result in an increased realization of net short-term capital
gains or capital losses by the Fund.
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Strategic Transactions Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Strategic Transactions Risk
The Fund’s use of Strategic Transactions
may involve the purchase and sale of derivative instruments. The Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and
call options on securities, indices and other instruments, enter into forward contracts, purchase and sell futures contracts and options
thereon, enter into swap, cap, floor or collar transactions, purchase structured investment products and enter into transactions that
combine multiple derivative instruments. Strategic Transactions often have risks similar to the securities underlying the Strategic Transactions.
However, the use of Strategic Transactions also involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated
with other portfolio investments. Strategic Transactions may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment
techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of derivative instruments has risks,
including the imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of
the counterparty to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques
depends on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of Strategic
Transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities
at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment
or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash, or
other assets held in margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions, are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.
It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of
derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that such regulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not
impair the ability of the Fund to implement certain Strategic Transactions or to achieve its investment objective. Although the Investment
Adviser seeks to use Strategic Transactions to further the Fund’s investment objective, no assurance can be given that the use of
Strategic Transactions will achieve this result.
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Counterparty Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Counterparty Risk
The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect
to the counterparties to the derivative contracts entered into by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform
its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any
recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceedings. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery,
or may obtain no recovery, in such circumstances.
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Short Sales Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Short Sales Risk
Short selling involves selling securities which
may or may not be owned and borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace the borrowed securities
at a later date. Short selling allows the short seller to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such declines exceed the
transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the securities. A naked short sale creates the risk of an unlimited loss because the
price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying those securities to cover
the short position. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase.
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise, further exacerbating the loss.
The Fund’s obligation to replace the borrowed
security will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities
similar to those borrowed. The Fund also will be required to segregate similar collateral to the extent, if any, necessary so that the
value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold
short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which the Fund borrowed the security regarding repaying amounts received
by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on the Fund’s collateral deposited with
such broker-dealer.
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Inflation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets
or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real
value of the Fund’s Common Shares and distributions can decline. Inflation risk is more pronounced in the current market environment
because of recent monetary policy measures and the low interest rate environment in recent years.
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Deflation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Deflation Risk
Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout
the economy decline over time, which may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and their revenues.
In addition, deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may
result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
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Other Investment Companies Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in securities of other investment
companies, including other closed-end or open-end investment companies (including ETFs). The market value of their shares may differ from
the net asset value of the particular fund. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those
assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities. In addition, if the Fund invests
in such investment companies or investment funds, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses
of the Fund (including operating expenses and the fees of the investment adviser), but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the
underlying investment company. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject
to the same leverage risks described herein. As described in the section entitled “—Leverage Risk,” the net asset value
and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile and the yield to stockholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated
by unleveraged shares. Other investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund. In addition, to the
extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund will be dependent upon the investment and research abilities of persons
other than the Investment Adviser.
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ETN and ETF Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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ETN and ETF Risk
An ETN or ETF that is based on a specific index
may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN or ETF also
incurs certain expenses not incurred by its applicable index. The market value of an ETN or ETF share may differ from its net asset value;
the share may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value, which may be due to, among other things, differences in the supply
and demand in the market for the share and the supply and demand in the market for the underlying assets of the ETN or ETF. In addition,
certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN or ETF may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede the ETN’s
or ETF’s ability to track its index. An ETF that uses leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, which can affect whether its
share price approximates net asset value. As a result of using leverage, an ETF is subject to the risk of failure in the futures and options
markets it uses to obtain leverage and the risk that a counterparty will default on its obligations, which can result in a loss to the
Fund. If the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund’s shareholders will bear not only their proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund,
but also will indirectly bear similar expenses of the underlying ETF. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond,
in that there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.
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Investment Management Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Investment Management Risk
The Fund’s portfolio is subject to investment
management risk because it will be actively managed. The Investment Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making
investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.
The decisions with respect to the management of
the Fund are made exclusively by the Investment Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. Investors have no right or
power to take part in the management of the Fund. The Investment Adviser also is responsible for all of the trading and investment decisions
of the Fund. In the event of the withdrawal or bankruptcy of the Investment Adviser, generally the affairs of the Fund will be wound-up,
and its assets will be liquidated.
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Dependence on Key Personnel of the Investment Adviser [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Dependence on Key Personnel of the Investment
Adviser
The Fund is dependent upon the Investment Adviser’s
key personnel for its future success. In particular, the Fund will depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of
the personnel of the Investment Adviser and its portfolio managers, who will evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor the Fund’s
investments. The portfolio managers have equity interests and other financial incentives to remain with the firm. The Fund will also depend
on the senior management of the Investment Adviser. The departure of a member or members of the Investment Adviser’s senior management
could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. In addition, the Fund can offer
no assurance that the Investment Adviser will remain its investment adviser, or that the Fund will continue to have access to the Investment
Adviser’s contacts and deal flow.
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Conflicts of Interest with the Investment Adviser [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Conflicts of Interest with the Investment Adviser
Conflicts of interest may arise because the Investment
Adviser and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including, but not limited
to, other client accounts and funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Investment
Adviser or its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts
and other customer accounts may compete with the Fund for specific trades. The Investment Adviser or its affiliates may buy or sell securities
for the Fund which differ from securities bought or sold for other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives and
policies may be similar to the Fund’s. Situations may occur when the Fund could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities
conducted by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be based on, among other things,
legal or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may be taken for the Fund and the other accounts, limiting the size
of the Fund’s position, or the difficulty of liquidating an investment for the Fund and the other accounts where the market cannot
absorb the sale of the combined position. Notwithstanding these potential conflicts of interest, the Fund’s Board of Trustees and
officers have a fiduciary obligation to act in the Fund’s best interest.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by affiliations of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates with infrastructure companies. In addition, to the extent that
the Investment Adviser sources and structures private investments in infrastructure companies, certain employees of the Investment Adviser
may become aware of actions planned by infrastructure companies, such as acquisitions that may not be announced to the public. It is possible
that the Fund could be precluded from investing in a company about which the Investment Adviser has material non-public information; however,
it is the Investment Adviser’s intention to ensure that any material non-public information available to certain of the Investment
Adviser’s employees not be shared with those employees responsible for the purchase and sale of publicly traded securities.
The Investment Adviser manages several other client
accounts and funds. Some of these other client accounts and funds have investment objectives that are similar to or overlap with the Fund.
Furthermore, the Investment Adviser may at some time in the future manage additional client accounts and investment funds with the same
investment objective as the Fund.
The Investment Adviser and its affiliates generally
will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients’ accounts and funds in which the Fund will have no interest.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of such other clients; however, from time to time, the same investment
decision may be made for more than one fund or account. When two or more clients advised by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates seek
to purchase or sell the same publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the clients
on a good faith equitable basis by the Investment Adviser in its discretion in accordance with the clients’ various investment objectives
and procedures adopted by the Investment Adviser and approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. In some cases, this system may adversely
affect the price or size of the position the Fund may obtain.
The Fund’s investment opportunities may
be limited by investment opportunities that the Investment Adviser is evaluating for other clients’ accounts and funds. To the extent
a potential investment is appropriate for the Fund and one or more of the Investment Adviser’s other client accounts or funds, the
Investment Adviser will need to fairly allocate that investment to the Fund or another client account or fund, or both, depending on its
allocation procedures and applicable law related to combined or joint transactions. There may occur an attractive limited investment opportunity
suitable for the Fund in which the Fund cannot invest under the particular allocation method being used for that investment.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund and such other client
accounts or funds managed or advised by the Investment Adviser may be precluded from co-investing in certain private placements of securities.
Except as permitted by law or positions of the staff of the SEC, the Investment Adviser will not co-invest its other clients’ assets
in private transactions in which the Fund invests. To the extent the Fund is precluded from co-investing, the Investment Adviser will
allocate private investment opportunities among its clients, including, but not limited to, the Fund and its other client accounts and
funds, based on allocation policies that take into account several suitability factors, including the size of the investment opportunity,
the amount each client has available for investment and the client’s investment objectives. These allocation policies may result
in the allocation of investment opportunities to another client account or fund managed or advised by the Investment Adviser rather than
to the Fund.
The management fee payable to the Investment Adviser
is based on the value of the Fund’s Managed Assets, as periodically determined. A portion of the Fund’s Managed Assets may
be illiquid securities acquired in private transactions for which market quotations will not be readily available. Although the Fund will
adopt valuation procedures designed to determine valuations of illiquid securities in a manner that reflects their fair value, there typically
is a range of possible prices that may be established for each individual security.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP,
counsel to the Fund, also represents the Investment Adviser. Such counsel does not purport to represent the separate interests of the
investors and has assumed no obligation to do so. Accordingly, the investors have not had the benefit of independent counsel in the structuring
of the Fund or determination of the relative interests, rights and obligations of the Investment Adviser and the investors.
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Reliance on Service Providers [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Reliance on Service Providers
The Fund relies upon service providers to perform
certain functions, which may include functions that are integral to the operations and financial performance of the Fund. Fees and expenses
of these service providers are borne by the Fund, and therefore indirectly by Common Shareholders. Failure by any service provider to
carry out its obligations to the Fund in accordance with the terms of its appointment, to exercise due care and skill, or to perform its
obligations to the Fund at all as a result of insolvency, bankruptcy or other causes could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance and ability to achieve its investment objective. The termination of the Fund’s relationship with any service provider,
or any delay in appointing a replacement for such service provider, could materially disrupt the business of the Fund and could have a
material adverse effect on the Fund’s performance and ability to achieve its investment objective.
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Technology Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Technology Risk
As the use of Internet technology has become more
prevalent, the Fund and its service providers and markets generally have become more susceptible to potential operational risks related
to intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund or a service provider to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption
or lose operational capacity. There can be no guarantee that any risk management systems established by the Fund, its service providers,
or issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests to reduce technology and cyber security risks will succeed, and the Fund cannot
control such systems put in place by service providers, issuers or other third parties whose operations may affect the Fund.
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Cyber Security Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Cyber Security Risk
As the use of technology has become more prevalent
in the course of business, the Fund has become potentially more susceptible to operational and informational security risks resulting
from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional cyber events that may, among
other things, cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction, lose operational capacity, result
in the unauthorized release or other misuse of confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal business operations. In addition,
cyber security breaches involving the Fund’s third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, advisers, administrators,
transfer agents, custodians, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties or issuers in which the Fund invests in can
also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security breaches. Like with operational risk in general,
the Fund has established risk management systems and business continuity plans designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security.
However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large
part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially
because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties
or third-party service providers to the Fund. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its
shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
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Distributions Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Distributions Risk
The Fund’s net investment income can vary
significantly over time; however, the Fund seeks to maintain a more stable monthly distribution per share. The distributions paid by the
Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income for that monthly period. The Fund may distribute
more than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period, in which case all or a portion of a distribution
may be a return of capital. The Fund’s distributions have historically included, and may in the future include, a significant portion
of return of capital. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund’s distributions were comprised of approximately
55% ordinary income and 45% return of capital. Accordingly, shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the
Fund is net income or profit, and the Fund’s distributions should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with yield
or income.
Return of capital is the return of a portion of
the shareholder’s original investment up to the amount of the Common Shareholder’s tax basis in their Common Shares, which
would reduce such tax basis. Although a return of capital may not be taxable, it will generally increase the Common Shareholder’s
potential gain, or reduce the Common Shareholder’s potential loss, on any subsequent sale or other disposition of Common Shares.
In any given year, there can be no guarantee the Fund’s investment returns will exceed the amount of distributions. To the extent
the amount of distributions paid to shareholders in cash exceeds the total net investment returns of the Fund, the assets of the Fund
will decline, which may have the effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. In addition, in order to make such distributions,
the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such
action.
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Market Discount from Net Asset Value [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Market Discount from Net Asset Value
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently
trade at a discount from their net asset value, which is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value
could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Although the value of the Fund’s net assets is generally considered by
market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell Common Shares, whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the
sale of Common Shares will depend entirely upon whether the market price of Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s
purchase price for Common Shares. Because the market price of Common Shares will be determined by factors such as net asset value, distribution
and distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for Common Shares, stability of distributions
or dividends, trading volume of Common Shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund,
the Fund cannot predict whether Common Shares will trade at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above the initial public offering
price. Common Shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors; investors in Common Shares should not view the Fund as
a vehicle for trading purposes.
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Recent Market, Economic and Social Developments Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Recent Market, Economic and Social Developments
Risk
Periods of market volatility remain, and may continue
to occur in the future, in response to various political, social and economic events both within and outside of the United States. These
conditions have resulted in, and in many cases continue to result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads
and a lack of price transparency, with many securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. Such market conditions may adversely
affect the Fund, including by making valuation of some of the Fund’s securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant
valuation increases or declines in the Fund’s holdings. If there is a significant decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio,
this may impact the asset coverage levels for the Fund’s outstanding leverage.
Risks resulting from any future debt or other
economic crisis could also have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, the financial condition of financial institutions
and the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operation. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in
the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt
and home prices, among other factors. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence
and consumer credit factors, the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely
affected. Downgrades to the credit ratings of major banks could result in increased borrowing costs for such banks and negatively affect
the broader economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may also adversely affect the
value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or unfavorable
economic conditions could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
The occurrence of events similar to those in recent
years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing pandemics (such as COVID-19), epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases
in certain parts of the world, natural/environmental disasters, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political
discord, debt crises, sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and a number of foreign countries, new
and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the EU or the EMU, continued
changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns, among others, may
result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties
in the U.S. and worldwide.
In particular, the consequences of the Russian
military invasion of Ukraine, including comprehensive international sanctions, the impact on inflation and increased disruption to supply
chains and energy resources may impact our portfolio companies, result in an economic downturn or recession either globally or locally
in the U.S. or other economies, reduce business activity, spawn additional conflicts (whether in the form of traditional military action,
reignited “cold” wars or in the form of virtual warfare such as cyberattacks) with similar and perhaps wider ranging impacts
and consequences and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s returns and net asset value. We have no way to predict the duration or
outcome of the situation, as the conflict and government reactions are rapidly developing and beyond our control. Prolonged unrest, military
activities, or broad-based sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our portfolio companies. Such consequences also may increase
our funding cost or limit our access to the capital markets.
The current political climate has intensified
concerns about a potential trade war between China and the U.S., as each country has imposed tariffs on the other country’s products.
These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price
reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have
a negative impact on our performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales
in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions
and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the
euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or
other escalating actions may be taken in the future. Any of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial
condition and results of operations of the Fund.
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Legislation and Regulatory Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Legislation and Regulatory Risks
At any time after the date of this Prospectus,
legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the companies in which the Fund invests. Changing approaches to regulation may
also have a negative impact companies in which the Fund invests. In addition, legislation or regulation may change the way in which the
Fund is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect
on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
The SEC and its staff are reportedly engaged in
various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts
appear to be focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including embedded leverage through the use of derivatives
and other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic
risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund’s expenses and impact
its returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit the Fund’s use of various portfolio management strategies or
techniques and adversely impact the Fund.
Changes enacted by the current presidential administration
could significantly impact the regulation of financial markets in the United States. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal
include trade and foreign policy, corporate tax rates, energy and infrastructure policies, the environment and sustainability, criminal
and social justice initiatives, immigration, healthcare and the oversight of certain federal financial regulatory agencies and the Federal
Reserve. Certain of these changes can, and have, been effectuated through executive order. For example, the current administration has
taken steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic, rejoin the Paris climate accord of 2015, cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, change immigration
enforcement priorities and increase spending on clean energy and infrastructure. Other potential changes that could be pursued by the
current presidential administration could include an increase in the corporate income tax rate and changes to regulatory enforcement priorities.
It is not possible to predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the economy, securities markets
or the financial stability of the United States. The Fund may be affected by governmental action in ways that are not foreseeable, and
there is a possibility that such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment
objective.
Although the Fund cannot predict the impact, if
any, of these changes to the Fund’s business, they could adversely affect the Fund’s business, financial condition, operating
results and cash flows. Until the Fund knows what policy changes are made and how those changes impact the Fund’s business and the
business of the Fund’s competitors over the long term, the Fund will not know if, overall, the Fund will benefit from them or be
negatively affected by them. The Investment Adviser intends to monitor developments and seeks to manage the Fund’s portfolio in
a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in
doing so.
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LIBOR Discontinuation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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LIBOR Discontinuation Risk
In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial
Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. LIBOR can no longer be used to calculate new
deals as of December 31, 2021. Since December 31, 2021, all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR settings and
the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have ceased to be published or are no longer representative, and since June 30,
2023, the overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings ceased to be published or are no longer representative.
On June 22, 2017, the Alternative Reference
Rates Committee (the “ARRC”) convened by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRBNY”)
identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as the rate that, in the consensus view of the ARRC, represented
best practice for use in certain new U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing
cash overnight collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, and has been published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York since April
2018. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has also been publishing historical indicative Secured Overnight Financing Rates from 2014.
Investors should not rely on any historical changes or trends in SOFR as an indicator of future changes in SOFR.
The composition and characteristics of SOFR are
not the same as those of LIBOR, and SOFR is fundamentally different from LIBOR for two key reasons. First, SOFR is a secured rate, while
LIBOR is an unsecured rate. Second, SOFR is an overnight rate, while LIBOR is a forward-looking rate that represents interbank funding
over different maturities (e.g., three months). As a result, there can be no assurance that SOFR will perform in the same way as
LIBOR would have at any time, including, without limitation, as a result of changes in interest and yield rates in the market, market
volatility or global or regional economic, financial, political, regulatory, judicial or other events. Additionally, there can be no guarantee
that SOFR will gain market acceptance as a replacement for U.S. dollar LIBOR. Any failure of SOFR to gain market acceptance could negatively
affect financial markets in general and present heightened risks, including with respect to the Fund’s investments. As a result
of this uncertainty and developments relating to the transition process, the Fund and its investments may be adversely affected.
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SOFR Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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SOFR Risk
SOFR is intended to be a broad measure of the
cost of borrowing funds overnight in transactions that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. SOFR is calculated based on transaction-level
data collected from various sources. For each trading day, SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median rate derived from such data.
SOFR is calculated and published by the FRBNY. If data from a given source required by the FRBNY to calculate SOFR is unavailable for
any day, then the most recently available data for that segment will be used, with certain adjustments. If errors are discovered in the
transaction data or the calculations underlying SOFR after its initial publication on a given day, SOFR may be republished at a later
time that day. Rate revisions will be effected only on the day of initial publication and will be republished only if the change in the
rate exceeds one basis point.
Because SOFR is a financing rate based on overnight
secured funding transactions, it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. LIBOR was intended to be an unsecured rate that represents interbank
funding costs for different short-term maturities or tenors. It was a forward-looking rate reflecting expectations regarding interest
rates for the applicable tenor. Thus, LIBOR was intended to be sensitive, in certain respects, to bank credit risk and to term interest
rate risk. In contrast, SOFR is a secured overnight rate reflecting the credit of U.S. Treasury securities as collateral. Thus, it is
largely insensitive to credit-risk considerations and to short-term interest rate risks. SOFR is a transaction-based rate, and it has
been more volatile than other benchmark or market rates, such as three-month LIBOR, during certain periods. For these reasons, among others,
there is no assurance that SOFR, or rates derived from SOFR, will perform in the same or similar way as LIBOR would have performed at
any time, and there is no assurance that SOFR-based rates will be a suitable substitute for LIBOR. SOFR has a limited history, having
been first published in April 2018. The future performance of SOFR, and SOFR-based reference rates, cannot be predicted based on SOFR’s
history or otherwise. Levels of SOFR in the future, including following the discontinuation of LIBOR, may bear little or no relation to
historical levels of SOFR, LIBOR or other rates.
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Terrorism, Market Disruption, and Catastrophe Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Terrorism, Market Disruption, and Catastrophe
Risk
Terrorist attacks, catastrophes, pandemics and
other geopolitical events have led to, and may in the future lead to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects
on U.S. and world economies and markets. Global political and economic instability could affect the operations of companies in which the
Fund invests in unpredictable ways, including through disruptions of natural resources supplies and markets and the resulting volatility
in commodity prices. The operation of infrastructure assets in which the Fund invests is subject to many hazards including damage to equipment
and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent
damage from construction or other equipment; leaks; and fires and explosions. The U.S. government has issued warnings that infrastructure
assets may be future targets of terrorist activities. In addition, changes in the insurance markets have made certain types of insurance
more difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and have generally resulted in increased premium costs.
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Not a Complete Investment Program [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Not a Complete Investment Program
The Fund is intended for investors seeking a high
level of total return with an emphasis on current income. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short-term
swings in the stock market and is intended for long-term investors. An investment in shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete
investment program. Each shareholder should take into account the Fund’s investment objective as well as the shareholder’s
other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
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Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional Common Shares [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional
Common Shares
The voting power of current Common Shareholders
will be diluted to the extent that current Common Shareholders do not purchase Common Shares in any future offerings of Common Shares
or do not purchase sufficient Common Shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such
offering as intended, the Fund’s per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances
to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value
per share pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per
Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund’s then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were
the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund’s then current net asset value per Common
Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by
all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See “Description of Shares—Common
Shares—Issuance of Additional Common Shares.”
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Additional Risks of Rights [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Additional Risks of Rights
There are additional risks associated with an
offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional
interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net
asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription
price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund’s Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience
an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s Common Shares if the shareholder does not participate
in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s Common
Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. Such a reduction in net asset value per share may have the effect
of reducing market price of the Common Share. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder
does not exercise such shareholder’s Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer
expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. If the subscription price is substantially less than the then current net
asset value per Common Share at the expiration of a rights offering, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution or accretion
will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund’s net asset value per Common
Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. In addition to the economic dilution described
above, if a Common Shareholder does not exercise all of their rights, the Common Shareholder will incur voting dilution as a result of
this rights offering. This voting dilution will occur because the Common Shareholder will own a smaller proportionate interest in the
Fund after the rights offering than prior to the rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the
underlying Common Shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of
the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. If investors exercise only a portion of the
rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the Common Shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings
for similar securities. Subscription rights issued by the Fund may be transferable or non-transferable rights. In a non-transferable rights
offering, Common Shareholders who do not wish to exercise their rights will be unable to sell their rights. In a transferrable rights
offering, the Fund will use its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market for the rights; however, investors may find that there
is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Funds Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
in the Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
The Fund’s Amended and
Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended (the “Declaration of Trust”), and By-Laws include provisions that
could have the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition
of its Board of Trustees. For example, the Declaration of Trust limits the ability of persons to beneficially own (within the meaning
of Section 382 of the Code) more than 4.99% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund. This restriction was adopted in order to
reduce the risk of the Fund undergoing an “ownership change” within the meaning of Section 382 of the Code, which would
limit the Fund’s ability to use a capital loss carryforward and certain unrealized losses (if such tax attributes exist). See “Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the Declaration of Trust” and “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws.”
In addition, as a Delaware statutory
trust, the Fund is subject to the control share acquisition statute (the “Control Share Statute”) contained in Subchapter
III of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the “DSTA”), which became automatically applicable to listed closed-end funds, such
as the Fund, upon its effective date of August 1, 2022 (the “Effective Date”). The Control Share Statute provides that
an acquirer of shares above a series of voting power thresholds has no voting rights under the DSTA or the governing documents of the
Fund with respect to shares acquired in excess of that threshold (i.e., the “control shares”) unless approved by shareholders.
See “Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws—Delaware Control Share Statute.”
The ownership restrictions set
forth in the Fund’s Declaration of Trust and the limitations of the Control Share Statute could have the effect of depriving shareholders
of an opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain
control over the Fund and may reduce market demand for the Fund’s Common Shares, which could have the effect of increasing the likelihood
that the Fund’s Common Shares trade at a discount to net asset value and increasing the amount of any such discount.
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Business Contact [Member] |
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Cover [Abstract] |
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Entity Address, Address Line One |
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600 N. Pearl St.
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Entity Address, Address Line Two |
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Suite 1205
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Entity Address, City or Town |
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Dallas
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Entity Address, State or Province |
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TX
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Entity Address, Postal Zip Code |
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75201
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Contact Personnel Name |
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John Musgrave
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Senior Security [Member] |
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Financial Highlights [Abstract] |
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Senior Securities Amount |
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$ 36,810,000
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$ 41,410,000
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$ 56,410,000
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$ 18,310,000
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$ 42,156,007
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$ 22,956,007
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$ 10,456,007
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$ 7,321,000
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$ 24,171,751
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$ 24,659,062
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Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |
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$ 3,817
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$ 4,440
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$ 3,456
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$ 7,518
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$ 4,246
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$ 6,093
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$ 12,244
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$ 17,196
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$ 7,458
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$ 7,742
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Common Shares [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Lowest Price or Bid |
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30.5015
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$ 34.5518
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$ 33.78
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$ 37.2301
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36.41
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$ 35.87
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$ 38.31
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$ 39.66
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44.39
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Highest Price or Bid |
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41.12
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40.21
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40.22
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43.31
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45.85
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46.16
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46.21
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47.30
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50.50
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Lowest Price or Bid, NAV |
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37.50
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43.83
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44.82
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48.49
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46.98
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47.65
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47.29
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47.69
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52.42
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Highest Price or Bid, NAV |
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$ 44.90
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$ 50.32
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$ 50.35
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$ 54.44
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$ 58.65
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$ 59.79
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$ 55.73
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$ 53.30
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$ 59.84
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Highest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
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(8.42%)
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(20.09%)
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(20.12%)
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(20.44%)
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(21.82%)
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(22.80%)
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(17.08%)
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(11.26%)
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(15.61%)
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Lowest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
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(18.66%)
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(21.17%)
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(24.63%)
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(23.22%)
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(22.50%)
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(24.72%)
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(18.99%)
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(16.84%)
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(15.32%)
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Share Price |
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$ 39.68
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NAV Per Share |
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$ 42.69
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Latest Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
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7.05%
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Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
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Security Title [Text Block] |
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Common Shares
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Security Voting Rights [Text Block] |
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Each Common Share has one vote.
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Security Preemptive and Other Rights [Text Block] |
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All Common Shares are equal as to distributions, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription
rights.
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Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
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Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
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Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
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0
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Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] |
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2,601,714
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