PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT MARCH 31, 2015

Transcription

1 PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT MARCH 31, 2015

2 PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT MARCH 31, 2015 Table of Contents Commentary...3 Management s Responsibility for Financial Reporting...6 Portland Advantage Plus - Everest Fund...7 Portland Advantage Plus - McKinley Fund...14 Portland Advantage Plus - Logan Fund...21 Notes to Financial Statements

3 FUND COMMENTARY PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM Michael Lee-Chin Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager Portland Advantage Plus Fund Everest Fund Portland Advantage Plus Fund McKinley Fund RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND OUTLOOK One of the key tenets of Portland Investment Counsel Inc. s (the Manager ) investment strategy for the Portland Advantage Plus Everest Fund ( Everest Fund ) and Portland Advantage Plus McKinley Fund ( McKinley Fund ) (collectively referred to as the Funds ) has been to acquire quality cash generative businesses with a history of consistently paying dividends, by taking advantage of the variability in prices of these companies in the equity markets. The Manager then overlays a risk mitigation strategy based on portfolio construction, value discipline and prudent use of leverage. Another distinguishing feature of the Funds is focused investing. The Manager has long held the view that the key to wealth creation is owning a few high quality businesses. By using a concentrated investment strategy, the Manager leverages its best investment ideas, which is expected to aid the Funds in meeting their investment objectives. As of March 31, 2015, the Funds underlying portfolios held 15 investments. Driven chiefly by concerns over near term oversupply in the oil and gas markets, the price of crude oil has recorded its steepest decline since the latest financial crisis of From its peak of $ in June, the WTI (West Texas Intermediate) crude oil price fell to $53.50/bbl by the end of 2014 and further, to $47.60/bbl, by the end of March, The drop in price has been exacerbated by the OPEC s renouncing its role as the swing producer and defender of oil price stability in favour of market share. Whilst we perceive the current oil prices as a temporary market overreaction, characteristic of commodity markets, the effect on the performance of the Funds energy holdings has been significant. In December, two of the companies held in the Funds, Canadian Oil Sands Limited and Baytex Energy Corporation, in an effort to preserve their financial flexibility and operational momentum, announced curtailments in their dividend payouts, which ultimately impacted the Fund s ability to pay fully funded distributions to its unitholders. Reductions in capital expenditure programs have also been announced by our energy holdings, though modest production growth continued to be targeted for Increased efficiency and a reduction in certain operating costs is expected to partly offset the negative effect of low crude prices. We continue to believe that the fundamental operations of our energy holdings remain robust, even in this challenging environment. The current low oil prices environment is also likely to open up further consolidation opportunities in their key exploration and production areas. The Funds have preserved their exposure to energy holdings throughout the sell-off, in order to allow the Funds to participate in the eventual recovery of the energy markets. As at March 31, 2015, energy holdings constituted approximately 47% and 42% of the portfolios total assets, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively. During the first quarter of 2015, the Fund s key energy holdings (including Crescent Point Energy Corp., Baytex Energy and Whitecap Resources Inc.) have recorded positive share performance, which contrasted with the benchmark s (S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index) energy sector negative 2.0% total return performance during the period; an indication, we believe, of the value assigned by the market participants to the asset quality, resilience in the current depressed crude oil price environment and rebound potential following an eventual recovery in the energy markets. Since the beginning of 2015, the price of WTI crude dipped further from $53.27/bbl to $47.60/bbl. However, it showed signs of stabilization, trading range-bound within $43/bbl to $53/bbl as news of drilling rigs count dropping rapidly alternated with alarmist reports of record breaking US crude inventories and were punctuated by developments in the Middle East. More recently, reports showing both a peaking of the US crude oil production and faster than expected global demand growth have come to the fore, though outlook is still uncertain, partly due to the difficulty in obtaining accurate reads on both supply and demand due to lag effects. Active drilling rigs in the US have been reported to be down to half the number active in October, while the Energy Information Administration (EIA) is expecting US crude production to peak in April. Demand meanwhile has grown faster than expected, with US road travel, Chinese demand of SUVs and India s domestic fuel sales all jumping in response to lower prices. Energy companies held in the Funds have responded to the protracted low price environment and uncertain near-term outlook by further curtailing capital expenditures, extending financing facilities, raising capital to strengthen balance sheets and continuing their broad hedging programs, while maintaining robust production levels. In March, Whitecap Resources took advantage of its strong balance sheet and depressed oil asset prices to increase its Viking, Saskatchewan, light oil exposure, by acquiring the privately held Beaumont Energy. During the period, a number of holdings have been added to the Fund: Whitecap Resources, a Canadian oil and gas exploration and production company with focus on light oil assets, relatively low financial leverage, a good hedging program in place and paying an attractive and, we believe, well covered dividend; which further diversified the Fund s exposure to energy stocks. AT&T Inc., a leading fully integrated US telecom operator, which has continuously grown its dividend since 1984; providing diversification to the Fund s telecom services exposure. Ares Capital Corporation, one of the largest US business development companies providing (mostly senior) debt financing to mid-sized US companies and paying an attractive and consistent dividend. Other holdings related developments included Northland Power Inc. s announcement of Nordsee One 332MW offshore wind project reaching financial close and concurrent equity raise, as well as TransAlta Renewable Inc. s acquisition of its parent company s Australian power generation and gas pipeline portfolio concomitant with a 9% dividend increase. Brookfield Property Partners Limited Partnership gained control of London s sought after Canary Wharf office properties, alongside Qatar Investment Authority, and increased its quarterly distribution by 6%. 3

4 FUND COMMENTARY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For the period from September 30, 2014 to March 31, 2015, the Funds benchmark, the S&P/TSX Composite Total Return Index had an annualized return of 1.1%. For the same period, the Everest Fund and McKinley Fund Series F units had an annualized return of -50.2% and -36.5%, respectively. Unlike the Index, the Funds return is after the deduction of their fees and expenses. The Fund s underperformance was due to the Funds energy sector (overweight) and healthcare sector (underweight) holdings negative relative contribution, offset by the positive relative contribution of the Funds being overweight in the utilities and telecomm service sectors. The Funds leverage amplified the underperformance. As at March 31, 2015, based on the Funds total assets, the top 5 sector exposure was constituted by oil and gas exploration and production 30.4% and 27.9%, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively, regulated power generation 16.6% and 17.4%, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively, integrated oil and gas 16.1% and 13.6%, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively, asset management and custody banks 8.4% and 10.3%, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively, and integrated telecommunication services 7.0% and 9.6%, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively. PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS The Funds make use of low-cost leverage to invest in a portfolio with a dividend yield that currently provides a substantial spread over cost of borrowing. Leverage within Funds was, as of March 31, 2015, 65.4% and 62.0% of the portfolio, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively. As of the same date, the Funds underlying portfolios dividend yield was 6.4%, which, upon the application of leverage, translates into a gross 18.5% and 16.8% yield to the equity, for Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively. The Manager believes that the stream of dividends generated by the underlying investments provide an attractive entry point for investors looking for equity based high yield. As of March 31, the Funds provide a 12.4% and 10.1% distribution yield for investors in the Series F of Everest Fund and McKinley Fund, respectively. Despite the set-back during the period, we believe that the Funds are well-positioned to continue to meet their investment objectives which are to provide income and achieve, over the long-term an above average return by combining a leveraged investment strategy with focused investment primarily in a limited number of long securities positions. 4

5 FUND COMMENTARY PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TEAM Michael Lee-Chin Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager Portland Advantage Plus Fund Logan Fund RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND OUTLOOK Portland Advantage Plus Logan Fund ( Logan Fund ) aims to generate an above average return by combining a leveraged investment strategy with focused investment primarily in a limited number of long securities positions. The Logan Fund, which was launched on January 30, 2015, invests in a small number of quality equities, ordinarily selected from liquid, large cap stocks, domiciled in long-term growth industries, which the Manager believes are undervalued and/or have the potential of increased returns due to activist investor campaigns. The Manager then overlays a risk mitigation strategy based on portfolio construction, value discipline and prudent use of leverage. Another distinguishing feature of the Logan Fund is focused investing. The Manager has long held the view that the key to wealth creation is owning a few high quality businesses. By using a concentrated investment strategy, the Manager leverages its best investment ideas, which is expected to aid the Logan Fund in meeting their investment objectives. As of March 31, 2015, the Logan Fund s underlying portfolios held 13 investments. Activist investors are value investors with a push. They are looking for opportunities to demand a change in a company s strategy in order to unlock shareholder value. Common strategies include demanding a raise in dividends/share buybacks, the divestment of assets and/or the embracing or rejecting of mergers and acquisitions. Activist investors achieve their goals by cooperating with other institutional investors, acquiring board representation and/or changing the management of the target company. With valuations getting ahead of the fundamentals in certain areas of the market, the Manager believes that companies influenced by eminent capital allocators and activist investors have the ability to stand out by adapting quicker to market forces and improving their profitability through both operational changes and balance sheet optimization. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For the period since the Logan Fund s inception, on January 30, 2015 to March 31, 2015, the Logan Funds benchmark, the MSCI World Total Return Index had an annualized return of 3.8%. For the same period, the Logan Fund Series F units had an annualized return of 7.4%. Unlike the Index, the Logan Fund s return is after the deduction of its fees and expenses. As at March 31, 2015, based on the Logan Funds total assets, the top 5 sector exposure was constituted by oil and gas exploration and production 17.8%, integrated telecommunication services 13.9%, integrated oil and gas 9.9%, real estate operating companies 7.6% and multi-sector holdings 7.5%. The Logan Fund makes use of low-cost leverage to augment its long term returns. Leverage within Logan was at inception, lower than 60% and ordinarily is not expected to exceed 70% of the portfolio (market value of securities). As of March 31, 2015, leverage in the Logan Fund was 57.6% of the portfolio. 5

6 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS FUNDS Management s Responsibility for Financial Reporting The accompanying financial statements have been prepared and approved by Portland Investment Counsel Inc., the manager and trustee (Manager) of the Portland Advantage Plus - Everest Fund, Portland Advantage Plus - McKinley Fund and Portland Advantage Plus - Logan Fund (the Funds). The Manager is responsible for the information and representations contained in these financial statements. The Board of Directors of the Manager is responsible for reviewing and approving the financial statements. The Manager maintains appropriate processes to ensure that relevant and reliable financial information is produced. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and include certain amounts that are based on estimates and judgments. The significant accounting policies which management believes are appropriate for the Funds are described in note 3 to the financial statements. Michael Lee-Chin Robert Almeida Michael Lee-Chin, Robert Almeida, Director Director May 21, 2015 May 21, 2015 These financial statements have not been reviewed by an independent auditor. 6

7 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at March 31, 2015 As at September 30, 2014 Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 233,966 $ 166,799 Subscriptions receivable - 57,477 Dividends receivable Investments - pledged as collateral 108, ,286 (note 5 and 11) 21,572,090 18,268,454 21,914,945 18,597,016 Liabilities Current Liabilities Margin loan and borrowing (note 11) 13,453,826 11,955,887 Management fee payable 1,990 16,585 Accounts payable - 3,479 Redemptions payable - 23,701 Payable for investments purchased 658,260 - Distributions payable 29,633 39,987 Organizational expense payable (note 8) 4,322 1,467 14,148,031 12,041,106 Non-current Liabilities Organizational expense payable (note 8) 21,397 23,334 21,397 23,334 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of 14,169,428 12,064,440 Redeemable Units $ 7,745,517 $ 6,532,576 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Series Series A $ 2,137,485 $ 2,729,078 Series F $ 5,608,032 $ 3,803,498 Number of Redeemable Units Outstanding (note 6) Series A 106,176 62,985 Series F 278,086 87,638 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Unit Series A $ $ Series F $ $ Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the period ended March Income Net gains (losses) on investments Dividends $ 574,588 Interest for distribution purposes 1,903 Net realized gain (loss) Change in unrealized appreciation (679,041) (depreciation) (3,427,093) Net gains (losses) on investments (3,529,643) Other Income Foreign currency gain (loss) on cash and other net assets (556,799) Total Income (net) (4,086,442) Expenses Management fees (note 8) 81,606 Securityholder reporting costs 7,566 Audit fees 5,165 Legal fees 1,780 Independent review committee fees 2,297 Organizational expense (note 8) 918 Interest expense and bank charges 68,882 Withholding tax expense 10,640 Transaction costs 15,537 Total operating expenses 194,391 Less: management fees waived by Manager (70,149) Less: expenses absorbed by Manager (11,232) Net operating expenses Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable 113,010 to Holders of Redeemable Units $ (4,199,452) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Series Series A $ (1,805,991) Series F $ (2,393,461) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Unit Series A $ (20.98) Series F $ (13.26) Approved on behalf of the Trustee, Portland Investment Counsel Inc. Michael Lee-Chin Robert Almeida Director Director The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7

8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units (Unaudited) For the period ended March Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at Beginning of Period Series A $ 2,729,078 Series F 3,803,498 6,532,576 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units Series A (1,805,991) Series F (2,393,461) (4,199,452) Distributions to Holders of Redeemable Units From income: Series A (127,615) Series F (262,107) (389,722) Redeemable Unit Transactions Proceeds from redeemable units issued Series A 1,663,587 Series F 4,467,102 6,130,689 Reinvestments of distributions to holders of redeemable units Series A 66,171 Series F 141, ,560 Redemptions of redeemable units Series A (387,745) Series F (148,389) (536,134) Net Increase (Decrease) from Redeemable Unit Transactions 5,802,115 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at End of Period Series A 2,137,485 Series F 5,608,032 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at End of Period $ 7,745,517 PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND Statement of Cash flows (Unaudited) For the period ended March Cash Flow from Operating Activities Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units $ (4,199,452) Adjustments for: Net realized (gain) loss 679,041 Change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation 3,427,093 (Increase) decrease in dividends receivable (4,603) Increase (decrease) in management fee and accounts payable (18,074) Increase (decrease) in organizational expense payable 918 Purchase of investments (21,309,459) Proceeds from sale of investments 14,557,949 Net Cash Generated (Used) by Operating Activities (6,866,587) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Distributions to holders of redeemable units, net of reinvested distributions (192,516) Change in net margin loan and borrowing 1,497,939 Proceeds from redeemable units issued 6,188,166 Amount paid on redemption of redeemable units Net Cash Generated (Used) by Financing (559,835) Activities 6,933,754 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 67,167 Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of Period 166,799 Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period $ 233,966 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: Cash at bank $ 233,966 From operating activities: Interest received, net of withholding tax $ 1,903 Dividends received, net of witholding tax $ 214,655 From financing activities: Interest paid $ 65,636 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 8

9 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND Schedule of Investment Portfolio (Unaudited) as at March 31, 2015 No. of Shares Security Name Average Cost Carrying Value % of Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units EQUITIES Bermuda 6,238 Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Limited Partnership $ 303,929 $ 360,309 13,594 Brookfield Property Partners Limited Partnership 406, , , , % Canada 10,935 Bank of Nova Scotia 718, , Baytex Energy Corporation 6,267,042 3,469,476 22,429 BCE Inc. 1,239,518 1,202,643 76,500 Canadian Oil Sands Limited 1,620, , ,969 Crescent Point Energy Corporation 5,755,151 4,291,605 22,487 IGM Financial Inc. 1,022,905 1,012, ,396 Northland Power Inc. 3,529,522 3,590,025 66,030 TransAlta Renewables Inc. 770, ,676 50,000 TransAlta Renewables Inc. Subscription Receipts 632, , ,040 Whitecap Resources Inc. 1,205,157 1,508, Whitecap Resources Inc. Subscription Receipts 11,880 12,637 22,773,402 17,991, % United States 36,424 Ares Capital Corporation 678, ,222 36,408 AT&T Inc. 1,423,224 1,507,707 2,300 Johnson & Johnson 281, ,470 2,000 The Procter & Gamble Company 214, ,856 2,597,571 2,802, % Total investment portfolio 26,081,301 21,572, % Transaction costs (12,961) $ 26,068,340 21,572, % Liabilities less other assets (13,826,573) (178.5%) TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 7,745, % The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 9

10 DISCUSSION FUND SPECIFIC OF NOTES FINANCIAL TO THE RISK FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STATEMENTS (NOTE 5) PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND (a) OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The Fund borrows on margin for the purposes of making investments. Collateral in the form of cash and securities is required to secure the margin loans and borrowing. Securities pledged as collateral have not been offset against the investments, but are presented separately on the statement of financial position as investments that are pledged as collateral. The broker holding the collateral has the right to sell or re-pledge such securities in order to pay back the loan. However, the Fund does not have the right of offset. (b) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY The following tables present the carrying amounts of the Fund s financial instruments by category as at March 31, 2015: Assets Held for Trading ($) Financial assets at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial assets at amortized cost ($) Cash and cash equivalents , ,966 Dividends receivable , ,889 Investments - pledged as collateral - 21,572,090 21,572,090-21,572,090 Total - 21,572,090 21,572, ,855 21,914,945 Liabilities Held for Trading ($) Financial liabilities at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial liabilities at amortized cost ($) Margin loan and borrowing ,453,826 13,453,826 Management fee payable ,990 1,990 Payable for investments purchased , ,260 Distributions payable ,633 29,633 Organizational expenses payable ,719 25,719 Total ,169,428 14,169,428 The following tables present the carrying amounts of the Fund s financial instruments by category as at September 30, 2014: Assets Held for Trading ($) Financial assets at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial assets at amortized cost ($) Cash and cash equivalents , ,799 Subscriptions receivable ,477 57,477 Dividends receivable , ,286 Investments - pledged as collateral - 18,268,454 18,268,454-18,268,454 Total - 18,268,454 18,268, ,562 18,597,016 Liabilities Held for Trading ($) Financial liabilities at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial liabilities at amortized cost ($) Margin loan and borrowing ,955,887 11,955,887 Management fee payable ,585 16,585 Accounts payable ,479 3,479 Redemptions payable ,701 23,701 Distributions payable ,987 39,987 Organizational expenses payable ,801 24,801 Total ,064,440 12,064,440 The following table presents the net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) by category for the 6 month period ending March 31, 2015: Net gains (losses) ($) Category March 31, 2015 Financial assets at FVTPL: Held for trading - Designated at inception (3,529,643) Total financial assets at FVTPL (3,529,643) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 10

11 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND (c) RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (NOTE 5) Price Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Price Risk. The Manager moderates this risk through diversification of securities and other financial instruments within the limits of the Fund s investment objectives and strategy. If the price of investments held by the Fund on March 31, 2015 had been higher or lower by 5%, the net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units of the Fund would have been higher or lower by $1,078,605 (September 30, 2014: $913,423). Actual results may differ from the above sensitivity analysis and the difference could be material. Concentration Risk The following tables present the Fund s exposure as a percentage of the total carrying value of the investments by geographic region and by industry sector as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, By Geographic Region March 31, 2015 September 30, 2014 Canada 83.2% 88.2% United States 13.2% 6.2% Bermuda 3.6% 5.6% Total 100% 100% By Industry Sector March 31, 2015 September 30, 2014 Oil and Gas Exploration and Production 30.4% 27.7% Regulated Power Generation 16.6% 15.4% Integrated Oil and Gas 16.1% 19.5% Asset Management and Custody Banks 8.4% 8.1% Integrated Telecommunication Services 7.0% 0.0% Renewable Energy 6.7% 2.3% Telecom Carriers 5.6% 12.5% Diversified Banks 3.2% 2.7% Real Estate Operating Companies 1.9% 5.4% Real Estate Development 1.7% 0.0% Pharmaceuticals 1.4% 2.8% Household Products 1.0% 2.8% Electric Utilities 0.0% 0.8% Total 100.0% 100.0% Currency Risk Please see Note 5 for a description of Currency Risk. As the Fund may invest in securities traded in foreign currencies, its net assets and cash flows, when measured in Canadian dollars, will, to the extent that they have not been fully hedged, be affected by changes in the value of these currencies relative to the Canadian dollar. During the period, the Fund made use of borrowings denominated in US dollars, which in effect mitigated the currency risk of the Fund being invested in US listed securities. The Manager may use either Canadian dollar or US dollar denominated borrowings based on the interest cost differential and the Fund s currency exposure, including the revenue sensitivity of the underlying investments. The tables below indicate the foreign currencies to which the Fund had significant exposure at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 in Canadian dollar terms. The table also illustrates the potential impact on the net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units if the Canadian dollar had strengthened or weakened by 5% in relation to each of the other currencies, with all other variables held constant. March 31, 2015 Exposure Impact on net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) United States Dollar (4,055,522) 3,580,678 (474,844) (202,776) 179,034 (23,742) Total (4,055,522) 3,580,678 (474,844) (202,776) 179,034 (23,742) % of net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units -52.3% 46.2% -6.1% -2.6% 2.3% -0.3% 11

12 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND September 30, 2014 Exposure Impact on net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) United States Dollar (11,890,105) 1,027,467 (10,862,638) (594,505) 51,373 (543,132) Total (11,890,105) 1,027,467 (10,862,638) (594,505) 51,373 (543,132) % of net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units % 15.7% % -9.1% 0.8% -8.3% Interest Rate Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Interest Rate Risk. As at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Fund had significant direct exposure to interest rate risk from its use of margin loan and borrowing. The amount borrowed as at March 31, 2015 was $13,453,826 (September 30, 2014: $11,955,887) and was repayable on demand. If interest rates had doubled during the period, interest expense would have been higher and ending net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units would have been lower by $131,272. Credit Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Credit Risk. As at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Fund did not have significant exposure to credit risk. Liquidity Risk The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk on its obligations, including any issued redeemable units, margin loan and borrowing, management fee payable, accounts payable, redemptions payable, payable for securities purchased, organizational expense payable and distributions payable. The liquidity risk associated with issued redeemable units is managed by investing in a portfolio of highly liquid equity securities. The main concentration of liquidity risk arises from the Fund s borrowing activities. Borrowings are repayable on demand and are partially covered by collateral held on account at the broker with whom the borrowings are made. Obligations of the Fund including management fee payable, accounts payable, redemptions payable, payable for securities purchased and distributions payable, as applicable, are due within 6 months from the financial reporting date. Organizational expense payable is due and payable over a 60 month period commencing in July, The tables below analyze the Fund s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date. The amounts in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. March 31, 2015 < 6 months ($) > 6 months ($) Margin loan and borrowing 13,453,826-13,453,826 Payable for investments purchased 658, ,260 Distributions payable 29,633-29,633 Management fee payable 1,990-1,990 Organizational expense payable - 25,719 25,719 September 30, 2014 < 6 months ($) > 6 months ($) Margin loan and borrowing 11,955,887-11,955,887 Redemptions payable 23,701-23,701 Distributions payable 39,987-39,987 Management fee and accounts payable 20,064-20,064 Organizational expense payable - 24,801 24,801 Leverage Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Leverage Risk. The Fund was subject to leverage risk as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, The Fund pledges securities as collateral and is able to borrow up to limits imposed by the broker it has pledged the collateral to. The amount of borrowing allowed by the broker depends on the nature of the securities pledged. The Fund pays daily interest on the amounts borrowed. The risk associated with margin borrowing activities is managed by utilizing the following strategies: a) Investing in companies with relatively higher dividend yields, lower volatility and diversified by sector; b) Borrowing at target amounts that are lower than the maximum allowed by the broker (maintenance of excess margin capacity) 60% of total assets; and c) Reducing the impact of rising interest rates through emphasis on investments that are relatively highly correlated with economic growth. 12

13 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - EVEREST FUND As at March 31, 2015 the Fund borrowed $13,453,826 (September 30, 2014: $11,955,887). The lender nets the amount borrowed with any cash balances held by the Fund and includes the impact of any securities bought or sold that are not yet paid by or to the Fund. When calculated this way, the borrowing percentage as at March 31, 2015 was 65.4% (September 30, 2014: 65.4%). If the borrowing percentage exceeds the target, there are no adverse consequences to the Fund s borrowing capabilities other than an increase in interest expense. Interest expense for the period ending March 31, 2015 was $65,636. (d) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following tables illustrate the classification of the Fund s financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014: Assets at fair value as at March 31, 2015 Level 1 ($) Level 2 ($) Level 3 ($) Equities - Long 20,915, ,161-21,572,090 Total 20,915, ,161-21,572,090 Assets at fair value as at September 30, 2014 Level 1 ($) Level 2 ($) Level 3 ($) Equities - Long 18,268, ,268,454 Total 18,268, ,268,454 Fair value is classified as Level 1 when the related security or derivative is actively traded and a quoted price is available. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, the instrument is reclassified into Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is classified as Level 3. All liabilities of the Fund are carried at amortized cost and therefore are not presented in the tables above. 13

14 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY - EVEREST FUND Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) As at March 31, 2015 As at September 30, 2014 Assets Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 463,385 $ 914,974 Subscriptions receivable - 30,000 Dividends receivable Investments - pledged as collateral 85,278 75,883 (note 5 and 11) 17,030,261 13,082,182 17,578,924 14,103,039 Liabilities Current Liabilities Margin loan and borrowing (note 11) 10,291,938 7,193,533 Management fee payable 14,439 10,590 Accounts payable 3,137 2,979 Redemptions payable 125,196 - Payable for investments purchased 262,410 - Distributions payable 7,051 9,496 Organizational expense payable (note 8) 4,307 1,463 10,708,478 7,218,061 Non-current Liabilities Organizational expense payable (note 8) 21,202 23,098 21,202 23,098 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of 10,729,680 7,241,159 Redeemable Units $ 6,849,244 $ 6,861,880 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Series Series A $ 2,548,888 $ 1,759,803 Series F $ 4,300,356 $ 5,102,077 Number of Redeemable Units Outstanding (note 6) Series A 93,827 38,984 Series F 158, ,967 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Unit Series A $ $ Series F $ $ Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the period ended March Income Net gains (losses) on investments Dividends $ 525,946 Interest for distribution purposes 3,933 Net realized gain (loss) Change in unrealized appreciation 219,894 (depreciation) (3,094,873) Net gains (losses) on investments (2,345,100) Other Income Foreign currency gain (loss) on cash and other net assets (570,350) Total Income (net) (2,915,450) Expenses Management fees (note 8) 76,528 Securityholder reporting costs 13,685 Audit fees 5,165 Legal fees 1,780 Independent review committee fees 2,297 Organizational expense (note 8) 948 Interest expense and bank charges 56,826 Withholding tax expense 11,569 Transaction costs 6,236 Total operating expenses 175,034 Less: management fees waived by Manager Less: expenses absorbed by Manager (5,718) Net operating expenses Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable 169,316 to Holders of Redeemable Units $ (3,084,766) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Series Series A $ (873,933) Series F $ (2,210,833) Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units per Unit Series A $ (12.49) Series F $ (15.60) Approved on behalf of the Trustee, Portland Investment Counsel Inc. Michael Lee-Chin Director Robert Almeida Director The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 14

15 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units (Unaudited) For the period ended March Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at Beginning of Period Series A $ 1,759,803 Series F 5,102,077 6,861,880 Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units Series A (873,933) Series F (2,210,833) (3,084,766) Distributions to Holders of Redeemable Units From income: Series A (92,416) Series F (228,154) (320,570) Redeemable Unit Transactions Proceeds from redeemable units issued Series A 1,669,619 Series F 3,103,446 4,773,065 Reinvestments of distributions to holders of redeemable units Series A 85,815 Series F 188, ,194 Redemptions of redeemable units Series A - Series F (1,654,559) (1,654,559) Net Increase (Decrease) from Redeemable Unit Transactions 3,392,700 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at End of Period Series A 2,548,888 Series F 4,300,356 Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units at End of Period $ 6,849,244 PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY - EVEREST FUND Statement of Cash flows (Unaudited) For the period ended March Cash Flow from Operating Activities Increase (decrease) in net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units $ (3,084,766) Adjustments for: Net realized (gain) loss (219,894) Change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation 3,094,873 (Increase) decrease in dividends receivable (9,395) Increase (decrease) in management fee and accounts payable 4,007 Increase (decrease) in organizational expense payable 948 Purchase of investments (11,538,779) Proceeds from sale of investments 4,978,131 Net Cash Generated (Used) by Operating Activities (6,774,875) Cash Flows from Financing Activities Distributions to holders of redeemable units, net of reinvested distributions (48,821) Change in net margin loan and borrowing 3,098,405 Proceeds from redeemable units issued 4,803,065 Amount paid on redemption of redeemable units Net Cash Generated (Used) by Financing (1,529,363) Activities 6,323,286 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (451,589) Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning of Period 914,974 Cash and Cash Equivalents End of Period $ 463,385 Cash and cash equivalents comprise: Cash at bank $ 463,385 From operating activities: Interest received, net of withholding tax $ 3,933 Dividends received, net of witholding tax $ 194,642 From financing activities: Interest paid $ 54,695 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 15

16 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY - EVEREST FUND Schedule of Investment Portfolio (Unaudited) as at March 31, 2015 No. of Shares Security Name Average Cost Carrying Value % of Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Redeemable Units EQUITIES Bermuda 4,208 Brookfield Infrastructure Partners Limited Partnership $ 200,730 $ 243,056 10,600 Brookfield Property Partners Limited Partnership 281, , , , % Canada 9,300 Bank of Nova Scotia 608, , ,526 Baytex Energy Corporation 4,545,382 2,313,986 18,272 BCE Inc. 911, ,745 53,227 Canadian Oil Sands Limited 1,202, , ,439 Crescent Point Energy Corporation 4,862,296 3,401,197 20,214 IGM Financial Inc. 1,015, , ,036 Northland Power Inc. 2,973,414 2,960,633 58,907 TransAlta Renewables Inc. 697, ,283 20,000 TransAlta Renewables Inc. Subscription Receipts 253, ,000 58,000 Whitecap Resources Inc. 680, , Whitecap Resources Inc. Subscription Receipts 5,940 6,318 17,755,632 13,510, % United States 38,779 Ares Capital Corporation 705, ,508 39,380 AT&T Inc. 1,546,837 1,630,781 2,100 Johnson & Johnson 240, ,950 2,000 The Procter & Gamble Company 196, ,856 2,689,054 2,951, % Total investment portfolio 20,927,279 17,030, % Transaction costs (9,804) $ 20,917,475 17,030, % Liabilities less other assets (10,181,017) (148.6%) TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 6,849, % The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 16

17 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY FUND (a) OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The Fund borrows on margin for the purposes of making investments. Collateral in the form of cash and securities is required to secure the margin loans and borrowing. Securities pledged as collateral have not been offset against the investments, but are presented separately on the statement of financial position as investments that are pledged as collateral. The broker holding the collateral has the right to sell or re-pledge such securities in order to pay back the loan. However, the Fund does not have the right of offset. (b) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS BY CATEGORY The following tables present the carrying amounts of the Fund s financial instruments by category as at March 31, 2015: Assets Held for Trading ($) Financial assets at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial assets at amortized cost ($) Cash and cash equivalents , ,385 Dividends receivable ,278 85,278 Investments - pledged as collateral - 17,030,261 17,030,261-17,030,261 Total - 17,030,261 17,030, ,663 17,578,924 Liabilities Held for Trading ($) Financial liabilities at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial liabilities at amortized cost ($) Margin loan and borrowing ,291,938 10,291,938 Management fee payable ,439 14,439 Accounts payable ,137 3,137 Redemptions payable , ,196 Payable for investments purchased , ,410 Distributions payable ,051 7,051 Organizational expenses payable ,509 25,509 Total ,729,680 10,729,680 The following tables present the carrying amounts of the Fund s financial instruments by category as at September 30, 2014: Assets Held for Trading ($) Financial assets at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial assets at amortized cost ($) Cash and cash equivalents , ,974 Subscriptions receivable ,000 30,000 Dividends receivable ,883 75,883 Investments - pledged as collateral - 13,082,182 13,082,182-13,082,182 Total - 13,082,182 13,082,182 1,020,857 14,103,039 Liabilities Held for Trading ($) Financial liabilities at FVTPL Designated at Inception ($) Financial liabilities at amortized cost ($) Margin loan and borrowing ,193,533 7,193,533 Management fee payable ,590 10,590 Accounts payable ,979 2,979 Distributions payable ,496 9,496 Organizational expenses payable ,561 24,561 Total ,241,159 7,241,159 The following table presents the net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss (FVTPL) by category for the period ending March 31, 2015:: Net gains (losses) ($) Category March 31, 2015 Financial assets at FVTPL: Held for trading - Designated at inception (2,345,100) Total financial assets at FVTPL (2,345,100) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 17

18 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY FUND (c) RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (NOTE 5) Price Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Price Risk. The Manager moderates this risk through diversification of securities and other financial instruments within the limits of the Fund s investment objectives and strategy. If the price of investments held by the Fund on March 31, 2015 had been higher or lower by 5%, the net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units of the Fund would have been higher or lower by $851,513 (September 30, 2014: $654,109). Actual results may differ from the above sensitivity analysis and the difference could be material. Concentration Risk The following tables present the Fund s exposure as a percentage of the total carrying value of the investments by geographic region and by industry sector as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, By Geographic Region March 31, 2015 September 30, 2014 Canada 79.3% 88.2% United States 17.4% 6.2% Bermuda 3.3% 5.6% Total 100% 100% By Industry Sector March 31, 2015 September 30, 2014 Oil and Gas Exploration and Production 27.9% 27.8% Regulated Power Generation 17.4% 15.4% Integrated Oil and Gas 13.6% 19.5% Asset Management and Custody Banks 10.3% 8.1% Integrated Telecommunication Services 9.6% 0.0% Renewable Energy 5.8% 2.3% Telecom Carriers 5.8% 12.4% Diversified Banks 3.5% 2.7% Real Estate Operating Companies 1.9% 5.4% Pharmaceuticals 1.6% 2.8% Real Estate Development 1.4% 0.0% Household Products 1.2% 2.8% Electric Utilities 0.0% 0.8% Total 100.0% 100.0% Currency Risk Please see Note 5 for a description of Currency Risk. As the Fund may invest in securities traded in foreign currencies, its net assets and cash flows, when measured in Canadian dollars, will, to the extent that they have not been fully hedged, be affected by changes in the value of these currencies relative to the Canadian dollar. During the period, the Fund made use of borrowings denominated in US dollars, which in effect mitigated the currency risk of the Fund being invested in US listed securities. The Manager may use either Canadian dollar or US dollar denominated borrowings based on the interest cost differential and the Fund s currency exposure, including the revenue sensitivity of the underlying investments. The tables below indicate the foreign currencies to which the Fund had significant exposure at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014 in Canadian dollar terms. The table also illustrates the potential impact on the net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units if the Canadian dollar had strengthened or weakened by 5% in relation to each of the other currencies, with all other variables held constant. March 31, 2015 Exposure Impact on net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) United States Dollar (4,003,450) 3,520,179 (483,271) (200,173) 176,009 (24,164) Total (4,003,450) 3,520,179 (483,271) (200,173) 176,009 (24,164) % of net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units -58.5% 51.4% -7.1% -2.9% 2.5% -0.4% 18

19 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY FUND September 30, 2014 Exposure Impact on net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) Monetary ($) Non - monetary ($) United States Dollar (7,159,051) 733,697 (6,425,354) (357,953) 36,685 (321,268) Total (7,159,051) 733,697 (6,425,354) (357,953) 36,685 (321,268) % of net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units % 10.7% -93.7% -5.2% 0.5% -4.7% Interest Rate Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Interest Rate Risk. As at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Fund had significant direct exposure to interest rate risk from its use of margin loan and borrowing. The amount borrowed as at March 31, 2015 September 30, 2014 was $10,291,938 and was repayable on demand (September 30, 2014: $7,193,533). If interest rates had doubled during the period, interest expense would have been higher and ending net assets attributable to holders of redeemable units would have been lower by $109,390. Credit Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Credit Risk. As at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the Fund did not have significant exposure to credit risk. Liquidity Risk The Fund is exposed to liquidity risk on its obligations, including any issued redeemable units, margin loan and borrowing, management fee payable, accounts payable, redemptions payable, payable for securities purchased, organizational expense payable and distributions payable. The liquidity risk associated with issued redeemable units is managed by investing in a portfolio of highly liquid equity securities. The main concentration of liquidity risk arises from the Fund s borrowing activities. Borrowings are repayable on demand and are partially covered by collateral held on account at the broker with whom the borrowings are made. Obligations of the Fund including management fee payable, accounts payable, payable for securities purchased and distributions payable, as applicable, were due within 6 months from the financial reporting date. Organizational expense payable is due and payable over a 60 month period commencing in July, The tables below analyzes the Fund s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date. The amounts in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. March 31, 2015 < 6 months ($) > 6 months ($) Margin loan and borrowing 10,291,938-10,291,938 Redemptions payable 125, ,196 Distributions payable 7,051-7,051 Management fee and accounts payable 17,576-17,576 Payable for investments purchased 262, ,410 Organizational expense payable - 25,509 24,561 September 30, 2014 < 6 months ($) > 6 months ($) Margin loan and borrowing 7,193,533-7,193,533 Distributions payable 9,496-9,496 Management fee and accounts payable 13,569-7,238,481 Organizational expense payable - 24,561 24,561 Leverage Risk Please see note 5 for a description of Leverage Risk. The Fund was subject to leverage risk as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, The Fund pledges securities as collateral and is able to borrow up to limits imposed by the broker it has pledged the collateral to. The amount of borrowing allowed by the broker depends on the nature of the securities pledged. The Fund pays daily interest on the amounts borrowed. The risk associated with margin borrowing activities is managed by utilizing the following strategies: a) Investing in companies with relatively higher dividend yields, lower volatility and diversified by sector; b) Borrowing at amounts that are lower than the maximum allowed by the broker (maintenance of excess margin capacity) 50% of total assets; and c) Reducing the impact of rising interest rates through emphasis on investments that are relatively highly correlated with economic growth. 19

20 FUND SPECIFIC NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PORTLAND ADVANTAGE PLUS - MCKINLEY FUND As at March 31, 2015 the Fund borrowed $10,291,938 (September 30, 2014: $7,193,533). The lender nets the amount borrowed with any cash balances held by the Fund and includes the impact of any securities bought or sold that are not yet paid by or to the Fund. When calculated this way, the borrowing percentage as at March 31, 2015 was 62.0% (September 30, 2014: 55.0%). If the borrowing percentage exceeds the target, there are no adverse consequences to the Fund s borrowing capabilities other than an increase in interest expense. Interest expense for the period ending March 31, 2015 was $54,695. (d) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following tables illustrate the classification of the Fund s financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy as at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014: Assets at fair value as at March 31, 2015 Level 1 ($) Level 2 ($) Level 3 ($) Equities - Long 16,768, ,324-17,030,261 Total 16,768, ,324-17,030,261 Assets at fair value as at September 30, 2014 Level 1 ($) Level 2 ($) Level 3 ($) Equities - Long 13,082, ,082,182 Total 13,082, ,082,182 Fair value is classified as Level 1 when the related security or derivative is actively traded and a quoted price is available. If an instrument classified as Level 1 subsequently ceases to be actively traded, it is transferred out of Level 1. In such cases, the instrument is reclassified into Level 2, unless the measurement of its fair value requires the use of significant unobservable inputs, in which case it is classified as Level 3. All liabilities of the Fund are carried at amortized cost and therefore are not presented in the tables above. 20