ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited (NYSE:ASA) reported that the total return for the six months ended May 31, 2017, based on ASA’s net asset value (NAV), was 7.1%, including the reinvestment of dividends.

For the six months ended May 31, 2017, the total return based on ASA’s share price was 10.1%, including the reinvestment of dividends. The return for the FTSE Gold Mines Total Return Index during the same period was 11.5%.

On May 31, 2017, the NAV of the Company was $13.49 per share versus $12.61 per share on November 30, 2016. The closing price of ASA’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on May 31, 2017 was $11.88, representing a share price discount to NAV of 11.9%. The share price of closed-end funds, such as ASA, is determined by trading activity in the open market and consequently may reflect a premium (higher than) or discount (lower than) to its underlying NAV.

 

Six Months Ended
May 31, 2017

    

Year Ended
November 30, 2016

    

Six Months Ended
May 31, 2016

Amount*

  

Per Share

Amount*

  

Per Share

Amount*

  

Per Share

Net assets $260,143 $13.49 $243,229 $12.61 $260,266 $13.49
 
Net investment income (loss) $(699) $(0.04) $(2,002) $(0.10) $(986) $(0.05)
 
Ending shares outstanding 19,290 19,290 19,290
 
*000 omitted

ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited (the “Company”) is a non-diversified, closed-end, internally managed fund that seeks long-term capital appreciation primarily through investing in companies engaged in the exploration for, development of projects in, or mining of precious metals and minerals.

It is a fundamental policy of the Company that at least 80% of its total assets must be (i) invested in common shares or securities convertible into common shares of companies engaged, directly or indirectly, in the exploration, mining or processing of gold, silver, platinum, diamonds or other precious minerals, (ii) held as bullion or other direct forms of gold, silver, platinum or other precious minerals, (iii) invested in instruments representing interests in gold, silver, platinum or other precious minerals such as certificates of deposit therefor, and/or (iv) invested in securities of investment companies, including exchange traded funds, or other securities that seek to replicate the price movement of gold, silver or platinum bullion.

The Company employs bottom-up fundamental analysis and relies on detailed primary research including meetings with company executives, site visits to key operating assets, and proprietary financial analysis in making its investment decisions.

Investors are encouraged to visit the Company’s website for additional information, including historical and current share prices, press releases, financial statements, tax and supplemental information. The site may be found at www.asaltd.com, or you may contact the Company directly at (800) 432-3378.

Certain Tax Information

ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited is a “passive foreign investment company” for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, United States shareholders holding shares in taxable accounts are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of their investment in the common shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited.