KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB), a wholly owned unit trust company of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), has declared a total income distribution payout of RM2.18 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2025 (FY2025).

The total distribution, higher than the RM2 billion total payout declared in FY2024, are for two of its fixed-price funds — Amanah Saham Bumiputera 2 (ASB 2) and Amanah Saham Malaysia (ASM).  

For ASB 2, ASNB announced a total distribution of RM730 million or 5.50 sen per unit — its highest in six years — compared with 5.25 sen per unit or RM670 million in FY2024. 

This year’s distribution benefits over 614,309 unitholders who collectively hold 14.12 billion units, according to PNB in a statement on Thursday.  

Meanwhile, a total income distribution of RM1.45 billion, or five sen per unit, was declared for ASM — also its highest in six years — compared with 4.75 sen per unit, or RM1.33 billion, in FY2024. The latest distribution benefits over 740,513 unitholders with a combined 29.14 billion units.  

As of March 20, 2025, ASB 2 had recorded a net realised income of RM800 million, while ASM posted RM1.55 billion.  

According to the statement, ASNB attributed the strong performance of the two fixed-price funds to positive domestic and global equity returns, alongside a continued asset diversification strategy across geographies and asset classes.  

“Going forward, PNB will continue with asset diversification, particularly into fixed income, to ensure a stable and consistent stream of income,” it said, adding that the funds had shown progressive improvements over the past three years, reflecting PNB’s commitment to enhancing returns and strengthening portfolio resilience.  

The computation of income distribution for ASB 2 and ASM is based on the average minimum monthly balance held throughout the financial year of each fund, according to ASNB. 

The distribution declared will be automatically reinvested into unitholders’ accounts on April 1 this year.

PNB added that transactions for ASB 2 and ASM at ASNB branches and agents, including all online channels and internet banking, will be temporarily suspended from March 28 to 31 to facilitate the income distribution computation.