Sprott Global Real Estate Fund

November 2017 Commentary

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Year-to-date to November 30, the Sprott Global Real Estate Fund generated a total return of 15.9% compared to the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Index (in CAD), which generated a total return of 5.3%.

Returns in the month of November were very good, with the Fund generating a total return of 3.5% while the benchmark generated a total return of 2.9%. The outperformance over the month was primarily driven by Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione (which reported solid financial results) and a takeover offer for General Growth Properties (known as GGP), which we discuss below.

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 Global Real Estate Fund included Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione (+213 bps), Aroundtown Property Holdings (+212 bps) and Interxion Holdings (+1.06). Top detractors year-to-date included GGP (-36 bps), Nextdc (-33 bps) and Simon Property Group (-26 bps). Note that we eliminated our positions in both Nextdc and Simon Property Group earlier in the year, after a relatively brief holding period.

The only US retail position currently in the portfolio is GGP, the second largest mall operator in America, given its significant discount to net asset value and a supportive parent entity (note that Brookfield Asset Management owns approximately 35% of the REIT).

On November 13, our patience was rewarded when management confirmed that they had received an unsolicited proposal from Brookfield Property Partners (an entity related to Brookfield Asset Management) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of GGP. According to the press release, GGP shareholders would be entitled to receive either cash consideration of $23 per share or 0.9656 units of BPY, subject to proration based on a maximum cash component of 50% and a maximum stock component of 50% of the aggregate offer.

The proposal represented a 21% premium to the closing price of GGP on November 6, the day before takeover speculation hit the newswires. With GGP currently trading slightly above the takeover bid price (but still below our estimate of net asset value), it seems that the market expects Brookfield to improve its offer, as they have done in similar situations in the past. Although we are supportive of the transaction, we plan to continue to hold our position pending additional details or a superior offer.

The Sprott Global Real Estate Fund was concentrated in 27 positions as at November 30, 2017 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 49% of the fund. Over the past year, 13 out of our 27 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 9.3%. Using a total real estate approach, we will continue to apply a disciplined investment process, balancing valuation, growth and yield in an effort to generate solid risk-adjusted returns.

Jeffrey Sayer, CFA

 

 

 

 

Effective February 7, 2017 the Sprott Global REIT & Property Equity Fund’s name was changed to Sprott Global Real Estate Fund, subsequently on August 1, 2017 becoming Ninepoint Global Real Estate Fund.

1All returns and fund details are a) based on Series F units; 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 08/04/15 to 12/31/15. The index is 100% MSCI World IMI Core Real Estate NR (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 Simplified Prospectus of the Fund for a description of these risks: capital depletion risk, concentration risk, credit risk, currency risk, cybersecurity risk; derivatives risk, emerging markets risk, equity real estate investment trust (REIT) risk, exchange traded funds risk, foreign investment risk, income trust risk, inflation risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, market risk, real estate risk, regulatory 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 units of the Fund for the period ended November 30, 2017 is based on the historical annual compounded total return including changes in unit 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. 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 is or will be invested. Ninepoint Partners 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 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 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.

Ninepoint Partners LP: Toll Free: 1.866.299.9906. DEALER SERVICES: CIBC Mellon GSSC Record Keeping Services: Toll Free: 1.877.358.0540

Investment Team

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