Ninepoint Global Real Estate Fund

May 2018 Commentary

Print

Year-to-date to May 31, the Ninepoint Global Real Estate Fund generated a total return of -0.32% compared to the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Index, which generated a total return of 2.42%.

Returns in the month of May were positive on an absolute basis but disappointing on a relative basis, with the Fund generating a total return of 0.81% while the benchmark generated a total return of 2.77%. The US 10-year bond yield was extremely volatile during the month, with rates spiking to a high of 3.13% before declining to a low of 2.76% on Italian political uncertainty and global trade war fears. Because we are positioned for a rising rate environment, with the US 10-year ending the month at 2.86%, we underperformed as the more rate-sensitive names rallied. Going forward, the US 10-year will likely track above 3.0% through 2018 and our portfolio will gain ground relative to the benchmark.

Our modelling indicates that the Canadian dollar should continue to weaken in 2018. Because a resolution to the ongoing NAFTA negotiations is looking less likely in the near term, we have reduced some of our currency hedging, returning to a more neutral positioning relative to our benchmark.

Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Ninepoint Global Real Estate Fund included Pure Industrial REIT (+58 bps), Aroundtown SA (+56 bps) and Interxion (+49 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Immobiliare Grande Distribuzione (-62 bps), Equinix (-33 bps) and GGP (-33 bps).

Over the past few months, the Canadian apartment REITs have been among the top performing sub-sectors globally. Limited supply and high occupancy levels have translated into solid rent growth across most markets in the country. One of our largest positions in the apartment sector, Killam Properties (KMP-U CN), has rallied nicely after reaching a low in February on rate hike fears. Taking advantage of the unit price run, management announced a bought deal for 3.345 million shares at $14.95 per share (a 2.5% discount to the prior close and an implied 4.28% dividend yield) on June 6 for total proceeds of approximately $50 million. With the funds earmarked to fully repay the REIT’s credit facility and other corporate purposes, we believe that the deal will create value for new and existing shareholders alike.

Killam Properties, based in Halifax, owns and operates a $2.5 billion portfolio of 15,093 apartments and 5,165 manufactured homes in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Alberta with a 96.5% occupancy rate. The portfolio is relatively high quality, with 31% of total net operating income generated from apartments built in the last 10 years. Existing assets are complemented by a $700 million development pipeline and a robust balance sheet. Based on management’s assumptions, the development of 2,361 new units would create about $175 million in net asset value (or about $2 per share) for unitholders over time.

The Ninepoint Global Real Estate Fund was concentrated in 28 positions as at May 31, 2018 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 39.9% of the fund. Over the past year, 15 out of our 28 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 19.9%. 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 May 31, 2018; 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 May 31, 2018 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

Historical Commentary

2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017