On 17th March 2010, Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB) announced 6.38 sen dividend per unit of Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM) for the financial year ended 31st March 2011. It was 0.08 sen higher than 2010 dividend. The highest dividend given was 7.8 sen in 2001. Refer to “Historical ASM Dividend Rate” page for previous year dividend.
ASM had a capacity to distribute 7.7 sen per unit but the board of directors decided to give the only 6.38 sen per unit. The balance will be carried forward to next year.
As of 15th March, 2011, ASM has a gross income of RM909 million. Profit from the sale of shares stand at RM407 million, or 45 percent of the gross income.
Dividend income contributed RM361 million or 40 percent and the remaining income of RM141 million or 15 percent is derived from investments in short term instruments.
The calculation of the income distribution is based on the average monthly minimum balance held throughout the financial year of ASM. The income distribution will be reinvested in additional units of ASM to be automatically credited into the unit holders’ account on 1st April, 2011.
ASM transactions at all branches and agents nationwide will be suspended beginning 22nd March to 31st March, 2011 to facilitate the calculation of income distribution. Unit holders can update their ASM investment book beginning 1st April, 2011.
ASM is a fixed priced ‘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. Currently, ASM’s fund size is at RM11.815 billion with 549,729 investors.
What does it mean 1.32cents dividend will be carried forward to next year? How is it different when 6.38cents dividend will be reinvested into the fund?
6.38 sen is given to unitholders & ASNB must pay dividend for this amount for 2012 dividend. The 1.32 sen is just extra money in the fund where ASNB can use to increase dividend payment for upcoming years.
when is the next round where we can top up for 2011?
kay, you can top up additional ASM units anytime as long as there are units available. The fund size is limited to RM13 billion only.