Investor Centre: Overview; Investment Objectives; Results & Financials; Distributions; Unit Price; Performance; Check Your Holding Online; Periodic Statements; FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a real estate investment trust (REIT)?

A real estate investment trust (REIT) is an investment vehicle which pools the money of many investors, so that they may share in the returns of a wide spread of property investments. For example, Charter Hall Retail REIT's portfolio represents a mix of shopping centres and stand-alone supermarkets across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the United States of America. When investors buy units in Charter Hall Retail REIT, they are effectively acquiring a share of the ownership of these assets. The returns from these assets are largely comprised of the rental income paid by the tenants. These returns are distributed to unitholders. In the case of Charter Hall Retail REIT, distributions are paid every six months.

What does 'listed' mean?

A REIT is 'listed' when its units are quoted (or listed) on a regulated stock exchange, such as the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). As the units of Charter Hall Retail REIT are listed on the ASX and are able to be actively traded each day, their value will rise and fall according to market conditions.

What is the Charter Hall Retail REIT's ASX code?

CQR

How do I invest?

Charter Hall Retail REIT is listed on the ASX, so you can buy units just like you would buy shares - through your adviser, stockbroker or an online broker.

How do I obtain a prospectus for Charter Hall Retail REIT?

As Charter Hall Retail REIT is listed on the ASX, you do not use a prospectus to invest. You can simply buy or sell units in the Trust by contacting your stockbroker, financial adviser or an online broker.

What is the value of my investment?

As the units of Charter Hall Retail REIT are listed on the ASX, their value can change throughout the day. To calculate the value of your investment, simply multiply the number of units you hold by the current unit price. Your number of units can be found on your latest distribution statement or via the unit registry and recent unit prices are available in most major metropolitan newspapers.

What is the difference between a dividend and a distribution?

Dividends are paid to shareholders by companies out of their profits.

Distributions are paid to investors by trusts, such as the Charter Hall Retail REIT. Distributions are usually made up of income - for example, rental income - and may also include a capital payment to investors - for example, if a property was sold.

When are distributions paid?

Distributions are payable half yearly and received by investors approximately seven weeks after half year end. Approximate distribution payment dates can be found on the distributions page of this website.

What is the record date?

The record date is the date on which the Trust's unit register is closed off to identify the unitholders and to calculate any entitlement to the Trust's current distribution. All change of address notifications, direct credit instructions, TFN/ABN or exemption notification instructions election forms must be incorporated into the unit register by 5.00pm on the record date to apply for the Trust's current distribution.

What is the 'ex-distribution date'?

The ex-distribution date is the date on which units change from being quoted 'cum' to 'ex'. Units are usually quoted ex-distribution four business days before the Trust's record date. Units sold ex-distribution entitle the seller (the previous owner) to receive the last declared distribution prior to the sale, rather than the purchaser. The unit price may fall on the ex-distribution date, with the fall in price being similar to the amount of distribution to be paid.

What does 'cum-distribution' mean?

Cum means 'with'. Units quoted on cum-distribution means that units are being traded with the current distribution attached (the price of the units will usually reflect the amount of the distribution). Units sold cum-distribution do not entitle the previous owner to receive the last distribution prior to the sale, that is, the purchaser will receive the declared distribution.

Does Charter Hall Retail REIT have a distribution reinvestment plan (DRP)?

The DRP allows you to have your distributions reinvested in additional units in the Trust, rather than having your distributions paid to you. The DRP price for new units is currently calculated at a 1.0% discount to the weighted average market price of the Trust's units traded on the ASX during the 10 business days from and including the ex-distribution date. For further information on the DRP, please download the DRP Booklet (pdf 136KB) and contact the unit registry on 1300 303 063 if you wish to participate.

How do I have payments paid directly to my bank or building society?

If you are an individual holder you can update your details online at the registry's website. All other issuer sponsored investors (joint holder, companies, etc.,) need to complete and sign the request credit of payments form and forward by mail to the unit registry. Please note the account name provided must be in the name of the registered unitholder.

What is a unit purchase plan (UPP)?

A UPP is a convenient way for eligible unitholders to acquire additional units in the Trust where no brokerage or other transaction costs are involved.

Under the UPP the Trust may, at the discretion of the Board, once a year offer eligible Unitholders the opportunity to purchase additional fully paid ordinary units up to a maximum value of A$5,000. This maximum value has been set by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.

How do I change my address and banking details?

If you are an individual holder, you can do this online at the registry's website. All other issuer sponsored investors (joint holders, companies, etc.,) should complete a change of address form or a request credit of payments form and forward by mail to the unit registry.

For security reasons, changing your address details is not available to broker-sponsored unitholders. You will need to advise your broker of any change.

How do I change my name?

You can change your name by completing a name correction request and indemnity form and forward by mail to the unit registry.

Please note that the unit registry are unable to accept change of name requests by facsimile, email or phone. The completed form should be completed and signed correctly and accompanied by relevant supporting documentation. If you are signing under a power of attorney, a certified copy of the original power of attorney must be lodged with the unit registry for noting (if not already noted). Supporting documentation requirements differ, depending on the reason for the change of name.

For security reasons, this facility is not available to broker-sponsored unitholders. You will need to advise your broker of any change.

How can I give notification of my tax file number (TFN)?

Advice of TFNs can be made by downloading the tax file number or Australian business number notification form and forward by mail to the registry. You may choose not to provide your TFN, however if you do not provide your TFN your distribution will be taxed at the highest marginal rate.

When will I receive my annual tax statement?

A tax statement for the tax year to 30 June is mailed to all unitholders who have held an investment in the Trust during that tax year. The tax statements are mailed approximately seven weeks after 30 June each year. The tax statement summarises the distributions paid during the year and includes information required to complete your annual tax return. To view and download your tax statement visit the registry's website and go to the investors page. You will need your SRN or HIN along with your surname and postcode to log in.

How do I contact the unit registry?

The Registrar - Charter Hall Retail REIT
Link Market Services Limited
Locked Bag A14, Sydney South NSW 1235
Telephone: 1300 303 063 (local call cost)
Email: charterhall.reits@linkmarketservices.com.au

How do I contact the Manager?

Charter Hall Retail Management Limited
GPO Box 2704, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: 1300 365 585 (local call cost)
Fax: (02) 8908 4090
Email: reits@charterhall.com.au