INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT OF FUND PERFORMANCE. National Bank Growth Diversified Fund. For the period ended June 30, 2017.

Transcription

1 INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT OF FUND PERFORMANCE For the period ended June 30, 2017 Diversified Funds Notes on forward-looking statements This report may contain forward-looking statements concerning the Fund, its future performance, its strategies or prospects or about future events or circumstances. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, estimates and intentions. The use of the expressions "foresee", "intend", "anticipate", "estimate", "assume", "believe" and "expect" and other similar terms and expressions indicate forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements imply the use of assumptions and necessarily involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there is a significant risk that the explicit or implicit forecasts contained in these forward-looking statements might not materialize or that they may not prove to be accurate in the future. A number of factors could cause future results, conditions or events to differ materially from the objectives, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such differences might be caused by several factors, including changes in Canadian and worldwide economic and financial conditions (in particular interest and exchange rates and the prices of other financial instruments), market trends, new regulatory provisions, competition, changes in technology and the potential impact of conflicts and other international events. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Before making any investment decision, investors and others relying on our forward-looking statements should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other factors. We caution readers not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements in the light of new information, future events or other circumstances unless applicable legislation so provides. This interim management report of fund performance contains financial highlights, but does not contain the complete interim financial statements of the investment fund. You can get a copy of the interim financial statements at your request, and at no cost, by calling or , by writing to us at National Bank Investments Advisory Service, 500, Place d Armes, 12th floor, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2W3, by visiting our website at by visiting SEDAR s website at or by contacting your advisor. You may also contact us using one of these methods to request a copy of the investment fund s proxy voting policies and procedures, proxy voting disclosure record, or quarterly portfolio disclosure.

2 Management Discussion of Fund Performance Results of Operations For the six-month period ended June 30, 2017, the National Bank Growth Diversified Fund returned 4.48% compared to 4.26% for the Fund s blended benchmark. The broad-based indices, the FTSE TMX Canada Universe Bond Index (CAD) and the MSCI World Index (CAD), returned 2.36% and 7.16% respectively. Unlike the indices, the Fund s performance is calculated after fees and expenses. The Fund's net asset value rose by 3% over the period, from $176.5 million as at December 31, 2016 to $181.7 million as at June 30, Among the asset classes held in the Fund, emerging equities, global equities and Canadian preferred shares generated the most lucrative returns, followed by high-yield bonds and corporate bonds. Meanwhile Canadian large- and small-cap common shares posted the weakest returns. Early in the year, the improved outlook for global economic growth, the release of better-than-expected corporate earnings and optimism in the financial community that the policies proposed by U.S. President Trump could further stimulate his country's economy helped boost stock markets around the world. High-yield bonds and corporate bonds also performed well during this period compared to government bonds. However the second quarter was more eventful when doubts began to loom regarding the ability of President Trump to implement his other plans after his lack of success in getting his healthcare reform through Congress. Concern raised by this setback combined with certain geopolitical events including European elections, heightened tensions in Asia and talks surrounding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) drew investors' attention away from equities somewhat in favour of fixed-income securities, whose yields plunged from mid- March to mid-june. The drop in crude oil prices over this period also undermined the performance of equities and bonds related to the Energy sector. However, the environment was far less friendly for fixed-income securities in June, as a marked change in tone from major central banks and comments made by the Governor of the Bank of Canada (BoC) reduced demand for bonds, particularly shorter term issues. Although the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) continued to normalize interest rates in March and June, these actions had less impact than expected on markets, as they were already anticipated. Given this context, Canadian small- and large-cap common shares failed to keep pace with other stock markets, as the slump in crude oil prices and persistent uncertainty regarding NAFTA renegotiations undermined their growth. Meanwhile U.S. equities enjoyed an excellent first half of the year, despite uncertainty brought on by the U.S. administration regarding potential collusion with Russia and doubts about the Trump administration's ability to adopt its tax reforms. Global equities nevertheless finished ahead of Canadian and U.S. stock markets after experiencing turbulence during the three elections held in the Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom. On a regional basis, Japanese and European stock markets were the top performers over the period. Information Technology and Health Care saw the strongest growth while Energy and Telecommunications were the only sectors that posted losses over the period. Unlike previous years, emerging equities started the year strong, performing well ahead of stock markets in many developed countries. The weakness of the U.S. dollar, the improving global economic climate and the status quo from the U.S. government in terms of the protectionist measures it intended to implement all helped their progression. The strong showing by preferred shares in the first quarter helped offset a more modest second quarter. In the first quarter, sustained demand from individuals and institutional clients, interest in credit assets, the low volume of new issues and holders' reticence to sell their preferred shares were particularly beneficial for this asset class. The launch of a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) and structured notes linked to the ZPR ETF by financial institutions also resulted in substantial capital inflows to this asset class over the period. In contrast, the second quarter was more challenging for preferred shares, as Canadian bond yields fell in April and May. The drop in bond yields led many investors to sell a portion of their shares to take profits, which hindered their progression. A rising trend in bond yields in June, brought on by anticipation of a key rate increase from the Bank of Canada in July, was beneficial for fixed/floating-rate reset perpetuals, however, which make up close to 70% of the preferred share market. Thanks to the recovery in June, preferred shares were able to end the quarter in positive territory. Regarding fixed income, bond markets posted gains since the beginning of the year in several regions of the world, despite two key rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve and a change in rhetoric from some of the world s major central banks in June. Against this backdrop, bond performance was mixed in terms of region and issuer credit quality. Emerging market bonds, high-yield bonds and Investment grade corporate bonds were among the best performing issues. However, the bonds of several European countries (except Portugal) and the Asia/Pacific region (Japan, China and South Korea in particular) displayed the least lucrative performances. In Canada, longer-term bonds also outperformed those with shorter maturities while provincial and municipal bonds performed better than corporate and federal bonds. In May, the allocation of the various asset classes in the Fund was modified. The fixed-income as well as Canadian (small and large-cap) and global equity allocations were therefore reduced to increase holdings in emerging equities in order to enhance the Fund's return. However, this adjustment did not produce the expected results, as markets lost ground in June. The exposure to shorter term bonds was also reduced in favour of high-yield bonds and preferred shares. The Fund nevertheless generated a positive return over the period. Sound selection in preferred shares and global equities generated the strongest positive contribution over the period. Selection in small-cap equities in the two Consumer sectors and in Energy drained value, however, as did the lack of exposure in Health Care. The overweight in Technology and Real Estate generated a positive contribution, however. In large-cap equities, the underweight in Telecommunications and Utilities also weakened the Fund's overall performance, as did the exposure to oil producers, which underperformed over the period. The overweight in Industrials and Consumer Discretionary was beneficial, however.

3 Recent Developments The global economy should continue to expand in a synchronous manner, with all major regions contributing to the advance. The US expansion should linger on, thanks to widespread improvements across both the consumer and manufacturing sectors of the economy, while political developments have an overall neutral impact. Meanwhile, the portfolio manager believes that the worst of the oil shock is behind us and the Canadian economy should thrive on the combination of resurgent U.S. demand, a competitive Canadian dollar, and fiscal support. Additionally, policymakers in Europe and Japan should ultimately prove successful in reflating growth. As for emerging market economies, they should prosper in the environment of improving global demand, ample liquidity, and rising commodity prices. Taken together, the lucrative combination of synchronized global growth and a revival in commodity prices should bolster inflation expectations across the world, though not to levels that would threaten the status of the economic recovery. This reflationary backdrop bodes well for equities and commodities (ex-gold) at the expense of fixed income and the U.S. dollar. Since May 29, 2017, National Bank Diversified Funds have been closed to new subscriptions other than purchases through pre-established systematic investment and distribution reinvestment plans. Related Party Transactions National Bank of Canada ( the Bank ) and its affiliated companies roles and responsibilities related to the Fund are as follows: Trustee, Custodian, and Registrar Natcan Trust Company ( NTC ), a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, is the Fund s trustee. In this capacity, it is the legal owner of the Fund s investments. NTC acts as registrar for the Fund s securities and the names of securityholders. NTC also acts as the Fund s custodian. The fees for NTC s custodial services are based on the standard rates in effect at NTC. Agent for securities lending transactions NTC acts as the agent for securities lending transactions acts on behalf of the Fund in administering securities lending transactions entered into by the Fund. NTC is an affiliate of the Manager. Fund Manager The Fund is managed by National Bank Investments Inc. ( NBII ), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Therefore, NBII provides or ensures the provision of all general management and administrative services required by the Fund s current operations, including investment consulting, the arrangement of brokerage contracts for the purchase and sale of the investment portfolio, bookkeeping and other administrative services required by the Fund. The Manager pays the operating expenses of the Fund other than its Fund costs (defined below) (the variable operating expenses ), in exchange for the Fund s payment to the Manager of annual fixed-rate administration fees with respect to each series of the Fund. The administration fees are equal to a specified percentage of the net asset value of each series of the Fund, calculated and paid in the same manner as the Fund s management fees. The variable operating expenses payable by the Manager include, but are not limited to: transfer agency and recordkeeping costs; custodial costs; accounting and valuation fees; audit fees and legal fees; costs of preparing and distributing financial reports, simplified prospectuses, annual information forms, Fund Facts, continuous disclosure material and other securityholder communications; and costs of trustee services relating to registered tax plans, as applicable. In addition to administration fees, the Fund shall also pay certain Fund costs, namely: taxes (including, but not limited to, GST/HST and income taxes); costs of compliance with any changes to existing governmental or regulatory requirements introduced after August 1, 2013; costs of compliance with any new governmental or regulatory requirements, including any new fees introduced after August 1, 2013; interest and borrowing costs; costs related to external services that were not commonly charged in the Canadian mutual fund industry as at August 1, 2013; Independent Review Committee costs, including compensation paid to IRC members, travel expenses, insurance premiums and costs associated with their continuing education; and variable operating expenses incurred outside of the normal course of business of the Fund. The Manager may, from time to time and at its sole discretion, decide to absorb a portion of a series management fees, administration fees or Fund costs. As described under the heading Management Fees, the Fund pays annual management fees to NBII as consideration for its services. Distribution and Dealer Compensation NBII acts as principal distributor for the Fund. In this capacity, NBII buys, sells and swaps securities through Bank branches and the National Bank Investments Advisory Service in Canadian provinces and territories, and through external registered representatives. Fund securities are also offered by National Bank Direct Brokerage Inc., CABN Investments Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., and other affiliated entities. Brokers may receive, depending on the distributed series, a monthly commission representing a percentage of the average daily value of the securities held by their clients. Brokerage Fees The Fund may pay broker s commissions at market rates to a corporation affiliated with NBII. The brokerage fees paid by the Fund for the period are as follows: Period ended June 30, 2017 Total brokerage fees $43, Brokerage fees paid to National Bank Financial Registered Plan Trust Services $ NTC receives a fixed amount per registered account for services provided as trustee for registered plans. Administrative and Operating Services The provision of certain services was delegated by the Fund Manager, NBII, to National Bank Trust Inc. ("NBT"), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of the Bank. These include accounting, reporting and portfolio valuation services. The fees incurred for these services are paid to NBT by the Fund manager.

4 Management Fees The Fund pays annual management fees to the Fund manager for its management services. The fees are calculated based on a percentage of the Fund s daily net asset value before applicable taxes and are paid on a monthly basis. A portion of the management fees paid by the Fund covers maximum annual trailer fees and sales commissions paid to brokers. The remainder of the management fees primarily covers investment management and general administration services. The breakdown of major services provided in consideration of the management fees, expressed as an approximate percentage of the management fees is as follows: Series Management Fees Distribution Others Investor Series 2.00% 50.00% 50.00% ( ) Includes all costs related to management, investment advisory services, general administration and profit. Past Performance The performance of the Fund's series presented below is calculated as at December 31 of each year. It assumes that all distributions made in the periods shown were reinvested in additional securities and does not take into account sales, redemption charges, distributions, or optional charges that would have reduced returns. Past performance of a series of a Fund does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Annual Returns The bar chart indicates the performance for the Fund's series during the years shown, and illustrates how the performance has changed from year to year. It shows, in percentage terms, how much an investment made on January 1 (or made commencing from the start of the series) would have grown or decreased by December 31 of that year, or by June 30, as applicable.* *Please note that financial years prior to 2009 are from October 1 to September % Investor Series 20% 10% % -10% % Returns for the 15-month period from October 1, 2008 to December 31, Returns for the period from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017.

5 Financial Highlights The following tables show selected key financial information about the Fund and are intended to help you understand the Fund s financial performance for the accounting periods shown. Investor Series Net Assets per Unit (1) Accounting Period Ended June 30 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 $ $ $ $ $ $ Net Assets, Beginning of Accounting Period Shown (4) Increase (Decrease) from Operations Total revenue Total expenses (0.23) (0.42) (0.41) (0.38) (0.33) (0.26) Realized gains (losses) Unrealized gains (losses) (0.71) Total Increase (Decrease) from Operations (2) Distributions From net investment income (excluding dividends) From dividends From capital gains Return of capital Total Annual Distributions (3) Net Assets, End of Accounting Period Shown (4) This information is derived from the Fund's Annual Audited Financial Statements and Interim Unaudited Financial Statements. The net assets per unit presented in the financial statements might differ from the net asset value calculated for fund pricing purposes. The differences are explained in the notes to the financial statements. 2 Net assets and distributions are based on the actual number of units outstanding at the relevant time. The increase or decrease from operations is based on the average number of units outstanding over the accounting period. The detailed calculation of the total Increase (Decrease) from Operations as at December 31, 2015 has been adjusted to reflect the proper allocation between the following items: Total revenue, Total expenses, Realized gain (losses) and/or Unrealized gain (losses). It is a non-material correction related to a programming error in the ratio calculation. 3 Distributions were paid in cash or reinvested in additional units of the Fund, or both. 4 The net assets value at the end of the 2012 accounting period may differ from the value at the beginning of the 2013 accounting period. Since January 1, 2013, the net assets are calculated in accordance with IFRS. Previously, it was the accounting principles as set out in Part V of the CPA Canada Handbook - Accounting ( Canadian GAAP ). Ratios and Supplemental Data Accounting Period Ended June 30 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 Total net asset value (000's of $) (1) 181, , , , , ,649 Number of units outstanding (1) 10,242,177 10,394,918 10,335,060 10,075,489 10,132,695 10,332,977 Management expense ratio (%) (2) Management expense ratio before waivers or absorptions (%) Trading expense ratio (%) (3) Portfolio turnover rate (%) (4) Net asset value per unit ($) This information is provided as at the last day of the accounting period shown. 2 Management expense ratio is based on total expenses including sales taxes for the accounting period indicated (excluding commission, other portfolio transaction costs and withholding taxes) and is expressed as an annualized percentage of daily average net value during the accounting period. 3 The trading expense ratio represents total commissions and other portfolio transaction costs expressed as an annualized percentage of daily average net asset value during the accounting period. The trading expense ratio includes, if necessary, the trading expenses from its underlying funds, as described in Article 15.2 of Regulation Since calculating an average daily allocation of the trading expenses would take considerable effort, an average monthly allocation has been used instead for the accounting periods prior to The trading expense ratio history has been adjusted to include the trading expenses from its underlying funds. The calculation method described above has been used. 4 The Fund's portfolio turnover rate indicates how actively the Fund portfolio's manager manages its portfolio investments. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is equivalent to the Fund buying and selling all of the securities in its portfolio once in the course of the accounting period. The higher a Fund's portfolio turnover rate in an accounting period, the greater the trading costs payable by the Fund in the accounting period, and the greater the chance of an investor receiving taxable capital gains in the accounting period. There is not necessarily a relationship between a high turnover rate and the performance of a Fund.

6 Summary of Investment Portfolio As of June 30, 2017 Portfolio Top Holdings % of Net Asset Value NBI Small Capitalization Fund, Series O 9.5 Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF 9.4 NBI Canadian Equity Growth Fund, Series O 8.7 NBI Corporate Bond Fund, Series O 4.1 NBI Preferred Equity Fund, Series O 2.7 NBI High Yield Bond Fund, Series O 2.5 Moody's Corp. 2.1 Keyence Corp. 1.9 Johnson & Johnson 1.8 Becton Dickinson and Co. 1.6 MasterCard Inc., Class A 1.6 Nestlé SA 1.4 Unilever NV, GDR 1.4 3M Co. 1.3 Diageo PLC 1.3 Sherwin-Williams Co./The 1.3 Government of Canada, 0.50%, due February 1, Oracle Corp. 1.2 US Bancorp 1.2 InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 1.1 Intertek Group PLC 1.1 MSCI Inc. 1.1 Schindler Holding AG 1.1 TJX Companies Inc. 1.1 Cash, Money Market and Other Net Assets Net asset value $181,716,153 Asset Mix % of Net Asset Value Canadian Equity 26.1 US Equity 24.1 International Equity 17.8 Exchange Traded Funds 9.5 Corporate Bonds 7.4 Provincial Bonds 3.7 Preferred Shares 2.6 Foreign Bonds 2.6 Federal Bonds 2.5 Municipal Bonds 0.6 Mortgage Backed Securities 0.1 Cash, Money Market and Other Net Assets 3.0 Sector Allocation % of Net Asset Value Bonds 16.7 Financials 14.4 Industrials 12.8 Exchange Traded Funds 9.5 Consumer Discretionary 9.4 Information Technology 8.9 Consumer Staples 8.1 Health Care 6.2 Energy 4.6 Materials 2.7 Real Estate 1.6 Utilities 1.0 Telecommunication Services 1.0 Mortgage Backed Securities 0.1 Cash, Money Market and Other Net Assets 3.0 The above table shows the top 25 positions held by the Fund. In the case of a Fund with fewer than 25 positions, all positions are indicated. The Summary of Investment Portfolio may change due to ongoing portfolio transactions of the investment Fund. A quarterly update is available. Please consult our Web site at