Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class

August 2018 Commentary

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Year-to-date to August 31, the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class generated a total return of 9.16% compared to the S&P Global 1200 Index (CAD), which generated a total return of 8.69%.

Returns in the month of August were good on both an absolute and relative basis, with the Fund generating a total return of 1.43% while the benchmark generated a total return of 1.34%. Our investments in the Information Technology, Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary sectors performed well and offset weakness in the Energy, Telecom and Utilities sectors.

Admittedly, we are later in the economic and investment cycle, but we believe that it is too early to position for an outright downturn. The economic data remains robust and, broadly speaking, earnings growth will be exceptional through the balance of 2018. Further, current expectations for 2019 are calling for another year of double digit earnings growth.

Our modelling indicates that the Canadian dollar should continue to weaken in 2018. However, with Mexico agreeing to some form of bilateral trade agreement with the United States, currency volatility has picked up. Although Canada reportedly missed a month end deadline, we are hopeful that a more equitable, negotiated trilateral agreement can be reached shortly. We have therefore added some USD/CAD currency hedges to reduce volatility in the Fund.

Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class included Mastercard (+186 bps), Microsoft (+162 bps) and Visa (+134 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Brookfield Asset Management (-47 bps), MGM Resorts International (-41 bps) and Affiliated Managers Group (-30 bps).

Taking advantage of the trade war rhetoric between the US and China, we recently added LVMH, the European-based, luxury goods company to the Fund. We like the fact that LVMH is broadly diversified across Wines & Spirits, Fashion & Leather Goods, Perfumes & Cosmetics, Watches & Jewelry, Selective Retailing and Other Activities with 70 brands sold through about 4,370 stores worldwide.

Globally, luxury spending has been solid and in the first half of 2018 LVMH reported organic revenue growth of 12%, or 14% excluding the termination of the HK International Airport concession contract, despite unfavourable currency moves. On reported basis, revenue in Asia (ex-Japan) grew 18%, Japan grew 12%, France grew 11% and Europe (ex-France) grew 10%. On the conference call, management downplayed concerns related to Chinese consumer spending, which remains resilient. Buoyant consumer confidence bodes well for future top line growth, which should drive the shares higher.

The Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class was concentrated in 31 positions as at August 31, 2018 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 43.5% of the fund. Over the prior fiscal year, 24 out of our 31 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 32.2%. We will continue to apply a disciplined investment process, balancing various quality and valuation metrics, in an effort to generate solid risk-adjusted returns.


Jeffrey Sayer, CFA

 

1 All returns and fund details are a) based on Series F shares; b) net of fees; c) annualized if period is greater than one year; d) as at August 31, 2018; e) 2015 annual returns are from 11/25/15 to 12/31/15. The index is S&P GLOBAL 1200 TR (CAD) and is computed by Ninepoint Partners LP based on publicly available index information.

The Fund is generally exposed to the following risks. See the prospectus of the Fund for a description of these risks: ADR risk; Capital depletion risk; Capital gains risk; Class risk; Credit risk; Currency risk; Cybersecurity risk; Derivatives risk; Exchange traded funds risk; Foreign investment risk; Inflation risk; Interest rate risk; Liquidity risk; Market risk; Securities lending, Repurchase and reverse repurchase transactions risk; Series risk; Short selling risk; Specific issuer risk; Tax risk.

Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The indicated rate of return for series F shares of the Fund for the period ended August 31, 2018 is based on the historical annual compounded total return including changes in share value and reinvestment of all distributions and does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any unitholder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

The opinions, estimates and projections (“information”) contained within this report are solely those of Ninepoint Partners LP and are subject to change without notice. Ninepoint Partners makes every effort to ensure that the information has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, Ninepoint Partners assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages, whether direct or indirect, which arise out of the use of this information. Ninepoint Partners is not under any obligation to update or keep current the information contained herein. The information should not be regarded by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. Please contact your own personal advisor on your particular circumstances. Views expressed regarding a particular company, security, industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any investment funds managed by Ninepoint Partners LP. Any reference to a particular company is for illustrative purposes only and should not to be considered as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell nor should it be considered as an indication of how the portfolio of any investment fund managed by Ninepoint Partners LP is or will be invested. Ninepoint Partners LP and/ or its affiliates may collectively beneficially own/control 1% or more of any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. Ninepoint Partners LP and/or its affiliates may hold short position in any class of the equity securities of the issuers mentioned in this report. During the preceding 12 months, Ninepoint Partners LP and/or its affiliates may have received remuneration other than normal course investment advisory or trade execution services from the issuers mentioned in this report.

The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering or tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.

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Investment Team

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