Announcement of the Release of Impact Report "Impact Report 2025-2026 Japan Equity Impact Investment Strategy"

Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Wataru Ogihara; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is pleased to announce the release of the Impact Report "Impact Report 2025-2026 Japan Equity Impact Investment Strategy" (hereinafter referred to as "the Report").

The purpose of this report is to provide information on the Company's initiatives in Japan Equity Impact Investment.

This document is broadly divided into the following two parts:

■ Overview of the "Japan Equity Impact Investment Strategy" managed by the Company and the initiatives of investee companies in solving social issues.

■ Overview of "SMDAM Impact Map," an indicator tool developed by the Company that can be utilized for analyzing Japan Equity Impact Investment.

The "Japan Equity Impact Investment Strategy" is an investment strategy that aims to achieve both problem-solving and investment returns by investing in companies that contribute to solving three social issues: "Leaving a better society for the next generation," "Changes in population structure," "Aging social infrastructure," and "Climate change and disaster prevention." The Company began managing investments based on this strategy with its own funds in November 2024.

The "Impact Report 2025-2026 Japan Equity Impact Investment Strategy" can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.smd-am.co.jp/corporate/responsible_investment/esg/integration/table/pdf/2025-2026_impact_report.pdf

Under its management philosophy of "To be the best asset management company contributing to Quality of Life," the Company will continue to contribute to the asset building of its customers.

Important Notes

■This document has been prepared by Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management for informational purposes. It does not recommend or solicit the purchase or sale of specific investment trusts, life insurance, stocks, bonds, or other financial products.

■The Company is not responsible for the results of investment actions taken based on this document.

■The content of this document is as of the preparation date and is subject to change without notice in the future.

■If this document includes data or analysis regarding market conditions, etc., these are past performance and future projections and do not guarantee future market conditions.

■While this document is prepared based on information that the Company deems reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed.

■When indexes, statistical materials, etc., are cited in this document, their intellectual property rights and all other rights belong to their respective issuers and licensors.

Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Address: 26F, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, 1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6426

HP: https://www.smd-am.co.jp/

Financial Instruments Business Operator: Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Kinsho) No. 399

Memberships: The Investment Trusts Association, Japan; The Investment Advisers Association of Japan;

The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act Association Type II.

(Note) "The Investment Trusts Association, Japan" and "The Investment Advisers Association of Japan" are scheduled to merge on April 1, 2026, and change their name to "The Asset Management Association of Japan.".