Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class

December 2018 Commentary

Year-to-date to December 31, the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class generated a total return of -3.46% compared to the S&P Global 1200 Index, which generated a total return of -0.27%. Returns in the month of December were disappointing on an absolute and relative basis, with the Fund generating a total return of -6.73% while the benchmark generated a total return of -4.76%. Currency hedging detracted significantly from our returns relative to the benchmark in 2018, as we were partially hedged into the USMCA trade agreement. However, the USD strengthened dramatically in the fourth quarter of the year on a flight-to-safety trade during the broad market correction.


To say that 2018 was a challenging year for investors is an understatement. By now you have probably seen the some of the stats from 2018. It was the worst year for the stock market since 2008, it was the worst December since 1931 and it was the worst Christmas Eve ever. Nearly every asset class (developed & emerging market stocks, high yield & investment grade corporate bonds and various commodities) generated a negative return on the year.


To put it simply, investors had become terrified that a Trump-induced trade war with China and an overly-hawkish US Federal Reserve would trigger a recession in the near-term. Although none of the incoming economic data supported this view, investors panicked. Obviously, it will be important to watch future developments closely, looking for any signs of policy error that would force us to change our more optimistic outlook. But note that Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, seems to have already pivoted to a more dovish stance during a speech in early 2019, which triggered a powerful reflex rally in the markets and a selloff in the USD (immediately improving our relative performance due to our USD/CAD hedges).


Performance anxiety likely exacerbated the selloff into December and valuations disconnected from fundamentals (earnings growth for the S&P 500 is expected to come in around 24% in 2018 according to data from Refinitiv). The market is forward-looking and yes, estimates for 2019 have been coming down (from approximately $178 to $173, or a reduction of just under 3% according to data from Refinitiv) but this still implies 8% earnings growth. With the IMF calling for global growth of 3.7% in 2019 (including the US at 2.5%, the Eurozone at 1.9%, Canada at 2.0% and China at 6.2%), investors appear to have confused a slowdown with a recession.


Despite the 6% draw down for the S&P 500 in calendar 2018, history suggests that 2019 should be a decent year in the stock market. It would be very unusual to see two back to back negative years in a row, since down years have been followed by up years 74% of the time, with a median gain of 15% and an average gain of 13%, according to market data back to 1931. In fact, the 20% peak to trough drawdown for the S&P 500 over last few months of 2018 was almost as severe as the median recessionary decline of 24%, essentially pricing in a significant growth scare. Further, after last six corrections that have occurred since 1984 during a period of economic expansion (with an average decline of 19%), the market has generated an average return of 25% over the next six months.

Finally, although we are making the argument that this selloff is overdone, and valuations have become too attractive to ignore, we are cognizant that we are relatively later in the economic cycle. As the market rallies back toward more realistic valuation levels, we plan to focus even more intently on businesses with stable revenue and earnings growth, clean balance sheets and the ability to consistently grow dividends through the cycle, reducing the beta and increasing the yield across the funds.


Our modelling indicates that the Canadian dollar is slightly undervalued. However, the equity market selloff, oil price collapse and trade war rhetoric have introduced a new level of complexity to our FX analysis as prior correlations have become less statistically significant. We have therefore maintained hedges on half of our USD exposure to reduce volatility in the Fund, but we may collapse the hedges should the CAD overshoot fair value in 2019.


Top contributors to the year-to-date performance of the Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class included Mastercard (+131 bps), Microsoft (+115 bps) and Visa (+96 bps). Top detractors year-to-date included Brookfield Asset Management (-68 bps), Citigroup (-58 bps) and Suncor (-55 bps). Top contributors by sector included Information Technology (+375 bps), Healthcare (+132 bps) and Communication Services (+39 bps) while top detractors by sector included Financials (-167 bps), Consumer Discretionary (-122 bps) and Energy (-79 bps).


Our underweight positioning in the Healthcare sector and overweight positioning in the Industrials sector detracted from our overall relative performance for the year but, once recession fears subside, we expect to regain some lost ground. Unsurprisingly, our holdings in the US had the greatest contribution to returns in 2018 (driven by the stronger USD), while Canada lagged, due to energy weakness late in 2018 (although crude oil prices and the energy sector have rebounded in early 2019) and Europe was mixed.


The Ninepoint Focused Global Dividend Class was concentrated in 24 positions as at December 31, 2018 with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 44.2% of the fund. Over the prior fiscal year, 20 out of our 24 holdings have announced a dividend increase, with an average hike of 9.2%. 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 December 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; Concentration 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; Rule 144A and other exempted securities 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 December 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.

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

Related Funds

Historical Commentary