Unit Trust of Samoa declared another profitable year by announcing a total distribution of SAT$8.5 million to unit holders for the financial year ending 30 June 2023.

The Board and Trustees made the announcement on Wednesday, making this the biggest payout yet.

This payout has surpassed last year’s payout of $7.5 million.

Unit holders with accounts up to 30 of June 2023 will be entitled to receive 8 sene per unit from this distribution and will be able to cash out their dividend from Monday, 10 of July 2023.

The 2023 payout has increased the total returns to unit holders for this financial year to 10.95 per cent, a 1.7 per cent increase from the previous financial year.

Since Samoa’s borders were re-opened in August 2022, the Unit Trust of Samoa has remained vigilant in seeking out new investment opportunities and at the same time monitoring its existing portfolio to ensure maximum returns for its unit holders.

Unit Trust of Samoa Chief Executive Tevaga Viane Tagiilima conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to all its unit holders and stakeholders, for trusting UTOS as their investment vehicle.

“For the last three years we faced trialing times, however our commitment to serve our unit holders backed by a competent team led us to achieve satisfactory results adapting to the ever-changing financial market,” he said.

Tevaga also acknowledged the contribution from the previous board of directors, with former chairman Afioga Asiata Afoa Kolone Vaai who led UTOS for the first three quarters of the financial year for their inputs and expertise which guided the Trust Fund to another successful performance.

UTOS (Trust) is a private trust owned by the unit holders with its assets entrusted to a Trustee Company which holds in trust the funds of the unit holders. These funds are invested into a diversified portfolio of assets ranging from term deposits, government securities and shares in privately owned companies.

Its social objective is inclusivity; allowing for accessible and affordable investment for ordinary Samoans. Its commercial objective is to generate sustainable returns for the unit holders from a risk assessed and balanced investment portfolio.