Sprott Focused Global Dividend Class

November 2017 Commentary

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Year-to-date to November 30, the Sprott Focused Global Dividend Class generated a total return of 15.0% compared to the MSCI World Index, which generated a total return of 16.0%.

Returns in the month of November were decent, with the Fund generating a total return of 1.6% while the benchmark generated a total return of 2.2%. Although slightly behind the index over the month, given the outperformance of the consumer discretionary sector (driven by Amazon’s blow-out results), investors should be generally pleased to have kept pace in a dividend-focused, broadly-diversified fund.

Although we had hedged 50% of our USD exposure in November, we removed the hedges at the end of the month, returning to a neutral position relative to our benchmark. Our modelling indicates that the Canadian dollar is likely to weaken through the end of the year, with the US Federal Reserve expected to hike rates on December 13, while the Bank of Canada remains on hold into 2018.

Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Sprott Focused Global Dividend Class included Unitedhealth Group (+148 bpd), Mastercard (+147 bps) and Visa (+143 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Macquarie Infrastructure (-49 bps), Disney (-31 bps) and Nextdc (-27 bps). Note that we have eliminated all three of these securities due to stock-specific factors that led to the disappointing performance.

Given recent developments, we wanted to disclose that we have sold our entire position in Cineworld Group PLC (CINE LN) for a gain of 19% on the year. Although Cineworld reported 12.4% revenue growth and 12.9% EBITDA growth for the first half of 2017 (in constant currency), most of the growth could be attributed to acquisitions and new site openings as opposed to same store traffic and pricing gains. We had also noticed that the Company was investing heavily in technology and refurbishments such that net debt increased to £309.2 million from £250.3 million, an increase of 23.5% on a year over year basis.

It was only about two weeks after we had sold our position in Cineworld that our concerns regarding a lack of organic growth were validated. On November 29, in response to market rumours, Cineworld confirmed discussions with Regal Entertainment Group (RGC US) regarding a possible takeover. Essentially, Cineworld (a US$2.4 billion market cap company with about US$400 million of debt) was bidding $23 per share of Regal, implying a US$3.6 billion offer plus the assumption of $2.3 billion of debt. Investors who held the shares at the time of the announcement questioned the deal rationale, and sent the stock down 17% on the day. Perhaps management can make this large reverse takeover work, but we consider ourselves fortunate to have missed the selloff in the interim.

The Sprott Focused Global Dividend Class was concentrated in 29 positions as at November 30, 2017 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 42% of the fund. Over the past year, 21 out of our 29 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 21.6%. 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 November 30, 2017; 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 November 30, 2017 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.

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