CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND
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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            811-21465                    

            CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund            

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 600

                             Radnor, PA 19087                             

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

T. Ritson Ferguson, President and Chief Executive Officer

CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund

201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 600

                             Radnor, PA 19087                             

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:     1-877-711-4272

Date of fiscal year end:  December 31

Date of reporting period:  June 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, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


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Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The semi-annual Report of CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund (the “Trust”) transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is as follows:


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LOGO

 

CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE

INCOME FUND

Semi-Annual Report for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017

 

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CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund (the “Trust”), acting in accordance with an exemptive order received from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and with approval of its Board of Trustees (the “Board”), has adopted a managed distribution policy (the “Policy”) with the purpose of distributing over the course of each year, through periodic distributions as nearly equal as practicable and any required special distributions, an amount closely approximating the total taxable income of the Trust during such year and all of the returns of capital paid by portfolio companies to the Trust during such year. In accordance with its Policy, the Trust distributes a fixed amount per common share, currently $0.05, each month to its common shareholders. This amount is subject to change from time to time in the discretion of the Board. Although the level of distributions is independent of fund performance, the Trust expects such distributions to correlate with its performance over time. Each monthly distribution to shareholders is expected to be at the fixed amount established by the Board, except for extraordinary distributions and potential increases or decreases in the final dividend periods for each year in light of the Trust’s performance for the entire calendar year and to enable the Trust to comply with the distribution requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Over time, the Trust expects that the distribution rate in relation to the Trust’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) will approximately equal the Trust’s total return on NAV.

The fixed amount of distributions will be reviewed and amended as necessary by the Board at regular intervals with consideration of the level of investment income and realized gains. The Board strives to establish a level regular distribution that will meet the Trust’s requirement to pay out all taxable income (including amounts representing return of capital paid by portfolio companies) with a minimum of special distributions. The Trust’s total return in relation to changes in NAV is presented in the financial highlights table. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Trust’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution or from the terms of the Trust’s managed distribution policy. The Board may amend or terminate the managed distribution policy without prior notice to Trust shareholders.

Shareholders should note that the Trust’s Policy is subject to change or termination as a result of many factors. The Trust is subject to risks through ownership of its portfolio company holdings including, but not limited to, declines in the value of real estate held by the portfolio company, risks related to general and local economic conditions, and portfolio company losses. Moreover, an economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on the real estate markets and on real estate companies in which the Trust invests, which in turn could result in the Trust not achieving its investment or distribution objectives thereby jeopardizing the continuance of the Policy. Please refer to the prospectus for a fuller description of the Trust’s risks.


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CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017 (unaudited)

 

Letter to Shareholders

     2  

Portfolio of Investments

     7  

Financial Statements

     9  

Notes to Financial Statements

     14  

Supplemental Information

     21  

 

Investors should consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. A copy of the prospectus that contains this and other information about the Fund may be obtained by calling 888-711-4272. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing in closed-end funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Real Estate investments are subject to changes in economic conditions, credit risk, and interest rate fluctuations. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Because real estate funds concentrate their investments in the real estate industry, the portfolio may experience more volatility and be exposed to greater risk than the portfolios of other funds.

Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund’s portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       1


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Letter to Shareholders

 

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T. Ritson Ferguson

 

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Steven D. Burton

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to present the 2017 Semi-Annual Report for the CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund (the “Trust”).

Performance Review

Global real estate stocks moved higher during the first half of 2017 driven by positive performance from all three major regions led by Europe and Asia-Pacific. European real estate stocks moved higher catalyzed by a favorable French election outcome and supported by continued evidence of improving economic and property fundamentals, particularly on the Continent. Hong Kong and Singapore property stocks also moved higher, maintaining their status as the best performing geographies year-to-date as property fundamentals show marginal improvement from subdued levels. Previous softness in retail demand in Hong Kong, for example, has stabilized to improved, following a period of extended weakness particularly within luxury retail sales. The Hong Kong office market too has shown signs of improvement. U.S. REITs were modestly positive despite woes in the retail and net lease sectors which underperformed. The positive performance of the U.S. market was driven by the outperforming technology (data centers), industrial, healthcare and residential property sectors.

Global Real Estate Market Performance

Performance as of June 30, 2017

 

Region    1Q17      2Q17      YTD  

North America

     0.7      1.5      2.2

Europe

     2.9      11.4      14.7

Asia-Pacific

     6.4      3.3      9.9

Global Common Stock (1)

     2.9      3.6      6.6

U.S. Preferred Stock (2)

     5.2      2.9      8.2

80/20 Blend of Global Common Stock & U.S. Preferred Stock

     3.4      3.4      7.0

The Trust’s net asset value (NAV) return was 4.4% during 1H2017, with a positive contribution from both its common stock positions +3.5%, which comprise the majority of the strategy, as well as preferred stock positions +8.2%. The Trust’s exposure to Europe as well as the Asia-Pacific region enhanced total return, as the Trust’s holdings in these regions contributed +12.2% and +7.4%, respectively. The Trust’s holdings in the Americas contributed +0.7%. Exposure to the U.S. retail sector created a drag on performance. Retail has historically been a stable defensive property sector given the long-term duration of leases and consistent consumer demand. In the first half of 2017, however, negative headlines surrounding retailer store closings and increased penetration of on-line shopping weighed on these companies. In the Asia-Pacific region, the Trust benefited from investments in the outperforming development companies in Hong Kong and Singapore, but in hindsight could have held more. Given the Trust’s income objective, the portfolio is typically underweight the more development oriented markets and companies as a result of their below average dividend yield and above average risk.

 

 

(1) Represented by the S&P Developed Property Index, an unmanaged market-weighted total return index which consists of over 350 real estate companies from 22 developed markets with a free float total market capitalization of at least U.S. $100 million that derive more than 60% of their revenue from real estate development, management, rental and/or direct investment in physical property. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
(2) Represented by the MSCI REIT Preferred Index, a preferred stock market capitalization weighted index of all exchange traded preferred securities of equity REITs. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

 

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The Trust made total distributions of $0.30 per share during 1H2017, a level monthly distribution of $0.05 per share. The current annualized distribution of $0.60 per share represents an 7.8% distribution rate on the $7.72 share price and a 6.9% distribution rate on the $8.72 NAV as of June 30. (3) The Board will continue to review the level and sustainability of the Trust’s distribution in light of market conditions.

The Trust continues to maintain a flexible and relatively low level of portfolio leverage. The Trust’s leverage position was 13% as of June 30th and was a positive contributor to total return and the level of income generated over the six-month period.

Portfolio Review

The Trust’s investments remain well-diversified by property type and geography. At June 30th, the Trust’s portfolio was approximately 47% invested in common stock within the Americas region, 21% in Asia-Pacific, 13% in Europe, with 19% invested in preferred stock of U.S. real estate companies. During the six-month period, capital was rotated primarily from the U.S. to both the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, where valuations are attractive relative to growth prospects. Investments in preferred stocks were maintained during the half year, as they provide stable, well-covered dividend income. In the U.S. we are overweight sectors and stocks where we are positive on the fundamentals and valuations seem reasonable to cheap; we are underweight where fundamentals are weak and valuations are not cheap enough to justify poor fundamentals. We favor technology companies, select residential and industrial companies, and Class A mall REITs; we are more selective in the self-storage, healthcare, net lease, office, shopping center and hotel sectors. In the Asia-Pacific region, we are more positive generally but continue to have a preference for landlord-oriented companies which provide high current income via dividends. A number of the Trust’s investments in the Asia-Pacific region are categorized as “diversified,” as companies in this region tend to own a mix of office, retail and residential properties. We are more positive on Europe than last year given indications of renewed economic growth and stable property fundamentals, but recognize that macro-economic risk remains elevated.

 

Geographic Diversification    Sector Diversification
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Source CBRE Clarion Securities as of 06/30/2017. Geographic and Sector diversifications are unaudited. Percentages presented are based on managed trust assets, which include borrowings. The percentages in the pie charts will differ from those on the Portfolio of Investments because the figures on the Portfolio of Investments are calculated using net assets of the Trust.

Market Outlook

Our market outlook is positive with an expectation of further gains this year for global property companies. The prospects for renewed and improved economic growth as the result of potential stimulus in the U.S. and economic growth globally should prove positive for tenant demand. We believe that real GDP growth in the U.S. in 2017 will improve to the 2.0% range and that the yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury will trend gradually higher. Monetary policy will tighten in the U.S. but remain relatively more accommodative elsewhere. The U.S. will likely raise the Fed Funds rate one to two additional times (25 basis points or 0.25% each) during 2017 after having raised twice already. Central banks elsewhere including the ECB and BOJ will remain relatively more accommodative given sluggish economic conditions in these geographies, although “tapering” is nearer with the ECB. Bond yields by the end of the quarter were steadily rising as a result of indications that an extended period of accommodative monetary easing is slowly beginning to taper.

Real estate stocks are performing despite near-term headwinds from expected higher interest rates, particularly in the U.S. With real estate companies trading at an approximate 7% discount to our estimate of inherent real estate value of net asset value (NAV), and an implied capitalization rate approaching 6% globally, we believe real estate stocks remain attractively priced.

 

(3) Distributions are subject to recharacterization for tax purposes after the end of the fiscal year. The Fund is currently paying distributions in excess of its net investment income, which may result in a return of capital. Absent this, the distribution rate would have been lower. The estimated composition of each distribution, including any return of capital, will be provided to shareholders of record and is also available at www.cbreclarion.com.

 

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We expect global property companies to generate earnings growth in the 5-6% range for each of 2017 and 2018. Listed property companies will benefit from a continuation of trends seen over the past several years including improving occupancies, higher trending rents and active transactions markets. Low levels of new construction globally suggest that owners of existing properties should continue to enjoy improved pricing power as incremental demand for space exceeds new supply. Earnings growth will be generated by a combination of “internal” growth — which is the organic growth derived from improving operating trends, such as higher occupancies, rising rental rates for new leases including renewals, and smaller concessions packages for new tenants — as well as “external” growth, which includes value-adding acquisitions, development and re-development activities. Companies with management teams which actively and intelligently deploy capital so that it is value-added to shareholders will be rewarded disproportionately.

Regional Earnings Growth Forecast

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Source: CBRE Clarion as of 06/30/2017.

“f” refers to “forecasts”. Forecasts are the opinion of Cbre Clarion, which is subject to change, and are not intended to be a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Forecasts are not indicative of future investment performance.

Dividend growth will be strong again. Current income generated by listed property’s dividend yield remains a defining investment characteristic of the sector. Listed property companies’ dividend yield currently averages nearly 4% globally and is growing at a very healthy clip. We project average dividend growth to exceed earnings growth in 2017, driven by a combination of improving company cash flows as well as an expansion of dividend payout policies, which remain conservative. Increasing dividends are emblematic of healthy companies in improving markets. We expect dividends globally to increase by approximately 8% in 2017.

Current Dividend Yield

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Source: CBRE Clarion as of 06/30/2017. Not all countries included.

Dividend yields fluctuate and are not necessarily indicative of present or future investment performance.

Information is subject to change and should not be construed as investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

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Listed real estate remains attractively valued versus private market real estate, particularly in U.S. “core” property types. Despite the steady positive performance of listed real estate companies year-to-date, estimated valuations persist to be cheaper than in the private market on a global weighted average basis with disparities among geographies and property types. In the U.S., real estate value largely resides in the “core” real estate sectors of apartments, retail, office, industrial and lodging, as a number of the specialty sectors trade above NAV. U.K. property companies post-Brexit continue to trade at material discounts to our revised NAV’s as uncertainty on Brexit persists. Looking out over the next six to twelve months, we expect the yield curve and longer-term rates to remain relatively low despite recent upward movement following increases in the policy rate by the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. A significant amount of “dry powder” from investors in the private markets, including private equity, pension funds and sovereign wealth, continues to underpin demand for property.

NAV Premium/Discount by Region

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Information is the opinion of CBRE Clarion as of 6/30/2017, is subject to change and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or investment advice. Forecasts and any factors discussed are not indicative of future investment performance.

We appreciate your continued faith and confidence.

Sincerely,

CBRE CLARION SECURITIES LLC

 

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T. Ritson Ferguson, CFA   Steven D. Burton, CFA
President & CEO   Co-Portfolio Manager
Co-Portfolio Manager  

 

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES AND RISK INFORMATION

The views expressed represent the opinion of CBRE Clarion Securities, which are subject to change and are not intended as investment advice or a guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources which have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While CBRE Clarion Securities believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or accept responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Statements of future expectations, forecasts, estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements are based on CBRE Clarion’s view at the time such statements were made. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative, as they are based on assumptions which may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Any discussion of particular securities herein should not be perceived as a recommendation to purchase or sell any of those securities. It should not be assumed that investments in any securities discussed were or will be profitable. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in real estate securities involves risks including the potential loss of principal. Real estate equities are subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Portfolios concentrated in real estate securities may experience price volatility and other risks associated with non-diversification. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. International (non-US) investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles, or from economic or political instability in other nations. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)

 

June 30, 2017

 

Shares                      Market
Value ($)
 
    Real Estate Securities* – 115.5%    
    Common Stock – 93.9%    
    Australia – 6.2%    
  6,448,626       Aventus Retail Property Fund Ltd.     $      11,376,762  
  2,314,868       Dexus       16,832,873  
  7,015,191       Mirvac Group       11,461,535  
  7,493,835       Scentre Group       23,279,991  
          62,951,161  
    Canada – 4.2%    
  648,700       H&R Real Estate Investment Trust       10,998,979  
  933,900       RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust       17,308,826  
  585,600       Smart Real Estate Investment Trust       14,483,308  
          42,791,113  
    France – 3.3%    
  72,903       Altarea       16,629,903  
  403,160       Klepierre       16,500,789  
          33,130,692  
    Germany – 5.6%    
  2,616,284       Aroundtown Property Holdings PLC       14,174,012  
  187,357       LEG Immobilien AG       17,588,826  
  645,802       Vonovia SE       25,606,837  
          57,369,675  
    Hong Kong – 6.3%    
  1,636,500       Cheung Kong Property Holdings Ltd.       12,819,140  
  8,877,000       Hang Lung Properties Ltd.       22,174,164  
  1,612,300       Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.       11,866,528  
  1,490,500       Link REIT       11,341,352  
  1,697,800       Swire Properties Ltd.       5,600,286  
          63,801,470  
    Japan – 6.8%    
  75,100       Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.       11,693,436  
  792,200       Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.       18,899,004  
  2,320       Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.       4,943,112  
  10,382       Orix JREIT, Inc.       15,329,066  
  585,000       Sumitomo Realty & Development Co., Ltd.       18,040,450  
          68,905,068  
    Mexico – 1.1%    
  6,043,300       Prologis Property Mexico SA de CV       11,462,395  
    Netherlands – 0.6%    
  159,983       Eurocommercial Properties NV       6,383,664  
Shares                      Market
Value ($)
 
    Singapore – 5.4%    
  4,714,100       CapitaLand Commercial Trust     $ 5,683,558  
  4,600,000       CapitaLand Ltd.       11,693,358  
  11,900,600       Global Logistic Properties, Ltd.       24,719,988  
  10,924,100       Mapletree Commercial Trust       12,654,929  
          54,751,833  
    United Kingdom – 5.2%    
  1,494,018       British Land Co. PLC (The)       11,750,658  
  1       Great Portland Estates PLC       4  
  6,453,481       Segro PLC       41,008,386  
          52,759,048  
    United States – 49.2%    
  60,100       AvalonBay Communities, Inc.       11,549,417  
  96,500       Boston Properties, Inc.       11,871,430  
  448,207       Brixmor Property Group, Inc.       8,013,941  
  141,100       Crown Castle International Corp. (a)       14,135,398  
  440,200       CubeSmart       10,582,408  
  26,100       Equinix, Inc. (a)       11,201,076  
  481,800       Equity Residential (a)       31,716,894  
  605,000       Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc.       22,790,350  
  1,508,969       GGP, Inc.       35,551,310  
  1,150,875       Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., Class A       35,803,721  
  333,400       Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.       6,091,218  
  767,121       Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.       26,227,867  
  649,600       Kimco Realty Corp.       11,920,160  
  703,400       Liberty Property Trust       28,635,414  
  197,400       Macerich Co. (The) (a)       11,461,044  
  357,600       Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.       11,807,952  
  893,400       Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc.       24,086,064  
  402,800       Prologis, Inc. (a)       23,620,192  
  114,200       Public Storage (a)       23,814,126  
  109,600       QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Class A       5,735,368  
  76,215       Simon Property Group, Inc. (a)       12,328,538  
  159,713       SL Green Realty Corp. (a)       16,897,636  
  295,200       Sun Communities, Inc.       25,886,088  
  151,000       UDR, Inc.       5,884,470  
  3,002,300       VEREIT, Inc.       24,438,722  
  123,000       Vornado Realty Trust       11,549,700  
  593,500       Weingarten Realty Investors       17,864,350  
  242,300       Welltower, Inc.       18,136,155  
             499,601,009  
          Total Common Stock
(cost $963,505,266)
      953,907,128  
 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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Portfolio of Investments concluded

 

Shares                      Market
Value ($)
 
    Preferred Stock – 21.6%    
    United States – 21.6%    
  525,265       American Homes 4 Rent, Series D     $ 13,599,111  
  100,000       CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., Series D       2,326,000  
  369,474       DDR Corp., Series J       9,262,713  
  500,000       DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc., Series C       13,589,500  
  1,050,000       EPR Properties, Series F       26,701,500  
  741,000       GGP, Inc., Series A       18,865,860  
  150,000       iStar, Inc., Series F       3,778,500  
  765,000       iStar, Inc., Series I       18,887,850  
  400,000       LaSalle Hotel Properties, Series I       10,108,000  
  500,000       LaSalle Hotel Properties, Series J       12,665,000  
  500,000       Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, Series D       12,715,000  
  272,000       Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, Series B       6,904,720  
  341,100       Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, Series C       9,124,425  
  600,000       Public Storage, Series B       15,708,000  
  150,000       STAG Industrial, Inc., Series C       4,006,500  
  225,000       Summit Hotel Properties, Inc., Series D       5,796,000  
  600,000       Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Series E       15,528,000  
  379,377       Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc., Series F       9,786,030  
  120,000       Taubman Centers, Inc., Series K       3,040,800  
  280,000       Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., Series F       7,204,400  
          Total Preferred Stock
(cost $200,053,160)
      219,597,909  
          Total Investments – 115.5%
(cost $1,163,558,426)
      1,173,505,037  
          Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (15.5)%       (157,326,644
          Net Assets – 100.0%     $ 1,016,178,393  
Number of
Contracts
                     Market
Value ($)
 
    Written Call Options – (0.1)%    
    United States – (0.1)%    
  (600)       Crown Castle International Corp.
Expires 8/18/2017
Strike Price $105.00
    $ (42,000
  (130)       Equinix, Inc.
Expires 8/18/2017
Strike Price $450.00
      (87,100
  (2,800)       Equity Residential
Expires 7/21/2017
Strike Price $67.50
      (120,400
  (1,000)       Macerich Co. (The)
Expires 7/21/2017
Strike Price $65.00
      (22,500
  (2,000)       Prologis, Inc.
Expires 8/18/2017
Strike Price $60.00
      (174,000
  (500)       Public Storage
Expires 7/21/2017
Strike Price $230.00
      (2,500
  (700)       Simon Property Group, Inc.
Expires 7/21/2017
Strike Price $170.00
      (24,500
  (800)       SL Green Realty Corp.
Expires 7/21/2017
Strike Price $110.00
      (42,000
          Total Written Call Options
(Premiums Received $665,958)
    $ (515,000

 

* Includes U.S. Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REIT”) and Real Estate Operating Companies (“REOC”) as well as entities similarly formed under the laws of non-U.S. countries.

 

(a) A portion of the security has been pledged for open written option contracts. The aggregate market value of the collateral as of June 30, 2017 is $77,769,980.
 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

 

           June 30, 2017  

Assets

   

Investments, at value (cost $1,163,558,426)

      $1,173,505,037  

Cash and cash equivalents

      108,533  

Dividends and interest receivable

      5,881,306  

Dividend withholding reclaims receivable

      1,301,765  

Other assets

      96,270  

Total Assets

      1,180,892,911  

Liabilities

   

Line of credit payable

      152,822,200  

Payable for investment securities purchased

      9,678,815  

Written options (premiums received $665,958)

      515,000  

Unrealized depreciation on spot contracts

      15,895  

Management fees payable

      824,235  

Accrued expenses

      858,373  

Total Liabilities

      164,714,518  

Net Assets

      $1,016,178,393  

Composition of Net Assets

   

$0.001 par value per share;
unlimited number of shares authorized,
116,590,494 shares issued and outstanding

      $116,590  

Additional paid-in capital

      1,213,791,388  

Distributions in excess of net investment income

      (36,395,527

Accumulated net realized loss on investments, written options, and foreign currency transactions

      (171,436,744

Net unrealized appreciation on investments, written options and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

      10,102,686  

Net Assets

      $1,016,178,393  

Net Asset Value
(based on 116,590,494 shares outstanding)

      $8.72  

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       9


Table of Contents

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

 

           For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 

Investment Income

   

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $868,782)

      $25,384,367  

Other Income

      49,410  

Interest

      9  

Total Investment Income

      25,433,786  

Expenses:

   

Management fees

      4,850,452  

Interest expense on line of credit

      1,134,198  

Printing and mailing fees

      263,861  

Administration fees

      119,087  

Custodian fees

      96,590  

Transfer agent fees

      88,076  

Audit and tax fees

      82,319  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

      81,154  

Insurance fees

      79,739  

Legal fees

      69,959  

NYSE listing fee

      60,994  

Miscellaneous expenses

      20,668  

Total Expenses

      6,947,097  

Net Investment Income

      18,486,689  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Written Options and Foreign Currency Transactions

   

Net realized gain (loss) on:

   

Investments

      1,560,487  

Written options

      1,936,411  

Foreign currency transactions

      (9,643

Total Net Realized Gain

      3,487,255  

Net change in unrealized appreciation on:

   

Investments

      20,044,997  

Written options

      150,958  

Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

      67,628  

Total Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation

      20,263,583  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments, Written Options and Foreign Currency Transactions

      23,750,838  

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

      $42,237,527  

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

10    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in

Net Assets

 

           

For the

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2017
(unaudited)

           For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

         

Net investment income

       $18,486,689          $30,380,104  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments, written options and foreign currency transactions

       3,487,255          (14,073,997

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, written options and foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities

       20,263,583          8,703,359  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

       42,237,527          25,009,466  

Dividends and Distributions on Common Shares

         

Distribution of net investment income

       (34,977,148        (40,029,285

Distribution of return of capital

                (29,925,011

Total dividends and distributions on Common Shares

       (34,977,148        (69,954,296

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

       7,260,379          (44,944,830

Net Assets

         

Beginning of period

       1,008,918,014          1,053,862,844  

End of period (net of distributions in excess of net investment income of $(36,395,527) and $(19,905,068), respectively)

       $1,016,178,393          $1,008,918,014  

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       11


Table of Contents

Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited)

 

          

For the

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

         

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      $42,237,527  

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

      (20,044,997

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on written options

      (150,958

Net realized gain on investments

      (1,560,487

Net realized gain on written options

      (1,936,411

Cost of securities purchased

      (611,573,982

Proceeds from sale of securities

      545,577,882  

Decrease in receivable for investment securities sold

      9,237,392  

Decrease in dividends and interest receivable

      1,011,665  

Increase in dividend withholding reclaims receivable

      (302,558

Decrease in other assets

      18,349  

Increase in payable for investment securities purchased

      4,131,602  

Premiums received on written options

      3,591,253  

Payments to close written options

      (323,641

Increase in unrealized depreciation on spot contracts

      15,895  

Increase in management fees payable

      35,184  

Increase in accrued expenses

      407,447  

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

      (29,628,838

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

   

Cash distributions paid on common shares

      (34,977,148

Proceeds from borrowing on line of credit

      374,358,600  

Payments on line of credit borrowings

      (309,644,600

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

      29,736,852  

Net increase in cash

      108,014  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

      519  

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

      $108,533  

Supplemental disclosure

         

Interest paid on line of credit borrowings

      $1,010,420  

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

12    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Per share operating performance for a

share outstanding throughout the period

        For the Six
Months Ended
June 30, 2017
(unaudited)
          For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2016
          For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2015
          For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2014
          For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2013
          For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2012
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

      $8.65         $9.04         $10.16         $9.04         $9.48         $8.14  

Income from investment operations

                       

Net investment income (1)

      0.16         0.26         0.27         0.30         0.33         0.33  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, written options and foreign currency transactions

      0.21         (0.05       (0.82       1.36         (0.23       1.59  

Total from investment operations

      0.37         0.21         (0.55       1.66         0.10         1.92  

Dividends and distributions on Common Shares

                       

Net investment income

      (0.30       (0.34       (0.57       (0.40       (0.39       (0.58

Return of capital

              (0.26               (0.14       (0.15        

Total dividends and distributions to Common Shareholders

      (0.30       (0.60       (0.57       (0.54       (0.54       (0.58

Net asset value, end of period

      $8.72         $8.65         $9.04         $10.16         $9.04         $9.48  

Market value, end of period

      $7.72         $7.30         $7.64         $8.99         $7.92         $8.86  

Total investment return (2)

                       

Net asset value

      4.35       2.17       (5.57 )%        18.73       0.91       24.15

Market value

      10.00       3.17       (8.89 )%        20.74       (4.93 )%        38.77

Ratios and supplemental data

                       

Net assets, applicable to Common Shares, end of period (thousands)

      $1,016,178         $1,008,918         $1,053,863         $1,184,712         $1,053,535         $1,104,997  

Ratios to average net assets applicable to Common Shares of:

                       

Net expenses, including fee waiver

      1.38 %(3)        1.18       1.19       1.14       1.06 %(4)        0.99

Net expenses, excluding fee waiver

      1.38 %(3)        1.18       1.19       1.14       1.07 %(4)        1.05

Net expenses, including fee waiver and excluding interest on line of credit

      1.16 %(3)        1.09       1.10       1.08       1.04 %(4)        0.98

Net expenses, excluding fee waiver and interest on line of credit

      1.16 %(3)        1.09       1.10       1.08       1.04 %(4)        1.04

Net investment income

      3.69 %(3)        2.86       2.79       3.05       3.43       3.68

Portfolio turnover rate

            47.45             67.36             76.54             21.27             11.38             14.42

 

(1) Based on average shares outstanding.

 

(2) Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested at the prices obtained under the Trust’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Net Asset Value (“NAV”) total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of distributions at NAV on the date of the distribution.

 

(3) Annualized.

 

(4) Effective February 28, 2013, the investment management fee waiver agreement expired.

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       13


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. Fund Organization

CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund (the “Trust”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company that was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 6, 2003 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies. CBRE Clarion Securities LLC (the “Advisor”) is the Trust’s investment advisor. The Advisor is a majority-owned subsidiary of CBRE Group, Inc. and is partially owned by its senior management team. The Trust commenced operations on February 18, 2004.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Trust.

Securities Valuation – The net asset value of the common shares of the Trust will be computed based upon the value of the Trust’s portfolio securities and other assets. The Trust calculates net asset value per common share by subtracting the Trust’s liabilities (including accrued expenses, dividends payable and any borrowings of the Trust) and the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares from the Trust’s total assets (the value of the securities the Trust holds, plus cash and/or other assets, including dividends accrued but not yet received) and dividing the result by the total number of common shares of the Trust outstanding. Net asset value per common share will be determined as of the close of the regular trading session (usually 4:00 p.m., EST) on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on each business day on which the NYSE is open for trading.

For purposes of determining the net asset value of the Trust, readily marketable portfolio assets (including common stock, preferred stock, and options) traded principally on an exchange, or on a similar regulated market reporting contemporaneous transaction prices, are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price for such assets on such principal markets on the business day on which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such day. Foreign securities are valued based upon quotations from the primary market in which they are traded and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation as of valuation date, calculated using an interpolated foreign exchange rate. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”).

Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current market quotations. Short-term securities, which mature in 60 days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

U.S. GAAP provides guidance on fair value measurements. In accordance with the standard, fair value is defined as the price that the Trust would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in a timely transaction with an independent buyer in the principal market, or in the absence of a principal market the most advantageous market for the investment or liability. It establishes a single definition of fair value, creates a three-tier hierarchy as a framework for measuring fair value based on inputs used to value the Trust’s investments, and requires additional disclosure about fair value. The hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

 

  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

  Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Trust’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

For Level 1 inputs, the Trust uses unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for assets or liabilities with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information as the most reliable evidence of fair value.

The Trust’s Level 2 valuation techniques include inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for an asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 observable inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active in which there are few transactions,

 

14    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements continued

 

the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially over time or among market participants. Inputs that are observable for the asset or liability in Level 2 include such factors as interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and default rates for similar liabilities.

For Level 3 valuation techniques, the Trust uses unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions market participants would be expected to use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available and are developed based on the best information available under the circumstances. In developing unobservable inputs, market participant assumptions are used if they are reasonably available without undue cost and effort.

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2017 in valuing the Trust’s investments carried at fair value:

 

Assets      Level 1      Level 2        Level 3        Total  

Investments in Real Estate Securities

                 

Common Stocks

                 

Australia

     $ 62,951,161      $        $         —        $ 62,951,161  

Canada

       42,791,113                          42,791,113  

France

       33,130,692                          33,130,692  

Germany

       57,369,675                          57,369,675  

Hong Kong

       63,801,470                          63,801,470  

Japan

       68,905,068                          68,905,068  

Mexico

       11,462,395                          11,462,395  

Netherlands

       6,383,664                          6,383,664  

Singapore

       54,751,833                          54,751,833  

United Kingdom

       52,759,048                          52,759,048  

United States

       499,601,009                          499,601,009  

Total Common Stocks

       953,907,128                          953,907,128  

Preferred Stocks

                 

United States

       153,991,909        65,606,000                   219,597,909  

Total Investments in Real Estate Securities

     $ 1,107,899,037      $ 65,606,000        $        $ 1,173,505,037  
Liabilities                                      

Other Financial Instruments

                 

Written call options

     $ (515,000    $        $        $ (515,000

Total Liabilities

     $ (515,000    $        $        $ (515,000

The primary third party pricing vendor for the Trust’s listed preferred stock investments is FT Interactive Data (“IDC”). When available, the Trust will obtain a closing exchange price to value the preferred stock investments and, in such instances, the investment will be classified as Level 1 since an unadjusted quoted price was utilized. When a closing price is not available for the listed preferred stock investments, IDC will produce an evaluated mean price (midpoint between the bid and the ask evaluation) and such investments will be classified as Level 2 since other observable inputs were used in the valuation. Factors used in the IDC evaluation include trading activity, the presence of a two-sided market, and other relevant market data.

The Trust’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out at the fair value as of the beginning of the period. The portfolio may hold securities which are periodically fair valued in accordance with the Trust’s fair value procedures. This may result in movements between Levels 1, 2, and 3 throughout the period. $63,181,312 was transferred out of Level 1 into Level 2 during the period ended June 30, 2017 due to the unavailability of significant observable pricing inputs. $29,861,250 was transferred out of Level 2

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       15


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements continued

 

into Level 1 during the period ended June 30, 2017, due to the availability of significant observable pricing inputs. Pursuant to the Trust’s fair value procedures noted previously, equity securities (including exchange traded securities and open-end regulated investment companies) and exchange traded derivatives (i.e. futures contracts and options) are generally categorized as Level 1 securities in the fair value hierarchy. Fixed income securities, non-exchange traded derivatives and money market instruments are generally categorized as Level 2 securities in the fair value hierarchy. Investments for which there are no such quotations, or for which quotations do not appear reliable, are valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Trustees. These valuations are typically categorized as Level 2 or Level 3 securities in the fair value hierarchy.

For the period ended June 30, 2017, there have been no significant changes to the Trust’s fair valuation methodology.

Foreign Currency Translation – The books and records of the Trust are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities – at the current rates of exchange;

 

(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses – at the rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

Although the net assets of the Trust are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of each fiscal period, the Trust does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of long-term securities held at the end of the fiscal period. Similarly, the Trust does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities sold during the fiscal period. Accordingly, realized foreign currency gains or losses will be included in the reported net realized gains or losses on investment transactions.

Net realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from the holding of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Trust’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets or liabilities (other than investments) at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and foreign currencies.

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of political or economic instability, or the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts – The Trust enters into forward foreign currency contracts in order to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on its foreign portfolio holdings, to hedge certain Trust purchase and sales commitments denominated in foreign currencies and for investment purposes. A forward foreign currency contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency on a future date at a negotiated forward rate. The gain or loss arising from the difference between the original contracts and the closing of such contracts would be included in net realized gain or loss on foreign currency transactions.

Fluctuations in the value of open forward foreign currency contracts are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized appreciation and depreciation by the Trust.

The Trust’s custodian will place and maintain cash not available for investment or other liquid assets in a separate account of the Trust having a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the Trust’s commitments under forward foreign currency contracts entered into with respect to position hedges.

Risks may arise from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of a contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. The face or contract amount, in U.S. dollars, reflects the total exposure the Trust has in that particular currency contract. As of June 30, 2017, the Trust did not hold any forward foreign currency contracts.

 

16    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements continued

 

Options – The Trust may purchase or sell (write) options on securities and securities indices which are listed on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value of the Trust’s portfolio.

An option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option the security underlying the option at a specified exercise or “strike” price. The writer of an option on a security has an obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price (in the case of a call) or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security (in the case of a put).

There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities. As the writer of a covered call option, the Trust forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fill its obligation as writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price.

Transactions in written options during the period ended June 30, 2017 were as follows:

 

        Number of
Contracts
     Premiums
Received
 

Options outstanding, beginning of period

            $  

Options written

       53,190        3,591,253  

Options expired

       (22,418      (1,452,733

Options exercised

       (6,430      (665,243

Options closed

       (15,812      (807,319

Options outstanding, end of period

       8,530      $ 665,958  

Securities Transactions and Investment Income – Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are recorded on the basis of identified cost. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from investments in REITs are recorded as dividend income on ex-dividend date, subject to reclassification upon notice of the character of such distributions by the issuer. The portion of dividend attributable to the return of capital is recorded against the cost basis of the security. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are recorded net of reclaimable amounts, at the time the related income is earned. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest income, including accretion of original issue discount, where applicable, and accretion of discount on short-term investments, is recorded on the accrual basis.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid on a monthly basis. Income dividends and capital gain distributions to common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. To the extent the Trust’s net realized capital gains, if any, can be offset by capital loss carryforwards, it is the policy of the Trust not to distribute such gains.

On August 5, 2008, the Trust acting in accordance with an exemptive order received from the Securities and Exchange Commission and with approval of the Board, adopted a managed distribution policy under which the Trust intends to make regular monthly cash distributions to common shareholders, stated in terms of a fixed amount per common share. With this new policy, the Trust can now include long-term capital gains in its distribution as frequently as twelve times a year. In practice, the Board views their approval of this policy as a potential means of further supporting the market price of the Trust through the payment of a steady and predictable level of cash distributions to shareholders.

The current monthly distribution rate is $0.05 per share. The Trust continues to evaluate its monthly distribution policy in light of ongoing economic and market conditions and may change the amount of the monthly distributions in the future.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       17


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements continued

 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

3. Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the fair value of derivatives held at June 30, 2017 and the location on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments
   Location on Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
     Fair Value  

Liability derivatives

       

Equity Risk

       

Written options

   Written options      $ (515,000

The effect of derivative instruments on the Trust’s Statement of Operations for the period ended June 30, 2017, was as follows:

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments
   Realized gain (loss)      Change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)

Equity Risk

           

Written options

     $ 1,936,411        $ 150,958

For the period ended June 30, 2017, the average month-end fair value of derivatives represented approximately 0.07% of average month-end net assets. The average month-end number of open derivative contracts for the period was 8.

 

4. Concentration of Risk

Under normal market conditions, the Trust’s investments will be concentrated in income-producing common equity securities, preferred securities, convertible securities and non-convertible debt securities issued by companies deriving the majority of their revenue from the ownership, construction, financing, management and/or sale of commercial, industrial, and/or residential real estate. Values of the securities of such companies may fluctuate due to economic, legal, cultural, geopolitical or technological developments affecting various global real estate industries.

 

5. Investment Management Agreement and Other Agreements

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between the Advisor and the Trust, the Advisor is responsible for the daily management of the Trust’s portfolio of investments, which includes buying and selling securities for the Trust, as well as investment research. The Trust pays for investment advisory services and facilities through a fee payable monthly in arrears at an annual rate equal to 0.85% of the average daily value of the Trust’s managed assets plus certain direct and allocated expenses of the Advisor incurred on the Trust’s behalf. The Advisor agreed to waive a portion of its management fee in the amount of 0.25% of the average daily values of the Trust’s managed assets for the first five years of the Trust’s operations (through February 2009), and for a declining amount for an additional four years (through February 2013). During the period ended June 30, 2017, the Trust incurred management fees of $4,850,452, of which $824,235 is payable as of the end of the period. There were no fees waived during the period ended June 30, 2017.

The Trust has multiple service agreements with the Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”). Under the servicing agreements, BNYM will perform custodial, fund accounting, and certain administrative services for the Trust. As custodian, BNYM is responsible for the custody of the Trust’s assets. As administrator, BNYM is responsible for maintaining the books and records of the Trust’s securities and cash.

Computershare is the Trust’s transfer agent and as such is responsible for performing transfer agency services for the Trust.

 

18    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements continued

 

 

6. Portfolio Securities

For the period ended June 30, 2017, there were purchases and sales transactions (excluding short-term securities) of $612,910,300 and $542,381,842, respectively. These purchase and sale transaction amounts differ from the amounts disclosed on the Statement of Cash Flows primarily due to the re-characterization of dividends from ordinary income to return of capital and capital gain.

 

7. Federal Income Taxes

The Trust intends to elect to be, and qualify for treatment as, a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). A regulated investment company generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains that it distributes. The Trust intends to meet the calendar year distribution requirements imposed by the Code to avoid the imposition of a 4% excise tax.

The Trust is required to evaluate tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Trust’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Income tax and related interest and penalties would be recognized by the Trust as tax expense in the Statement of Operations if the tax positions were deemed to not meet the more-likely-than-not threshold. For the period ended June 30, 2017, the Trust did not incur any income tax, interest, or penalties. As of June 30, 2017, the Advisor has reviewed all open tax years and concluded that there was no impact to the Trust’s net assets or results of operations. Tax years ended December 31, 2013, through December 31, 2016, remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Advisor will monitor its tax positions to determine if adjustments to this conclusion are necessary.

The Trust distinguishes between dividends on a tax basis and on a financial reporting basis and only distributions in excess of tax basis earnings and profits are reported in the financial statements as a tax return of capital. Differences in the recognition or classification of income between the financial statements and tax earnings and profits which result in temporary over-distributions for financial statement purposes are classified as distributions in excess of net investment income or accumulated net realized losses in the components of net assets on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

In order to present paid-in capital in excess of par and accumulated net realized gains or losses on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities that more closely represent their tax character, certain adjustments have been made to additional paid-in capital, undistributed net investment income and accumulated net realized gains or losses on investments. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the adjustments were to increase accumulated net realized loss on investments by $6,962,448, and decrease distributions in excess of net investment income by $6,962,448 due to the difference in the treatment for book and tax purposes of passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) investments and the recognition of foreign currency gain (loss) as ordinary income (loss). Results of operations and net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

At June 30, 2017, the Trust had capital loss carryforwards which will reduce the Trust’s taxable income arising from future net realized gain on investments, if any, to the extent permitted by the code and thus will reduce the amount of distributions to shareholders which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Trust of any liability for federal income tax. Pursuant to the code, such capital loss carryforwards, if unused, will expire, $119,632,422 and $26,711,743 in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”) eliminated the eight-year carryover year for capital losses that arise in taxable years beginning after its enactment date of December 22, 2010. Consequently, these capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period. However, capital losses with an expiration period may not be used to offset capital gains until all net capital losses without an expiration date have been utilized. Additionally, post-enactment capital loss carryovers will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses instead of as short-term capital losses as under prior law. The Trust had short-term capital losses of $9,051,362, with no expiration and long-term capital losses of $15,807,186, with no expiration.

The final determination of the source of the 2017 distributions for tax purposes will be made after the end of the Trust’s fiscal year and will be reported to shareholders in February 2018 on the Form 1099-DIV.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the tax character of distributions paid, as reflected in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets, was $40,029,285 of ordinary income and $29,925,011 of return of capital, respectively.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       19


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements concluded

 

Information on the tax components of net assets as of June 30, 2017, is as follows:

 

Cost of
Investments for
Tax Purposes*
  Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
on Investments
$1,181,844,916   $58,800,457   $(67,140,336)   $(8,339,879)

 

* Cost of investments on a tax basis includes the adjustment for financial reporting purposes as of the most recently completed federal income tax reporting period end.

 

8. Borrowings

The Trust has access to a secured line of credit up to $300,000,000 from BNYM for borrowing purposes. Borrowings under this arrangement bear interest at the Federal funds rate plus 75 basis points. At June 30, 2017, there were borrowings in the amount of $152,822,200 on the Trust’s line of credit.

The average daily amount of borrowings during the period ended June 30, 2017 was $139,129,034 with an average interest rate of 1.57%. The maximum amount outstanding for the period ended June 30, 2017, was $219,230,200. The Trust had borrowings under the line of credit for 181 days during 2017.

 

9. Capital

During 2004, the Trust issued 101,000,000 shares of common stock at $15.00. In connection with the Trust’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”), the Trust issued no common shares for the period ended June 30, 2017 and the year ended 2016, respectively. At June 30, 2017, the Trust had outstanding common shares of 116,590,494 with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Advisor owned none of the common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

At June 30, 2017, the Trust had no shares of auction rate preferred securities outstanding.

 

10. Indemnifications

The Trust enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Trust’s exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Trust has not had prior claims or losses or current claims or losses pursuant to these contracts.

 

11. Regulatory Matters

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) issued a new rule, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, which, among other provisions, amends Regulation S-X to require standardized, enhanced disclosures, particularly related to derivatives, in investment company financial statements. Compliance with the rule is effective for financial statements dated on or after August 1, 2017; adoption will have no effect on the fund’s net assets or results of operations. Management is currently evaluating the impacts to the financial statement disclosures, if any.

 

12. Subsequent Events

Events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued are categorized as recognized or non-recognized for financial statement purposes. Since June 30, 2017, the Trust paid a dividend on July 31, 2017 of $0.05 per share for the month of July 2017. No other notable events have occurred between period-end and the issuance of these financial statements.

 

20    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


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Supplemental Information (unaudited)

 

Trustees

The Trustees of the CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund and their principal occupations during the past five years:

 

Name, Address

and Age

  Term of Office and
Length of Time
Served (1)
  Title  

Principal Occupations
During The Past

Five Years

  Number of
Portfolios in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
  Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
Trustees:                         

T. Ritson Ferguson*

201 King of Prussia

Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 57

  3 years/
since inception
  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer   Chief Executive Officer and Global Chief Investment Officer of CBRE Global Investors (since March 2016); Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of CBRE Clarion Securities LLC.   1    

Asuka Nakahara**

201 King of Prussia

Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 60

  3 years/
since inception
  Trustee   Associate Director of the Zell-Lurie Real Estate Center at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (since 1999); Lecturer of Real Estate at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (since 1999); Partner of Triton Atlantic Partners (since 2009).   1   Comcast Corp. (since 2017)

Frederick S. Hammer

201 King of Prussia

Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 80

  3 years/
since inception
  Trustee   Co-Chairman of IA Capital Group (since 1994) and a member of its investment committee.   1   Board of Directors of JetPay Corporation (2011 - 2016); IA Capital Group (2007 - 2011); and Homeowners Insurance Corp. (since 2006).

Richard L. Sutton

201 King of Prussia
Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 81

  3 years/
since inception
  Trustee   Partner, Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnel (1966 - 2000).   1   Board of Directors of Schroder Global Real Estate Securities Limited (F/K/A Investors in Global Real Estate Ltd.) (2006 - 2015).

John R. Bartholdson

201 King of Prussia
Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 72

  3 years/
13 years
  Trustee/Audit Committee Financial Expert   Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, and a Director of
Triumph Group, Inc. (1993 - 2007).
  1   Trustee of Berwyn Cornerstone Fund, Berwyn Income Fund, and Berwyn Fund (2013 - 2016). Board of Old Mutual Advisor Funds, Old Mutual Funds II and Old Mutual Insurance Series Fund (2004 - 2012), and Old Mutual Funds III (2008 - 2009).

 

(1) After a Trustee’s initial term, each Trustee is expected to serve a three-year term concurrent with the class of Trustees for which he serves. Messrs. Ferguson and Hammer, as Class I Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the Trust’s 2017 annual meeting of shareholders; Mr. Nakahara, as Class II Trustee, is expected to stand for re-election at the Trust’s 2018 annual meeting of shareholders; Messrs. Sutton and Bartholdson, as Class III Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the Trust’s 2019 annual meeting of shareholders.

 

* Mr. Ferguson is deemed to be an interested person of the Trust as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 ACT”), as amended, due to his position with the Advisor.

 

** Mr. Nakahara owned 5,000 shares of CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc. (“CB Richard Ellis”), of which the advisor is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary, as of July 1, 2011, the date CB Richard Ellis acquired the advisor, and through September 2, 2011, technically making him an interested person of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) during that period. Mr. Nakahara purchased the shares several years ago. Mr. Nakahara no longer owns those shares and is an independent Trustee of the Trust.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       21


Table of Contents

Supplemental Information (unaudited) continued

 

Officers

The Officers of the CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund and their principal occupations during the past five years:

 

Name, Address, Age
and Position(s) Held
with Registrant
   Length of Time
Served
     Principal Occupations During
the Past Five Years and
Other Affiliations
Officers:              

Jonathan A. Blome

201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 39

Chief Financial Officer

   since 2006      Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations of CBRE Clarion Securities LLC (since 2011).

William E. Zitelli

201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 600

Radnor, PA 19087

Age: 48

Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary

   since 2007     

General Counsel of CBRE Clarion Securities LLC

(since 2007).

 

22    CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND


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Supplemental Information (unaudited) concluded

 

Additional Information

Statement of Additional Information includes additional information regarding the Trustees. This information is available upon request, without charge, by calling the following toll-free telephone number: 1-888-711-4272.

The Trust has delegated the voting of the Trust’s voting securities to the Trust’s advisor pursuant to the proxy voting policies and procedures of the advisor. You may obtain a copy of these policies and procedures by calling 1-888-711-4272. The policies may also be found on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov).

Information regarding how the Trust voted proxies for portfolio securities, if applicable, during the most recent 12-month period ended December 31, is also available, without charge and upon request by calling the Trust at 1-888-711-4272 or by accessing the Trust’s Form N-PX on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Trust’s Form N-Qs are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Trust’s Form N-Qs may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited)

Pursuant to the Trust’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), shareholders of the Trust are automatically enrolled, to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains reinvested by The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Plan Agent”) in the Trust’s shares pursuant to the Plan. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by sending written instructions or by contacting The Bank of New York Mellon, as dividend disbursing agent, at the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by contacting the Plan Agent before the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check and mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Plan Agent, which serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan.

After the Trust declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gain distribution, the Plan Agent will acquire shares for the participants’ account, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of unissued but authorized shares from the Trust (“newly issued shares”) or (ii) by open market purchases. If, on the dividend payment date, the NAV is equal to or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as “market premium”), the Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in newly issued shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the NAV on the date the shares are issued. However, if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the payment date, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date. If, on the dividend payment date, the NAV is greater than the market value per share plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as “market discount”), the Plan Agent will invest the dividend amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases.

The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Trust. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any Federal income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

The Trust reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Trust reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Participants that request a sale of shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a $2.50 sales fee and a $0.15 per share sold brokerage commission. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at Computershare Shareowner Services LLC, P.O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170, Phone Number: (866) 221-1580.

 

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 2017       23


Table of Contents

CBRE CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

T. RITSON FERGUSON

ASUKA NAKAHARA

FREDERICK S. HAMMER

RICHARD L. SUTTON

JOHN R. BARTHOLDSON

OFFICERS

T. RITSON FERGUSON

PRESIDENT AND

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JONATHAN A. BLOME

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

WILLIAM E. ZITELLI

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

AND SECRETARY

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

CBRE CLARION SECURITIES LLC

201 KING OF PRUSSIA ROAD, SUITE 600

RADNOR, PA 19087

888-711-4272

ADMINISTRATOR AND CUSTODIAN

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

TRANSFER AGENT

COMPUTERSHARE

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS

LEGAL COUNSEL

MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP

WASHINGTON, DC

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

 


Table of Contents

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)

The schedule of investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

There has been no change, as of the date of this filing, in any of the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the registrant’s most recently filed annual report on Form N-CSR.


Table of Contents

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

None.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The Trust’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.

 

  (b)

The Trust’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no changes in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Trust’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)   

 

Not applicable.

(a)(2)

 

Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(a)(3)

 

Not applicable.

(b)

 

Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(c)

 

Notices to Trust’s common shareholders in accordance with Investment Company Act Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1.1

 

1 

The Trust has received exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission permitting it to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains with respect to its outstanding common stock as frequently as twelve times each year. This relief is conditioned, in part, on an undertaking by the Trust to make the disclosures to the holders of the Trust’s common shares, in addition to the information required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act and Rule 19a-1 thereunder. The Trust is likewise obligated to file with the Commission the information contained in any such notice to shareholders and, in that regard, has attached hereto copies of each such notice made during the period.


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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)

 

      CBRE Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

        /s/ T. Ritson Ferguson

 

        T. Ritson Ferguson

 

        President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date

 

      8/29/2017

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/ T. Ritson Ferguson

 

        T. Ritson Ferguson

 

        President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Date

 

      8/29/2017

 

By (Signature and Title)*

 

        /s/ Jonathan A. Blome

 

        Jonathan A. Blome

 

        Chief Financial Officer

Date

 

      8/29/2017

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