ASNB declares highest ASB dividend in five years

Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), has declared a dividend of 5.75 sen per unit for its flagship fund, Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB). This marks the highest payout in five years, surpassing the 5.25 sen per unit declared in 2023. The distribution includes a dividend of 5.5 sen and a bonus of 0.25 sen per unit, amounting to RM10.1 billion in total. The payout benefits 11.1 million unitholders, highlighting ASB’s continued role as a cornerstone of financial stability for the Bumiputera community.

The cumulative dividends distributed since ASB’s inception now stand at an impressive RM196.5 billion, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable savings and investment tool. Transactions for the dividend will resume via online platforms on January 1, 2025, and at ASNB branches from January 2, 2025.

Sustained Outperformance Against Market Benchmarks

ASB continues to outpace market benchmarks, outperforming even Malayan Banking Bhd’s 12-month fixed deposit rate. This resilience underscores its effectiveness in providing steady returns amidst evolving economic conditions.

The fund’s performance aligns with PNB’s strategic objectives, driven by a diversified asset strategy and Malaysia’s improving macroeconomic environment. Notably, Malaysia’s GDP growth of 5.3% in 3Q24 and a 14.9% year-to-date strengthening of the ringgit contributed significantly to ASB’s success. The strong equity market recovery, with Bursa Malaysia’s KLCI gaining 10% year-to-date, also played a pivotal role.

Economic Reforms Bolster Confidence

The success of ASB is further buoyed by the government’s Madani initiatives, which aim to drive sustainable growth. These include the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the GLC Empowerment and Reform (GEAR-uP) programme. These reforms have attracted foreign investments and boosted investor confidence.

PNB Group Chairman Tan Sri Raja Arshad Raja Tun Uda highlighted the fund’s resilience amidst global economic challenges, attributing its strong performance to strategic investments and robust domestic demand.

Simplified Dividend Access for Investors

To ensure seamless access for unitholders, ASNB has enhanced its digital platforms. The MyASNB portal now enables users to check dividend statements and manage transactions online. This move eliminates the need for long queues at physical branches, offering convenience and accessibility to investors.

Additionally, ASNB has introduced a 0.3% annual service fee for its Ria investment feature, reflecting a commitment to innovation while maintaining transparency. This fee will support the automated management of investments, leveraging technology to optimize returns.