Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class

February 2019 Commentary

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Year-to-date to February 28, the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class generated a total return of 6.92% compared to the S&P Global 1200 Index, which generated a total return of 6.74%. For the month, the Fund generated a total return of 2.67% while the Index generated a total return of 3.13%. After the worst stock market performance in December since 1931, markets rebounded sharply in January and continued to move higher in February.

Year-to-date, the broad market rally has been primarily driven by multiple expansion as sentiment continued to improve and fear continued to dissipate. The Q4 earnings reports were reasonably positive and, with almost all the constituents of the S&P 500 having released results, earnings growth looks to have reached approximately 13% on a year-over-year basis. Expectations for the first quarter of 2019 are more muted, with earnings growth forecasted to decline slightly but investors will likely be more interested in the forward outlooks. Perhaps more importantly, global central banks have clearly pivoted to a more dovish monetary stance in response to slowing economic data and further rate hikes will be highly dependent on evidence that growth is reaccelerating. Finally, trade negotiations between the US and China seem to be progressing well, incremental tariffs have been postponed and most expect some sort of deal to be announced shortly.

Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class by sector included Industrials (+211 bps), Information Technology (+136 bps) and Energy (+69 bps) while no sector had a negative contribution on an absolute basis. Because we have been underweight Financials year-to-date, we have lagged the sector on a relative basis but have recently increased our exposure.

Source: Ninepoint Partners

We are overweight the Industrials and Health Care sectors while underweight the Staples and Materials sectors. We believe that one of the most important investment decisions that will have to be made in 2019 will be whether to pivot to “value” from “growth”. A weakening USD, a rising WTI crude oil price, a rising 10-year US bond yield and a steepening yield curve will likely be required before value outperforms growth for any sustainable length of time. However, if we do see all those conditions met in 2019 we expect to boost our exposure to the Materials, Financials and Energy sectors. If not, we expect to maintain our quality/defensive positioning.

Source: Ninepoint Partners

At the stock specific level, top contributors to the year-to-date performance included Boeing (+146 bps), Mastercard (+71 bps) and Suncor (+70 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Intercontinental Exchange (-25 bps), UnitedHealth Group (-24 bps) and Boston Scientific (-22 bps).

For the month, our top performing investments included Boeing, Microsoft and Visa after each company reported solid operating and financial results toward the end of January and continued to power higher in February. Unfortunately, UnitedHeath Group (the managed health care company) came under pressure during the month after the Democrats introduced a “Medicare for All” bill in the House, which would theoretically move all eligible enrollees to a government run system and negatively impact profitability (note that this bill is unlikely to pass even in the event of a Democratic sweep in 2020 given the complexities involved).

The Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class was concentrated in 27 positions as at February 28, 2019 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 44.4% of the fund. Over the prior fiscal year, 24 out of our 27 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 12.3%. 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 February 28, 2019; 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 February 28, 2019 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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