ASM Announced Income Distribution of 6.50 Sen Per Unit and Special Income Distribution of 0.30 Sen Per Unit 13 March 2013

Kuala Lumpur - Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) has announced today an income distribution of 6.50 sen per unit for Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) for the financial year ended 31 March 2013.

ASNB has also announced a special income distribution of 0.30 sen per unit as a token of appreciation to the ASM investors for their support.

The total income distribution of 6.80 sen per unit is higher compared to the 6.50 sen per unit of income distribution paid out for the financial year ended 2012.

The income distribution will involve a total payout of RM913.85 million, an increase of 11.6% compared to the RM818.62 million paid out last year.

The payment will benefit 542,809 unit holders who currently hold 13.44 billion units of ASM.
Up until 11 March 2013, ASM has recorded a gross income of RM1.07 billion. Profit from the sale of shares contributed RM505.19 million or 47.3% of the gross income.

Dividend income from investment in companies contributed RM376.75 million or 35.3% and the remaining income of RM185.09 million or 17.4% is derived from investments in short term instruments.
The calculation of the income distribution is based on the average minimum balance held throughout the financial year of ASM.

The income distribution will be reinvested in additional units and will be automatically credited into the unit holders' account on 1 April 2013 as to enable the unit holders to benefit on the return from the growh of the ASM fund units.

ASM transactions at all branches and agents nationwide will be suspended beginning 26 March to 31 March 2013 to facilitate the calculation of income distribution. Unit holders can update their ASM investment book beginning 1 April 2013 when transactions resume.

ASM is a 'Equity-Income Fund' aimed at providing unit holders with a long-term investment opportunity that generates regular and competitive returns through a diversified portfolio of investments.