CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER PDF Free Download

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017

CONTENTS PAGE(S) INVESTORS LETTER 1 MANAGER S REPORT 2-10 Fund Objective and Policy Performance Data Market Review Fund Performance Portfolio Structure Market Outlook Investment Strategy Unit Holdings Statistics Soft Commissions and Rebates STATEMENT BY MANAGER 11 TRUSTEE S REPORT 12 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT 13-16 STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 17 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 18 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS 19 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 20 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-50 DIRECTORY 51 LIST OF CWA (an Agency force of CIMB-Principal) OFFICES 52-56

INVESTORS' LETTER Dear Valued Investors, Thank you for your continued support and for the confidence that you have placed in us. We are pleased to share that CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad ( CIMB-Principal ) Malaysia concluded the first half of 2017 with RM48 billion in Asset Under Management ( AUM ) and CIMB- Principal s Group AUM has increased by 14% to RM63 billion, for 1-year period ending 30 June 2017. Our AUM for Private Retirement Schemes ( PRS ) business has increased by 25% year-on-year ( y-o-y ) to RM388 million as at 30 June 2017. We continue to achieve prestigious recognitions from The Edge Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Awards: The Edge Thomson Reuters Lipper Malaysia Fund Awards 2017 Best Equity Global, 3 years & 5 years : CIMB-Principal Global Titans Fund Best Equity Asia Pacific Ex-Japan, 5 years : CIMB-Principal Asian Equity Fund Best Equity Asia Pacific Ex-Japan - Malaysia Islamic, 5 years : CIMB Islamic Asia Pacific Equity Fund Thomson Reuters Lipper Fund Award Global Islamic 2017 Best Equity Asia Pacific Ex-Japan (Islamic), Best Fund over 5 years : CIMB Islamic Asia Pacific Equity Fund These awards reflect our consistent fund performance, in tandem with our commitment to provide the best customer experience to you. CIMB-Principal was also awarded Fund House of the Year in Malaysia by AsianInvestor for the Asset Management Awards 2017, its second consecutive win and The Employees' Provident Fund ( EPF ) External Portfolio Managers Awards 2017 for the Best Global Bond Portfolio Manager. These industry recognitions reflect our success in scaling up our investment capabilities while building a solid track record and earning the trust of our clients over time. Thank you. Yours faithfully, for CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad Munirah Khairuddin Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director 1

MANAGER S REPORT FUND OBJECTIVE AND POLICY What is the investment objective of the Fund? The Fund aims to achieve capital appreciation over the medium to long term by investing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) region. Has the Fund achieved its objective? The Fund has outperformed its benchmark for the financial period since inception, for the MYR and SGD classes. The USD class still faces the headwind of the USD strength although it has narrowed the gap. What are the Fund investment policy and principal investment strategy? The Fund will be managed with the aim of achieving a stable and positive investment returns over the medium to long term through investments in ASEAN region regardless of market conditions. The companies invested in must be domiciled in, listed in, and/or have significant operations in the ASEAN region. For listed securities, the investment must be traded in an exchange that is a member of World Federation of Exchanges ( WFE ). Significant operations means major businesses of the company. For example, the Fund can invest in a company with significant operations in Thailand but listed on the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE ). The threshold for significant operations would be at least 30% of total group revenue to derive from countries in the ASEAN region. The calculation would be based on the most recent financial reports released by the companies (e.g. interim and annual reports). Investment universe of the Fund will be in countries where the regulatory authority is an ordinary or associate member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions ( IOSCO ) which include but not limited to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. If the investment is a listed security, the investment must be traded in an exchange that is a member of WFE. In the event the Manager is unable to obtain the necessary licenses or permits, or the licenses or permits are revoked or not renewed (as the case may be), the Manager will seek to invest in other accessible markets. Under general market conditions, the Fund will invest in equities of companies which the Manager believe will exhibit good growth potential^ when compared to its industry or the overall market #. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of the Fund s Net Asset Value ( NAV ) in debt securities to be in line with the Fund s objective. The minimum credit rating for these debt securities must be at least BBB by Fitch Ratings ( Fitch ) or its equivalent by Standard & Poor's ( S&P ) and Moody's Investors Service ( Moody s ). The Fund may opt to access into the equities and/or debt securities market via investment in units of other Collective Investment Schemes ( CIS ) that is in line with the Fund s objective*, subject to the requirements of the Securities Commission Malaysia ( SC ) Guidelines and the Standards of Qualifying CIS. ^ good growth potential - Refers to companies that have a better growth than the Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) of the respective country and reasonably priced based on the Manager s estimate. Reasonably priced means when the intrinsic value is higher than the current market price. # compared to its industry or the overall market - The comparison will be conducted at the point of purchase. * with effect from 30 September 2017. Base Currency United States Dollar ( USD ) Fund category/type Equity/Growth How long should you invest for? Medium term to long term Indication of short-term risk (low, moderate, high) High 2

FUND OBJECTIVE AND POLICY (CONTINUED) When was the Fund launched? Class MYR 3 March 2015 Class SGD 9 July 2015 Class USD 3 March 2015 What was the size of the Fund as at 30 November 2017? USD7.46 million (41.51 million units) CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND What is the Fund s benchmark? The performance of this Fund cannot be compared directly with any specific publicly available benchmark. However, the Fund has a target return of nine percent (9%) per annum. This is not a guaranteed return and is only a measurement of the Fund s performance. The Fund may not achieve the target return in any particular financial year but targets to achieve this growth over the medium to long term. What is the Fund distribution policy? Given the Fund s investment objective, the Class of the Fund is not expected to pay any distribution. Distributions, if any, are at the discretion of the Manager and will vary from period to period depending on the availability of realised income for distribution and performance of the Fund. What was the net income distribution for the financial year ended 30 November 2017? There was no distribution made for financial year ended 30 November 2017. PERFORMANCE DATA Details of portfolio composition of the Fund for the last three financial years are as follows: 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 30.11.2015 % % % Quoted securities - Construction 10.33-1.07 - Consumer Products 17.69 10.20 13.47 - Energy 1.36 2.01 - - Finance 21.58 16.41 14.96 - Health Care 1.92 7.66 11.31 - Industrials 5.99 21.08 20.57 - Infrastructure Project Company ( IPC ) - - 1.01 - Properties 4.31 - - - Real Estate Investment Trust ( REIT ) 0.95 2.93 6.10 - Technology 1.75 3.13 - - Telecommunications 1.92 7.33 8.43 - Trading/Services 10.39-7.71 - Utilities - 3.79 1.36 Cash and other net assets 21.81 25.46 14.01 100.00 100.00 100.00 3

PERFORMANCE DATA (CONTINUED) Performance details of the Fund for the last three financial years are as follows: 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 30.11.2015 NAV (USD Million) - Class MYR 6.75 5.08 5.94 - Class SGD 0.01 0.17 0.01 - Class USD 0.70 0.61 0.56 Units in circulation (Million) - Class MYR 40.37 40.62 50.22 - Class SGD 0.01 0.21 0.01 - Class USD 1.13 1.31 1.27 NAV per unit (USD) - Class MYR 0.1672 0.1250 0.1182 - Class SGD 1.0461 0.7813 0.7391 - Class USD 0.6228 0.4656 0.4404 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 03.03.2015 (date of launch) to 30.11.2015 Highest NAV per unit (USD) - Class MYR 0.1680 0.1404 0.1400 - Class SGD 1.0511 0.8775 0.7638 - Class USD 0.6258 0.5229 0.5300 Lowest NAV per unit (USD) - Class MYR 0.1225 0.1163 0.1118 - Class SGD 0.7659 0.7271 0.6999 - Class USD 0.4564 0.4333 0.4165 Total return (%) - Class MYR 22.39 10.97 0.62 - Class SGD 26.73 6.76 4.33 - Class USD 33.68 5.79 (11.98) Capital growth (%) - Class MYR 22.39 10.97 0.62 - Class SGD 26.73 6.76 4.33 - Class USD 33.68 5.79 (11.98) Income distribution (%) - Class MYR - - - - Class SGD - - - - Class USD - - - Management Expense Ratio ("MER") (%) - - - Portfolio Turnover Ratio ("PTR") (times) # 6.98 5.31 2.79 # The Fund s PTR increased from 5.31 times to 6.98 times as we maintained equity allocation between 75% - 98% during the financial year under review. 4

PERFORMANCE DATA (CONTINUED) 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Since inception to 30.11.2015 % % % Annual total return - Class MYR 22.39 10.97 0.62 - Class USD 33.68 5.79 (11.98) (Launch date: 3 March 2015) 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Since inception to 30.11.2015 % % % Annual total return - Class SGD 26.73 6.76 4.33 (Launch date: 9 July 2015) Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance and that unit prices and investment returns may go down, as well as up. All performance figures for the financial year have been extracted from Lipper. MARKET REVIEW (1 DECEMBER 2016 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2017) ASEAN markets were generally volatile in the month of December 2016 as investor sentiment remained cautious, following the sharp corrections in November 2016 post President Trump s victory. By the end of December 2016, markets recovered slightly, partly supported by window dressing towards year end. In the first three months of 2017, ASEAN markets recovered. In January 2017, Singapore saw a 20.4% month-on-month ( m-o-m ) seasonally adjusted surge in electronics output, driving the December 2016 production above expectations at 21.3% over a year ago. In the Philippines, the first tax reform package was filed to the house. The package will include lowering personal income tax, increase in oil excise taxes and auto excise taxes. Philippines Overseas Filipino Workers ( OFW ) remittances were up 3.6% over a year ago in December 2016, with the full year growth settling at 5% over a year ago, easing the concern over the recent string of weaknesses. The final revised Singapore s fourth quarter of 2016 Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) was at 12.3% quarter-on-quarter ( q-o-q ) seasonally adjusted annual rate surge, with manufacturing being the key source of strength. With a rebound in global economic growth, and a moderate inflation, investors were keen to adopt a more risk-on attitude. Recovery in commodity prices was also beneficial to Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. This broad based economic recovery led to the USD slightly weakening from its highs in January 2017 which was positive for Emerging Markets ( EM ). The strongest ASEAN currency was Thai Baht ( THB ) which strengthened against USD by 4.2% from December 2016, supported by strong current account surplus. The global reflationary theme continued to play out in Asian markets. Despite the widespread fears with Trump s protectionist inclination, the US had not initiated trade war with its major trading partners. ASEAN market continued its uptrend in April and May 2017, driven by better than expected corporate earnings in the first quarter of 2017 and early signs of economic recovery. Indonesia market led the ASEAN markets after the conclusion of Jakarta election in April 2017 followed by sovereign rating upgrade by rating agency, S&P, to investment grade along with Fitch and Moody. The better than expected earnings posted by financial sector, especially Singapore and Indonesia banks, added to the rally. In addition, Bank Indonesia cut interest rate twice or a total of 50 basis points ( bps ) to 4.25% since August 2017. 5

MARKET REVIEW (1 DECEMBER 2016 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2017) (CONTINUED) After underperforming the market since the start of financial year, Thailand made comeback and started to rally led by banks, consumers and health care stocks. The rallies were quite broad-based with consumer names gaining momentum after digesting weak second quarter of 2017 financial results. The market is looking beyond the financial results and seeing potential same-store-sales growth recovery on a low base last year with potential government policy support before year-end as key catalysts. Optimism resumed after the current military government announced that Thailand will hold a general election in November 2018. The military has repeatedly delayed a vote since seizing power in 2014, citing concerns such as changes to the constitution and security issues. Militaryappointed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha told reporters the exact date will be set next June 2018. Furthermore, the month of October 2017 marked the end of the mourning period for the passing of Thailand s King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Global market remained buoyant towards the end of financial year under review on the back of synchronised global recovery, expectation that Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) and Russia will extend the crude oil production cut until the end of 2018, interest rates hike by the US Federal Reserve (the Fed ) will be gradual. ASEAN markets were further fuelled by Singapore banks in particular DBS Bank which guided that the worst is over for them and expect asset quality to improve in 2018. FUND PERFORMANCE 1 year to 30.11.2017 Since inception to 30.11.2017 Class MYR Class SGD Class USD Class MYR Class SGD Class USD % % % % % % Income - - - - - - Capital 22.39 26.73 33.68 36.66 41.15 24.48 Total Return 22.39 26.73 33.68 36.66 41.15 24.48 Benchmark 9.00 9.00 9.00 25.84 20.59 25.84 Average Total Return 22.39 26.73 33.68 12.04 15.46 8.29 The Fund generated 36.66%, 41.15% and 24.48% since inception, for MYR, SGD, USD classes against the benchmark at 25.84%, 20.59% and 25.84% respectively. The variance in performance of the three classes was due to volatility in currencies. Class MYR 42.00% 36.00% 30.00% CLASS MYR Benchmark MYR 24.00% 18.00% 12.00% 6.00% 0.00% -6.00% 6

FUND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Class SGD 45.00% 40.00% 35.00% 30.00% CLASS SGD Benchmark SGD 25.00% 20.00% 15.00% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% Class USD 30.00% 20.00% CLASS USD Benchmark USD 10.00% 0.00% -10.00% -20.00% Changes in NAV CLASS MYR 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Changes % NAV (USD Million) 6.75 5.08 32.87 NAV/Unit (USD) 0.1672 0.1250 33.76 7

FUND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED) Changes in NAV (Continued) CLASS SGD 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Changes % NAV (USD Million) 0.01 0.17 (94.12) NAV/Unit (USD) 1.0461 0.7813 33.89 CLASS USD 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Changes % NAV (USD Million) 0.70 0.61 14.75 NAV/Unit (USD) 0.6228 0.4656 33.76 For the financial year under review, NAV for the Class MYR, SGD and USD stood at USD6.75 million, USD0.01 million and USD0.70 million respectively. Performance data represents the combined income and capital return as a result of holding units in the Fund for the specified length of time, based on NAV to NAV price. The performance data assumes that all earnings from the fund are reinvested and are net of management and trustee fees. Past performance is not reflective of future performance and income distributions are not guaranteed. Unit prices and income distributions, if any, may fall and rise. All performance figures for the financial year have been extracted from Lipper. PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE Asset allocation (% of NAV) 30.11.2017 30.11.2016 Quoted securities 78.19 74.54 Cash and other net assets 21.81 25.46 TOTAL 100.00 100.00 The Fund remained invested in equities during the financial year under review. MARKET OUTLOOK* The last 12 months have delivered very strong equity returns, with most regions delivering returns upwards of 20%. Offshore China, EM and Asia have led, with a noticeable earnings recovery providing fundamental support. Easy financial conditions and USD weakness have provided strong tailwinds that have led to narrowing of their valuation gap to US equities. ASEAN markets have been generating positive returns year-to-date ( YTD ), though it underperformed Morgan Stanley Capital International ( MSCI ) Asia ex Japan market. This is largely because investors perceive ASEAN markets to have lower beta or more defensive, hence, the fund flows have been concentrated in North Asia markets. * This market outlook does not constitute an offer, invitation, commitment, advice or recommendation to make a purchase of any investment. The information given in this article represents the views of CIMB-Principal or based on data obtained from sources believed to be reliable by CIMB-Principal. Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this, CIMB-Principal makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and is under no circumstances liable for any loss or damage caused by reliance on, any opinion, advice or statement made in this market outlook. 8

INVESTMENT STRATEGY We remain constructive on ASEAN markets longer term, given its strong demographics, momentum in terms of Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI ) and its defensiveness versus other global markets. The fund flows could reverse once ASEAN markets start to show accelerating growth. There are signs of consumption recovery in Thailand and Indonesia. Factory utilisation has been picking up in Thailand which will eventually push for higher capital spending. Banks in the region are guiding for better outlook in 2018 as well. We continue to like Financials sector, selective consumer stocks in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam and selective infra-related stocks across the region. Tourism sector in Thailand and Malaysia remain core holdings. We are in the midst of identifying more gems in Vietnam as we seek to increase our exposure in the market. UNIT HOLDINGS STATISTICS Breakdown of unit holdings by size as at 30 November 2017 are as follows: CLASS MYR Size of unit holdings (units) No. of unit holders No. of units held (million) % of units held 5,000 and below 16 0.04 0.10 5,001 to 10,000 41 0.31 0.77 10,001 to 50,000 100 2.51 6.21 50,001 to 500,000 48 5.38 13.33 500,001 and above 3 32.13 79.59 Total 208 40.37 100.00 CLASS SGD Size of unit holdings (units) No. of unit holders No. of units held (million) % of units held 5,000 and below 2 0.00 0.00 5,001 to 10,000 1 0.01 100.00 10,001 to 50,000 - - - 50,001 to 500,000 - - - 500,001 and above - - - Total 3 0.01 100.00 CLASS USD Size of unit holdings (units) No. of unit holders No. of units held (million) % of units held 5,000 and below 1 0.00 0.00 5,001 to 10,000 - - - 10,001 to 50,000 1 0.03 2.65 50,001 to 500,000 - - - 500,001 and above 1 1.10 97.35 Total 3 1.13 100.00 9

SOFT COMMISSIONS AND REBATES CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad (the Manager ) and the Trustee (including their officers) will not retain any form of rebate or soft commission from, or otherwise share in any commission with, any broker in consideration for directing dealings in the investments of the Funds unless the soft commission received is retained in the form of goods and services such as financial wire services and stock quotations system incidental to investment management of the Funds. All dealings with brokers are executed on best available terms. During the financial year under review, the Manager and the Trustee did not receive any rebates from the brokers or dealers but have retained soft commissions in the form of goods and services such as financial wire services and stock quotations system incidental to investment management of the Funds. 10

STATEMENT BY MANAGER TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND We, being the Directors of CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad (the Manager ), do hereby state that, in the opinion of the Manager, the accompanying audited financial statements set out on pages 17 to 50 are drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Deeds and give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Fund as at 30 November 2017 and of its financial performance, changes in equity and cash flows for the financial year then ended in accordance with the provisions of the Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards ( MFRS ) and International Financial Reporting Standards ( IFRS ). For and on behalf of the Manager CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad (Company No.: 304078-K) MUNIRAH KHAIRUDDIN Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director ALEJANDRO ECHEGORRI Executive Director Kuala Lumpur 30 January 2018 11

TRUSTEE S REPORT TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND We have acted as Trustee of CIMB-Principal ASEAN Total Return Fund (the Fund ) for the financial year ended 30 November 2017. To the best of our knowledge, CIMB-Principal Asset Management Berhad, (the Manager ), has operated and managed the Fund in accordance with the following:- a) limitations imposed on the investment powers of the Manager and the Trustee under the Deed, the Securities Commission s Guidelines on Unit Trust Funds, the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 and other applicable laws; b) valuation/pricing is carried out in accordance with the Deed and any regulatory requirements; and c) creation and cancellation of units are carried out in accordance with the Deed and any regulatory requirements. For HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee Berhad Tan Bee Nie Head, Trustee Operations Kuala Lumpur 30 January 2018 12

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our opinion CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND In our opinion, the financial statements of CIMB-Principal ASEAN Total Return Fund (the Fund ) give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Fund as at 30 November 2017, and of its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards. What we have audited We have audited the financial statements of the Fund, which comprise the statement of financial position as at 30 November 2017, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in net asset attributable to unit holders and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, as set out on pages 17 to 50. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with approved standards on auditing in Malaysia and International Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Independence and other ethical responsibilities We are independent of the Fund in accordance with the By-Laws (on Professional Ethics, Conduct and Practice) of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants ( By-Laws ) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants ( IESBA Code ), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the By-Laws and the IESBA Code. 13

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND (CONTINUED) CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Information other than the financial statements and auditors report thereon The Manager of the Fund is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises Manager s Report, but does not include the financial statements of the Fund and our auditors report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements of the Fund does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements of the Fund, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements of the Fund or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Responsibilities of the Manager for the financial statements The Manager of the Fund is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund that give a true and fair view in accordance with Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standard in Malaysia. The Manager is also responsible for such internal control as the Manager determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements of the Fund that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The Manager is also responsible for overseeing the Fund s financial reporting process. In preparing the financial statements of the Fund, the Manager is responsible for assessing the Fund s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Manager either intends to liquidate the Fund or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 14

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE UNIT HOLDERS OF CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND (CONTINUED) CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements of the Fund as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with approved standards on auditing in Malaysia and International Standards on Auditing will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. As part of an audit in accordance with approved standards on auditing in Malaysia and International Standards on Auditing, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements of the Fund, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund s internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the Manager. Conclude on the appropriateness of the Manager s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Fund s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors report to the related disclosures in the financial statements of the Fund or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Fund to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements of the Fund, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 15

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017 CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND 2017 2016 Note USD USD INVESTMENT INCOME Dividend income 153,108 119,954 Interest income from deposits with licensed financial institutions 16,283 2,076 Net gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 7 1,932,587 387,177 Net foreign exchange gain/(loss) 28,079 (46,207) 2,130,057 463,000 EXPENSES Transaction costs 114,333 76,570 Other expenses 3,090 2,141 117,423 78,711 PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION 2,012,634 384,289 Taxation 6 (9,760) (8,334) INCREASE IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS 2,002,874 375,955 Increase in net assets attributable to unit holders are made up as follows: Realised amount 1,370,265 349,207 Unrealised amount 632,609 26,748 2,002,874 375,955 The accompanying notes to the financial statements form an integral part of the audited financial statements. 17

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2017 2017 2016 Note USD USD ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents 8 1,301,737 1,604,108 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 7 5,832,910 4,366,162 Amount due from stockbrokers 199,855 - Amount due from Manager 371,946 21,487 Dividends receivable 4,462 9,440 Other receivables 24,554 9,550 TOTAL ASSETS 7,735,464 6,010,747 LIABILITIES Amount due to stockbrokers 275,063 137,319 Amount due to Manager - 15,676 TOTAL LIABILITIES (EXCLUDING NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS) 275,063 152,995 NET ASSET VALUE OF THE FUND 7,460,401 5,857,752 NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS 7,460,401 5,857,752 REPRESENTED BY: FAIR VALUE OF OUTSTANDING UNITS (USD) - Class MYR 6,750,307 5,079,352 - Class SGD 6,510 166,611 - Class USD 703,584 611,789 7,460,401 5,857,752 NUMBER OF UNITS IN CIRCULATION (UNITS) - Class MYR 40,370,224 40,624,306 - Class SGD 6,223 213,224 - Class USD 1,129,671 1,313,781 9 41,506,118 42,151,311 NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT (USD) - Class MYR 0.1672 0.1250 - Class SGD 1.0461 0.7813 - Class USD 0.6228 0.4656 NET ASSET VALUE PER UNIT IN RESPECTIVE CURRENCIES - Class MYR RM0.6838 RM0.5582 - Class SGD SGD1.4117 SGD1.1137 - Class USD USD0.6228 USD0.4656 The accompanying notes to the financial statements form an integral part of the audited financial statements. 18

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017 2017 2016 USD USD NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 5,857,752 6,508,069 Movement due to units created and cancelled during the financial year: Creation of units from applications - Class MYR 5,450,646 3,039,937 - Class SGD 1,586 216,575 - Class USD 800,984 1,082,385 Cancellation of units - Class MYR (5,586,301) (4,242,198) - Class SGD (178,578) (49,360) - Class USD (888,562) (1,073,611) 5,457,527 5,481,797 Increase in net assets attributable to unit holders during the financial year 2,002,874 375,955 NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNIT HOLDERS AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 7,460,401 5,857,752 The accompanying notes to the financial statements form an integral part of the audited financial statements. 19

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017 CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND 2017 2016 Note USD USD CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from disposal of quoted securities 16,190,189 11,811,885 Purchase of quoted securities (15,903,814) (10,124,897) Dividend income received 143,139 90,642 Interest income from deposits with licensed financial institutions 16,283 2,076 Net realised foreign exchange gain/(loss) 24,565 (26,000) Payments for other fees and expenses (18,094) (1,600) Net cash generated from operating activities 452,268 1,752,106 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash proceeds from units created 5,917,065 4,310,644 Payments for cancellation of units (6,680,754) (5,443,188) Net cash used in financing activities (763,689) (1,132,544) Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (311,421) 619,562 Effects of foreign exchange differences 9,050 (10,723) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 1,604,108 995,269 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 8 1,301,737 1,604,108 Cash and cash equivalents comprised of: Bank balances 485,307 964,047 Deposits with licensed financial institutions 816,430 640,061 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 8 1,301,737 1,604,108 The accompanying notes to the financial statements form an integral part of the audited financial statements. 20

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017 1. THE FUND, THE MANAGER AND ITS PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND CIMB-Principal ASEAN Total Return Fund (the "Fund ) was constituted pursuant to the execution of a Deed dated 23 February 2015 (referred to as the Deed ) between CIMB- Principal Asset Management Berhad (the Manager ) and HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee Berhad (the Trustee ). The Fund will be managed with the aim of achieving a stable and positive investment returns over the medium to long term through investments in ASEAN region regardless of market conditions. The companies invested in must be domiciled in, listed in, and/or have significant operations in the ASEAN region. For listed securities, the investment must be traded in an exchange that is a member of WFE. Significant operations means major businesses of the company. For example, the Fund can invest in a company with significant operations in Thailand but listed on the NYSE. The threshold for significant operations would be at least 30% of total group revenue to derive from countries in the ASEAN region. The calculation would be based on the most recent financial reports released by the companies (e.g. interim and annual reports). Investment universe of the Fund will be in countries where the regulatory authority is an ordinary or associate member of the IOSCO which include but not limited to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. If the investment is a listed security, the investment must be traded in an exchange that is a member of WFE. In the event the Manager is unable to obtain the necessary licenses or permits, or the licenses or permits are revoked or not renewed (as the case may be), the Manager will seek to invest in other accessible markets. Under general market conditions, the Fund will invest in equities of companies which we believe will exhibit good growth potential when compared to its industry or the overall market. The Fund may also invest up to 15% of the Fund s NAV in debt securities to be in line with the Fund s objective. The minimum credit rating for these debt securities must be at least BBB by Fitch or its equivalent by S&P and Moody s. The Fund may opt to access into the equities and/or debt securities market via investment in units of other CIS that is in line with the Fund s objective, subject to the requirements of the SC Guidelines and the Standards of Qualifying CIS. All investments are subjected to the Securities Commission Malaysia ( SC ) Guidelines on Unit Trust Funds, SC requirements, the Deed, except where exemptions or variations have been approved by the SC, internal policies and procedures and the Fund s objective. The Manager, a company incorporated in Malaysia, is a subsidiary of CIMB Group Sdn Bhd and regards CIMB Group Holdings Berhad as its ultimate holding company. The Manager is also an associate of Principal International (Asia) Limited, which is a subsidiary of Principal Financial Group Inc. The principal activities of the Manager are the establishment and management of unit trust funds and fund management activities. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The following accounting policies have been used consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the financial statements: (a) Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the MFRS and IFRS. 21

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (a) Basis of preparation (continued) The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with MFRS and IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported year. It also requires the Manager to exercise their judgment in the process of applying the Fund s accounting policies. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the Manager s best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may differ. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 2(l). Standards, amendments to published standards and interpretations to existing standards that are effective: The Fund has applied the following amendments for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 December 2017: Amendments to MFRS 101 Presentation of Financial Statements - Disclosure Initiative (effective from 1 January 2016) provide clarifications on a number of issues, including: Materiality - an entity should not aggregate or disaggregate information in a manner that obscures useful information. Where items are material, sufficient information must be provided to explain the impact on the financial position or performance. Disaggregation and subtotals - line items specified in MFRS 101 may need to be disaggregated where this is relevant to an understanding of the entity s financial position or performance. There is also new guidance on the use of subtotals. Notes - confirmation that the notes do not need to be presented in a particular order. Other comprehensive income ( OCI ) arising from investments accounted for under the equity method - the share of OCI arising from equity-accounted investments is grouped based on whether the items will or will not subsequently be reclassified to profit or loss. Each group should then be presented as a single line item in the statement of other comprehensive income. According to the transitional provisions, the disclosures in MFRS 108 regarding the adoption of new standards/accounting policies are not required for these amendments. 22

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (a) Basis of preparation (continued) Annual Improvements to MFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle The adoption of these amendments did not have any impact on the current financial year or any prior financial year and is not likely to affect future years. The standards, amendments to published standards and interpretations to existing standards that are applicable to the Fund but not yet effective and have not been early adopted are as follows: (i) Financial year beginning on/after 1 December 2017 Amendments to MFRS 107 Statement of Cash Flows - Disclosure Initiative (effective from 1 January 2017) introduce an additional disclosure on changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. The Fund will apply this standard when effective. This standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Fund s financial statements. (ii) Financial year beginning on/after 1 December 2018 MFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective from 1 January 2018) will replace MFRS 139 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. MFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model in MFRS 139 and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortised cost, fair value through profit or loss and fair value through OCI. The basis of classification depends on the entity's business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. Investments in equity instruments are always measured at fair value through profit or loss with an irrevocable option at inception to present changes in fair value in OCI (provided the instrument is not held for trading). A debt instrument is measured at amortised cost only if the entity is holding it to collect contractual cash flows and the cash flows represent principal and interest. For liabilities, the standard retains most of the MFRS 139 requirements. These include amortised cost accounting for most financial liabilities, with bifurcation of embedded derivatives. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity s own credit risk is recorded in OCI rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. MFRS 9 introduces an expected credit loss model on impairment that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in MFRS 139. The expected credit loss model is forward-looking and eliminates the need for a trigger event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. The Fund will apply this standard when effective. This standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Fund s financial statements. 23

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (b) Financial assets and financial liabilities Classification The Fund designates its investments in quoted securities as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss at inception. Financial assets are designated at fair value through profit or loss when they are managed and their performance evaluated on a fair value basis. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market and have been included in current assets. The Fund s loans and receivables comprise cash and cash equivalents, amount due from stockbrokers, amount due from Manager, dividends receivable and other receivables. Financial liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability. The Fund classifies amount due to stockbrokers and amount due to Manager as other financial liabilities. Recognition and measurement Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade-date, the date on which the Fund commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value. Transaction costs are expensed in the statement of comprehensive income. Financial liabilities, within the scope of MFRS 139, are recognised in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the Fund becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Fund has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are derecognised when it is extinguished, i.e. when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged or cancelled or expired. Unrealised gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are presented in the statement of comprehensive income within net gain or loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss in the financial year which they arise. Dividend income from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income as part of gross dividend income when the Fund s right to receive payments is established. Foreign quoted securities are valued based on the last traded market price quoted on the respective foreign stock exchange at the close of the business day of the respective foreign stock exchanges. 24

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (b) Financial assets and financial liabilities (continued) Recognition and measurement (continued) If a valuation based on the market price does not represent the fair value of the quoted securities, for example during abnormal market conditions or when no market price is available, including in the event of a suspension in the quotation of the investments for a period exceeding 14 days, or such shorter period as agreed by the Trustee, then the investments are valued as determined in good faith by the Manager, based on the methods or bases approved by the Trustee after appropriate technical consultation. Deposits with licensed financial institutions are stated at cost plus accrued interest calculated on the effective interest method over the year from the date of placement to the date of maturity of the respective deposits. Loans and receivables and other financial liabilities are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Impairment for assets carried at amortised costs For assets carried at amortised cost, the Fund assesses at the end of the reporting year whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a loss event ) and that loss event (or events) has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset s original effective interest rate. The asset s carrying amount is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognised in statement of comprehensive income. If loans and receivables has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. As a practical expedient, the Fund may measure impairment on the basis of an instrument s fair value using an observable market price. If, in a subsequent financial year, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised (such as an improvement in the debtor s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognised impairment loss is recognised in statement of comprehensive income. When an asset is uncollectible, it is written off against the related allowance account. Such assets are written off after all the necessary procedures have been completed and the amount of the loss has been determined. (c) Income recognition Dividend income is recognised on the ex-dividend date when the right to receive payment is established. 25

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) (c) Income recognition (continued) Interest income from deposits with licensed financial institutions is recognised on a time proportionate basis using the effective interest rate method on an accrual basis. Realised gain or loss on disposal of quoted securities is accounted for as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of investments, determined on a weighted average cost basis. (d) Foreign currency Functional and presentation currency Items included in the financial statements of the Fund are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Fund operates (the functional currency ). The financial statements are presented in USD, which is the Fund s functional and presentation currency. Due to mixed factors in determining the functional currency of the Fund, the Manager has used its judgement to determine the functional currency that most faithfully represents the economic effects of the underlying transactions, events and conditions and have determined the functional currency to be in USD primarily due to the following factors: (i) (ii) Significant portion of the NAV is invested in the form of cash denominated in USD for the purpose of making settlement of the foreign trades. Significant portion of the Fund s expenses are denominated in USD. Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are remeasured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in statement of comprehensive income. (e) Creation and cancellation of units The unit holders contributions to the Fund meet the definition of puttable instruments classified as financial liability under MFRS 132 Financial Instruments: Presentation. The Fund issues cancellable units, in three classes of units, known respectively as the Class MYR, Class SGD and Class USD, which are cancelled at the unit holder s option. The units are classified as financial liabilities. Cancellable units can be put back to the Fund at any time for cash equal to a proportionate share of the Fund s NAV of respective classes. The outstanding units are carried at the redemption amount that is payable at the date of the statement of financial position if the member exercises the right to put back the unit to the Fund. Units are created and cancelled at the unit holders option at prices based on the Fund s NAV per unit of respective classes at the close of business on the relevant dealing day. The Fund s NAV per unit of respective classes is calculated by dividing the net assets attributable to members of respective classes with the total number of outstanding units of respective classes. 26

CIMB-PRINCIPAL ASEAN TOTAL RETURN FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2017