Singapore-based ESR-REIT, a leading real estate investment trust, has unveiled pivotal details concerning its upcoming distribution for the period ending December 2024. These announcements include record dates, payment schedules, trading arrangements, and important tax declarations that may significantly impact shareholder entitlements and share value.
Key Highlights for Shareholders
- Distribution Details: ESR-REIT will distribute:
- 0.275 cents per unit for units under the main ESR-REIT counter for the period from 11 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 (entirely taxable income).
- 0.195 cents per unit for Consideration Units traded under the temporary ESR-REIT A counter for the period from 29 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 (entirely taxable income).
- Key Dates:
- The last “cum-distribution” trading day is 3 February 2025, with the “ex-distribution” trading day commencing 4 February 2025.
- Transfer books and registers close at 5:00 p.m. on 5 February 2025.
- Distribution payments are scheduled for 14 March 2025.
- Unit Trading Aggregation: After the last “cum-distribution” trading day, Consideration Units under the temporary ESR-REIT A counter will be aggregated with main ESR-REIT units and traded under the existing ESR-REIT main stock counter starting 6 February 2025.
- Taxation Implications:
- Tax will not be deducted for distributions to certain qualifying unitholders, such as individuals, CPF Investment Scheme members, Supplementary Retirement Scheme members, and tax-resident companies.
- Foreign non-individual investors and foreign funds will face tax deductions at a 10% rate if eligible, provided they submit the required declaration forms.
- Unitholders not meeting specific criteria will have tax deducted at the prevailing corporate tax rate.
- Declaration Forms: Forms for tax declarations (Form A and Form B) will be dispatched on 11 February 2025 and must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on 19 February 2025 to ensure proper tax treatment.
Potential Share Price Implications
This announcement carries several price-sensitive elements that may influence investor sentiment:
- The aggregation of trading counters simplifies share management, potentially boosting liquidity and trading volume.
- Confirmation of sufficient financial resources to meet distribution obligations may strengthen investor confidence.
- Taxation details highlight the importance of compliance for unitholders to avoid unnecessary deductions, which could impact net returns.
- Timely distribution payments may attract income-focused investors seeking steady returns.
Important Reminder for Shareholders
Shareholders must take note of the timelines and ensure they are eligible for the distribution. Filing the appropriate tax declaration forms is crucial to avoid higher deductions. Unitholders under CPFIS or SRS schemes will automatically receive gross distributions in their respective accounts, without needing to submit forms.
About ESR-REIT
ESR-REIT is one of Asia-Pacific’s leading real estate investment trusts, with a diversified portfolio valued at S\$6.0 billion as of December 2024. The trust focuses on logistics, industrial properties, and business parks across Singapore, Australia, and Japan. ESR-REIT is managed by ESR-REIT Management (S) Limited and sponsored by ESR Group Limited, a global leader in New Economy real assets.
Contact Information
For further inquiries, shareholders may contact:
