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 811-10491 --------- Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) Nuveen Investments 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Jessica R. Droeger Nuveen Investments 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Name and address of agent for service) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 917-7700 ------------------- Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2003 ------------------ Date of reporting period: December 31, 2003 ------------------ 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. ss. 3507. ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS. Nuveen Investments Closed-End Exchange-Traded Funds ANNUAL REPORT December 31, 2003 NUVEEN REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND JRS Photo of: Man holding up small boy. Photo of: 2 women with 2 girls looking at seashells. HIGH CURRENT INCOME FROM A PORTFOLIO OF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS Logo: NUVEEN Investments FASTER INFORMATION RECEIVE YOUR NUVEEN FUND REPORT ELECTRONICALLY By registering for electronic delivery, you will receive an e-mail as soon as your Nuveen Fund information is available. Click on the link and you will be taken directly to the report. Your Fund report can be viewed and saved on your computer. Your report will arrive faster via e-mail than by traditional mail. Registering is easy and only takes a few minutes (see instructions at right). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SOME COMMON CONCERNS: WILL MY E-MAIL ADDRESS BE DISTRIBUTED TO OTHER COMPANIES? No, your e-mail address is strictly confidential and will not be used for anything other than notification of shareholder information. WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND WANT TO RECEIVE INVESTOR MATERIALS THROUGH REGULAR MAIL DELIVERY AGAIN? If you decide you do not like receiving your reports electronically, it's a simple process to go back to regular mail delivery. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IF YOUR NUVEEN FUND DIVIDENDS AND STATEMENTS COME FROM YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR OR BROKERAGE ACCOUNT, FOLLOW THE STEPS OUTLINED BELOW: 1 Go to WWW.INVESTORDELIVERY.COM and follow the simple instructions, using the address sheet that accompanied this report as a guide. 2 You'll be taken to a page with several options. Select the NEW ENROLLMENT-CREATE screen and follow the simple instructions. 3 Click Submit. Confirm the information you just entered is correct, then click Submit again. 4 You should get a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours. If you do not, go back through these steps to make sure all the information is correct. 5 Use this same process if you need to change your registration information or cancel internet viewing. IF YOUR NUVEEN FUND DIVIDENDS AND STATEMENTS COME DIRECTLY TO YOU FROM NUVEEN, FOLLOW THE STEPS OUTLINED BELOW: 1 Go to WWW.NUVEEN.COM 2 Select ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT. Select the E-REPORT ENROLLMENT section. Click on Enrollment Today. 3 You'll be taken to a screen that asks for your Social Security number and e-mail address. Fill in this information, then click Enroll. 4 You should get a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours. If you do not, go back through these steps to make sure all the information is correct. 5 Use this same process if you need to change your registration information or cancel internet viewing. Logo: NUVEEN Investments Photo of: Timothy R. Schwertfeger Timothy R. Schwertfeger Chairman of the Board Sidebar text: I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER RECEIVING FUTURE FUND REPORTS AND OTHER FUND INFORMATION BY E-MAIL AND THE INTERNET .....SEE THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THIS REPORT FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS. Dear SHAREHOLDER Many of you recently received an annual report for your Fund for the year ended October 31, 2003. Since then, the fiscal year for the Fund has been changed to match the calendar year. This change in fiscal year was made strictly for administrative reasons, and does not have any impact on the management or future performance of your Fund. Because of this change, we have the opportunity to send you another annual report only two months after you received the previous one. As noted in the previous report, your Fund continued to perform well. Detailed information on your Fund's total return can be found in the Portfolio Managers' Perspective and on the Performance Overview pages within this report. Please take the time to read them. In addition to providing regular monthly income, we believe that a real estate oriented investment like your Fund also may offer opportunities to reduce the risk of your overall investment portfolio. This is because the value of the Fund's holdings may move differently than the prices of other common stocks, bonds or mutual funds you may own. Since one part of your portfolio may be going up when another is going down, portfolio diversification may reduce your overall risk. Your financial advisor can explain the advantages of portfolio diversification in more detail. I urge you to contact him or her soon for more information on this important investment strategy. I also urge you once again to consider receiving future Fund reports and other Fund information by e-mail and the Internet . Not only will you be able to receive the information faster, but this also may help lower your Fund's expenses. Sign up is quick and easy - see the inside front cover of this report for step-by-step instructions. For more than 100 years, Nuveen has specialized in offering quality investments such as your Fund to those seeking to accumulate and preserve wealth. Our commitment to careful research, constant surveillance and judicious trading by our seasoned portfolio management team has never been stronger. Our mission continues to be to assist you and your financial advisor by offering the investment solutions and services that can help you meet your financial objectives. We thank you for choosing us as a partner as you work toward that goal. Sincerely, /s/ Timothy R. Schwertfeger Timothy R. Schwertfeger Chairman of the Board February 18, 2004 1 Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund (JRS) Portfolio Managers' PERSPECTIVE The Fund is managed by a team of real estate investment professionals at Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banc One Corporation. Tony Manno and Ken Statz, who each have more than 21 years of experience in managing real estate investments, lead the team. Here they review the economic environment and performance of the Fund. WHAT WERE THE MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF THE REAL ESTATE AND REIT MARKETS DURING THE QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003? The combination of low interest rates and clearer signs of economic recovery continued to highlight both income and growth attributes within the real estate stock group, driving another strong performance quarter and capping off a near-record performance year. The performance pattern for real estate stocks by property type and by company during 2003 and in the fourth quarter generally reflected crosscurrents evident in both the broader stock and bond markets. Investors continued to aggressively seek current income while also targeting investments positioned for growth in an economic recovery. With the improving pattern of economic news as the year progressed, investor sentiment appeared to tilt further in favor of risk-taking. At the same time, there was a remarkable evenness to performance by property type in 2003, with returns almost universally strong and more closely clustered despite significant differences in fundamentals and outlook. The standout performers by property type in 2003 were the retail companies, with mall companies in particular generating a total return of +52.5% for the year and +12.5% in the fourth quarter. Also part of the retail group, local shopping center companies generated returns of +40.8% in 2003, including a +8.1% return in the fourth quarter. While still generating attractive total returns, the multifamily companies as a group were underperfomers during 2003, with a total return for the year of +25.6% including a notably modest +3.7% return for the fourth quarter. Multifamily operating fundamentals continue to be weak, the combination of a depressed job market, low mortgage rates driving demand for single-family homes and continued new construction. Lodging company operations continue to be pressured by a depressed and intensely competitive travel environment, but the stocks benefited as 2003 progressed from a general easing of downside concerns regarding the Iraq conflict and a refocus by investors on the prospects for a U.S. economic recovery. With arguably some of the most challenging operating conditions in many markets, the resilient performance of the office companies as a group during 2003 was impressive. Including a return of +11.2% during the fourth quarter, the office companies generated a total return of +36.4% in 2003, in our view reflecting stability inherent in longer lease terms for office properties and clear signs of a market bottom as the year progressed. The level of new equity issuance stepped up significantly during the second half of 2003 bringing the full year total for new common equity to $7.8 billion. While far short of 1997's $26.0 billion record, this is the highest annual level of new common issuance since 1998 and reflects stepped up activity for IPOs as well as follow-on activity for existing companies. IN THIS CONTEXT, HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM OVER THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003? As noted in the chairman's letter, the Fund recently changed its fiscal year end to December 31 from October 31. Since shareholders recently received an annual report for the period ended October 31, 2 2003, this report covers the two months between that date and December 31, 2003. For these two months, the Fund produced a cumulative total return on net asset value of 8.69%, compared with 7.65% for the Wilshire Real Estate Index, an unmanaged index comprised of publicly-traded REITs and REOCs. It is important to note that the Fund has an active program of investing in preferred stocks, which are not included in the index. In addition, the Fund employs financial leverage while the index is unleveraged. Since it is more customary in annual reports to show 12-month results, we've also calculated fund and index total returns for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2003. For this time frame, the Fund produced a 42.69% total return on net asset value. This compares with a 37.07% return over the same period for the Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index. As of December 31, 2003, the Fund continued to trade at a premium to its net asset value. WHAT WERE THE KEY STRATEGIES AND TACTICS USED TO MANAGE JRS OVER THIS PERIOD? During the reporting period, we continued to focus on those preferred and common securities that we believed were best positioned to generate sustainable income and potential price appreciation. In managing the portfolio, we sought to structure a diversified portfolio while taking into account company credit quality issues, sector and geographic exposure and security-type allocations. Each decision was based on a multi-layered analysis of the company, the real estate it owns, its management, and the relative price of the security. One important tool we employed in attempting to manage JRS for income and long-term capital appreciation was the ability to shift the portfolio's allocation between preferred and common stocks based upon the relative attractiveness of these two distinct markets. As of December 31, 2003, the portfolio allocations were 34% preferred and 65% common stock and 1% in cash equivalents. WERE THERE ANY PARTICULAR AREAS OR TYPES OF PROPERTIES YOU FOCUSED ON IN PARTICULAR? Throughout the reporting period, the portfolio was well diversified by property type, geography, issuer and type of security. One example of how this flexibility benefited JRS was our investment in apartment companies, many of which were under significant operating stress. By adjusting the Fund's allocation to apartments mainly through preferred stock holdings, we were able to be much more selective in our common stock investments, and still participate commensurately in the cash flows of this important component of the real estate industry. A similar strategy was employed for office companies, in which the percentage of the allocation devoted to preferred stock ranged between 29% and 48%, and hotels, in which 85% to 100% was in preferred stock. We believe this extra layer of strategic flexibility enabled us to better diversify the portfolio by property type and issuer, without adding undue risks. 3 Nuveen RealEstate Income Fund Performance OVERVIEW As of December 31, 2003 JRS PORTFOLIO STATISTICS -------------------------------------------------- Share Price $18.73 -------------------------------------------------- Common Share Net Asset Value $18.57 -------------------------------------------------- Premium/(Discount) to NAV 0.86% -------------------------------------------------- Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares ($000) $522,576 -------------------------------------------------- TOP 5 COMMON % OF TOTAL STOCK ISSUERS INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------- Mack-Cali Realty Corporation 8.1% -------------------------------------------------- The Macerich Company 6.7% -------------------------------------------------- Arden Realty, Inc. 6.0% -------------------------------------------------- HRPT Properties Trust 5.3% -------------------------------------------------- Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. 4.7% -------------------------------------------------- TOP 5 PREFERRED % OF TOTAL STOCK ISSUERS INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------- Crescent Real Estate Equities Company 6.2% -------------------------------------------------- Home Properties, Inc. 3.8% -------------------------------------------------- Apartment Investment & Management Company 3.7% -------------------------------------------------- Federal Realty Investment Trust 3.2% -------------------------------------------------- LaSalle Hotel Properties 2.4% -------------------------------------------------- % OF TOTAL TOP FIVE INDUSTRIES INVESTMENTS -------------------------------------------------- Office 37.7% -------------------------------------------------- Multifamily 17.3% -------------------------------------------------- Malls 12.9% -------------------------------------------------- Shopping Centers 12.2% -------------------------------------------------- Healthcare 9.4% -------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (Inception 11/15/01) -------------------------------------------------- MARKET NAV -------------------------------------------------- 1-Year 34.54% 42.69% -------------------------------------------------- Since Inception 20.62% 22.90% -------------------------------------------------- Bar Chart: 2003 MONTHLY DIVIDENDS PER SHARE Jan 0.115 Feb 0.115 Mar 0.115 Apr 0.115 May 0.115 Jun 0.115 Jul 0.115 Aug 0.115 Sep 0.115 Oct 0.115 Nov 0.115 Dec 0.115 Line Chart: SHARE PRICE PERFORMANCE 1/01/03 15.31 15.2 15.15 15.29 15.37 15.4 15.25 15.59 15.67 15.71 15.35 15.55 15.56 15.99 16 15.88 15.77 15.99 16.43 16.46 16.95 16.65 16.73 16.8 17.07 17.22 16.6 16.5 16.43 16.4 17 16.7 17.09 16.96 17.17 16.96 17.3 17.46 17.73 17.81 18.23 17.97 17.32 18 17.94 17.88 18.08 18.45 12/31/03 18.53 Weekly Closing Price Past performance is not predictive of future results. Pie Chart: PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS BY TYPE OF INVESTMENT (AS A % OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS) Common Stocks 65% Preferred Stocks 34% Short-Term Investments 1% 4 Shareholder MEETING REPORT The annual shareholder meeting was held on January 20, 2004, in Chicago at Nuveen's headquarters. JRS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common and Taxable Auctioned Taxable Auctioned Preferred Preferred shares voting shares voting together as together as a class a class ==================================================================================================================================== APPROVAL OF A NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AS FOLLOWS: For 26,916,173 -- Against 228,789 -- Abstain 254,205 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== APPROVAL OF THE BOARD MEMBERS WAS REACHED AS FOLLOWS: William E. Bennett For 27,207,639 -- Withhold 191,528 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Robert P. Bremner For 27,210,174 -- Withhold 188,993 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Lawrence H. Brown For 27,206,506 -- Withhold 192,661 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Jack B. Evans For 27,221,621 -- Withhold 177,546 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Anne E. Impellizzeri For 27,186,544 -- Withhold 212,623 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== William L. Kissick For 27,190,186 -- Withhold 208,981 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Thomas E. Leafstrand For 27,196,038 -- Withhold 203,129 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== 5 Shareholder MEETING REPORT (continued) JRS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common and Taxable Auctioned Taxable Auctioned Preferred Preferred shares voting shares voting together as together as a class a class ==================================================================================================================================== APPROVAL OF THE BOARD MEMBERS WAS REACHED AS FOLLOWS: Peter R. Sawers For 27,201,531 -- Withhold 197,636 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== William J. Schneider For -- 6,606 Withhold -- 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total -- 6,609 ==================================================================================================================================== Timothy R. Schwertfeger For -- 6,606 Withhold -- 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total -- 6,609 ==================================================================================================================================== Judith M. Stockdale For 27,203,704 -- Withhold 195,463 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== Sheila W. Wellington For 27,175,029 -- Withhold 224,138 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total 27,399,167 -- ==================================================================================================================================== 6 Report of INDEPENDENT AUDITORS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND SHAREHOLDERS NUVEEN REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund as of December 31, 2003, and the related statements of operations for the period from November 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 and for the year ended October 31, 2003 and the statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the period from November 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 and for year ended October 31, 2003 and for the period from November 15, 2001 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2002. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of investments owned as of December 31, 2003, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund at December 31, 2003, and the results of its operations for the period from November 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 and for the year ended October 31, 2003 and the statement of changes in its net assets and financial highlights for the period from November 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003 and for year ended October 31, 2003 and for the period from November 15, 2001 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. /s/Ernst & Young LLP Chicago, Illinois February 17, 2004 7 Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund (JRS) Portfolio of INVESTMENTS December 31, 2003 MARKET SHARES DESCRIPTION(1) VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ COMMON STOCKS - 87.1% (65.2% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS) HEALTHCARE - 12.0% 1,672,300 Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. $ 32,693,465 1,740,300 Senior Housing Properties Trust 29,985,369 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOTEL - 1.0% 492,564 Hersha Hospitality Trust 4,974,896 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INDUSTRIALS - 3.3% 517,100 First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc. 17,452,125 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MALLS - 12.3% 807,600 Glimcher Realty Trust 18,074,088 1,044,100 The Macerich Company 46,462,450 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MULTIFAMILY - 12.8% 276,300 Amli Residential Properties Trust 7,404,840 309,000 Apartment Investment & Management Company 10,660,500 870,000 Archstone-Smith Trust 24,342,600 516,400 Avalonbay Communities, Inc. 24,683,920 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICE - 36.8% 1,388,800 Arden Realty, Inc. 42,136,192 114,900 Highwoods Properties, Inc. 2,918,460 3,642,100 HRPT Properties Trust 36,748,789 1,351,500 Mack-Cali Realty Corporation 56,249,430 907,500 Maguire Properties, Inc. 22,052,250 1,305,600 Reckson Associates Realty Corporation 31,726,080 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SHOPPING CENTERS - 8.5% 413,800 Federal Realty Investment Trust 15,885,782 1,159,400 New Plan Excel Realty Trust 28,602,398 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ STORAGE - 0.4% 76,900 Public Storage, Inc. 2,299,310 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Common Stocks (cost $343,971,377) 455,352,944 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PREFERRED STOCKS - 45.4% (33.9% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS) HEALTHCARE - 0.6% 32,558 Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. - Series A, 7.677% 3,122,517 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HOTEL - 5.2% 360,000 Boykin Lodging Company - Series A, 10.500% 10,368,000 592,000 LaSalle Hotel Properties - Series A, 10.250% 16,901,600 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INDUSTRIAL - 2.6% 497,623 PS Business Parks, Inc. - Series F, 8.750% 13,366,154 8 MARKET SHARES DESCRIPTION(1) VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MALLS - 4.9% 127,000 CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. - Series B, 8.750% $ 6,959,600 Glimcher Realty Trust: 237,300 Series B, 9.250% 6,015,555 113,000 Series F, 9.250% 2,992,240 The Mills Corp.: 115,200 Series C, 9.000% 3,184,704 213,000 Series E, 8.750% 5,772,300 24,500 Taubman Centers, Inc. - Series A, 8.300% 622,790 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MULTIFAMILY - 10.3% Apartment Investment & Management Company: 91,600 Series G, 9.375% 2,478,696 51,050 Series Q, 10.100% 1,380,903 803,500 Series R, 10.000% 21,831,095 970,000 Home Properties, Inc. - Series F, 9.000% 26,723,500 51,300 United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc. - Series B, 8.600% 1,405,620 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICE - 13.7% 199,100 Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. - Series B, 9.100% 5,594,710 200,000 Corporate Office Properties Trust - Series G, 8.000% 5,400,000 Crescent Real Estate Equities Company: 835,100 Series A (Convertible), 6.750% 19,532,989 850,000 Series B, 9.500% 23,842,500 Highwoods Properties, Inc.: 12,141 Series A, 8.625% 12,129,624 33,600 Series B, 8.000% 848,736 150,000 Lexington Corporate Properties Trust - Series B, 8.050% 4,012,500 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SHOPPING CENTERS - 7.8% Developers Diversified Realty Corporation: 86,200 Series F, 8.600% 2,301,540 480,000 Series G, 8.000% 12,950,400 808,000 Federal Realty Investment Trust - Series B, 8.500% 22,220,000 125,000 Saul Centers, Inc. - Series A, 8.000% 3,312,500 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ STORAGE - 0.3% Shurgard Storage Centers, Inc.: 30,000 Series C, 8.700% 759,000 24,600 Series D, 8.750% 665,430 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total Preferred Stocks (cost $213,558,420) 236,695,203 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRINCIPAL AMOUNT (000) DESCRIPTION(1) VALUE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (COST $5,952,000) - 1.1% (0.9% OF TOTAL INVESTMENTS) $ 5,952 State Street Bank Repurchase Agreement, 0.720%, dated 12/31/03, due 1/02/04, 5,952,000 ============= repurchase price $5,952,238, collateralized by U.S. Treasury Bonds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Investments (cost $563,481,797) - 133.6% 698,000,147 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Assets Less Liabilities - (0.7)% (3,424,173) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable Auctioned Preferred Shares, at Liquidation Value - (32.9)% (172,000,000) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares - 100% $522,575,974 ==================================================================================================================== (1) All percentages shown in the Portfolio of Investments are based on net assets applicable to Common shares unless otherwise noted. See accompanying notes to financial statements. 9 Statement of ASSETS AND LIABILITIES December 31, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ASSETS Investments, at market value (cost $563,481,797) $698,000,147 Cash 924 Receivables: Dividends 4,612,652 Interest 119 Other assets 14,756 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets 702,628,598 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ LIABILITIES Interest rate swaps, at value 7,521,755 Accrued expenses: Management fees 346,166 Other 172,973 Taxable Auctioned Preferred share dividends payable 11,730 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total liabilities 8,052,624 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares, at liquidation value 172,000,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets applicable to Common shares $522,575,974 ==================================================================================================================================== Common shares outstanding 28,136,413 ==================================================================================================================================== Net asset value per Common share outstanding (net assets applicable to Common shares, divided by Common shares outstanding) $ 18.57 ==================================================================================================================================== NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO COMMON SHARES CONSIST OF: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Common shares, $.01 par value per share $ 281,364 Paid-in surplus 395,008,674 Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income (11,730) Accumulated net realized gain from investment transactions -- Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest rate swap transactions 127,297,666 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets applicable to Common shares $522,575,974 ==================================================================================================================================== Authorized shares: Common Unlimited Taxable Auctioned Preferred Unlimited ==================================================================================================================================== See accompanying notes to financial statements. 10 Statement of OPERATIONS FOR THE PERIOD 11/01/03 THROUGH YEAR ENDED 12/31/03 10/31/03 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ INVESTMENT INCOME Dividends $ 5,013,372 $ 32,908,378 Interest 19,952 94,049 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total investment income 5,033,324 33,002,427 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EXPENSES Management fees 1,009,960 5,379,926 Net interest expense on interest rate swap transactions 771,853 4,404,017 Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares - auction fees 71,863 425,416 Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares - dividend disbursing agent fees 3,760 22,500 Shareholders' servicing agent fees and expenses 1,270 11,241 Custodian's fees and expenses 23,260 125,759 Trustees' fees and expenses 7,799 53,314 Professional fees 14,683 92,487 Shareholders' reports - printing and mailing expenses 29,312 145,061 Stock exchange listing fees 430 2,828 Investor relations expense 8,594 85,955 Other expenses 9,343 25,830 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total expenses before custodian fee credit and expense reimbursement 1,952,127 10,774,334 Custodian fee credit (493) (910) Expense reimbursement (339,109) (1,801,689) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net expenses 1,612,525 8,971,735 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net investment income 3,420,799 24,030,692 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS Net realized gain from investments 2,731,047 14,955,847 Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments 36,408,836 106,540,733 Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of interest rate swap transactions (30,461) 1,684,638 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net gain from investments 39,109,422 123,181,218 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISTRIBUTIONS TO TAXABLE AUCTIONED PREFERRED SHAREHOLDERS From net investment income (205,848) (1,534,591) From accumulated net realized gains from investments (137,777) (666,002) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distributions to Taxable Auctioned Preferred shareholders (343,625) (2,200,593) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations $42,186,596 $145,011,317 ==================================================================================================================================== See accompanying notes to financial statements. 11 Statement of CHANGES IN NET ASSETS FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD PERIOD 11/15/01 11/01/03 (COMMENCEMENT THROUGH YEAR ENDED OF OPERATIONS) 12/31/03 10/31/03 THROUGH 10/31/02 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OPERATIONS Net investment income $ 3,420,799 $ 24,030,692 $ 28,380,355 Net realized gain from investments 2,731,047 14,955,847 4,692,936 Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments 36,408,836 106,540,733 (8,431,219) Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of interest rate swap transactions (30,461) 1,684,638 (8,874,861) Distributions to Taxable Auctioned Preferred shareholders: From net investment income (205,848) (1,534,591) (1,906,748) From accumulated net realized gains from investments (137,777) (666,002) (620,986) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations 42,186,596 145,011,317 13,239,477 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS From net investment income (400,409) (27,213,445) (24,691,256) From accumulated net realized gains from investments (2,353,670) (11,530,158) (7,070,702) Tax return of capital (3,717,296) (1,129,210) -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Decrease in net assets applicable to Common shares from distributions to Common shareholders (6,471,375) (39,872,813) (31,761,958) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS Common shares: Net proceeds from sale of shares -- -- 401,689,500 Net proceeds from shares issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions 46,398 382,555 39,666 Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares offering costs -- 3,544 (2,017,208) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in net assets applicable to Common shares from capital share transactions 46,398 386,099 399,711,958 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in net assets applicable to Common shares 35,761,619 105,524,603 381,189,477 Net assets applicable to Common shares at the beginning of period 486,814,355 381,289,752 100,275 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets applicable to Common shares at the end of period $522,575,974 $486,814,355 $381,289,752 ==================================================================================================================================== Undistributed (Over-distribution of) net investment income at the end of period $ (11,730) $ (2,826,809) $ 1,890,535 ==================================================================================================================================== See accompanying notes to financial statements. 12 Notes to FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund's Common shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange and trade under the ticker symbol "JRS." The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on August 27, 2001. Prior to the commencement of operations, the Fund had no operations other than those related to organizational matters, the initial capital contribution of $100,275 by Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc., and the recording of the organization expenses ($15,000) and their reimbursement by Nuveen Investments, LLC, also a wholly owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. The Fund seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in a portfolio of income-producing common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks and debt securities issued by real estate companies, such as Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Securities Valuation Exchange-listed securities are generally valued at the last sales price on the securities exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. Securities traded on a securities exchange for which there are no transactions on a given day or securities not listed on a securities exchange are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked price. Securities traded on Nasdaq are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. If it is determined that market prices for a security are unavailable or inappropriate, the Board of Trustees of the Fund, or its designee, may establish a fair value for the security. Short-term securities are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Securities Transactions Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses from such transactions are determined on the specific identification method. Investment Income Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is determined on an accrual basis (see Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders for REIT income recognition policy). Income Taxes The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Dividends and Distributions to Common Shareholders Dividends to Common shareholders are declared monthly. The Fund's policy is to pass through to its shareholders, each month, substantially all REIT distributions it receives, together with other operating income less operating expenses. REIT distributions received by the Fund are generally comprised of investment income, long-term and short-term capital gains, and a return of REIT capital. The actual character of amounts received during the period is not known until after the fiscal year-end. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, the character of distributions to the Fund from the REITs was 69.69% ordinary income, 12.66% long-term and short-term capital gains, and 17.65% return of REIT capital. 13 Notes to FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2002 and 2003, the Fund applied a percentage estimate, such as those shown above, or used a similar estimation of the breakdown of income type, to its receipts from the REITs and treated as income in the Statement of Operations only the amount of ordinary income so calculated. The Fund adjusted that estimated breakdown of income type (and consequently its net investment income) as necessary early in the following calendar year when the REITs informed their shareholders of the actual breakdown of income type. For the fiscal period ended December 31, 2003, the Fund applied the actual character of distributions reported by the REITs in which the Fund invests to its receipts from the REITS. If a REIT held in the portfolio of investments does not report the actual character of its distributions during the period, the Fund will treat the distributions as ordinary income. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2002 and 2003, the Fund treated each distribution to its shareholders from the portfolio REITs as being entirely from net investment income. The Fund recharacterized those distributions as being from ordinary income, long-term and short-term capital gains, and return of capital, if necessary, at the beginning of the subsequent calendar year, based upon the income type breakdown information conveyed at that time by the REITs whose securities are held in the Fund's portfolio. Recharacterizations are reflected in the accompanying financial statements. For the fiscal period ended December 31, 2003, the Fund applied the actual character of distributions reported by the REITs in which the Fund invests to the distributions paid to the Fund shareholders. The Fund may also generate capital gains from trading investments in its portfolio which are distributed to shareholders not less frequently than annually. Such capital gains are distributed only to the extent they exceed available capital loss carryforwards. Distributions to Common shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Taxable Auctioned Preferred Shares The Fund has issued and outstanding 1,720 Series M, 1,720 Series T, 1,720 Series W and 1,720 Series F, $25,000 stated value Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares. The dividend rate on each series may change every seven days, as set pursuant to a dutch auction process by the auction agent, and is payable at or near the end of each rate period. Interest Rate Swap Transactions The Fund is authorized to enter into hedging transactions, including interest rate swap transactions. The Fund uses interest rate swaps with the intent to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common share net earnings as a result of leverage. Interest rate swaps involve the Fund's agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty paying the Fund a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund's variable rate payment obligation on Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares or any variable rate borrowing. The payment obligation is based on the notional amount of the swap. Interest rate swaps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of credit loss with respect to the swap counterparty on interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is to receive. The Fund has instructed the custodian to segregate assets with a current value at least equal to the amount of the net payment obligations under any interest rate swap transactions. Interest rate swap positions are marked to market daily. Although there are economic advantages of entering into interest rate swap transactions, there are also additional risks. The Fund helps manage the credit risks associated with interest rate swap transactions by entering into agreements only with counterparties the Adviser believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations, by having the Adviser continually monitor the financial stability of the swap counterparties. 14 At December 31, 2003, the Fund had open interest rate swap agreements with Citibank NA as follows: UNREALIZED NOTIONAL TERMINATION APPRECIATION AMOUNT FIXED RATE FLOATING RATE* DATE (DEPRECIATION) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $43,000,000 4.0225% 1.1700% 2/06/05 $(1,203,061) 43,000,000 4.8000 1.1700 2/06/07 (2,677,808) 43,000,000 5.1900 1.1700 2/06/09 (3,339,815) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $(7,220,684) ================================================================================================== *Based on LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) Repurchase Agreements In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements, it is the Fund's policy that its custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the fair value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest, at all times. If the seller defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited. Custodian Fee Credit The Fund has an arrangement with the custodian bank whereby certain custodian fees and expenses are reduced by credits earned on the Fund's cash on deposit with the bank. Such deposit arrangements are an alternative to overnight investments. Offering Costs Nuveen Investments, LLC has agreed to pay all Common share offering costs (other than the sales load) that exceed $.03 per Common share. The Fund's share of Common share offering costs ($843,000) were recorded as a reduction of the proceeds from the sale of the Common shares. Costs incurred by the Fund in connection with its offering of Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares ($2,013,664) were recorded as a reduction to paid-in surplus. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 increases and decreases in net assets applicable to Common shares from operations during the reporting period. Actual amounts may differ from those estimates. 2. FUND SHARES During the two months ended December 31, 2003, 2,658 Common shares were issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2003, 24,199 Common shares were issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions. During the period November 15, 2001 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2002, 28,100,000 Common shares and 6,880 Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares were sold. In addition, 2,556 Common shares were issued to shareholders due to reinvestment of distributions during the period November 15, 2001 (commencement of operations) through October 31, 2002. 3. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) during the two months ended December 31, 2003, aggregated $22,019,073 and $14,771,752, respectively. 4. INCOME TAX INFORMATION The following information is presented on an income tax basis. Differences between amounts for financial statement and federal income tax purposes are primarily due to timing differences in recording income and in recognizing certain gains and losses on security transactions. At December 31, 2003, the cost of investments was as follows: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost of investments $563,481,797 ================================================================================ Gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation of investments and interest rate swap transactions at December 31, 2003, were as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross unrealized: Appreciation $135,456,388 Depreciation (8,158,722) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized appreciation of investments and interest rate swap transactions $127,297,666 =============================================================================== 15 Notes to FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) The tax components of undistributed net ordinary income and net realized gains at December 31, 2003, were as follows: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undistributed net ordinary income * $-- Undistributed net long-term capital gains -- ================================================================================ *Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any. The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, October 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002, was designated for purposes of the dividends paid deduction as follows: FOR THE TWO MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions from net ordinary income * $3,904,970 Distributions from net long-term capital gains 2,435,010 Tax return of capital 3,717,296 ================================================================================ FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions from net ordinary income * $33,787,266 Distributions from net long-term capital gains 7,156,788 Tax return of capital 1,129,210 ================================================================================ FISCAL YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2002 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions from net ordinary income * $25,313,542 Distributions from net long-term capital gains 5,722,287 ================================================================================ *Net ordinary income consists of net taxable income derived from dividends, interest and net short-term capital gains, if any. The Fund designated as a long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce the earnings and profits of the Fund related to net capital gain to zero for the tax years ended December 31, 2003, October 31, 2003 and October 31, 2002, respectively. 5. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES Under the Fund's investment management agreement with the Adviser, the Fund pays an annual management fee, payable monthly, at the rates set forth below, which are based upon the Fund's average daily managed assets. "Managed assets" means the average daily net assets of the Fund including assets attributable to Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares and the principal amount of borrowings, if any. AVERAGE DAILY MANAGED ASSETS MANAGEMENT FEE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the first $500 million .9000% For the next $500 million .8750 For the next $500 million .8500 For the next $500 million .8250 For Managed Assets over $2 billion .8000 ================================================================================ The management fee compensates the Adviser for overall investment advisory and administrative services and general office facilities. The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated ("Security Capital"), under which Security Capital manages the investment portfolio of the Fund. Security Capital is compensated for its services to the Fund from the management fee paid to the Adviser. The Fund pays no compensation directly to those of its Trustees who are affiliated with the Adviser or to its officers, all of whom receive remuneration for their services to the Fund from the Adviser or its affiliates. 16 For the first ten years of the Fund's operations, the Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund, as a percentage of average daily Managed Assets, for fees and expenses in the amounts and for the time periods set forth below: YEAR ENDING YEAR ENDING NOVEMBER 30, NOVEMBER 30, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2001* .30% 2007 .25% 2002 .30 2008 .20 2003 .30 2009 .15 2004 .30 2010 .10 2005 .30 2011 .05 2006 .30 ================================================================================ * From the commencement of operations. The Adviser has not agreed to reimburse the Fund for any portion of its fees and expenses beyond November 30, 2011. Subadvisor Acquisition On November 24, 2003, Banc One Investment Advisors Corporation, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank One Corporation acquired Security Capital. Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, the change in ownership of Security Capital caused the existing sub-advisory agreement to terminate, and shareholders of the Fund were required to approve a new subadvisory agreement with Security Capital. At the Fund's annual shareholder meeting on January 20, 2004, shareholders approved the new sub-advisory agreement. On January 14, 2004 Bank One Corporation and J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. ("J.P. Morgan") announced that they have agreed to merge in a strategic business combination. The proposed merger is subject to approval of shareholders of Bank One Corp. and J.P. Morgan and approval of U.S. federal and state and foreign regulatory authorities. The transaction is expected to occur in mid-2004. In the event that the merger between Bank One Corp. and J.P. Morgan is deemed a change in control of the Sub-Adviser, shareholder approval of a new subadvisory agreement will be necessary. 6. SUBSEQUENT EVENT - DISTRIBUTIONS TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS The Fund declared a dividend distribution of $.1150 per Common share which was paid on February 2, 2004, to shareholders of record on January 15, 2004. 17 Financial HIGHLIGHTS Selected data for a Common share outstanding throughout each period: Investment Operations ----------------------------------------------------------------- Distributions Distributions from Net from Investment Capital Income to Gains to Beginning Net Taxable Taxable Common Realized/ Auctioned Auctioned Share Net Unrealized Preferred Preferred Net Asset Investment Investment Share- Share- Value Income(a) Gain (Loss) holders+ holders+ Total ================================================================================================== 11/01/03-12/31/03 $17.30 $ .12 $1.38 $ (.01) $ -- $1.49 11/01/02-10/31/03 13.56 .85 4.38 (.05) (.02) 5.16 11/15/01-10/31/02 14.33 1.02 (.46) (.07) (.02) .47 ================================================================================================== Less Distributions Total Returns ------------------------------------------- ----------------------- Offering Costs and Net Taxable Based Investment Capital Auctioned Ending on Income to Gains to Tax Preferred Common Based Common Common Common Return Share Share Ending on Share Net Share- Share- of Underwriting Net Asset Market Market Asset holders holders Capital Total Discounts Value Value Value** Value** =================================================================================================================================== 11/01/03-12/31/03 $(.01) $(.08) $(.13) $ (.22) $ -- $18.57 $18.73 6.49% 8.69% 11/01/02-10/31/03 (.97) (.41) (.04) (1.42) -- 17.30 17.81 35.40 39.80 11/15/01-10/31/02 (.89) (.25) -- (1.14) (.10) 13.56 14.40 3.30 2.09 =================================================================================================================================== Ratios/Supplemental Data ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before Credit/Reimbursement After Credit/Reimbursement*** ------------------------------ ------------------------------- Ratio of Net Ratio of Net Ratio of Investment Ratio of Investment Ending Expenses Income to Expenses Income to Net to Average Average to Average Average Assets Net Assets Net Assets Net Assets Net Assets Applicable Applicable Applicable Applicable Applicable Portfolio to Common to Common to Common to Common to Common Turnover Shares (000) Shares++ Shares++ Shares++ Shares++ Rate ================================================================================================================ 11/01/03-12/31/03 $522,576 2.31%* 4.07%* 1.91%* 4.47%* 2% 11/01/02-10/31/03 486,814 2.51 5.17 2.09 5.59 26 11/15/01-10/31/02 381,290 2.12* 6.71* 1.72* 7.11* 37 ================================================================================================================ Cumulative Taxable Auctioned Preferred at End of Period ------------------------------------------- Aggregate Liquidation Amount and Market Asset Outstanding Value Coverage (000) Per Share Per Share =============================================================== 11/01/03-12/31/03 $172,000 $25,000 $100,956 11/01/02-10/31/03 172,000 25,000 95,758 11/15/01-10/31/02 172,000 25,000 80,420 =============================================================== (a) Per share Net Investment Income is calculated using the average daily shares method. * Annualized. ** Total Investment Return on Market Value is the combination of reinvested dividend income, reinvested capital gains distributions, if any, and changes in stock price per share. Total Return on Common Share Net Asset Value is the combination of reinvested dividend income at net asset value, reinvested capital gains distributions at net asset value, if any, and changes in Common share net asset value per share. Total returns are not annualized. *** After custodian fee credit and expense reimbursement, where applicable. + The amounts shown are based on Common share equivalents. ++ Ratios do not reflect the effect of dividend payments to Taxable Auctioned Preferred shareholders; income ratios reflect income earned on assets attributable to Taxable Auctioned Preferred shares. Each Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares and each Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares includes the effect of the net interest expense paid on interest rate swap transactions as follows: 11/01/03 - 12/31/03 .91* 11/01/02 - 10/31/03 1.03 11/15/01 - 10/31/02 .68* See accompanying notes to financial statements. 18-19 SPREAD Trustees AND OFFICERS The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed for the Funds by the Adviser, is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The number of trustees of the Fund is currently set at twelve. None of the trustees who are not "interested" persons of the Fund has ever been a trustee or employee of, or consultant to, Nuveen or its affiliates. The names and business addresses of the trustees and officers of the Fund, their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each oversees and other directorships they hold are set forth below. NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS POSITION(S) IN FUND HELD YEAR FIRST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) COMPLEX NAME, BIRTHDATE WITH ELECTED OR INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS THE FUND APPOINTED(2) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TRUSTEE WHO IS AN INTERESTED PERSON OF THE FUNDS: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timothy R. Schwertfeger (1) Chairman 1994 Chairman and Director (since 1996) of Nuveen 143 3/28/49 of the Investments, Inc. and Nuveen Investments, LLC; 333 W. Wacker Drive Board and Director (since 1992) and Chairman (since 1996) of Chicago, IL 60606 Trustee Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; Chairman and Director (since 1997) of Nuveen Asset Management, Inc.; Director (since 1996) of Institutional Capital Corporation; Chairman and Director (since 1999) of Rittenhouse Asset Management, Inc.; Chairman of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002). TRUSTEES WHO ARE NOT INTERESTED PERSONS OF THE FUNDS: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ William E. Bennett Trustee 2001 Private Investor; previously, President and Chief Executive 143 10/16/46 Officer, Draper & Kramer, Inc., a private company that 333 W. Wacker Drive handles mortgage banking, real estate development, pension Chicago, IL 60606 advisory and real estate management (1995-1998). Prior thereto, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of First Chicago Corporation and its principal subsidiary, The First National Bank of Chicago. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Robert P. Bremner Trustee 1997 Private Investor and Management Consultant. 143 8/22/40 333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lawrence H. Brown Trustee 1993 Retired (since 1989) as Senior Vice President of The Northern 143 7/29/34 Trust Company; Director, Community Advisory Board for 333 W. Wacker Drive Highland Park and Highwood, United Way of the North Shore Chicago, IL 60606 (since 2002). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jack B. Evans Trustee 1999 President, The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic 143 10/22/48 corporation (since 1996); Director, Alliant Energy; Director and 333 W. Wacker Drive Vice Chairman, United Fire & Casualty Company; Director, Chicago, IL 60606 Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago; formerly, President and Chief Operating Officer, SCI Financial Group, Inc., a regional financial services firm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anne E. Impellizzeri Trustee 1994 Retired, formerly, Executive Director (since 1998) of Manitoga/ 143 1/26/33 The Russel Wright Design Center; prior thereto, President and 333 W. Wacker Drive Chief Executive Officer of Blanton-Peale Institute (since 1990); Chicago, IL 60606 prior thereto, Vice President, Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ William L. Kissick Trustee 1992 Professor Emeritus, School of Medicine and the Wharton 143 7/29/32 School of Management and former Chairman, Leonard Davis 333 W. Wacker Drive Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania; Chicago, IL 60606 Adjunct Professor, Health Policy and Management, Yale University. 20 NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS POSITION(S) IN FUND HELD YEAR FIRST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) COMPLEX NAME, BIRTHDATE WITH ELECTED OR INCLUDING OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS THE FUND APPOINTED(2) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY TRUSTEE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TRUSTEES WHO ARE NOT INTERESTED PERSONS OF THE FUNDS (CONTINUED): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thomas E. Leafstrand Trustee 1992 Retired; previously, Vice President in charge of Municipal 143 11/11/31 Underwriting and Dealer Sales at The Northern Trust 333 W. Wacker Drive Company. Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peter R. Sawers Trustee 1991 Adjunct Professor of Business and Economics, University of 143 4/3/33 Dubuque, Iowa; formerly (1991-2000) Adjunct Professor, Lake 333 W. Wacker Drive Forest Graduate School of Management, Lake Forest, Illinois; Chicago, IL 60606 prior thereto, Executive Director, Towers Perrin Australia, a management consulting firm; Chartered Financial Analyst; Certified Management Consultant; Director, Executive Service Corps of Chicago, a not-for-profit organization. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ William J. Schneider Trustee 1997 Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Miller-Valentine 143 9/24/44 Group, Vice President, Miller-Valentine Realty, a construction 333 W. Wacker Drive company; Chair, MiamiValley Hospital; Chair, Dayton Chicago, IL 60606 Development Coalition; formerly, Member, Community Advisory Board, National City Bank, Dayton, Ohio and Business Advisory Council, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Judith M. Stockdale Trustee 1997 Executive Director, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation 143 12/29/47 (since 1994); prior thereto, Executive Director, Great Lakes 333 W. Wacker Drive Protection Fund (1990-1994). Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sheila W. Wellington Trustee 1994 Clinical Professor of Management, Stern/NYU Business School 143 2/24/32 (since 2003); formerly, President (1993-2003) of Catalyst (a 333 W. Wacker Drive not-for-profit organization focusing on women's leadership Chicago, IL 60606 development in business and the professions). NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS POSITION(S) IN FUND HELD YEAR FIRST COMPLEX NAME, BIRTHDATE WITH ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS THE FUND APPOINTED(3) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY OFFICER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gifford R. Zimmerman Chief 1988 Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary 143 9/9/56 Administrative and Associate General Counsel, formerly, Vice President 333 W. Wacker Drive Officer and Assistant General Counsel of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Chicago, IL 60606 Managing Director (since 2002), General Counsel and Assistant Secretary, formerly, Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; Managing Director (since 2002), Assistant Secretary and Associate General Counsel, formerly, Vice President (since 2000), of Nuveen Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (since 1994); Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002); Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002); Managing Director, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Rittenhouse Asset Management, Inc. (since 2003); Chartered Financial Analyst. 21 Trustees AND OFFICERS (CONTINUED) NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS POSITION(S) IN FUND HELD YEAR FIRST COMPLEX NAME, BIRTHDATE WITH ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS THE FUND APPOINTED(3) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY OFFICER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS (CONTINUED): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Michael T. Atkinson Vice 2000 Vice President (since 2002), formerly, Assistant 143 2/3/66 President Vice President (since 2000), previously, Associate of 333 W. Wacker Drive and Assistant Nuveen Investments, LLC. Chicago, IL 60606 Secretary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Peter H. D'Arrigo Vice 1999 Vice President of Nuveen Investments, LLC (since 1999), 143 11/28/67 President prior thereto, Assistant Vice President (since 1997); Vice 333 W. Wacker Drive and Treasurer President and Treasurer of Nuveen Investments, Inc. (since Chicago, IL 60606 1999); Vice President and Treasurer of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. (since 1999); Vice President and Treasurer of Nuveen Asset Management, Inc. (since 2002) and of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002); Assistant Treasurer of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002); Chartered Financial Analyst. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Susan M. DeSanto Vice 2001 Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. (since 2001); 143 9/8/54 President previously, Vice President of Van Kampen Investment 333 W. Wacker Drive Advisory Corp. (since 1998); Vice President of Nuveen Chicago, IL 60606 Institutional Advisory Corp. (since 2002); prior thereto, Assistant Vice President of Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. (since 1994). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jessica R. Droeger Vice 2000 Vice President (since 2002) and Assistant General Counsel 143 9/24/64 President (since 1998); formerly, Assistant Vice President (since 1998) 333 W. Wacker Drive and Secretary of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Vice President (since 2002) Chicago, IL 60606 and Assistant Secretary (since 1998), formerly Assistant Vice President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lorna C. Ferguson Vice 1998 Managing Director (since 2003), formerly, Vice President (since 143 10/24/45 President 1998) of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Vice President (since 1998) 333 W. Wacker Drive of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ William M. Fitzgerald Vice 1995 Managing Director (since 2002) of Nuveen Investments, 143 3/2/64 President LLC; Managing Director (since 2001), formerly Vice 333 W. Wacker Drive President of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Chicago, IL 60606 Institutional Advisory Corp. (since 1995); Managing Director of Nuveen Asset Management, Inc. (since 2001); Vice President of Nuveen Investment Advisers Inc. (since 2002); Chartered Financial Analyst. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stephen D. Foy Vice 1998 Vice President (since 1993) and Funds Controller (since 143 5/31/54 President 1998) of Nuveen Investments, LLC and Vice President and 333 W. Wacker Drive and Controller Funds Controller (since 1998) of Nuveen Investments, Inc.; Chicago, IL 60606 Certified Public Accountant. 22 NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS POSITION(S) IN FUND HELD YEAR FIRST COMPLEX NAME, BIRTHDATE WITH ELECTED OR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) OVERSEEN AND ADDRESS THE FUND APPOINTED(3) DURING PAST 5 YEARS BY OFFICER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OFFICERS OF THE FUNDS (CONTINUED): ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ David J. Lamb Vice 2000 Vice President (since 2000) of Nuveen Investments, LLC, 143 3/22/63 President previously Assistant Vice President (since 1999); prior 333 W. Wacker Drive thereto, Associate of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Certified Chicago, IL 60606 Public Accountant. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tina M. Lazar Vice 2002 Vice President (since 1999), previously, Assistant Vice 143 8/27/61 President President (since 1993) of Nuveen Investments, LLC. 333 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Larry W. Martin Vice 1988 Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant General 143 7/27/51 President Counsel of Nuveen Investments, LLC; Vice President and 333 W. Wacker Drive and Assistant Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Nuveen Chicago, IL 60606 Secretary Institutional Advisory Corp.; Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments, Inc. and (since 1997) Nuveen Asset Management, Inc.; Vice President (since 2000), Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel (since 1998) of Rittenhouse Asset Management, Inc.; Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Nuveen Investments Advisers Inc. (since 2002); Assistant Secretary of NWQ Investment Management Company, LLC (since 2002). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Edward F. Neild, IV Vice 1996 Managing Director (since 2002) of Nuveen Investments, 143 7/7/65 President LLC; Managing Director (since 1997), formerly Vice 333 W. Wacker Drive President (since 1996) of Nuveen Advisory Corp. and Chicago, IL 60606 Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp.; Managing Director of Nuveen Asset Management, Inc. (since 1999). Chartered Financial Analyst. (1) Mr. Schwertfeger is an "interested person" of the Funds, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, because he is an officer and trustee of the Adviser. (2) Trustees serve a one-year term until his/her successor is elected. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the Trustee was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex. (3) Officers serve a one-year term through July of each year. The year first elected or appointed represents the year in which the Officer was first elected or appointed to any fund in the Nuveen Complex. 23 Build Your Wealth AUTOMATICALLY Sidebar text: NUVEEN MAKES REINVESTING EASY. A PHONE CALL IS ALL IT TAKES TO SET UP YOUR REINVESTMENT ACCOUNT. NUVEEN CLOSED-END EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN Your Nuveen Closed-End Exchange-Traded Fund allows you to conveniently reinvest dividends and/or capital gains distributions in additional fund shares. By choosing to reinvest, you'll be able to invest money regularly and automatically, and watch your investment grow through the power of compounding. It is important to note that an automatic reinvestment plan does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect you against loss in a declining market. EASY AND CONVENIENT To make recordkeeping easy and convenient, each month you'll receive a statement showing your total dividends and distributions, the date of investment, the shares acquired and the price per share, and the total number of shares you own. HOW SHARES ARE PURCHASED The shares you acquire by reinvesting will either be purchased on the open market or newly issued by the Fund. If the shares are trading at or above net asset value at the time of valuation, the Fund will issue new shares at the greater of the net asset value or 95% of the then-current market price. If the shares are trading at less than net asset value, shares for your account will be purchased on the open market. Dividends and distributions received to purchase shares in the open market will normally be invested shortly after the dividend payment date. No interest will be paid on dividends and distributions awaiting reinvestment. Because the market price of shares may increase before purchases are completed, the average purchase price per share may exceed the market price at the time of valuation, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. A pro rata portion of any applicable brokerage commissions on open market purchases will be paid by Plan participants. These commissions usually will be lower than those charged on individual transactions. FLEXIBILITY You may change your distribution option or withdraw from the Plan at any time, should your needs or situation change. Should you withdraw, you can receive a certificate for all whole shares credited to your reinvestment account and cash payment for fractional shares, or cash payment for all reinvestment account shares, less brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee. You can reinvest whether your shares are registered in your name, or in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee. Ask your investment advisor if his or her firm will participate on your behalf. Participants whose shares are registered in the name of one firm may not be able to transfer the shares to another firm and continue to participate in the Plan. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time. Although the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, there is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan at this time. For more information on the Nuveen Automatic Reinvestment Plan or to enroll in or withdraw from the Plan, speak with your financial advisor or call us at (800) 257-8787. 24 Fund INFORMATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES William E. Bennett Robert P. Bremner Lawrence H. Brown JackB. Evans Anne E. Impellizzeri William L. Kissick Thomas E. Leafstrand Peter R. Sawers William J. Schneider Timothy R. Schwertfeger Judith M. Stockdale Sheila W. Wellington FUND MANAGER Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. 333 West Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60606 SUBADVISOR Security Capital Research & Management Incorporated 11 South LaSalle Street Chicago, IL 60603 CUSTODIAN State Street Bank & Trust Boston, MA TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES State Street Bank & Trust Nuveen Funds P.O. Box 43071 Providence, RI 02940-3071 (800) 257-8787 LEGAL COUNSEL Chapman and Cutler LLP Chicago, IL INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Ernst & Young LLP Chicago, IL PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling Nuveen Investments at (800) 257-8787; and (ii) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. QUALIFIED DIVIDEND TAX DISCLOSURE For Federal income tax purposes, the following information is furnished with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the calendar year ended December 31, 2003. For corporate shareholders none of the distributions qualify for the dividend received deduction. Certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Fund intends to designate up to a maximum of 9.45% of the ordinary income as taxed at a maximum of 15%. GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS REPORT Average Annual Total Return: This is a commonly used method to express an investment's performance over a particular, usually multi-year time period. It expresses the return (including change in NAV and reinvested dividends) that would have been necessary on an annual basis to equal the investment's actual performance over the time period being considered. Net Asset Value (NAV): A fund's NAV is calculated by subtracting the liabilities of the fund from its total assets and then dividing the remainder by the number of shares outstanding. Fund NAVs are calculated at the end of each business day. --------- Each Fund intends to repurchase shares of its own common or preferred stock in the future at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable. No shares were repurchased during the period ended December 31, 2003. Any future repurchases will be reported to shareholders in the next annual or semiannual report. 25 Serving Investors FOR GENERATIONS Since 1898, financial advisors and their clients have relied on Nuveen Investments to provide dependable investment solutions. For the past century, Nuveen Investments has adhered to the belief that the best approach to investing is to apply conservative risk-management principles to help minimize volatility. Building on this tradition, we today offer a range of high quality equity and fixed-income solutions that are integral to a well-diversified core portfolio. Our clients have come to appreciate this diversity, as well as our continued adherence to proven, long-term investing principles. Managing $90 billion in assets, Nuveen Investments offers access to a number of different asset classes and investing solutions through a variety of products. Nuveen Investments markets its capabilities under four distinct brands: Nuveen, a leader in tax-free investments; NWQ, a leader in value-style equities; Rittenhouse, a leader in growth-style equities; and Symphony, a leading institutional manager of market-neutral alternative investment portfolios. To learn more about the products and services Nuveen Investments offers and for a prospectus, where applicable, talk to your financial advisor, or call us at (800) 257-8787. Please read the information carefully before you invest. Distributed by NUVEEN INVESTMENTS, LLC | 333 West Wacker Drive | Chicago, Illinois 60606 | www.nuveen.com EAN-A-1203D ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The registrant has posted such code of ethics on its website at www.nuveen.com/etf. ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. The registrant's board of directors has determined that the registrant has at least one "audit committee financial expert" (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its audit committee. The registrant's audit committee financial expert is William E. Bennett, who is "independent" for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Bennett was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of First Chicago Corporation and its principal subsidary, The First National Bank of Chicago. As part of his role as Chief Credit Officer, Mr. Bennett set policy as to accrual of assets/loans; designated performing/non-performing assets; set the level of reserves against the credit portfolio; and determined the carrying value of credit related assets and exposure. Among other things, Mr. Bennett was also responsible for the oversight of the internal analysis function including setting ground rules for the review and preparation of financial analysis and financial statements for use in making credit and risk decisions for clients. Mr. Bennett has significant experience reviewing, analyzing and evaluating financial statements of domestic and international companies in a variety of industries with complex accounting issues. ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. NUVEEN REAL ESTATE INCOME FUND FORM N-CSR DISCLOSURE RE: AUDIT FEES The following table shows the amount of fees that Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's auditor, billed to the Fund during the Fund's last two full fiscal years and more recent stub period. For engagements with Ernst & Young, LLP entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that Ernst & Young LLP provided to the Fund, except for those non-audit services that were subject to the pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X (the "pre-approval exception"). The pre-approval exception for services provided directly to the Fund waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee's attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed. The Audit Committee has delegated certain pre-approval responsibilities to its Chairman (or, in his absence, any other member of the Audit Committee). SERVICES THAT THE FUND'S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE FUND ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- Audit Fees Billed Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees Billed to All Other Fees Fiscal Year Ended to Fund Billed to Fund Fund Billed to Fund ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- December 31, 2003* $6,300 $0 $0 $850 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- Percentage approved N/A 0% 0% 0% pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- October 31, 2003 $15,677 $0 $10,170 $3,250 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- Percentage approved N/A N/A N/A N/A pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- October 31, 2002 $11,004 $0 234 $775 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- Percentage approved N/A N/A N/A N/A pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- *Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, therefore, these numbers represent the period 11/1/03-12/31/03. The above "Tax Fees" were billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance and tax planning. The "Other Fees" were billed for agreed upon procedures for the FundPreferred Shares. SERVICES THAT THE FUND'S AUDITOR BILLED TO THE ADVISER AND AFFILIATED FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS The following table shows the amount of fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP to Nuveen Institutional Advisory Corp. ("NIAC" or the "Adviser"), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with NIAC ("Control Affiliate") that provides ongoing services to the Fund ("Affiliated Fund Service Provider"), for engagements directly related to the Fund's operations and financial reporting, during the Fund's last two full fiscal years and for the more recent stub period. The table also shows the percentage of fees subject to the pre-approval exception. The pre-approval exception for services provided to Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider 1 (other than audit, review or attest services) waives the pre-approval requirement if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to Ernst & Young LLP by the Fund, the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee's attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the Fund audit is completed. ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Fiscal Year Ended Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees Billed to All Other Fees Billed to Adviser Adviser and Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Affiliated Fund and Affiliated Fund Service Providers Service Providers Service Providers ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- December 31, 2003* $0 $0 $0 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Percentage approved 0% 0% 0% pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- October 31, 2003 $0 $0 $0 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Percentage approved N/A N/A N/A pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- October 31, 2002 $0 $0 $0 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- Percentage approved N/A N/A N/A pursuant to pre-approval exception ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- *Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31. NON-AUDIT SERVICES The following table shows the amount of fees that Ernst & Young LLP billed during the Fund's last two full fiscal years and more recent stub period for non-audit services. For engagements entered into on or after May 6, 2003, the Audit Committee is required to pre-approve non-audit services that Ernst & Young LLP provides to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider, if the engagement relates directly to the Fund's operations and financial reporting (except for those subject to the de minimis exception described above). The Audit Committee requested and received information from Ernst & Young LLP about any non-audit services that Ernst & Young LLP rendered during the Fund's last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating Ernst & Young LLP's independence. 2 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- Fiscal Year Ended Total Non-Audit Total Non-Audit Total Non-Audit Total of (A), (B) Fees Billed to Fund Fees billed to Fees billed to and (C) (A) Adviser and Adviser and Affiliated Fund Affiliated Fund Service Providers Service Providers (engagements (all other related directly engagements) to the operations (C) and financial reporting of the Fund) (B) ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- December 31, 2003* $850 $0 $0 $850 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- October 31, 2003 $13,420 $0 $0 $13,420 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- October 31, 2002 $1,009 $0 $0 $1,009 ----------------------- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- *Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund changed its fiscal year end from October 31 to December 31, therefore, these numbers represent the period 11/1/03-12/31/03. Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, the audit committee must approve (i) all non-audit services to be performed for the Fund by the Fund's independent accountants and (ii) all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Fund's independent accountants for the Affiliated Fund Services Providers with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund. Regarding tax and research projects conducted by the independent accountants for the Fund and Affiliated Fund Services Providers (with respect to operations and financial reports of the Fund) such engagements will be (i) pre-approved by the audit committee if they are expected to be for amounts greater than $10,000; (ii) reported to the audit committee chairman for his verbal approval prior to engagement if they are expected to be for amounts under $10,000 but greater than $5,000; and (iii) reported to the audit committee at the next audit committee meeting if they are expected to be for an amount under $5,000. 3 ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 6. [RESERVED] ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES In the rare event that a municipal issuer held by the Fund were to issue a proxy or that the Fund were to receive a proxy issued by a cash management security, Nuveen Advisory Corp. (the "Adviser") would either engage an independent third party to determine how the proxy should be voted or vote the proxy with the consent, or based on the instructions, of the Fund's Board of Trustees or its representative. In the case of a conflict of interest, the proxy would be submitted to the applicable Fund's Board to determine how the proxy should be voted. A member of the Adviser's legal department would oversee the administration of the voting, and ensure that records were maintained in accordance with Rule 204-2(c)(2) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (17 CFR 275.204-2(c)(2)), reports were filed with the SEC on Form N-PX, and the results were provided to the Board of Trustees and made available to shareholders as required by applicable rules. ITEM 8. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 9. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not applicable at this time. ITEM 10. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. (a) The registrant's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")(17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). (b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the registrant's last fiscal half-year (the registrant's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 11. EXHIBITS. File the exhibits listed below as part of this Form. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated. (a)(1) Any code of ethics, or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy the Item 2 requirements through filing of an exhibit: Not applicable because posted on registrant's website at www.nuveen.com/etf. (a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) in the exact form set forth below: Ex-99.CERT attached hereto. (a)(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the 1940 Act (17CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons: Not applicable at this time. (b) If the report is filed under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide the certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)); Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) or 240.15d-14(b)), and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) as an exhibit. A certification furnished pursuant to this paragraph will not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78r), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. Ex-99.906 CERT attached hereto. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. (Registrant) Nuveen Real Estate Income Fund ----------------------------------------------------------- By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Jessica R. Droeger ---------------------------------------------- Jessica R. Droeger Vice President and Secretary Date: March 9, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ Gifford R. Zimmerman ---------------------------------------------- Gifford R. Zimmerman Chief Administrative Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Date: March 9, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------- By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Stephen D. Foy ---------------------------------------------- Stephen D. Foy Vice President and Controller (Principal Financial Officer) Date: March 9, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------------------- * Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.