ASNB announces income distribution of 6.45 sen, highest distribution in 13 years

Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad has announced 6.45 sen per unit income for Amanah Saham Nasional (ASN) scheme for financial year ending Dec 31, 2014, the highest payout in the last 13 years.

The allocation for the distribution involves RM107.57 million payments sees an increase of 7.28 per cent compared to RM100. 27 million last year.

PNB chairman Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul said the payment will benefit 1.26 million shareholders who have invested 1.66 billion units of 1.66 billion.

According to PNB President and Chief Executive officer, Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman based on the capacity, ASNB could pay 11.2 sen per unit.

“It is suitable, that 6.45 sen based on the position of shares market which had declined with decreased index, except that we hope this will give fund managers the opportunities to draw up proper and coherent strategies to strengthen our portfolio,” said Hamad Kama.

“This timing is prudent for our portfolio to ensure a strengthened long-term investment,” he added, when met after ASN announcement of dividend distribution here today.

Until Dec 22, 2014, ASN has clinched a gross income of RM138.99 million involving contributions from the sales of shares which totaled an approximate RM89.68 million or 64.5 per cent.

Dividend income from investment in companies have contributed a staggering RM39.01 million or 28.1 per cent while the balance of RM10.30 million or 7.4 per cent was derived from other instruments.

ASN payment distribution will be credited automatically, while account holders will be able to update their accounts starting January 2, 2015.

As of prospects in 2014, President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Hamad Kama Piah Che Othman said PNB was expected to perform well supported by the growth of Malaysian companies spurred by projects initiated under the Economic Transformation Programme.