KUALA LUMPUR: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) distributed its highest ever dividend payout since its establishment in 1981 after posting improved overall performance despite challenging global landscape last year.
PNB's total consolidated net income remained firm at RM17 billion in the year ended December 31 2018.
The group distributed a total of RM15 billion in dividends for 2018, PNB chairman Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said at a briefing on its financial performance here yesterday.
The group's asset under management (AUM) grew 6.9 per cent to RM298.5 billion during the year, mainly driven by a 7.9 per cent increase in units in circulation.
PNB announced an income distribution of six sen per unit for Amanah Saham Bumiputera 2 (ASB2) and 5.50 sen per unit for Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM).
It also announced an income distribution of 4.10 sen for ASN Equity 3 (formerly known as ASG-Kesihatan), 4.20 sen for ASN Imbang 2 (formerly known as ASG-Pendidikan) and five sen for ASN Sara 1 (formerly known as ASG-Persaraan).
PNB's total income distribution for the five funds was RM236.1 million for 2018, benefitting more than 220,100 account holders.
“The challenging economic environment in 2018 with moderating growth and uncertain financial markets in both the global and domestic economic and financial environment has affected the performance of Malaysia's corporation including PNB,” Zeti said.
“Undeniably, the economic environment is expected to remain uncertain in 2019. While PNB will remain focused on creating value for unit holders, investor also need to understand the risks in the financial market place," she added.
Zeti said PNB would roll out new digital offerings for unit holders along with continuous financial literacy in order to simplify investment decisions for them.
There will be a temporary suspension of transactions for ASB 2, ASM, ASN Equity 3, ASN Imbang 2 and ASN Sara 1 at all branches from March 26 to 31 to facilitate the computation of income distribution for the financial year ending 31 March 2019.
The income distribution will be credited into unit holders’ account on April 1.
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