Amanah Saham Didik (ASD), income distribution of 6.60 sen per unit for the financial year ended 30 June 2012

KUALA LUMPUR: - Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has announced an income distribution of 6.60 sen per unit for Amanah Saham Didik (ASD) for the financial year ended 30 June 2012, higher than the 6.50 sen per unit paid out in the previous corresponding period.

PNB Chairman, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid said the income distribution will involve a total payment of RM279.31 million, an increase of 9.9 percent compared with the total distribution of RM254.1 million last year.

Up until 18 June 2012, ASD has recorded a gross income of RM354.26 million. Dividend income from investee companies contributed RM228.58 million or 65.4 percent to the total income.

Profit from the sale of shares contributed RM76.03 million or 21.5 percent. The remaining income of RM49.65 million or 14 percent is derived from investments in short term instruments and other income.

The income distribution will benefit a total of 358,222 unit holders who collectively owned 4.2 billion units of the ASD.

The calculation of the income distribution is based on the average monthly minimum balance held throughout the financial year of ASD.

All transactions for ASD at the ASNB offices and agents will be suspended from 22 June 2012 to 1 July 2012 to facilitate the calculation of income distribution. Unit holders will be able to update their accounts at ASNB offices and agents nationwide beginning 2 July 2012 when transactions resume.

The income distribution of ASD will be automatically re-invested in the form of units and credited into the unit holders' accounts on 2 July 2012. For the unit holders who subscribed to the ASD through the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Members' Investment Scheme, the income distribution will be credited directly into their respective EPF accounts.

The income distribution statement and fund's annual report will be sent to unit holders beginning middle of August 2012.

ASD is a fixed price equity growth fund aimed at providing investment opportunity which can generate long term growth and competitive returns to the unit holders.

ASD is suitable for investors who are building a financial plan to provide future financial needs for education expenses for themselves or those of their families.