Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current distribution?

The current monthly distribution is $0.106 per unit per month, or $1.272 per unit per year. Distributions are paid on the last business day of each month. Click here to view recent distributions.

Are fund distributions taxable?

$1.075 per unit per year is treated as "other taxable income" (equivalent to interest income) while the balance is distributed as non-eligible dividends. Click here for 2009 Tax Information [pdf 17KB / 1 page].

Why is the distribution paid January 31, 2009 included in 2008 taxable income?

The income reported on the 2008 T3's provided to unitholders of record on December 31, 2008 includes the distribution of 10.6 cents per unit for the period December 1 to 31, 2008. As distributions are paid monthly in arrears, this distribution of December's income was paid on January 31, 2009.

When will distributions be further increased?

Distributions were originally $1.08 per year per unit. Distributions were increased four times in 2006 and two times in 2007 to the current annual distribution rate of $1.272 per unit. In addition, Special Distributions of $0.08 per unit were paid in February 2007 and $0.10 per unit in February 2008 and in November 2008.

The ability to increase distributions depends on the same store sales growth of the restaurants in the royalty pool and management of the Fund's general and administrative expenses, as well as the accretion from the royalties of the new restaurants added to the pool each January.

What are A&W's anticipated sales for the coming year?

We do not provide estimates of future sales. 2008 gross sales for the 676 A&W restaurants in the royalty pool during 2008 were $710 million. On January 5, 2009, the number of A&W restaurants for which royalties are paid was increased by 17 new restaurants less 8 restaurants which permanently closed during 2008, bringing the total number of restaurants in the royalty pool to 685.

Does the Fund pay management fees?

There are no management fees charged by Food Services; however the Fund and Trade Marks incur general and administrative costs, as well as interest on a $10 million term loan. Together these costs totalled approximately $988,000 in 2008.

When will new restaurants be added to the royalty pool?

Once per year, the Fund (through Trade Marks and the Partnership) will purchase the royalty stream from new restaurants opened by A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (Food Services) in the prior year, net of the royalty stream of any A&W restaurants that have closed. The Partnership will pay Food Services, in the form of securities that are exchangeable for units of the Fund, 92.5% of an amount that is based on the royalty stream from the net new restaurants and the yield on the units of the Fund. The formula is designed to be accretive to unitholders. In 2007 royalties were based on 676 restaurants in the royalty pool. On January 5, 2008, the number of A&W restaurants for which royalties are paid was increased by 17 new restaurants less 8 restaurants which permanently closed during 2008, bringing the total number of restaurants in the royalty pool to 685.

What is distributable cash and how is it calculated?

Distributable cash is a common term used by income funds to describe the amount of cash that is available to meet distribution obligations of the Fund. Distributable cash is calculated as the combined operating cash flows of the Fund and Trade Marks, adjusted for the dividends on Trade Marks' Class A and B shares and changes in non-cash working capital.

What is A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.'s ownership in the Fund?

Effective January 5, 2009, Food Services owns the equivalent of 41.5% of the units of the Fund on a fully diluted basis. Distributions by the Fund to unitholders are made in priority to distributions to Food Services, therefore the interests of Food Services and unitholders are closely aligned.

Why do the number of restaurant openings and closures vary between A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. and the Fund?

The number of restaurant openings and closings will vary between Food Services and the Fund, as the period for which they are calculated varies slightly.

Why is there a difference in the number of restaurants and sales in the royalty pool and the total number of restaurants and total sales reported by A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.?

The royalty pool is adjusted in January of each year to include the revenue stream from restaurants which opened in the 12-month period ending September of the prior year. For example, on January 5, 2008, the number of restaurants for which royalties were paid to the Fund was increased by 17 new restaurants which opened prior to September 2008, less 8 restaurants which permanently closed during 2008. Restaurants that opened after September 2008 will not be included in the royalty pool until January 2010. Therefore at any given time there are A&W restaurants which are not in the royalty pool.

How can I purchase units of A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund?

Units are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AW.UN. There are currently 8,340,000 units outstanding. To purchase units, contact any Canadian brokerage firm.

Does the Fund have a Dividend Reinvestment Program (DRIP) available to unitholders?

No, but your brokerage firm may offer a feature simillar to a DRIP which allows investors to rollover monthly cash distributions for additional Fund units.

Are share certificates issued for the units?

Share certificates are not issued for the units.

How can I contact the A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund?

For more information about the A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund, please contact:

Don Leslie
A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund
#300 - 171 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K9
Phone: (604) 988-2141
Fax: (604) 988-5531
Email: investorrelations@aw.ca