File pic: Khazanah managing director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said:
KUALA LUMPUR: Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd posted a loss before tax of RM6.27bil in 2018 compared to a profit before tax of RM2.89bil a year earlier.
"Profitability was affected due to fewer divestments, reduced dividend income and higher impairments, during a period of transition for Khazanah in an unfavourable market," it said in a statement on Tuesday.
Its net worth adjusted (NWA) declined by 21.6% to RM91bil on Dec 31, 2018, from RM116bil a year ago. Its realisable asset value fell to RM136bil from RM157bil during the same period.
However, the NWA of the long-term portfolio showed an annual 11% return over the last 10 years.
The fund declared a dividend of RM1.5bil for 2018.
Amid the weaker results, Khazanah also revealed a refreshed mandate that divides its investment objectives to commercial and strategic categories.
"The commercial objective focuses on growing financial assets and diversifying revenue source for the nation, while the strategic objective is to hold assets that bring long-term economic benefits," it said.
It added also that Khazanah will be guided by its investment philosophy of earning appropriate risk-adjusted financial returns, generating sustainable returns, and integrating ethical and responsible considerations into investment activities.
The fund will pursue these objectives via a dual-fund investment structure, it said.
The refreshed mandate, amidst an ongoing restructuring, will put Khazanah on a stronger footing for enhanced profitability and performance in 2019 and onwards.
Khazanah managing director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said: “Our performance in 2018 was impacted by several key global and domestic developments in both the economic and social spheres.
“At the same time, the government initiated a reset of Khazanah, which involved significant changes including a refreshed mandate. The organisational restructuring we are currently undertaking will enable us to execute and deliver on our role of growing Malaysia’s long-term wealth, beginning from this year.”
1. Financial Performance
Khazanah’s portfolio value as measured by its Net Worth Adjusted (“NWA”) declined to RM91 billion on 31 December 2018, a 21.6% drop from RM116 billion on 31 December 2017.
Realisable Asset Value (“RAV”) also declined to RM136 billion from RM157 billion during the same period. The long-term portfolio performance remained on an upward trajectory, with NWA achieving an 11.0% return per annum over the last 10 years.
Khazanah’s portfolio was affected by global economic uncertainty in 2018, which saw markets underperform due to geopolitical tensions and a pessimistic growth outlook for emerging markets.
In addition, the portfolio was further impacted by domestic developments, including a subdued earnings outlook, market volatility, and regulatory changes during the period under review.
Khazanah recorded a Loss Before Tax of RM6.271 billion in 2018, compared to a Profit Before Tax of RM2.896 billion a year earlier.
Profitability was affected due to fewer divestments, reduced dividend income and higher impairments, during a period of transition for Khazanah in an unfavorable market.
Khazanah declared a dividend of RM1.5 billion for 2018.
