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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-22843

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP

1600 Smith Street

Suite 3800

Houston, TX 77002

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Dan C. Tutcher

Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP

1600 Smith Street

Suite 3800

Houston, TX 77002

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 759-1400

 

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

 

Date of reporting period: November 30, 2017

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

2

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
November 30, 2017

 

Table of Contents

 

Fund Overview (unaudited)

3

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

4

Summary of Investments (unaudited)

16

Schedule of Investments

17

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

19

Statement of Operations

20

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

21

Statement of Cash Flows

22

Financial Highlights

23

Notes to Financial Statements

24

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

36

Other Information (unaudited)

37

Fund Management (unaudited)

42

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

3

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Fund Overview (unaudited)

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (“CEN”) is an actively managed fund that invests in a portfolio of master limited partnerships and energy infrastructure companies. The Fund is structured to provide investors with:

 

 

Attractive monthly distributions expected with the potential for growing distributions and capital appreciation over time

 

 

A core portfolio of high quality midstream MLPs focused on durability of long term cash flows

 

 

A tactical opportunistic sleeve designed to capitalize on market dislocations amongst upstream, midstream, and downstream MLPs and energy infrastructure investments

 

 

Access to private investment opportunities within the energy infrastructure sector on a co-invest and direct invest basis

 

 

Simplified tax reporting: Investors in the Fund will receive a single Form 1099 as opposed to receiving a schedule K-1 from each MLP

 

 

Access to Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP (the “Advisor”), an employee-owned investment manager with MLP owner operator experience

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The “total return” sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund’s common shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its common shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital.

 

Subsector Composition (as of 11/30/17)

Investment Approach

 

Core MLP Holdings

 

Generally, the Fund anticipates making core investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (1) traditional fee-based businesses (2) high barriers to entry, (3) low direct commodity price exposure and (4) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities.

 

Opportunistic Trades

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on Center Coast’s view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts, commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuerspecific developments.

 

Private Investments

 

The Fund intends to allocate up to 20% of its portfolio to private investment opportunities. The Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private investments. The Fund’s private investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets, but will not include interests in private investment funds.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

4

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

January 5, 2018

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

 

Below you will find the Annual Report for the Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (“the Fund” or “CEN”) for the period ending November 30th, 2017.

 

For the fiscal year ending November 30, 2017, the Fund provided a total return of -6.59% on a net asset value (“NAV”) basis, net of expenses and corporate taxes and including the reinvestment of dividends. The Fund provided a market-based total return of -10.85% for the same period. This can be compared to the total return, including dividends and capital gains reinvested, of +22.87% for the broader equity markets as represented by the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (“S&P 500”) and the total return of -6.83% for the Alerian MLP Index (“AMZ”; a composite of fifty energy MLPs calculated using a float-adjusted, capitalization-weighted methodology).i

 

The Fund declared distributions of $1.2504 per share during the fiscal year. As of November 30, 2017, the NAV per share was $9.35 and the market price per share was $9.20 (a discount of 1.60%). The current monthly distribution of $0.1042 per share represents an annualized distribution rate of 13.37% and 13.59% based on the NAV and market price per share, respectively, at the end of the fiscal year. Distributions may be paid from sources other than ordinary income, such as short term capital gains, long term capital gains or return of capital.ii

 

As permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund utilizes leverage to provide additional capital. Although the use of this leverage increases the potential volatility of the Fund’s NAV, we use leverage with the objective of increasing the net income and distributions available to shareholders. As of November 30, 2017, leverage represented 33.7 % of the Fund’s managed assets, comprised of the $50.0 million of preferred stock and a $66.5mm credit facility.

 

2017 SUMMARY OBSERVATIONSiii

 

For energy infrastructure companies and Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”), 2017 was a tough year—another tough year—particularly when compared to a broader market that seemed to set a record high on a daily basis. This admittedly came as a bit of a surprise since we entered 2017 fairly optimistic after OPEC’s cut, the election results, and a vastly improved fundamental backdrop for the energy industry as a whole. But whatever initial momentum we might have had—up 16% in the first fiscal quarter—faded throughout the rest of the year as sentiment turned negative, anemic fund flows became overwhelmed by new equity, and tax loss harvesting added insult to injury to a year we are happy to have in the rearview mirror.

 

The fundamentals did indeed improve throughout 2017, as expected. As we write this letter, U.S. production is setting all-time highs across all commodity streams: crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). Production is expected to continue to grow significantly in 2018 and beyond. This cheap and abundant supply is making the U.S. an increasingly important player in the global energy market, as evidenced by record export numbers in 2017 for natural gas, crude oil, ethane, propane, butane, and refined products. Crude oil and NGL prices, although more relevant to sentiment than cash flow, have improved dramatically year over year (up 16% and 34%, respectively). All the while, many large-scale projects came into service this year (e.g., the Dakota Access Pipeline) and many others now have a clear path to 2018 completion (e.g., large-scale ethane crackers on the Gulf Coast).

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

5

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

Clearly, however, something (or a few things) caused the market to ignore these positive fundamentals and price MLP/midstream securities at historically low valuation levels. In fact, MLPs exited the fiscal year with an EV/EBITDA1 multiple that was discounted to the S&P 500 multiple—a rare post-financial crisis event only seen briefly in late 2015 / early 2016 (see chart below).

 

 

Source: Bloomberg and Center Coast estimates
Note: Index returns do not reflect the fees and charges of investing; and one cannot invest in an index

 

We heard many theories to explain the weakness, but we believe that multiple factors were working together as part of a continuous negative feedback loop that was the root cause of this year’s sub-par performance. In response to this MLPs and other energy infrastructure companies have been forced to adjust and evolve.

 

This feedback loop starts with negative investor sentiment. Right or wrong, that negative sentiment could be linked to a handful of factors of the past few years: low crude oil prices (2015 and 2016); corporate governance concerns; interest rate increases; impact of tax reform; etc. With weak sentiment, MLPs have had limited access to traditional pools of capital needed to finance their growth. In response to this, MLPs are forced to do one or a few of the following: (i) find other sources of capital (e.g., the preferred equity market); (ii) reduce spending (e.g., the joint ventures utilized in pipelines such as ETP’s Rover); (iii) slow distribution growth (e.g., EPD’s decision to cut growth in half); or (iv) cut distributions. We believe this creates additional uncertainty and perpetuates negative sentiment, feeding the loop.

 

How do you break the loop? Investor sentiment must go up, or traditional financing utilization must go down. Since investor sentiment is difficult to control, most of the focus in 2017 has been on reducing the need for traditional financing sources. The good news is that the majority of management teams did something in 2017 to address this, positioning them outside the loop for 2018 and beyond. Here’s how some of our top holdings have adjusted and evolved:

 

 

ANDX – eliminated its incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) thereby permanently reducing its cost of capital, raised $600 million of preferred equity in November, received an investment grade rating, and does not expect to issue any public common equity in 2018

 


1

EV/EBITDA is a ratio that compares a company’s Enterprise Value (“EV”) to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization (“EBITDA”). The EV/EBITDA ratio is commonly used as a valuation metric to compare the relative value of different businesses; a lower relative multiple implies that a company or sector is undervalued relative to the other.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

6

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

 

MPLX – in the process of eliminating its IDRs to permanently reduce its cost of capital, funded the equity portion of its most recent drop-down acquisitions with equity back to its parent sponsor, and does not anticipate any public common equity needs in the foreseeable future

 

 

EPD – slowed its distribution growth rate from approximately 5% to 2.5% to eliminate the need for public common equity in 2019 and beyond

 

 

WPZ – eliminated IDRs and permanently reduced its cost of capital while cutting distributions 29% to eliminate equity needs for the foreseeable future

 

Others either pre-funded their equity needs or underwent similar structural changes to eliminate the need for public common equity in 2018—WES and PAA, to name a couple. Overall, we believe equity needs in 2018 will be less than 40% of what they were in 2017. Thus, even if investor sentiment stays weak it should have less of an impact on distributions, growth, and...sentiment itself.

 

While we believe there are still a few names that might need to take action (e.g., ETP and NS) a lot of the work has already been done. Effectively, this difficult market has forced and accelerated simplification, more disciplined corporate finance, and a renewed focus on capital efficiency and returns. All of these actions, while painful in the short-term, should position the asset class to be more stable and self-reliant going forward.

 

Are we finally then positioned for an uplift? Only time will tell, but the underlying fundamentals remain strong—not much has changed there—and valuation looks incredibly attractive based on historical trading levels. As we put another tough year behind us, we are increasingly optimistic about our constituents’ and our investors’ prospects in 2018.

 

Below is a quarter-by-quarter synopsis of Fiscal Year 2017 and an analysis of the Fund’s top and bottom contributor.

 

2017 YEAR IN REVIEW

 

Q1 – December 2016 through February 2017 (+16.66% net total return by the Fund’s Institutional Share): The 2016 fiscal year ended on a positive note on the heels of a surprise production cut by OPEC on November 30, 2016, causing WTI spot prices to rally +9.3% that same day. Though trading volatility remained, WTI crude oil continued to rally through the first fiscal quarter of 2017, adding another +9.2%. The backdrop set by commodity prices was enhanced by several other factors that improved investor sentiment, including:

 

 

Capital markets availability –~$3.0 billion of follow-on equity raised during the quarter2

 

 

M&A activity and simplification transactions continued – over $35 billion in M&A transactions in the first quarter, including:

 

 

o

2/1/17: Parent OKE announced intent to acquire outstanding OKS units

 

 

o

1/14/17: Parent DCP LLC sells assets and associated debt to DPM

 

 

o

1/9/17: Parent WMB retires IDRs in exchange for WPZ LP units, which cuts distribution

 

 

o

1/3/17: Parent MPC announced intent to retire IDRs in exchange for MPLX units

 

 

Increasing rig counts – U.S. land rigs were up approximately 90% since the May 2016 bottom and up over 25% quarter-over-quarter

 

 

Export markets continued providing an outlet for growing U.S. market share – cheap, U.S. hydrocarbons going global with record quarterly NGLs, crude oil, and liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) exports during Q1

 

 

Regulatory burden eased for new pipelines – the new administration removed some federal regulatory road blocks and helped encourage the completion of some large-scale projects (e.g., Dakota Access Pipeline [“DAPL”], Keystone XL)

 


2

Refers to equity raised through overnight or marketed common follow-on deals (excludes issuances from private placements or at-the-market programs)

 

 

2017 Annual Report

7

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

 

Fund flows made a comeback – exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), open-end funds (“OEFs”), and closed-end funds (“CEFs”) raised over $3.2 billion in the first quarter, with January and February each crossing $1.0 billion raised for the first time since May 2015

 

Midstream investors, us included, appeared to regain trust in the market after Q1 performance; midstream companies appeared to be trading on company-specific fundamentals which continued to trend positive with rising supply and demand of U.S. hydrocarbons. However, despite little change to the fundamentals, the first quarter sentiment boost was short-lived.

 

Q2 – March 2017 through May 2017 (-11.40% net total return by the Fund’s Institutional Share): The second quarter seemed like “déjà vu all over again” for those in midstream land. WTI spot prices dropped 11% from early March to late May 20173 with substantial volatility throughout. This precipitous drop gave way to the return of elevated correlations between midstream and crude oil prices, reaching an R² of 0.67 during March 2017. This was disappointing and frustrating for us as we had hoped that this level of correlation was behind us. As mentioned above, the midstream space had several tailwinds heading into the second quarter that should have allowed for company-specific fundamentals to take center stage, but crude prices created a familiar distraction.

 

Did the fundamental tailwinds disappear Q1 to Q2? Absolutely not – cash flow was up; production was up; rig counts were up; NGL demand was up; natural gas demand was up; interest rates remained relatively low; the credit markets remained accommodating; the broader equity markets continued at all-time highs; OPEC support continued, and; a pro-infrastructure and pro-energy administration continued encouraging U.S. energy independence. Nevertheless, the movement of a single data point—crude oil prices—was the primary reason for derailed performance for the quarter. But why were crude oil prices even down for the quarter? Primarily because of U.S. production gains and the realization that domestic production can grow rapidly in a crude oil price environment below $55 per barrel. Importantly, this is actually a good thing for midstream companies and MLPs, who stand to benefit from transporting increasing volumes.

 

Throughout the second quarter it became apparent to us that there needed to be a shift in the way that midstream investors view the fundamental relationship between crude oil prices and U.S. production—a new trading paradigm. Unlike during the pre-shale era, U.S. producers have now found themselves as the marginal global suppliers—and price makers instead of price takers—with rapid US production growth contributing to the “cap” on global crude oil prices. Thus, even though the price of crude oil has remained relatively low by recent history, domestic production volumes have reached peak levels, benefitting volume throughputs and midstream cash flows. Yet crude oil prices continued to influence midstream market behavior irrespective of the fundamental shift in this U.S. production and price dynamic. Correlations did break down in the second half of the year, though not in the direction we would have expected.

 


3

The variance in AMZ performance that can be predicted by crude prices.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

8

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

 

Q3 – June 2017 through August 2017 (-3.41% net total return by the Fund’s Institutional Share): The third quarter started right where Q2 left off, with crude prices bullying midstream performance. Even with a nine-month extension of the 1.8 million barrels per day OPEC and non-OPEC cut, crude oil prices suffered (down 5% in June) as U.S. production grew faster than expected and domestic inventories drained slower than expected. The correlation of daily crude oil price movements and AMZ performance increased to 0.75 during the month of June, a level not seen since January 2016. The silver lining to an otherwise bleak month was a strong finish—from June 21st to month’s end the asset class rallied over 7%, closing things out on a high note.

 

July was a much welcome positive month (the first since February) in which the correlation between crude and the AMZ broke down. While we generally welcome the decreased correlation between crude prices and the AMZ, we note that this break occurred in an up month for crude. Crude draws surprised market participants throughout the month and crude prices reacted positively to the DOE announcements as the “crude glut” continued to get worked off. The seasonal draws experienced in July came despite US production once again nearing all-time highs, a testament to resilient petroleum demand and decreasing imports as OPEC cuts made their way through the global system.

 

The majority of Q2 2017 earnings results were positive: nearly 75% of the Fund’s core constituents met or beat consensus expectations for the quarter. Distributions per unit for this group grew 4% over Q2 2016, and, on average, EBITDA for the group was up almost 5% over the same quarter in the prior year.

 

Nevertheless, the positive announcements were overshadowed by PAA in early August when the partnership reported a modest earnings miss and revised down guidance due to continued weakness in its Supply & Logistics (“S&L”) business. While PAA hinted at a distribution cut concurrent with its earnings release, it took two weeks for the company to provide specifics around plans to fix its balance sheet. Importantly, these plans included a deeper-than-expected 45% distribution cut. In a yield-oriented market that is largely predicated on certainty of cash flow and distributions, this period of uncertainty did not go over well for midstream equities (the AMZ was down approximately 5% during the two-week waiting period).

 

Capital markets further exacerbated the negative performance stemming from the PAA announcement. As we’ve talked about many times before, the midstream industry is in the process of a massive infrastructure build-out for natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil. This buildout requires new capital to finance the growth. As seen in August of 2017, the sheer volume

 

 

2017 Annual Report

9

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

of new equity issued by companies can sometimes overwhelm investor demand, creating temporary technical pressure on midstream equities. On 8/15/17 ETP priced a $1.0 billion common unit follow-on offering to shore up its balance sheet and fund future capital expenditures. The offering came with a sort of sticker shock given the amount of capital being raised. The market struggled to absorb this level of new equity as midstream dedicated funds had net inflows of ~$350 million, a steep deficit relative to the new equity being issued. This technical headwind should in theory be short-lived; however, the effect can be prolonged if there is a continued flow deficit (i.e. new equity issued is greater than new fund flows) as we would see during the last quarter of 2017.

 

Q4 – September 2017 through November 2017 (-6.34% net total return by the Fund’s Institutional Share: The fourth quarter picked up where the third quarter left off—strong quarterly earnings (despite devastating hurricanes) were overshadowed by corporate finance announcements, capital markets fatigue, and other technical factors such as tax loss harvesting.

 

Despite the capital markets fatigue, it was encouraging to see some high-quality midstream companies raise meaningful amounts of capital at attractive rates in a tough market. PSXP, BPL and SHLX announced private offerings directly to dedicated midstream players during the quarter; the debt markets continued to stay open as ten midstream players issued notes raising a total of $8.2 billion at attractive rates, and; the preferred market provided a source of alternative financing as eight midstream companies tapped this pool of capital raising a total of $5.0 billion. We think these deals demonstrate the flexibility midstream entities have to raise capital critical for important growth projects, and they have the added effect of alleviating some near-term capital markets concerns. In theory, these types of alternative financings are less disruptive to daily trading of common equity and allow companies to tap distinct pockets of capital.

 

Halfway through the quarter, however, the AMZ fell 9% over a 14-day period following a couple of surprise distribution announcements and the launch of a new $800mm IPO from international supermajor BP p.l.c. After market close on October 12th, Genesis Energy, L.P. (NYSE: GEL) cut its distribution 31% in order to de-lever and avoid issuing equity to fund growth. This wasn’t all that surprising to us, but it took many investors by surprise as the majority of distribution cuts were thought to have already occurred during the depth of the 2015/2016 commodity price rout. Perhaps more impactful to investor sentiment, however, was the surprise distribution growth reduction by Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD), the consensus standard-bearer of the MLP world. For years EPD had increased its distribution by the same amount every quarter, building up coverage in good times so it could maintain ratable increases through market cycles. No one expected this to change. While many applauded the focus on cost and availability of growth capital, others feared widespread distribution growth reductions and questioned how that might impact near-term performance—i.e., if the value proposition for MLPs is “yield + growth,” what happens if the latter is reduced across the board?

 

As a result, sentiment was fairly low when BP Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: BPMP) launched its $800 million midstream MLP IPO on October 26th. During the 10-day marketing period, as dedicated MLP funds and others attempted to raise money for the IPO, open-end MLP mutual funds experienced net outflows of at least $40 million (by our estimates). The supply-demand mismatch is hard to ignore–$800 million of new supply from BPMP with negative $40 million of new money for dedicated MLP funds. Therefore, to the extent dedicated MLP funds wanted to participate in the IPO, they would have had to sell existing MLP positions to “make room” for BPMP. The AMZ was down 7.4% during the BPMP marketing period.

 

Q3 2017 earnings surprised to the upside as Gulf Coast hurricane impacts were less material than originally feared and volumes in key growth areas continued to ramp. 83% of the Focus Fund holdings beat or met consensus expectations on a weighted average basis. The four holdings that missed consensus expectations maintained full year 2017 guidance, highlighting the one-time and/or transient nature of the misses. As a whole, management commentary during earnings calls appeared to be bullish as domestic production continues to ramp, new projects come online, global commodity markets improve, domestic exports rise to record levels, and OPEC extends production cuts.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

10

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

Despite early rumors of Russia potentially dropping out of the OPEC production cut agreement in March 2018, OPEC and its Non-OPEC partners managed to extend the 1.8 million barrel per day production cut for all of 2018. Moreover, OPEC exceeded expectations by convincing Libya and Nigeria to agree to cap their production at 2017 levels. OPEC’s strong messaging provided a nice boost of confidence as some investors were worried that the OPEC meeting would be a disappointment.

 

Tax loss harvesting, both by individuals and dedicated funds, acted as yet another challenge for the space during November. Year-end tax harvesting has come up throughout the energy downturn, particularly in years with an absence of widespread losses in other market sectors. It is hard to pinpoint and/or quantify the exact effect of tax loss selling given its opaque nature; however, from chatter with other market participants it is a widely known fact that MLPs/midstream were an easy target this year. This likely caused indiscriminate selling throughout the space, but affected some names more than others.

 

In summary, Q4 was another difficult quarter for MLPs despite positive fundamental news, better-than-expected earnings and an extension of the OPEC production cut. The AMZ reached a 2017 low of 252 on 11/29/17 (a level last seen during late February 2016) before staging a much-needed +4.1% rally on 11/30/17. Even though the AMZ ended the Fund’s fiscal year down 6.8% on a total return basis, it ended on a positive note, momentum we hope carries forward to 2018.

 

OPPORTUNISTIC TRANSACTIONS AND PRIVATE INVESTMENTS

 

With asset value impairment throughout the year and a conservative approach to Fund leverage, opportunistic capital was somewhat limited in 2017. Nevertheless, the Fund was able to take advantage of a few attractive opportunities and equity offerings, especially IPOs, that ultimately resulted in a positive contribution for the opportunistic sleeve as a whole. For example, the Fund participated in two IPOs and one secondary offering over the course of the fiscal year. Those three trades, which included the successful HESM and OMP IPOs, accounted for 85% of the net opportunistic gains for the year and on average outperformed the AMZ by 9.5% on a total return basis. The rest of our gains were realized as we took timely advantage of valuation disconnects or anticipated positive earnings catalysts throughout the year.

 

In 2018, we look forward to volatility potentially subsiding which we believe will allow capital to get freed up and put to work in attractive opportunities that meet the Fund’s investment criteria. We are also excited about the 2018 IPO backlog as it looks incrementally more attractive and has historically been a dependable source for opportunistic trades.

 

The Fund’s private equity investment had an exciting year, with two of the three major projects under construction achieving completion towards the end of the year, ahead of schedule and under budget. The third major expansion project is ahead of schedule and slated for completion in the coming months. Together, these three new processing facilities should contribute to a meaningful increase in cash flows in 2018 and into 2019.

 

2017 Fund Core Contribution Analysis4

 

Contribution

Top 5

Bottom 5

MPLX LP (MPLX)

1.20%

 

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (PAA)

(2.12%)

Andeavor Logistics LP (ANDX)

0.60%

 

NuStar Energy L.P. (NS)

(1.81%)

ONEOK Partners, L.P. (OKS)

0.60%

 

Energy Transfer Partners, L.P. (ETP)

(1.73%)

DCP Midstream, L.P. (DCP)

0.52%

 

Buckeye Partners, L.P. (BPL)

(1.19%)

Phillips 66 Partners L.P.

0.33%

 

Western Gas Partners LP (WES)

(0.69%)

 


4

Fund Contribution is the return of a security multiplied by the security’s average weight in the portfolio or benchmark over a specific time period (fiscal year 2016, in this case).

 

 

2017 Annual Report

11

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

The majority of the Fund’s top 5 contributors during the 2017 fiscal year benefitted from corporate finance and/or corporate structure transactions that should ultimately improve the cost of capital and increase asset scale/diversity.

 

 

MPLX was and continues to be a top holding for the Fund as it is positioned to benefit from strong fundamentals in the Appalachia region and is currently undergoing a corporate simplification that should allow MPLX to improve its cost of capital in order to be more competitive pursuing new organic growth opportunities and M&A. We expect the corporate simplification to close in the first half of 2018. MPLX outperformed the AMZ by 23.1% during the 2017 fiscal year.

 

 

OKS likewise benefitted from a simplification transaction in 2017. On February 2nd, parent OKE announced it would acquire OKS in a unit-for-stock deal with an implied 22.4% premium to OKS unitholders. OKS outperformed the AMZ by 24.6% during this time period, most of which came on the day the acquisition was announced. The acquisition closed June 30th, resulting in a partial year contribution for OKS.

 

 

DCP undertook a major acquisition early in the year in which all remaining assets held at its general partner were dropped-down to the partnership in exchange for newly issued common units. The transaction was well received by investors as it increased DCP’s asset scale and added geographical diversity. DCP continued to rally through the end of year driven by a surge in NGL prices. DCP outperformed the AMZ by 17.4% during the 2017 fiscal year.

 

 

ANDX, formerly TLLP, was another top holding that benefitted from a corporate structure change during 2017. ANDX’s sponsor, ANDV, acquired Western Refining, Inc. (NYSE: WNR) in November 2016. Investors began speculating about a potential merger of the underlying MLPs, ANDX and WNRL, concurrently with some sort of IDR simplification. This much-anticipated transaction was announced in August 2017 and was in-line with market expectations. ANDX outperformed the AMZ by 9.1% during the 2017 fiscal year.

 

 

PSXP outperformed in 2017 as it was able to access pools of capital outside of traditional equity markets in order to fund drop-down acquisitions. In late September, PSXP issued new preferred units and common units directly to institutional investors. This type of equity raise was not as disruptive as traditional follow-on equity, and the markets rewarded PSXP through the end of the year. PSXP outperformed the AMZ by 15.5% during the 2017 fiscal year.

 

In general, the top 5 detractors came under pressure during 2017 because of low coverage, high leverage, negative sentiment surrounding corporate governance and other company-specific factors.

 

 

We have talked at length about the issues that have plagued PAA during the downturn. In short, PAA’s S&L segment has underperformed relative to expectations because of unanticipated competitive dynamics in key basins and price spread/structure, ultimately leading to 2 distribution cuts in the past 18 months. We believe PAA is now on firmer financial footing which will allow it to take advantage of its industry-leading crude pipeline network as domestic production continues to ramp.

 

 

In April 2017 NS acquired Navigator, a premier crude oil gathering system in the prolific Permian basin. The highly sought-after asset went through a competitive bidding process and the $1.5bn final price tag was deemed too steep by some. Since the acquisition, NS coverage and leverage has been a main investor concern and has led the market to believe that a distribution cut is looming. While the initial ramp on the acquired assets has been slightly slower than expected, we believe that the Permian will prove to be a strategic production basin for NS.

 

 

ETP was an underperformer in 2017 as resilient cash flows were overshadowed by regulatory and governance concerns. Two of ETP’s large organic projects, DAPL and Rover, had several highly publicized regulatory hiccups throughout the year, though project timing was not materially impacted in either case. Furthermore, ETP investors continue to question management alignment within the GP / LP structure. To top it all off, ETP announced a large equity offering late in the year that exacerbated negative investor sentiment and impacted supply and demand of ETP units.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

12

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

 

BPL was right in-line with the market up until late August. The hurricanes that devastated the US Gulf Coast and the Caribbean disproportionality affected BPL’s Caribbean operations. Concurrently, investor concerns started surfacing regarding the current Caribbean storage market, customer re-contracting issues, and a tightening forward curve. In response to these concerns, late in the year BPL announced it would be reducing its distribution growth to 0% in order to become a self-funding entity. We still like BPL’s demand facing asset base and think they can consistently generate stable cash flow through commodity cycles.

 

 

WES did not really experience any of the factors outlined above–leverage is in good shape, coverage is robust, it has a strong/supportive sponsor, and distribution growth is estimated to remain at 7%-10%. WES remains one of the notable ways to play the growing Permian production given its exposure to premier acreage and counterparties. However, APC (WES’ sponsor) has been touting its capital discipline strategy and its reluctance to drill just for growth’s sake, calling into question the ultimate cash flow growth WES could be able to achieve.

 

CONCLUSION

 

The market pain experienced this year was disappointing. That said, we believe it encouraged and accelerated activity and discipline that better position our constituents to succeed in the future. Meanwhile, the U.S. energy industry continues to present a tremendous opportunity for midstream infrastructure as we sit at or near record crude oil, natural gas and NGL production levels. Further, the abundant, low-cost shale resource exploited by U.S. producers has crashed commodity prices and spurred new demand across the product value chain, a trend that is continuing today. U.S. energy competes for global market share like never before. As we look ahead to 2018 we anticipate setting new records for production, transportation, and consumption of U.S. hydrocarbons, and we believe our constituents today are better able to reap these rewards than they were at the start of 2017.

 

As both portfolio managers and Fund shareholders, we continue to look forward to valuations normalizing and the potential for stable, growing cash flows being rewarded in the market yet again.

 

We appreciate your investment with us.

 

Best Regards,

 

Dan C. Tutcher

Robert T. Chisholm

Principal & Portfolio Manager

Principal & Portfolio Manager

   

 

Jeff A. Jorgensen

 

Portfolio Manager & Director of Research

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

13

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

CEN Annual Report Notes & Disclosure

 

This letter does not constitute an offer of any securities or investment advisory services, or a recommendation with respect to any of the securities discussed herein.

 

The investment ideas summarized above represent Center Coast Capital’s current views and are subject to change depending on events with respect to particular companies and conditions and trends in the securities markets and the economy in general. The foregoing discussion includes and is based upon numerous assumptions and opinions of Center Coast concerning particular MLPs, companies, financial markets and other matters, the accuracy of which cannot be assured. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment strategy will achieve a profitable result.

 

Performance data reflects fees and expenses of the Fund, but does not reflect sales charges or fees that may be incurred. All performance data is unaudited and assumes reinvestment of all distributions. Current performance may be lower or higher than that shown based on market fluctuations from the end of the reported period. Before making an investment in the Fund, you should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the fund which, together with and other important information are included in the fund’s most recent prospectus and other filings with the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be attained. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a market price that is below their net asset value. The Fund uses leverage with creates risks that may adversely affect return, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and the market price of common shares.

 

Distribution rate is calculated as distribution per share annualized and divided by the current share price. The total return sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund’s common shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its common shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital.

 

Comparison to any market or MLP Index is for illustrative purposes only, and the volatility of these may be materially different from the volatility of the Fund due to a variety of factors.

 

The Fund’s investments are concentrated in the energy infrastructure industry with an emphasis on securities issued by MLPs, which may increase price fluctuation. The value of commodity-linked investments such as the MLPs and energy infrastructure companies (including Midstream MLPs and energy infrastructure companies) in which the Fund invests are subject to risks specific to the industry they serve, such as fluctuations in commodity prices, reduced volumes of available natural gas or other energy commodities, slowdowns in new construction and acquisitions, a sustained reduced demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products, depletion of the natural gas reserves or other commodities, changes in the macroeconomic or regulatory environment, environmental hazards, rising interest rates and threats of attack by terrorists on energy assets, each of which could affect the Fund’s profitability.

 

MLPs are subject to significant regulation and may be adversely affected by changes in the regulatory environment including the risk that an MLP could lose its tax status as a partnership. If an MLP were to be obligated to pay federal income tax on its income at the corporate tax rate, the amount of cash available for distribution would be reduced and such distributions received by the Fund would be taxed under federal income tax laws applicable to corporate dividends received (as dividend income, return of capital, or capital gain).

 

In addition, investing in MLPs involves additional risks as compared to the risks of investing in common stock, including risks related to cash flow, dilution and voting rights. Such companies may trade less frequently than larger companies due to their smaller capitalizations which may result in erratic price movement or difficulty in buying or selling.

 

The information contained herein has been prepared by Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP and is current as of the date hereof. Such information is subject to change.

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

14

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

PAST PERFORMANCE IS NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND COULD SUFFER LOSS.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. The Fund utilizes leverage as part of its investment strategy. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.

 

The Fund is a non-diversified closed-end investment company. Shares of closed-end investment companies, such as the Fund, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase investors’ risk of loss. As of November 30, 2017, the Fund had an estimated Deferred Tax Liability/Asset of $0. There is no assurance when and if these tax benefits will be realized.

 

Investors should consider the Fund’s investment objective, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

 

This document is not an offer to sell securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale or offer of these securities, in any jurisdiction where such sale or offer is not permitted.

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk, including possible loss of principal invested. The Fund is not a complete investment program and you may lose money investing in the Fund. Because of the Fund’s concentration in MLP investments, the Fund is not eligible to be treated as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Instead, the Fund will be treated as a regular corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a result, unlike most investment companies, will be subject to corporate income tax to the extent the Fund recognizes taxable income.

 

The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and will not elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. Accordingly, the Fund may concentrate its investments in a limited number of companies. As a result, the Fund’s returns may fluctuate as a result of any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting, or in the market’s assessment of, such portfolio companies to a greater extent than those of a diversified investment company.

 

An investment in MLP units involves risks that differ from a similar investment in equity securities, such as common stock, of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have the rights typically afforded to limited partners in a limited partnership. As compared to common shareholders of a corporation, holders of MLP units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units. Additionally, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of an MLP; for example, a conflict may arise as a result of incentive distribution payments, as such an incentive structure may result in divergent and potentially conflicting interests between common unitholders and the general partner, which may have more motivation to pursue projects with high risk and high potential reward.

 

Because the Fund is focused in MLP and infrastructure companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with such sector. A downturn in such sector could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole.

 

The Fund currently seeks to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage. The Fund may utilize financial leverage up to the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The costs associated with the issuance and use of financial leverage will be borne by the holders of the common shares. Financial leverage is a speculative technique and investors should note that there are special risks and costs associated with financial leverage. There can be no assurance that a financial leverage strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. On November 30, 2017, the Fund’s outstanding borrowings were $66.5 million under its credit facility (19% of

 

 

2017 Annual Report

15

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Shareholder Letter (unaudited)

 

Managed Assets) and $50.0 million of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock (14% of Managed Assets), resulting in a total leverage percentage of 33.7%. As of November 30, 2017, the Credit Facility had an interest rate of 2.32% and the Preferred Stock has a 4.29% annual coupon.

 

Information is as of the date indicated and subject to change.

 


i

Total return is based on the combination of capital gain and return of capital distributions, if any. Total returns are net of fees and expenses.

 

ii

Distributions may be paid from sources of income other than ordinary income, such as short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains, or return of capital. The Fund expects to distribute cash in excess of its earnings and profits to Common Shareholders which may be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the Common Shareholders’ bases in Common Shares, although no assurance can be given in this regard. Return of capital distributions to Common Shareholders are generally tax deferred but will result in a reduction in basis in their Common Shares, which may increase the capital gain, or reduce capital loss, realized upon sale of such Common Shares.

 

iii

Index of Company References

Andeavor Logistics LP (NYSE: ANDX)

Andeavor (NYSE: ANDV)

Anadarko Petroleum Corp (NYSE: APC)

BP PLC (NYSE: BP)

Buckeye Partners LP (NYSE: BPL)

BP Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: BPMP)

DCP Midstream LP (NYSE: DCP)

DCP Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: DPM)

Enterprise Products Partners LP (NYSE: EPD)

Energy Transfer Partners LP (NYSE: ETP)

Genesis Energy LP (NYSE: GEL)

Marathon Petroleum Corp (NYSE: MPC)

MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX)

NuStar Energy LP (NYSE: NS)

ONEOK Inc (NYSE: OKE)

ONEOK Partners LP (NYSE: OKS)

Plains All American Pipeline LP (NYSE: PAA)

Phillips 66 Partners LP (NYSE: PSXP)

Shell Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: SHLX)

Tesoro Logistics LP (NYSE: TLLP)

Western Gas Partners LP (NYSE: WES)

The Williams Cos Inc (NYSE: WMB)

Western Refining Logistics LP (NYSE: WNRL)

Williams Partners LP (NYSE: WPZ)

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

16

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Summary of Investments

As of November 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

Sector Type/Sector

Percent of Total
Net Assets

Common Stock

 

Midstream C-corps

11.2%

Other unit classes

0.4%

Total Common Stock

11.6%

Master Limited Partnership Shares

 

Compression

1.5%

Diversified Midstream

51.1%

E&P-sponsored Gathering & Processing

16.9%

General Partner (K-1)

1.3%

Large-cap Gathering & Processing

6.8%

Large-cap Petroleum Transportation & Storage

22.2%

Natural Gas Transportation & Storage

13.1%

Other fee-based

1.2%

Other unit classes

0.5%

Small-cap Gathering & Processing

2.6%

Sponsored Petroleum Transportation & Storage

1.8%

Total Master Limited Partnership Shares

119.0%

Unregistered/Restricted Securities

 

Natural Gas Transportation & Storage

19.1%

Short-Term Investments

0.3%

Total Investments

150.0%

Line of Credit

(28.9%)

Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares

(21.3%)

Other Assets less Liabilities

0.2%

Total Net Assets

100.0%

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

17

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Schedule of Investments

November 30, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
    COMMON STOCK — 11.6%    
    Midstream C-corps — 11.2%    
 140,347  

ONEOK, Inc. 1

  $7,284,010 
 426,329  

Targa Resources Corp. 1

   18,502,679 
         25,786,689 
     Other unit classes — 0.4%     
 63,498  

Enbridge Energy Management, LLC 2

   857,223 
         857,223 
     Total Common Stock     
     (Cost $18,215,366)   26,643,912 
           
     MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP SHARES — 119.0%     
     Compression — 1.5%     
 199,779   USA Compression Partners LP   3,392,247 
         3,392,247 
     Diversified Midstream — 51.1%     
 507,898  

Andeavor Logistics LP 1

   22,733,514 
 449,086   Enbridge Energy Partners LP   6,565,637 
 1,318,021  

Energy Transfer Partners LP 1

   21,892,329 
 915,982  

Enterprise Products Partners LP 1

   22,560,637 
 692,088  

MPLX LP 1

   24,818,276 
 516,227   Williams Partners LP   18,945,531 
         117,515,924 
     E&P-sponsored Gathering & Processing — 16.9%     
 1,235,931  

EnLink Midstream Partners LP 1

   19,762,537 
 61,040  

Oasis Midstream Partners LP 2

   1,106,045 
 399,264  

Western Gas Partners LP 1

   17,895,012 
         38,763,594 
     General Partner (K-1) — 1.3%     
 206,176  

NuStar GP Holdings LLC 1

   2,999,861 
         2,999,861 
     Large-cap Gathering & Processing — 6.8%     
 354,609  

DCP Midstream Partners LP 1

   12,460,960 
 210,250   Enable Midstream Partners LP   3,149,545 
         15,610,505 
     Large-cap Petroleum Transportation & Storage — 22.2%     
 296,899  

Buckeye Partners LP 1

   13,636,571 
 170,410  

Magellan Midstream Partners LP 1

   11,417,470 
 430,222  

NuStar Energy LP 1

   12,502,251 
 689,799  

Plains All American Pipeline LP 1

   13,451,081 
         51,007,373 
     Natural Gas Transportation & Storage — 13.1%     
 363,562  

Spectra Energy Partners LP 1

   14,876,957 
 300,414  

TC Pipelines LP 1

   15,264,035 
         30,140,992 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

18

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Schedule of Investments - Continued

November 30, 2017

 

Number
of Shares
      Value 
    MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP SHARES — 119.0% (continued)    
    Other fee-based — 1.2%    
 201,846   Martin Midstream Partners LP  $2,714,829 
         2,714,829 
     Other unit classes — 0.5%     
 52,607   Plains GP Holdings LP - Class A   1,083,178 
         1,083,178 
     Small-cap Gathering & Processing — 2.6%     
 132,883  

Crestwood Equity Partners LP 1

   3,182,548 
 153,164  

Summit Midstream Partners LP 1

   2,902,458 
         6,085,006 
     Sponsored Petroleum Transportation & Storage — 1.8%     
 64,973   PBF Logistics LP   1,279,968 
 62,333  

Phillips 66 Partners LP 1

   2,920,924 
         4,200,892 
     Total Master Limited Partnership Shares     
     (Cost $279,857,533)   273,514,401 
           
     UNREGISTERED/RESTRICTED SECURITIES — 19.1%     
 43,904,880  

KKR Eagle Co-Invest LP 3,5

   43,904,880 
     Total Unregistered/Restricted Securities     
     (Cost $36,829,327)   43,904,880 

 

Principal
Amount
      Value 
    Short-Term Investments — 0.3%    
$477,378  

Goldman Sachs Financial Square Funds, 0.80% 4

  $477,378 
 210,001  

UMB Money Market Fiduciary, 0.01% 4

   210,001 
     Total Short-Term Investments     
     (Cost $687,379)   687,379 
           
     Total Investments * — 150.0%     
     (Cost $335,589,605)   344,750,572 
     Line of Credit — (28.9)%   (66,500,000)
     Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — (21.3) %   (49,009,506)
     Other Assets less Liabilities — 0.2%   569,529 
     Total Net Assets — 100%  $229,810,595 

 

LLC - Limited Liability Company  

LP - Limited Partnership

 

1

All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral with the Fund’s line of credit agreement.
As of November 30, 2017, the total value of securities pledged as collateral for the line of credit agreement was $157,644,610.

 

2

Non-income producing security.

 

3

Indicates a fair valued security. Total value for fair valued securities is $43,904,880, representing 19.1% of fund net assets.

 

4

The rate quoted is the annualized seven-day yield of the Fund at the period end.

 

5

Acquisition date of KKR Eagle Co-Invest LP was 3/25/2015.

 

*

All investments domiciled in the United States.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

19

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

November 30, 2017

 

Assets:    
Investments, at fair value (cost $335,589,605)  $344,750,572 
Cash   47,408 
Receivables:     
Fund shares sold   1,380,190 
Dividends and interest   24 
Other assets   115,816 
Total Assets   346,294,010 
      
Liabilities:     
Payables:     
Advisory fees   288,184 
Mandatory redeemable preferred shares issued ($0.01 par value, 2,000 shares issued with liquidation    
preference of $25,000 per share, net of debt issuance cost of $990,494)   49,009,506 
Interest expense   414,029 
Line of credit   66,500,000 
Accrued other expenses   271,696 
Total Liabilites   116,483,415 
      
Net Assets, Applicable to Common Shareholders  $229,810,595 
      
Components of Net Assets, Applicable to Common Shareholders:     
Paid-in capital  $328,138,904 
Undistributed net investment loss, net of deferred taxes   (40,109,801)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written option contracts, net of deferred taxes   (69,029,297)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net of deferred taxes   10,810,789 
Net Assets, Applicable to Common Shareholders  $229,810,595 
      
Net Asset Value Per Common Shares ($0.01 Par Value, Unlimited Shares Authorized)     
($229,810,595 / 24,593,108 shares outstanding; unlimited number of shares authorized)  $9.34 
      
Market Price Per Common Share  $9.20 
      
Market Price (Discount) to Net Asset Value Per Common Share   (1.50%)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

20

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended November 30, 2017

 

Investment Income:    
Distributions from master limited partnerships  $24,029,080 
Dividend income from common stock   2,763,153 
Total distributions and dividends   26,792,233 
Less return of capital on distributions   (24,029,080)
Distributions from common stock in excess of cost basis   (2,430,961)
Net dividends and distributions   332,192 
Interest   2,011 
Miscellaneous income   134,892 
Total investment income   469,095 
      
Expenses:     
Investment advisory fee   3,801,079 
Interest expense   3,665,175 
Professional fees   422,959 
Shareholder servicing fees   249,587 
Franchise tax expense   16,913 
Administrative fees   152,831 
Directors' fees   135,000 
Shareholder reporting expense   46,232 
Insurance expense   50,259 
Custody fees   24,627 
Transfer agent fees   17,804 
Other expenses   187,087 
Total expenses   8,769,553 
      
Net Investment loss   (8,300,458)
      
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments     
Net realized gain (loss) on:     
Investments   7,499,788 
Option contracts   294,695 
Tax expense    
Net realized gain (loss), net of taxes   7,794,483 
      
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:     
Investments   (15,676,839)
Tax benefit    
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   (15,676,839)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments   (7,882,356)
      
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations  $(16,182,814)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

21

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2017
   For the
Year Ended
November 30, 2016
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets        
Operations:        
Net investment loss  $(8,300,458)  $(4,813,741)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written options,          
net of deferred taxes   7,794,483    (77,005,437)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments,          
net of deferred taxes   (15,676,839)   112,642,003 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (16,182,814)   30,822,825 
           
Dividends and Distributions          
Distributions   (28,115,028)   (25,037,804)
Dividends and Distributions   (28,115,028)   (25,037,804)
           
Capital Share Transactions:          
Distributions reinvested - Shares issued at Net Asset Value   1,188,289    708,293 
Shares sold   39,801,416    10,662,958 
Capital Share Transactions   40,989,705    11,371,251 
           
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   (3,308,137)   17,156,272 
           
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period/year   233,118,732    215,962,460 
End of period/year  $229,810,595   $233,118,732 
           
Undistributed net investment loss, net of deferred taxes  $(40,109,801)  $(31,809,343)
           
Capital Share Transactions:          
Shares sold   3,711,880    937,968 
Shares reinvested   8,033    24,962 
Shares reinvested on the open market   (8,033)   (24,962)
Shares reinvested at Net Asset Value   112,141    68,596 
Net increase   3,824,021    1,006,564 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

22

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Statement of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended November 30, 2017

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations  $(16,182,814)
Adjustments to reconcile Net Decrease in Net Assets from     
Operations to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Return of capital on distributions from master limited partnerships   24,029,080 
Distributions from common stock in excess of cost basis   2,430,961 
Net realized gain from investments and written options contracts   (7,794,483)
Net unrealized depreciation on investments   15,676,839 
Purchases of long-term investments   (156,787,875)
Net purchases and sales of short-term investments   53,110 
Proceeds from sales of long-term investments   136,481,505 
Amortization of preferred shares offering cost   112,383 
Decrease in deposits with brokers   155,579 
Decrease in federal and state taxes receivable   4,757,674 
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable   41,882 
Increase in other assets   (27,518)
Decrease in advisory fees payable   (6,859)
Increase in interest expense payable   1,373 
Decrease in accrued other expenses   (18,118)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   2,922,719 
      
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES     
Proceeds from sale of shares   39,251,428 
Distributions to shareholders   (26,926,739)
Proceeds from line of credit   12,000,000 
Repayment of line of credit   (27,200,000)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities   (2,875,311)
      
Net change in cash equivalents   47,408 
      
Cash at beginning of year    
Cash at end of year   47,408 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

During the year ended November 30, 2017, interest paid was $3,663,802.

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Activity:

 

Non-cash financing activities not included consist of reinvestments of dividends and distibutions of $103,819.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

23

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Financial Highlights

Per share operating performance. For a capital share outstanding throughout the period.

 

   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2017
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2016
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2015
   For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2014
   For the Period September 26, 2013*
through
November 30,
2013
 
Net asset value, beginning of year  $11.22   $10.93   $20.11   $19.31   $19.061 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations                         

Net investment loss2

   (0.37)   (0.24)   (0.30)   (0.24)   (0.04)

Return of capital2

   1.19    1.10    1.17    0.81    0.24 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments2,3

   (1.45)   0.68    (8.80)   1.58    0.15 
Total from investment operations   (0.63)   1.54    (7.93)   2.15    0.35 
                          
Dividends and Distributions                         
Dividends               (1.18)    
Distributions - return of capital   (1.25)   (1.25)   (1.25)   (0.17)   (0.10)
Total dividends and distributions   (1.25)   (1.25)   (1.25)   (1.35)   (0.10)
                          
Net asset value, end of period  $9.34   $11.22   $10.93   $20.11   $19.31 
Market value, end of period  $9.20   $11.58   $11.09   $19.49   $18.46 
                          

Total net asset value return4

   (6.59)%   15.62%   (40.75)%10   11.94%   1.88%5

Total market value return4

   (10.85)%   17.61%   (37.97)%10   13.49%   (7.18)%5
                          
Ratios and Supplemental Data                         
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)  $229,811   $233,119   $215,962   $297,927   $286,009 
Ratio of expenses (benefit) to average net assets   3.51%7   2.90%7   (4.96)%7   8.55%7   8.25%6,7
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (excluding deferred tax benefit)   3.51%   2.83%   2.53%   2.26%   2.08%6
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (excluding deferred tax benefit and interest expense)   2.04%   2.06%   2.00%   1.85%   1.84%6
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets   (3.33)%7   (2.32)%7   (1.82)%7   (1.18)%7   (1.31)%6,7
Ratio of expenses (benefit) to average managed assets   2.31%8   2.06%8   (3.46)%8   6.08%8   6.34%6,8
Portfolio turnover rate   36%   62%   91%   105%   18%5
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands)  $66,500   $81,700   $79,600   $129,000   $100,500 
Total amount of preferred shares outstanding (in thousands)  $50,000   $50,000   $   $   $ 

Asset coverage per $1,000 per unit of senior indebtedness 9

  $2,973   $2,770   $3,949   $3,310   $3,846 

Asset coverage per preferred share 11

  $139,905   $141,559   $   $   $ 
Liquidating preference for preferred shares  $25,000   $25,000   $   $   $ 

 

*

Commencement of operations.

1

Initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less underwriting discounts of $0.90 per share and offering costs of $0.04 per share.

2

Based on average shares outstanding during the period.

3

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share in the period. It may not agree to the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to the fluctuation in share transactions this period.

4

Total net asset value return measures the change in net asset value per share over the period indicated. Total market value return is computed based upon the Fund’s New York Stock Exchange market price per share and excludes the effects of brokerage commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of these calculations, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

5

Not annualized.

6

Annualized.

7

Includes the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to net investment income (loss) and the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to realized and unrealized gain (loss). Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios exclude the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to realized and unrealized gain (loss).

8

Average managed assets represent the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any forms of financial leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any financial leverage.

9

Represents the total value of total assets less liabilities, not including the Line of Credit and Preferred Shares divided by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of the senior indebtedness.

10

Includes dilution (net of offering costs) of approximately $1.11 to NAV per share resulting from the Fund’s transferrable rights offering, which expired on April 17, 2015. In connection with such offering, the Fund issued 4,938,969 additional common shares at a subscription price per share below the then-current NAV per share of the Fund.

11

Represents the total value of total assets less liabilities, not including preferred shares divided by the total number of preferred shares.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

 

 

2017 Annual Report

24

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017

 

Note 1 – Organization

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the ‘‘Fund’’) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund was organized as a statutory trust on May 3, 2013, pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, and is governed by the laws of the state of Delaware. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and energy infrastructure companies.

 

The Fund commenced operations on September 26, 2013, and is managed by Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP (the “Advisor”), an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the business operations of the Fund.

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

 

The Fund is an investment company. Accordingly, these financial statements have applied the guidance set forth in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services-Investment Companies. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

(a) Valuation of Investments

 

The Fund values public equity securities investments it owns at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal over the counter (“OTC”) market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on the day the securities are being valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices. Equity securities that are traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Debt securities are valued at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices for such securities, or if such prices are not available, at fair value considering prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality and type. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less may be valued at amortized cost. The Fund values exchange-traded options at the mean of best bid and ask prices as of the close of such exchange.

 

The Fund’s assets are valued at their fair market value. If a market quotation is not readily available for a portfolio security, the security will be valued at fair value (the amount which the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its current sale) as determined in good faith by the Fair Value Pricing Committee, pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board. The actions of the Fair Value Pricing Committee are subsequently reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled board meeting. The Fair Value Pricing Committee meets as needed. The Fair Value Pricing Committee is comprised of Fund officers and a designee of the Fund’s administrator.

 

(b) Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses

 

Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded net of applicable withholding taxes on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Discounts or premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Brokerage commissions and mark ups are considered transaction costs and are recorded as an increase to the cost basis of securities purchased and/or a reduction of proceeds on a sale of securities. Such transaction costs are included in the determination of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investment securities reported in the Statement of Operations and the Statements of Changes in Net Assets and the net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on securities per share in the Financial Highlights. Transaction costs are included in the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value and, accordingly, they reduce the Fund’s total return at net asset value. These transaction costs are not considered operating expenses

 

 

2017 Annual Report

25

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

and are not reflected in net investment income reported in the Statement of Operations and Statements of Changes in Net Assets, or the net investment income per share and ratios of expenses and net investment income reported in the Financial Highlights.

 

(c) Return of Capital Estimates

 

Distributions received from the Fund’s investments in MLPs generally are comprised of income and return of capital. The Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded. For the year ended November 30, 2017, the Fund estimated that 100% of the MLP distributions received would be treated as return of capital.

 

(d) Options

 

The Fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and may buy or write (sell) options to hedge against changes in the value of equities. Further, the Fund may seek to generate additional income, in the form of premiums received, from writing (selling) options on securities held in portfolio and may also opportunistically buy or write (sell) call or put options (“options”) on energy infrastructure securities not held by the Fund.

 

When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is included in “Written option contracts, at value” on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Options are marked-to-market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value and dividend/distribution rates of the underlying equity securities, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the securities markets and the underlying equity securities and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. The value of options may also be adversely affected if the market for the options becomes less liquid or trading volume diminishes. Options the Fund buys or writes will either be exercised, expire or be cancelled pursuant to a closing transaction.

 

If the price of the underlying security exceeds the option’s exercise price, it is likely that the option holder will exercise the option. The Fund realizes a gain on a purchased call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs. The Fund may also purchase put option contracts. If a purchased put option is exercised, the premium paid increases the cost basis of the securities sold by the Fund.

 

The Fund may also write call or put options with the purpose of generating realized gains, increasing or reducing its ownership of certain securities. Writing put options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to the underlying instrument. Writing call options tends to decrease the Fund’s potential for future profits on the underlying investment. If the Fund writes a call on a security, the Fund has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. If the Fund writes a put on a security, the Fund has the obligation upon exercise of the option to purchase the underlying security at the exercise price. Generally, the Fund seeks to write call options on securities that the Fund holds in its portfolio (i.e., covered calls) although it has the flexibility and from time to time has written “naked” call options. When the Fund writes a call option or a put option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains from investments. If the Fund repurchases a written call option prior to its exercise, the difference between the premium received and the amount paid to repurchase the option is treated as a realized gain or loss. If a written call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. If a written put option is exercised, the Fund has the obligation to buy the underlying security at the exercise price and the premium received is deducted from the price of the underlying securities purchased in determining whether the Fund has realized a gain or loss. The Fund as a writer of an option has no control over whether the underlying instrument may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the instrument underlying the written option, which may potentially be unlimited. There is also the risk the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

26

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

Over-the-counter options have the risk of the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. In addition, certain risks may arise upon entering into option contracts including the risk that an illiquid secondary market will limit the Fund’s ability to close out an option contract prior to the expiration date and that a change in the value of the option contract may not correlate exactly with changes in the value of the securities hedged.

 

(e) Distributions to Shareholders

 

Distributions are authorized by the Board and, when made, are generally declared and paid monthly. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s Reinvestment Plan, unless the shareholder has elected to have them paid in cash. Distributions paid by the Fund are subject to re-characterization for tax purposes.

 

(f) Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Fund considers cash and highly liquid investments with original maturity days of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At times, these balances may exceed federally insured limits of $250,000, which may subject the Fund to a concentration of credit risk. The Fund has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

 

Note 3 – Investment Advisory and Other Agreements

 

The Advisor entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Fund. For services rendered by the Advisor on behalf of the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any form of borrowings, used for leverage, outstanding, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any borrowings outstanding.

 

UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”) serves as the Fund’s fund accountant, tax preparer and administrator. UMB Bank, n.a., an affiliate of UMBFS, serves as the Fund’s custodian. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

HRC Portfolio Solutions serves as the shareholder servicing agent which the Fund pays a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.10% of average daily net assets of shares serviced for providing administrative and support services to their customers. For the year ended November 30, 2017, shareholder servicing fees incurred are disclosed on the Statement of Operations.

 

Certain trustees and officers of the Fund are employees of the Advisor. The Fund does not compensate trustees and officers affiliated with the Advisor. For year ended November 30, 2017, the Fund’s fees incurred to Directors who are not affiliated with the Advisor are reported on the Statement of Operations.

 

Note 4 – Federal Income Taxes

 

The Fund does not intend to qualify as a regulated investment company pursuant to Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code; therefore, it will rather be taxed as a corporation. As a corporation, the Fund is obligated to pay federal, state and local income tax on taxable income. Currently, the maximum marginal regular federal income tax rate for a corporation is 35%. Upon enactment, a change in the federal income tax rate could have a material impact on the fund, see Note 13. The Fund is currently using an estimated 2.0% for state and local tax.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

27

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

The Fund’s income tax provision consists of the following as of November 30, 2017:

 

Current tax expense (benefit)     
Federal  $ 
State    
Total current tax expense  $ 
      
Deferred tax expense (benefit)     
Federal  $ 
State    
Total deferred tax expense  $ 

 

The reconciliation between the federal statutory income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rate on net investment income (loss) and realized and unrealized gain (loss) follows:

 

   Amount   Rate 
Application of statutory income tax rate  $(5,663,986)   35.00%
State income taxes net of federal benefit   (323,657)   2.00%
Effect of permanent & temporary differences   885,359    (5.47%)
Change in valuation allowance   5,102,284    (31.53%)
Total income tax expense (benefit)  $    0.00%

 

The Fund intends to invest their assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited partner in the MLPs, the Fund reports its allocable share of the MLP’s taxable income in computing its own taxable income. The Fund’s tax expense or benefit will be included in the Statement of Operations based on the component of income or gains (losses) to which such expense or benefit relates. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary difference between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Such temporary differences are principally: (i) taxes on unrealized gains/(losses), which are attributable to the temporary difference between fair market value and tax basis, (ii) the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax purposes and (iii) the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such temporary differences are realized or otherwise settled. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, consideration is given to whether or not a valuation allowance is required. A valuation allowance is required if based on the evaluation criterion provided by ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740) that it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Among the factors considered in assessing the Fund’s valuation allowance: the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of the statutory carryforward periods and the associated risks that operating and capital loss carryforwards may expire unused. The Fund has recorded a valuation allowance of $29,912,757 of the net deferred tax asset at November 30, 2017, as the Fund believes it is more-likely-than-not the asset will not be realized within the relevant carryforward periods. The Fund may be required to modify the estimates or assumptions it uses regarding the deferred tax asset or liability as new information becomes available. Since the Fund is subject to taxation of its taxable income, the NAV of the Funds shares are reduced by the accrual of any deferred tax liabilities. Because of the impact of deferred taxes, the Funds’ performance could differ from its underlying index.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

28

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

Components of the Fund’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of November 30, 2017 are as follows:

 

Deferred tax assets:    
Net operating loss carryforward (tax basis)  $14,170,730 
Capital loss carryforward (tax basis)   26,090,746 
Other   96,790 
Valuation Allowance   (29,912,757)
Deferred tax liabilities:     
Net unrealized gains on investment securities (tax basis)   (10,445,509)
Total net deferred tax asset/(liability)  $ 

 

Unexpected significant changes in cash distributions from the Fund’s MLP investments or significant changes in the fair value of its investments may change the Fund’s assessment regarding the recoverability of their deferred tax assets and may result in a change in valuation allowance. If the valuation allowance is modified in the future, it could have a material impact on the Fund’s net asset value and results of operations in the period it is recorded.

 

The Fund may rely, to some extent, on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable income allocable to MLP units held in their portfolios, and to estimate their associated deferred tax benefit/(liability). Such estimates are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund will modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its tax benefit/(liability).

 

The Fund’s policy is to classify interest and penalties associated with underpayment of federal and state income taxes, if any, as income tax expense on their Statements of Operations.

 

The Fund files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. The prior three tax years remain open and subject to examination by tax jurisdictions. The Fund has reviewed all major jurisdictions and concluded that there is no significant impact on the Fund’s net assets and no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions expected to be taken on their tax returns. Furthermore, management of the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next year.

 

At November 30, 2017, the Fund had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, which may be carried forward for 20 years, as follows:

 

Expiration Date:    
11/30/2035  $13,600,121 
11/30/2036   7,495,732 
11/30/2037   17,203,417 
Total  $38,299,270 

 

Although the fund has a valuation allowance as of November 30, 2017 which reduced the value of its deferred tax asset components, the fund does intend to utilize the full value of its net operating loss carryforwards by offsetting future income or gains generated (if any) against 100% of this carryforward amount, subject to certain IRS limitations and the 20 year carryforward period.

 

At November 30, 2017, the Fund had net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, which may be carried forward for 5 years, as follows:

 

Expiration Date:    
11/30/2021  $70,515,531 
Total  $70,515,531 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

29

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

At November 30, 2017, gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments, based on cost for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost of investments  $317,375,760 
Gross unrealized appreciation  $92,189,270 
Gross unrealized depreciation   (64,814,458)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments  $27,374,812 

 

The difference between cost amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to income/(loss) from MLP K-1s, which is treated as an increase/(decrease) in cost basis of the MLP shares held, and timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions.

 

Note 5 – Investment Transactions

 

For the year ended November 30, 2017, purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term investments, were $156,787,875 and $134,396,569, respectively.

 

Note 6 – Capital Stock

 

The Fund is authorized to issue unlimited common shares of beneficial interest, par value of $0.01 per share. At November 30, 2017, the shares outstanding were 24,593,108.

 

On May 27, 2016, the Fund entered into a distribution agreement, which was amended and restated as of August 18, 2017 pursuant to which the Fund may offer and sell up to 8.0 million Common Shares of the Fund, from time to time, in transactions that are deemed “at the market” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. The minimum price at which such Common Stock may be sold may not be less than the current Net Asset Value per Common Share plus any commissions to be paid to the distributor. During 2017, the Fund issued 3,711,880 shares under this “at the market” program at an average price of $10.8313 per share.

 

Note 7 – Preferred Shares

 

On September 22, 2016, the Fund completed a private placement of 2,000 shares of Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares (“MRP Shares”). Each MRP Share has a liquidation preference of $25,000, resulting in an aggregate liquidation preference of $50.0 million for all MRP Shares. The MRP Shares will pay quarterly cash dividends at a rate of 4.29% per annum. The MRP Shares have a term redemption date of September 26, 2026.

 

The Fund incurred costs in connection with the issuance of the MRP Shares. These costs were recorded as a deferred charge and are being amortized over the life of the MRP Shares. Amortization of these costs is included in Interest expense on the Statement of Operations, and the unamortized balance is included net within in Mandatory redeemable preferred shares on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

The average aggregate liquidation preference outstanding and the average annualized dividend rate of the MRP Shares during the year ended November 30, 2017 were $25,000 and 4.29%, respectively.

 

The Fund is subject to certain restrictions relating to the MRP Shares, such as maintaining certain asset coverage and leverage ratio requirements. Failure to comply with these restrictions could cause increases in the dividend rate paid, preclude the Fund from declaring any distributions to common shareholders or purchasing common shares, and/or could trigger the mandatory redemption of MRP Shares at liquidation preference.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

30

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

The liquidation preference of MRP Shares, which are considered debt of the Fund for financial reporting purposes, is recorded as a liability under the caption Mandatory redeemable preferred shares issued on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Unpaid dividends on MRP Shares are recognized as Interest expense payable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Dividends paid on MRP Shares are recognized as a component of Interest expense on the Statement of Operations.

 

Note 8 – Borrowings

 

The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. (“BNPP”) pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to a maximum commitment amount of (1) $75,000,000 under a 179-day facility plus (2) additional amounts on a demand basis subject to the amount of the Fund’s pledged collateral and the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. The Fund pays a monthly financing charge based on a LIBOR-based variable rate and a commitment fee of 0.70% per annum on the unused portion of the maximum commitment amount. Under the Credit Agreement, the Fund is required to pledge portfolio securities as collateral in an amount up to two times the loan balance outstanding (or more depending on the terms of the Credit Agreement) and has granted a security interest in the securities pledged to, and in favor of, BNPP as security for the loan balance outstanding. If the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or maintain other financial covenants required under the Credit Agreement, the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement, necessitating the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times.

 

As of November 30, 2017, the fair value of the outstanding Credit Agreement was estimated to be $65,554,754, and would be categorized as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value was estimated based on discounting the cash flows owed using a discount rate of 1.95%.

 

The Fund had outstanding borrowings of $66,500,000 as of November 30, 2017. The Fund borrowed an average daily balance of approximately $77,901,644 at a weighted average borrowing cost of 1.95%.

 

The analysis below presents the sensitivity of the market value of the Fund’s financial instruments to selected changes in market rates. The range of changes chosen reflects its view of changes which are reasonably possible over a one-year period because the loan will likely be renewed yearly. For sensitivity purposes, if market rates of interest increase by 100 basis points the Fund’s interest expense would increase by approximately $665,000. If market rates of interest decrease by 100 basis points the Fund’s interest expense would decrease by approximately $665,000.

 

These amounts were determined solely by considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on the Fund’s financial instruments. Due to the uncertainty of specific actions it may undertake to minimize possible effects of market interest rate increases, this analysis assumes no changes in the Fund’s financial structure.

 

Note 9 – Indemnifications

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

Note 10 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure

 

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. It also provides guidance on determining when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability, when a transaction is not orderly, and how that information must be incorporated into a fair value measurement.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

31

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

Under Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized into three broad Levels as described below:

 

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different Levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the Level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest Level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

In addition, the Fund has adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-04 Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs which amends Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures to establish common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Enhanced disclosure is required to detail any transfers in to and out of Level 1 and Level 2 measurements and Level 2 and Level 3 measurements and the reasons for the transfers.

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the fair valuation levels, as of November 30, 2017:

 

Assets  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 

Common Stock1

  $26,643,912   $   $   $26,643,912 

Master Limited Partnerships1

   273,514,401            273,514,401 
Unregistered/Restricted Securities           43,904,880    43,904,880 
Short-Term Investments   687,379            687,379 

Total Assets

  $300,845,692   $   $43,904,880   $344,750,572 

 

1

All Common Stock, Master Limited Partnerships and Preferred Stock held by the Fund are Level 1 securities. For a detailed break-out of Common Stock Master Limited Partnerships and Preferred Stock by major industry classification, please refer to the Schedule of Investments.

 

Transfers are recognized at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers during the period.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

32

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

The following table summarizes the change in value associated with Level 3 securities carried at fair value for the year ended November 30, 2017:

 

   Level 3
Securities
 
Unregistered/Restricted Securities    
Balance, December 1, 2016  $31,004,597 
Purchase   5,824,730 
Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)   7,075,553 
Balance, November 30, 2017  $43,904,880 

 

The following is a summary of quantitative information about significant unobservable valuation inputs approved by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee for Level 3 Fair Value Measurements for investments held as of November 30, 2017:

 

Type of Security

Fair Value at 11/30/2017

Valuation
Technique(s)

Unobservable
Input

Range (weighted average)

Unregistered/Restricted Securities

$ 43,904,880

Discounted Cash Flow

Discount Rate

9.5% – 11.5% (10.5%)

     

Exit Multiple

11.5x – 13.5 x (12.5 x)

     

Liquidity Discount

10.0% – 20.0% (15.0%)

 

Level 3 Unregistered/Restricted Securities valued by using the unobservable inputs included above are directly affected by a change in that factor.

 

The discounted cash flow analysis used to value the Fund’s private investment in KKR Eagle Co-Invest LP uses the projected cash flows of the portfolio company to estimate the enterprise value and equity value attributable to the Fund’s interest in the portfolio company. Such cash flows include a terminal value for the portfolio company, which is typically based on an EV/EBITDA multiple. A present value of these cash flows is determined by using estimated discount rates (a weighted average cost of capital or the expected return market participants would require of similar public securities).

 

As part of this valuation process, the Fund estimates operating results of the portfolio company (including EBITDA and unlevered cash flow). These estimates utilize unobservable inputs such as historical operating results, which may be unaudited, and projected operating results, which will be based on operating assumptions for such portfolio company. The Fund also consults with management of the portfolio company to develop these financial projections. These estimates will be sensitive to changes in assumptions specific to such portfolio company as well as general assumptions for the industry. Other unobservable inputs utilized in the valuation techniques outlined above include: discounts for lack of marketability (liquidity discount), selection of comparable publicly-traded companies, selection of relevant M&A transactions, selected ranges for valuation multiples, and expected required rates of return (discount rates).

 

Note 11 – Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The Fund is subject to Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (the “Derivatives Statement”). The Derivatives Statement amends and expands disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Derivatives Statement is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position and results of operations.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

33

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

For the year ended November 30, 2017, the effect of derivative contracts on the Fund’s Statement of Operations was as follows:

 

 

Statement of Operations

Derivative
Instrument

Derivative
Instrument

Realized gain (loss) on
derivatives recognized in income

Change in unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) on
derivatives recognized in income

Equity price risk

Options

$ 294,695

$

 

The average notional value of written options contracts outstanding during the year ended November 30, 2017, which is indicative of the volume of this derivative type, was $2,859,591.

 

Note 12 – Other Risks

 

The Fund’s risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

(a) Liquidity Risk

 

The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. To meet redemption requests, the Fund may be forced to sell investments at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.

 

(b) Market and Credit Risks

 

In the normal course of business, the Fund trades financial instruments and enters into financial transactions where risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk). Additionally, the Fund may also be exposed to credit risk in the event that an issuer fails to perform or that an institution or entity with which the Fund has unsettled or open transactions defaults.

 

(c) Master Limited Partnership Risk

 

Investments in securities of MLPs involve risks that differ from investments in common stock, including risks related to limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the MLP, risks related to potential conflicts of interest between the MLP and the MLP’s general partner, cash flow risks, dilution risks, limited liquidity and risks related to the general partner’s right to require unit-holders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.

 

(d) Non-Diversification Risk

 

The Fund is non-diversified, meaning that it is permitted to invest a larger percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than diversified mutual funds. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

 

(e) Private Investment Risk

 

The Fund may invest in unregistered or restricted securities, including private investment in public equities (“PIPE”). Unregistered or restricted securities may not be readily marketable and are often more difficult to value. Further, the Advisor may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations which may adversely affect the Advisor’s ability to value those investments. PIPE investors may purchase securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company’s common stock. In a PIPE transaction, the Fund may bear the price risk from the time of pricing until the time of closing. In addition, the Fund may have to commit to purchase a specified number of shares at a fixed price, with the closing conditioned upon, among other things, the SEC’s preparedness to declare effective a resale registration statement

 

 

2017 Annual Report

34

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

covering the resale, from time to time, of the shares sold in the private financing. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the 1933 Act, the securities are “restricted” and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Accordingly, PIPE securities may be deemed illiquid.

 

(f) Portfolio Concentration Risk

 

The Fund concentrates its investments in the energy sector, and will therefore be susceptible to adverse economic, environmental, business, regulatory or other occurrences affecting that sector. The energy sector has historically experienced substantial price volatility. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are subject to specific risks, including, among others, fluctuations in commodity prices; reduced consumer demand for commodities such as oil, natural gas or petroleum products; reduced availability of natural gas or other commodities for transporting, processing, storing or delivering; slowdowns in new construction; extreme weather or other natural disasters; and threats of attack by terrorists on energy assets. Additionally, changes in the regulatory environment for energy companies may adversely impact their profitability. Over time, depletion of natural gas reserves and other energy reserves may also affect the profitability of energy companies.

 

(g) Leverage Risk

 

The Fund’s use of leverage creates the possibility of higher volatility for the Fund’s per share NAV, market price, distributions and returns. When a Fund uses leverage, the Fund will experience a greater increase in its net asset value if the securities acquired through the use of leverage increase in value, but it will also experience a correspondingly larger decline in its net asset value if the bonds acquired through leverage decline in value, which will make the Fund’s net asset value more volatile, and its total return performance more variable over time. There is no assurance that a Fund’s leveraging strategy will be successful.

 

(h) Tax Risks

 

Tax risks associated with investments in the Fund include but are not limited to the following:

 

Fund Structure Risk. Unlike traditional mutual funds that are structured as regulated investment companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will be taxable as a regular corporation, or “C” corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This means the Fund generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at the rates applicable to corporations (currently a maximum rate of 35%), and will also be subject to state and local income taxes.

 

MLP Tax Risk. MLPs are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner is allocated a share of the partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in the MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax (as well as state and local income taxes) on its taxable income. This would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and could result in a reduction in the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP and lower income to the Fund. To the extent a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP is treated as a return of capital, the Fund’s adjusted tax basis in the interests of the MLP will be reduced, which may increase the Fund’s tax liability upon the sale of the interests in the MLP or upon subsequent distributions in respect of such interests.

 

Tax Estimation/NAV Risk. In calculating the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), the Fund will, among other things, include its current taxes and deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and related valuation balances, if any. The Fund may accrue a deferred income tax liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate (currently 35%) plus an estimated state and local income tax rate, for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on interests of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will reduce the Fund’s NAV. The Fund may also record a deferred tax asset balance, which reflects an estimate of the Fund’s future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and/or unrealized losses. Any deferred tax asset balance will increase the Fund’s NAV to the extent it exceeds any valuation allowance. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on

 

 

2017 Annual Report

35

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Notes to Financial Statements

November 30, 2017 (continued)

 

a timely basis, to estimate current taxes and deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its NAV to the extent it exceeds any valuation allowance. The estimate of the Fund’s current taxes and deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used to calculate the Fund’s NAV could vary significantly from the Fund’s actual tax liability or benefit, and, as a result, the determination of the Fund’s actual tax liability or benefit may have a material impact on the Fund’s NAV. From time to time, the Fund may modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its current taxes and deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available, which modifications in estimates or assumptions may have a material impact on the Fund’s NAV.

 

Note 13 – Subsequent Events

 

On October 9, 2017, the Advisor entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Brookfield Asset Management. As a result of this transaction, the current investment advisory agreement between the Advisor and the Fund will be terminated. The Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved a new investment advisory agreement with Brookfield Investment Management, Inc. On January 23, 2018, the Fund called a special shareholder meeting at which shareholders of the Fund approved the new investment advisory agreement and the election of new Board members. The transaction is expected to be completed on February 2, 2018, and is not expected to result in any material change in the portfolio management of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s deferred tax liability and/or asset balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduces the statutory income tax rate applicable to corporations, such as the Fund, from 35% to 21%. As a result, the Fund has adjusted its estimates of its net deferred tax asset balance to reflect the aforementioned reduction in the corporate rate. Therefore, the Fund’s net deferred tax asset balance of $27,458,455 as of December 21, 2017 was reduced on December 22, 2017 to $17,365,617, which amount continues to be completely offset by a valuation allowance of $17,365,617 and therefore the adjustment had no impact on the Fund’s net asset value.

 

The Fund will continue to assess whether a valuation allowance is required based on the evaluation that it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Further modifications of the Fund’s estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance could result in increases or decreases in the Fund’s net asset value per share, which could be material.

 

Management has evaluated the events and transactions through the date the financial statements were issued and determined there were no other subsequent events that required adjustments to our disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

36

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of the Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund:

 

In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations, of changes in net assets, and of cash flows and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the “Fund”) as of November 30, 2017, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and for the period September 26, 2013 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities as of November 30, 2017 by correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Houston, TX
January 26, 2018

 

 

2017 Annual Report

37

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Other Information

November 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

2017 PROXY RESULTS

 

A Meeting of the Members was held on May 16, 2017 to consider the proposals described below. Each proposal was approved. The results of the voting at the Meeting are as follows:

 

Approval of the election of two nominees to the Board of Trustees of the Fund.

 

Managers

Votes For

Votes Against

Votes Withheld

Alfred J. Moran

60%

0%

40%

Dan C. Tutcher

60%

0%

40%

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-713-759-1400, (ii) on our website at centercoastcap.com or (iii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund is required to file Form N-PX, with its complete proxy voting record for the twelve months ended June 30, no later than August 31. The Fund’s Form N-PX filing is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-713-759-1400 or (ii) by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available, without charge and upon request, on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

Federal Income Tax Information

 

In January 2017, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV or substitute 1099 DIV as to the federal tax status of the distributions received by you in the calendar year 2016.

 

Notice to Shareholders

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the 1940 Act that the Fund may from time to time purchase its shares of common stock in the open market.

 

Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan

 

Under the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), a shareholder whose Common Shares are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by the agent under the Plan, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the “Plan Agent”), unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to Common Shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in “street name”) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional Common Shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own Common Shares registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by the Fund’s dividend disbursing agent. A participant in the Plan who wishes to opt out of the Plan and elect to receive distributions in cash should contact the Plan Agent in writing at the address specified below or by calling the telephone number specified below.

 

Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Common Shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time Common Shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of Common Shares equivalent to the cash dividend or capital gains distribution, participants in the Plan are issued new Common Shares from the Fund, valued at the greater of

 

 

2017 Annual Report

38

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Other Information

November 30, 2017 (unaudited) (continued)

 

(i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of the then-current market price of the Common Shares. The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a NYSE trading day, the next preceding trading day. If the net asset value of the Common Shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the Common Shares, the Plan Agent will buy the Common Shares for the Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts, except that the Plan Agent will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue Common Shares at the greater of net asset value or 95% of market value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the Common Shares exceeds net asset value. If the Fund should declare a distribution or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will buy the Common Shares for the Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. There is no charge from the Fund for reinvestment of dividends or distributions in Common Shares pursuant to the Plan; however, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open-market purchases.

 

The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in the account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records.

 

Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in noncertificated form in the name of the participant.

 

In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees, which hold Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners and participate in the Plan, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the shareholder as representing the total amount registered in the shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.

 

The automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will not relieve participants of an income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on such dividends or distributions.

 

Participants that direct a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a sales fee of $15.00 plus $0.10 per share sold.

 

Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate its Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of such Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Plan Agent on at least 90 days written notice to the participants in such Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC , Attn: Dividend Reinvestment Department, P.O. Box 922, New York, New York 10269-0560, e-mail: info@amstock, phone number: (866) 668-6549.

 

Board Consideration of Investment Advisory Agreement

 

At an in-person meeting held on May 16, 2017 the Board of the Fund, including the trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”) as defined in the 1940 Act, reviewed and unanimously approved the renewal of the Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor for additional one-year terms. In approving renewal of the Fund Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, determined that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Background

 

The Board was informed of the purpose of the Meeting and noted the role of the Board, and the Independent Trustees in particular, in considering and approving the renewal of the Agreement between the Advisor and the Trust. The Board had previously been advised by counsel from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP of the statutory requirements, standard of liability and disclosure requirements with respect to approval of the investment advisory agreement. The Board was informed that it was the duty of a board to request and evaluate, and of an investment advisor to furnish, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of an investment advisory agreement.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

39

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Other Information

November 30, 2017 (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Board noted that the following items had been distributed to the Trustees in the Meeting Materials:

 

 

1.

Memorandum from the Advisor regarding the reasonableness of the proposed investment advisory fee for the Trust and which also included the Center Coast organizational chart and information regarding the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Trust’s portfolio;

 

 

2.

A copy of the Agreement;

 

 

3.

The Adviser’s letter to the Fund’s shareholders discussing the Fund’s performance for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017;

 

 

4.

A chart comparing the Fund’s performance and the management fees to a peer group of MLP funds;

 

 

5.

The Advisor’s balance sheet as of March 31, 2017;

 

 

6.

Center Coast Form ADV Part 1; and

 

 

7.

Center Coast Form ADV Part 2A and 2B;

 

The Board discussed the contents of the memorandum from Center Coast regarding the reasonableness of the proposed investment advisory fee. The Board received information from Center Coast and were informed that a contractual advisory fee of 1.00% of Managed Assets had become the most common investment advisory fee for closed-end funds investing primarily in MLPs, noting that well over half of the funds in the peer group paid an advisory fee at that level and that only two paid an advisory fee below that amount at 0.95%, and therefore they concluded that Center Coast believed the proposed investment advisory fee was reasonable. The Board discussed the fee comparisons. The Board then reviewed and discussed the terms of the Agreement including the proposed management fees. The Trustees noted that based on the memorandum from Center Coast, the Trust’s contractual advisory fee was slightly higher than the mean and median contractual advisory fee of funds in the peer group and was tied for 2nd lowest among funds in the peer group.

 

The Trustees reviewed the disclosure requirements pursuant to which the Trust will disclose in its shareholder report the considerations and conclusions of the Board with respect to the approval of the continuance of the Agreement.

 

Based upon its review, the Board concluded that it was in the best interests of the Trust to approve the Agreement. In reaching this conclusion for the Trust, no single factor was determinative in the Board’s conclusion, but rather the Board considered a variety of factors and concluded the following:

 

Prior to its consideration of the Agreement, the Board received and reviewed information provided by the Advisor, including, among other things, comparative information about the proposed fees and expenses of the Trust relative to the fees and expenses of certain other MLP closed-end funds.

 

Consideration of Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services

 

The Board received and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services to be provided to the Trust under the Agreement in light of the investment objective, policies and strategies of the Trust. The Board reviewed certain background materials supplied by the Advisor in its presentation, including the Advisor’s Form ADV.

 

The Board reviewed and considered the Advisor’s investment advisory personnel, its history as an asset manager, performance of other accounts managed by the Advisor and the amount of its current assets under management. The Board also reviewed the research and decision-making processes utilized by the Advisor, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, polices and restrictions of the Trust.

 

The Board considered the background and experience of the Advisor’s management in connection with the Trust, including reviewing the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Trust and the extent of the resources devoted to research and analysis of the Trust’s actual and potential investments. The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Center Coast to the Trust.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

40

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Other Information

November 30, 2017 (unaudited) (continued)

 

Consideration of Advisory Fees and the Cost of the Services

 

The Board considered the information they received comparing the Trust’s contractual annual advisory fee and anticipated overall expenses with (a) a peer group of competitor closed-end funds identified by the Advisor and (b) other products managed by the Advisor. Given the small universe of managers fitting within the criteria for the peer group, the Advisor did not believe that it would be beneficial to engage the services of an independent third-party to prepare the peer group analysis, and the Independent Trustees concurred with this approach.

 

Based on such information, the Board determined that the proposed contractual annual advisory fee of 1.00% was equal to the median contractual advisory fee rate of funds within the peer group. Furthermore, the proposed fee structure was competitive with fee structures applicable to other similar products managed by the Advisor. The Board concluded that the investment advisory fees to be received by the Advisor with respect to the Trust were comparable to the fees charged to other investment vehicles within the Trust’s peer group and by the Advisor to its other clients in broadly comparable investment products.

 

Consideration of Investment Performance

 

The Board considered the information they received regarding the investment performance of CEN and compared that performance to similar MLP closed-end funds along with the Alerian MLP index.

 

Other Considerations

 

The Board considered the anticipated profits, if any, to be realized by the Advisor in connection with the operation of the Trust and concluded that the profit, if any, anticipated to be realized by the Advisor in connection with the operation of the Trust is not unreasonable.

 

The Board considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Trust will be passed along to the shareholders under the proposed agreements. The Board concluded there were currently no or de minimis material economics of scale or other incidental benefits accruing to the Advisor in connection with its relationship with the Trust.

 

Conclusion

 

In renewing the Agreement and the fees charged under the Agreement, the Board concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Board was identified by the Board to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Agreement. The summary set forth above describes the most important factors, but not all of the matters, considered by the Board in coming to its decision regarding the Agreement. On the basis of such information as the Board considered necessary to the exercise of its reasonable business judgment and its evaluation of all of the factors described above, and after discussion, the Board concluded that each factor they considered, in the context of all of the other factors they considered, favored approval of the Agreement. It was noted that it was the judgment of the Board of Trustees that approval of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Trust and its shareholders, and a majority of the Trustees and, voting separately, a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the Agreement.

 

 

 

2017 Annual Report

41

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Other Information

November 30, 2017 (unaudited) (continued)

 

CENTER COAST MLP & INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Privacy Principles of the Fund

 

The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.

 

Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).

 

The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees of the Advisor and its delegates and affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

42

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Fund Management

November 30, 2017 (unaudited)

 

The identity of Trustees of the Board and their brief biographical information as of November 30, 2017 is set forth below. The business address of each Trustee is 1600 Smith St., Suite 3800, Houston, TX 77002.

 

NAME AND
YEAR OF BIRTH

POSITION HELD WITH THE FUND

LENGTH OF
TIME SERVED

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST 5 YEARS
AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS
HELD BY MANAGER

NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY MANAGER

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

Michael F. Curran
Year
of birth: 1940

Trustee

Trustee since 2013

Chairman of Curran Holdings, Inc., (Investments) (2007-present). Formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Willbros Group, Inc. (2002-2007).

2

James Edward Jones
Year
of birth: 1954

Trustee

Trustee since 2013

President & CFO of Elk River Resources (2013-present). Formerly, Managing Partner of Torch Partners LLC/Torch Securities LLC (2004-2013). Director of The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

2

Alfred J. Moran
Year
of birth: 1943

Trustee

Trustee since 2013

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Moran Group (Management Consulting) (2003-present). Formerly, Director of Administration and Regulatory Affairs of the City of Houston (2007-2013). Director of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

2

INTERESTED TRUSTEE

Dan C. Tutcher*
Year
of birth: 1949

Trustee, President, Chief Executive Officer

Trustee since 2013

Founder, Principal and Portfolio Manager of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-present). Formerly, President of Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.; President and Director of Enbridge Energy Management L.L.C; and group Vice President of Transportation South for Enbridge Inc. (2001-2007).

2

 

*

Mr. Tutcher is an interested person of the Fund because of his position as an officer of the Advisor and certain of its affiliates.

 

 

2017 Annual Report

43

 

Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund

 

Fund Management

November 30, 2017 (unaudited) (continued)

 

Set forth below is the name, year of birth, position with the Fund and the principal occupation for the last five years, as of November 30, 2017, of each of the persons currently serving as Executive Officers of the Fund. The business address of each Officer is 1600 Smith St., Suite 3800, Houston, TX 77002.

 

NAME AND
YEAR OF BIRTH

POSITION HELD
WITH THE FUND

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS
AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY MANAGERS

William H. Bauch
Year
of birth: 1961

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2012-present). Formerly, Senior Partner of Korn/Ferry International (2006-2012).

Rachel Hollowell
Year
of birth: 1980

Secretary

Director of Operations of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2010-present). Formerly, Sales Representative of Johnson & Johnson (2004-2009).

Robert T. Chisholm
Year
of birth: 1976

Vice President

Senior Portfolio Manager and Principal, Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-present); Morgan Keegan’s Energy Investment Banking Division (2006-2007); Senior Project Advisor, Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (2002-2006).

 

 

 

ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

 

(a) The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

(c) There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

 

(d) The registrant has not granted any waivers, during the period covered by this report, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item's instructions.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant's board of trustees has determined that Mr. Alfred J. Moran is qualified to serve as the audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is "independent," as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

 

 

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a) The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $164,000 for 2016 and $170,000 for 2017.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

(b) The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $19,000 for 2016 and $14,250 for 2017. The fees listed in item 4 (b) are related to agreed-upon procedures performed during the initial and secondary offerings of the registrant and consent issuance with respect to fund registration statement filings, respectively.

 

Tax Fees

 

(c) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $120,530 for 2016 and $180,530 for 2017.

 

All Other Fees

 

(d) The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 for 2016 and $0 for 2017.

 

(e)(1) Disclose the audit committee's pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

 

Pre-Approval Policies

 

Pre-Approval of Services to the Trust. The Committee will be responsible for pre-approving any engagement of the independent auditors to provide any non-prohibited services to the Trust, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

 

(i) The categories of services to be reviewed and considered for pre-approval include the following:

 

 

 

(1)Audit Services

 

(a)Annual financial statement audits

 

(b)Seed audits (related to new product filings, as required)

 

(c)SEC and regulatory filings and consents

 

(2)Audit-Related Services

 

(a)Accounting consultations

 

(b)Fund merger/reorganization support services

 

(c)Other accounting related matters

 

(d)Agreed upon procedures reports

 

(e)Attestation reports

 

(f)Other internal control reports

 

(3)Tax Services

 

(a)Tax compliance services related to federal, state and local income tax compliance and sales and use tax compliance

 

(b)RIC qualification reviews, if applicable

 

(c)Tax distribution analysis and planning

 

(d)Tax authority examination services

 

(e)Tax appeals support services

 

(f)Accounting methods studies

 

(g)Fund merger support services

 

(h)Tax compliance, planning and advice services and related projects

 

 

 

(ii) The Committee has pre-approved any services that fall into one of the categories of services listed under paragraph (A)(i) above and for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000.

 

(iii) For services with estimated fees of $25,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the Chair of the Committee is hereby authorized to pre-approve such services on behalf of the Committee.

 

(iv) For services with estimated fees of $50,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.

 

(v) The independent auditors or the Chief Financial Officer of the Trust (or an officer of the Trust who reports to the Chief Financial Officer) shall report to the Committee at each of regular meeting of the Committee all audit, audit-related and permissible non-audit services initiated since the last such report (unless the services were contained in the initial audit plan, as previously presented to, and approved by, the Committee). The report shall include a general description of the services and projected fees, and the means by which such services were approved by the Committee (including the particular category listed above under which pre-approval was obtained).

 

Pre-Approval of Services to the Investment Adviser. The Committee will be responsible for pre-approval of any engagement of the independent auditors, including the fees and other compensation to be paid to the independent auditors, to provide any non-audit services to the Trust’s investment adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the investment adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust), if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust (unless an exception is available under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X).

 

(i) The Chair of the Committee or any member of the Committee may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services to the Trust’s investment adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the investment adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are less than $25,000. All such delegated pre-approvals shall be presented to the Committee no later than the next Committee meeting.

 

(ii) For non-audit services to the Trust’s investment adviser (or any “control affiliate” of the investment adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) relating directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trust for which the estimated fees are $25,000 or more, such services require pre-approval by the Committee.

 

C.Pre-Approval Not Required.

 

(i) Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Trust pursuant to paragraph (A) above is not required, if:

 

 

 

(1)the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided to the Trust is no more than 5% of the total fees paid by the Trust to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

(2)the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

(3)such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

(ii) Under Section 10A(h)(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 2-01 under Regulation S-X (Section (c)(7)), pre-approval of non-audit services for the Adviser (or any affiliate of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust) pursuant to paragraph (B) above is not required, if:

 

(1)the aggregate amount of all non-audit services provided is no more than 5% of the total fees paid to the Trust’s independent auditors by the Trust, the Adviser and any “control affiliate” of the Adviser providing ongoing services to the Trust during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided;

 

(2)the services were not recognized by Trust management at the time of the engagement as non-audit services; and

 

(3)such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee by Trust management and the Committee approves them (which may be by delegation) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

(e)(2) The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b) 100%

 

(c) 0%

 

(d) 0%

 

(f) The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant's engagement to audit the registrant's financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant's full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent.

 

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant's accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for the last fiscal year of the registrant was $0 for 2016 and $0 for 2017.

 

 

 

(h) The registrant's audit committee of the board of trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

 

The registrant has a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The audit committee of the registrant is composed of Messrs. Michael F. Curran, James Edward Jones and Alfred J. Moran.

 

ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

 

Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

The registrant is a client of Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP (“CCC”). All proxy voting responsibilities of the registrant are performed by CCC, with the assistance of the administrator of the registrant. The Proxy Voting Policies of CCC are attached herewith.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

POLICY

 

CCC will vote proxies as part of its authority to manage acquire and dispose of account assets if designated by the client. CCC will, in a prudent and diligent manner, use its best efforts to vote proxies in the best interests of separately managed account clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in client benefit plans for which CCC manages assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns, and consistent with the Proxy Policy. The Proxy Policy is administered by the Director of Operations, which also monitors and supervises the services provided by the proxy research providers retained from time to time.

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES

 

CCC will utilize the proxy voting service ProxyEdge or similar service (the "Proxy Voter") to vote Proxies for the relevant accounts of its Clients. The Proxy Voter provides voting services to institutions such as CCC. The Proxy Voter receives a daily electronic feed of all holdings in CCC voting accounts, and trustees and/or Broker-Dealer/Custodians for those accounts have been instructed to deliver all proxy materials that they receive directly to the Proxy Voter. The Proxy Voter monitors the accounts and their holdings to be sure that all proxies are received and voted for CCC Client shares owned. As a result of CCC’s decision to use the Proxy Voter, there is generally no physical handling of proxies by CCC personnel.

 

The above-referenced Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) state the general view and expected vote of the Proxy Voter under the majority of circumstances with respect to the issues listed in the Guidelines. The indicated vote in the Guidelines is the default position on any matter specifically addressed by the Guidelines, and for any such matter, absent prior instructions to the contrary from CCC, the Proxy Voter will automatically vote in accordance with the Guidelines. However, the Guidelines are just that—guidelines; they are not strict rules that must be obeyed in all cases, and Proxies may be voted contrary to the vote indicated by the Guidelines if such a vote is in the Clients’ best interests as described below with respect to “Exceptions.” CCC votes all securities based upon the guiding principle of seeking the maximization of economic value to CCC’s Clients, and ultimately all votes are cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the contractual obligations under the Advisory Agreements or comparable documents, and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote.

 

The Proxy Voter posts information regarding that vote on its secure web site. This information includes the upcoming voting deadline, the vote indicated by the Guidelines, if any, whether such vote is with or against management and any analysis that the Proxy Voter has prepared on the vote.

 

If at any time a portfolio manager becomes aware that he or she desires to vote on a specific matter in a manner that is contrary to the vote that would be indicated based upon the Guidelines (an “Exception”), regardless of whether such indicated vote is with or against management, then such individual should contact the Chair of the Operations Department as soon as possible prior to the relevant voting deadline for such matter. The Chair of the Operations Department must first make a general determination as to whether any potential conflicts of interest exist. In the event of a potential conflict, the Chair will convene a meeting of the entire Operations Department regarding the potential conflict. Once any potential conflict is either determined not to exist, or resolved, the Chair of the Operations Department, along with the relevant portfolio manager, will review the issue and collectively agree as to the appropriate vote. They may make their decision based upon any of the information and/or research available to them, including any recommendation made by the Proxy Voter, in their discretion. If they are unable to arrive at an agreement as to how to vote, then the Chair may call a special meeting of the Operations Department. The full Operations Department will then review the issues and arrive at a decision based on the overriding principle of seeking the maximization of the ultimate economic value of CCC’s Clients’ holdings. In all cases, regardless of whether the ultimate voting decision with respect to any vote is made by the relevant portfolio manager, the Chair or the entire Operations Department, such decision must be based on the overriding principle of seeking the maximization of the ultimate economic value of CCC’s Clients’ holdings. If for any reason, no voting decision is made with respect to any particular vote, or if the Chair has not otherwise received any direction in accordance with these policies and procedures as to how to instruct the Proxy Voter to vote CCC’s shares prior to the relevant voting deadline for any Exception, the Chair will instruct the Proxy Voter to vote all of CCC’s shares in accordance with the Proxy Voter’s independent assessment of the matter.

 

 

 

ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

(a)(1) Identification of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members and Description of Role of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members

 

The following table provides biographical information about the personnel of Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP (the “Advisor”), who are primarily responsible for Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the “Fund”) day-to-day portfolio management (the “Portfolio Management Team”) as of February 1, 2018:

 

Name of Portfolio
Management Team Member
Title Length of Time of
Service to the Fund
Business Experience
During the Past 5 Years
Dan C. Tutcher President Since Inception Founder, Principal and Portfolio Manager of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-present). Formerly, President of Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.; President and Director, Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.; Enbridge Energy Management L.L.C.; and group Vice President of Transportation South for Enbridge Inc. (2001-2007).
Robert T. Chisholm Principal & Senior Portfolio Manager Since Inception Senior Portfolio Manager and Principal, Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-Present); Morgan Keegan’s Energy Investment Banking Division (2006-2007); Senior Project Advisor, Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (2002-2006).
Jeff Jorgensen Portfolio Manager & Director of Research

Since April 2016

Director of Research Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP (2014-present). Formerly, Executive Director at UBS Investment Bank – Global Natural Resources (2011-2014).

 

 

 

(a)(2) Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Member and Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

The following table provides information about portfolios and accounts, other than the Fund, for which the members of the Portfolio Management Team are primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management as of November 30, 2017:

 

  Number of Accounts and Total
Value of Assets for Which Advisory Fee
is Performance-Based:
Number of Other Accounts Managed and Total
Value of Assets by Account Type for Which There
is No Performance-Based Fee:
  Registered
investment
companies
Other pooled
investment
vehicles
Other
accounts
Registered
investment
companies
Other pooled
investment
vehicles
Other
accounts
Dan C. Tutcher 0 1-$59mm 0 2-$2.6B 0 828-$779mm

Robert T. Chisholm 

0 1-$59mm 0 2-$2.6B 0 828-$779mm
Jeff Jorgensen 0 1-$59mm 0 2-$2.6B 0 828-$779mm

 

Conflicts of Interests

 

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:

 

The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of a portfolio manager by having the portfolio manager focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.

 

If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Advisor has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts. With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for a fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a fund or other account(s) involved.

 

 

The Advisor has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedure will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

(a)(3) Compensation Structure of Portfolio Manager(s) or Management Team Members

 

The portfolio managers are not directly compensated for their work with respect to the Fund; however, each portfolio manager is an equity owner of the Advisor and therefore benefits indirectly from the revenue generated from the Advisory Agreement through his receipt of distributions from the Advisor. Messrs. Chisholm and Jorgensen receive a base payment from the Advisor for the services he provides. Mr. Jorgensen is also eligible for an annual cash bonus based on the Advisor’s earnings and the satisfaction of other conditions. Additional benefits received by Messrs. Chisholm and Jorgensen are normal and customary employee benefits generally available to all salaried employees. The portfolio managers are not entitled to any deferred benefits.

 

(a)(4) Disclosure of Securities Ownership

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each member of the Portfolio Management Team in the Fund as of November 30, 2017:

 

Portfolio Management Team Member Dollar Range of Units Beneficially Owned
by Portfolio Management Team Member
Dan C. Tutcher $1,000,000 - $10,000,000
Robert T. Chisholm $10,000 - $50,000
Jeff Jorgensen $10,000 - $50,000

 

ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

No material changes.

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.

 

(a)(1) Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(registrant) Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Dan C, Tutcher  
  Dan C. Tutcher, President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date February 05, 2018  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Dan C. Tutcher  
  Dan C. Tutcher, President and Chief Executive Officer  
  (Principal Executive Officer)  
     
Date February 05, 2018  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ William H. Bauch  
  William H. Bauch, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
  (Principal Financial Officer)  
     
Date February 05, 2018  

 

*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.