N-CSR 1 rusf-ncsra.htm RIGEL FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT 9-30-08 rusf-ncsra.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES




Investment Company Act file number  811-07959



Advisors Series Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)



615 East Michigan St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)



Jeanine M. Bajczyk
Advisors Series Trust
615 East Michigan St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)



(414) 765-6609
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



Date of fiscal year end:  September 30, 2008



Date of reporting period:  September 30, 2008




Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 
 

 





 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 
Annual Report

September 30, 2008

 
 

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

September 30, 2008
 
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
 
On December 28th, 2007 Rigel was pleased to add a new member to the Rigel fund family with the launch of the Rigel Small-Mid Cap Growth fund.  We would like to thank you for your investment in the Rigel Funds (the “Funds”).  As portfolio managers of the Funds, we are pleased to submit our annual report for the period October 1st, 2007, through September 30th, 2008.
 
Market & Performance Commentary
 
As the events of the last year unfolded, it is apparent that we witnessed history in the making.  We want to share with you, our valued shareholders, our observations and how we are working for you during this unprecedented time.
 
What started as a crisis of credit i.e. the sub prime mortgage issue, quickly expanded into a crisis of liquidity.  The events in September led us, we believe, to a crisis in confidence.  These issues started in the fixed income market, but spread to affect the securities markets in general where securities fundamentals were being overwhelmed by negative sentiment.
 
Many factors are at work in this environment.  Emotions, in the form of fear, appear to be the short-term frame of mind for the market.  Volatility is approaching levels not seen in decades, both to the downside and the upside, and within much more compressed time frames like the 600-point negative to positive swing in the Dow Jones Industrial Average on September 18th.  De-leveraging has become an issue and not just on corporate balance sheets as many hedge funds are users of leverage. With the liquidity issue catching up to them in the form of cut backs in credit available to borrow, some find themselves having to divest themselves of their most liquid positions; Common Stocks. Prior to this pressure many of these stocks had been in leadership positions earlier in the year.  Examples include stocks of companies within the Energy and Materials sectors.  Headlines regarding the next financial combination or resolution have been ticking by regularly on top of the history making decisions over the last few weeks.  Finally, the governments significant new direct involvement in what is effectively the nationalization of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and now AIG is something not seen since their involvement with the nation’s rail system 4 decades ago.
 
 
2

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

Rigel Large Cap Growth Fund
 
The Rigel Large Cap Growth Equity Fund (“Large Cap Fund”) presented strong positive returns for the 4th quarter ending December 31, 2007, posting a positive 2.01%. vs. negative 0.77% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index.  Growth as a style continued to trump value, and larger cap stocks performed better than smaller cap.  The Russell 1000® Growth Index benchmark was down for the quarter, driven by Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, Telecommunication Services, and of course, Financials, even though performance was supported by Utilities, Materials, and Energy.  The Large Cap Fund returns were helped by stock selection in Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, and Industrials, yet hindered by stock selection in Information Technology.  An underweighting in Consumer Staples  hurt the Fund.
 
A broad based sell-off accompanied the start of 2008 as a number of major indices declined significantly during the 1st quarter. The Large Cap Fund continued to best the Russell 1000 Growth Index posting a return of -9.73% vs. -10.18% for the first quarter ending March 31, 2008. The first quarter witnessed some of the most significant “mean-reversion” activity seen in sometime.  Multi-year leadership with premium valuations experienced sharp selling.  Meanwhile, stocks with poor near-term prospects and depressed valuations experienced heavy institutional sponsorship.  Energy, real estate, transportation and banks were far and away the best performing industries while semiconductors & equipment, diversified financials, telecommunication services and insurance were all down roughly 20% or more.  Returns for the Large Cap Fund were aided by stock selection in Financials, Industrials and Consumer Discretionary, as well as an underweight position within Information Technology. The positive impact of the stock selection in Consumer Discretionary was partially offset by an underweight in the sector. Stock selection in Information Technology and Consumer Staples also had a negative impact on the fund
 
A dramatic sell off in June erased gains earned earlier in the quarter, capping a challenging environment for equities. The Large Cap Fund was up 1.65% vs. 1.25%. for the Russell 1000 Growth Index for the 3 month period ending June 30, 2008.  Oil dominated the headlines, with the price of a barrel spiking to a record close above $143. This was joined by the continuing weakness in the dollar and speculative activity across the commodity spectrum, adding upward pressure to inflation on a global scale.  This continued to create additional issues for the consumer, notwithstanding their receipt of stimulus checks, on top of the housing and credit crises.
 
 
3

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

The Large Cap Fund was led by an overweighting and outperformance in Energy and Materials, and an underweighting yet outperformance in Consumer Discretionary.  Returns were hindered by underperformance in Health Care, an average underweighting yet outperformance in Information Technology, and no exposure to Utilities.
 
The third quarter of 2008 will be remembered as one of the most erratic periods in the history of the capital markets.  This fact was punctuated on the final day of the quarter, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced the largest single-day point decline in its more than 100-year history. This unpredictable environment has generated emotional extremes, as evidenced by the Chicago Board Options Exchange’s Volatility Index (VIX) that has reached record levels (The VIX is a widely used measure of market risk and is often referred to as the “investor fear gauge”.) Other markets have not been immune. Most major global indices and asset classes have experienced notable reductions. Moreover, we believe redemption calls at a number of hedge funds, combined with negative consumer and market sentiment, has served to exacerbate the downdraft.
 
The Large Cap Fund was down -17.95% vs. -12.33% for the Russell 1000 Growth Index for the 3 month period ending September 30, 2008. Through this environment, we acknowledge there has been an underperformance in the large cap fund.  In reviewing the fund earlier this year and into the 3rd quarter, the tools we used to determine the current market environment led us to over weights in Energy and Materials as these areas were part of the rare elements of leadership in the markets. Our selling disciplines led us to address earlier in the quarter the weaker problems in these sectors with many names hitting Review Prices, which are designed to identify when longer term growth trends are being violated, and giving us direction in actively working toward the defense of the portfolio.  However, given these unprecedented times, experience and judgment, as well as the utilization of our broader tool set in managing money guided us to be opportunistic in realizing additional value from the sale of these positions.
 
In this tumultuous environment, we have continued to rely on identification of underlying fundamentals and trends to uncover new stocks and reaffirm existing holdings that exhibit favorable characteristics. This has led us toward names with a history of more stable revenue and earnings streams, along with a relatively steady financial profile.
 
Rigel Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
 
The Rigel Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (“Small-mid Cap Fund”) underperformed the Russell 2500® Growth Index -13.72% vs. -11.08% in the
 
 
4

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
first quarter ending March 31, 2008, primarily due to stock selection within financials, health care, consumer staples and energy.  An overweight in health care and an underweight in energy also detracted from performance in the first quarter.
 
During the second quarter ending June 30, 2008, the Small-Mid Cap Fund outperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index 4.51% vs. 3.62%, through successful stock selection within materials, information technology and industrials.  It also benefited from a slight overweight in energy and an underweight in financials and consumer discretion.
 
The Rigel Small-Mid Cap strategy performance was hurt in the third quarter by the quick downturn in energy, materials and infrastructure stocks as growth in the emerging markets slowed quickly.  Due to this, the Rigel Small-Mid Cap Fund underperformed the benchmark -14.25 vs. -12.09 for the Russell 2500 Growth in the third quarter ending September 30, 2008.
 
Returns for the period October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008
 
Rigel US Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
-23.23%
Russell 1000 Growth
-20.88%
   
Returns for the period December 28, 2007 to September 30, 2008
 
Rigel US Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
-23.22%
Russell 2500 Growth
-19.52%
 
Market Outlook
 
As we look ahead, we note that many pundits and strategists continue to debate whether or not we have reached a “bottom” in the market.  However, most agree that the frozen inter-bank lending markets have to thaw before an even worse case scenario, of financial distress and subsequent economic decline, can be avoided.  While no one knows for certain, it is safe to acknowledge that the equity market’s recent behavior is clearly atypical.  Assuming credit markets do recover, we would then expect the equity market to quickly shift focus to an uncertain earnings season that will unveil, for many, the first company insights into 2009.  We would also expect that the condition of the American consumer will be in the forefront of market performance for quite some time.
 
Rigel’s iterative process of identifying companies with potential above average growth characteristics and institutional sponsorship should gradually allow the strategy to reflect areas of the market where out-performance should be found.  Identifying growth in the financial and consumer sectors remains challenging, but we believe that isolated stocks
 
 
5

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
with good prospects continue to remain and emerge in most areas of the market.  Should the environment continue in a weakened state, our risk control disciplines should aid in the preservation of capital through difficult times.
 
Sincerely,
 
 

 
George B. Kauffman, CFA, CIC,
Chairman, CEO, CIO
Rigel Capital, LLC.
Portfolio Manager
 
 
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
 
Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
 
Opinions expressed are those of George Kauffman, are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and are not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in smaller companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility.
 
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.  Please refer to the Schedule of Investments on page 13 of this report for holdings information.
 
The Russell 1000 Growth Index contains those securities in the Russell 1000® Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation. The Russell 2500 Growth Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. You cannot invest directly in an index.
 
The Rigel Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC. (11/08)

 
6

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

Comparison of the change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap
Growth Fund vs the S&P 500 Index and the Russell 1000 Growth Index
 

 

 
Average Annual Total Return:
   
   
Since Inception
 
1 Year
(5/31/06)*
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
-23.23%
-3.84%
S&P 500® Index
-21.98%
-1.68%
Russell 1000® Growth Index
-20.88%
-0.96%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses:  1.03%
   
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results.  The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.  Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-866-977-4435.
 
This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund on May 31, 2006, the Fund's inception date.  Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced.  The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on dividends, capital gain distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.  This chart does not imply any future performance.
 
*
Average annual total return represents the average change in account value over the periods indicated.
 
The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to represent the broad domestic economy.
 
The Russell 1000 Growth Index contains those securities in the Russell 1000® Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.
 
Indices do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.
 
 
7

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
Comparison of the change in value of a $10,000 investment in the Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap
Growth Fund vs the Russell 2500 Growth Index
 
 

 
 
Total Return:
   
 
Calendar
Since Inception
 
YTD
(12/28/07)
Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
-22.68%
-23.22%
Russell 2500® Growth Index
-19.01%
-19.52%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses:  3.06%
   
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results.  The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.  Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-866-977-4435.
 
This chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment made in the Fund on December 28, 2007, the Fund's inception date.  Returns reflect the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced.  The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on dividends, capital gain distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.  This chart does not imply any future performance.
 
The Russell 2500 Growth Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe.  It includes those Russell 2500 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
 
Indices do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.
 
 
8

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

EXPENSE EXAMPLE at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (4/1/08 – 9/30/08).
 
Actual Expenses
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses, with actual net expenses being limited to 1.00% for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and 1.35% for the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund per the advisory agreement. Although the Funds charge no sales load or transaction fees, you will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks, and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent. The example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of the tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.  Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the

 
9

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
EXPENSE EXAMPLE at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited), Continued

relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
4/1/08
9/30/08
4/1/08 – 9/30/08*
U.S. Equity Large Cap
     
  Growth Fund
     
       
Actual
$1,000.00
$   833.70
$4.58
       
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,020.00
$5.05
  before expenses)
     

*
Expenses are equal to an annualized expense ratio of 1.00%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183 (days in most recent fiscal half-year)/366 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
4/1/08
9/30/08
4/1/08 – 9/30/08*
U.S. Equity Small-Mid
     
  Cap Growth Fund
     
       
Actual
$1,000.00
$   896.10
$6.40
       
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,018.25
$6.81
  before expenses)
     

*
Expenses are equal to an annualized expense ratio of 1.35%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183 (days in most recent fiscal half-year)/366 days to reflect the one-half year expense.

 
10

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

SECTOR ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

 
 

 
 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.

 
11

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
SECTOR ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

 

 
 

 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.

 
12

 

RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 93.11%
 
Value
 
   
Aerospace & Defense - 1.29%
     
  17,985  
General Dynamics Corp.
  $ 1,324,056  
               
     
Biotechnology - 5.82%
       
  54,983  
Celgene Corp.*
    3,479,324  
  11,185  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    866,726  
  36,057  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.*
    1,643,478  
            5,989,528  
     
Capital Markets - 4.02%
       
  87,017  
The Charles Schwab Corp.
    2,262,442  
  25,930  
Northern Trust Corp.
    1,872,146  
            4,134,588  
     
Chemicals - 4.14%
       
  23,207  
Monsanto Co.
    2,297,029  
  27,470  
Praxair, Inc.
    1,970,698  
            4,267,727  
     
Communications Equipment - 3.76%
       
  57,357  
QUALCOMM, Inc.
    2,464,630  
  20,678  
Research In Motion Ltd.*#
    1,412,308  
            3,876,938  
     
Computers & Peripherals - 5.96%
       
  60,697  
Hewlett-Packard Co.
    2,806,629  
  28,484  
International Business Machines Corp.
    3,331,488  
            6,138,117  
     
Electronic Equipment & Instruments - 3.68%
       
  61,648  
Amphenol Corp.
    2,474,551  
  34,134  
FLIR Systems, Inc.*
    1,311,428  
            3,785,979  
     
Energy Equipment & Services - 6.38%
       
  81,921  
Cameron International Corp.*
    3,157,235  
  22,960  
ENSCO International, Inc.
    1,323,185  
  7,514  
Transocean, Inc.*#
    825,338  
  50,270  
Weatherford International Ltd.*#
    1,263,788  
            6,569,546  
     
Food & Staples Retailing - 3.68%
       
  22,462  
Costco Wholesale Corp.
    1,458,458  
  38,917  
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    2,330,739  
            3,789,197  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
13

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Food Products - 1.96%
     
  12,456  
General Mills, Inc.
  $ 855,977  
  23,299  
H.J. Heinz Co.
    1,164,251  
            2,020,228  
     
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 8.22%
       
  52,014  
Baxter International, Inc.
    3,413,679  
  29,155  
Covidien Ltd.#
    1,567,372  
  58,049  
Medtronic, Inc.
    2,908,255  
  9,998  
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*
    571,186  
            8,460,492  
     
Health Care Providers & Services - 2.23%
       
  50,925  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.*
    2,291,625  
               
     
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.62%
       
  26,975  
McDonald's Corp.
    1,664,357  
               
     
Insurance - 1.53%
       
  26,863  
AFLAC, Inc.
    1,578,201  
               
     
IT Services - 4.90%
       
  22,330  
Accenture Ltd. - Class A#
    848,540  
  24,962  
Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.*
    1,263,826  
  11,855  
MasterCard, Inc. - Class A
    2,102,247  
  13,543  
Visa, Inc. - Class A
    831,405  
            5,046,018  
     
Life Science Tools & Services - 1.79%
       
  20,877  
Covance, Inc.*
    1,845,736  
               
     
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 1.76%
       
  32,867  
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.*
    1,807,685  
               
     
Machinery - 5.21%
       
  19,759  
Flowserve Corp.
    1,754,007  
  31,697  
ITT Corp.
    1,762,670  
  24,051  
SPX Corp.
    1,851,927  
            5,368,604  
     
Media - 1.26%
       
  49,401  
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.*
    1,292,824  
               
     
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 8.39%
       
  78,098  
Arch Coal, Inc.
    2,568,643  
  11,873  
Devon Energy Corp.
    1,082,818  
  34,921  
Hess Corp.
    2,866,315  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
14

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 8.39%, Continued
     
  30,136  
Occidental Petroleum Corp.
  $ 2,123,081  
            8,640,857  
     
Pharmaceuticals - 1.06%
       
  6,606  
Abbott Laboratories
    380,373  
  4,427  
Alcon, Inc.#
    715,005  
            1,095,378  
     
Phosphatic Fertilizers - 2.86%
       
  43,363  
The Mosaic Co.
    2,949,551  
               
     
Road & Rail - 2.74%
       
  18,006  
CSX Corp.
    982,587  
  27,807  
Norfolk Southern Corp.
    1,841,102  
            2,823,689  
     
Software - 5.67%
       
  47,836  
Adobe Systems, Inc.*
    1,888,087  
  87,215  
Oracle Corp.*
    1,771,337  
  111,080  
Symantec Corp.*
    2,174,946  
            5,834,370  
     
Specialty Retail - 1.50%
       
  48,548  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    1,547,225  
               
     
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.26%
       
  4,080  
NIKE, Inc. - Class B
    272,952  
               
     
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 1.42%
       
  79,025  
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc.
    1,458,011  
               
     
Total Common Stocks (Cost $99,294,776)
    95,873,479  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
15

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 8.85%
 
Value
 
  2,507,626  
Aim Liquid Assets
  $ 2,507,626  
  2,930,992  
AIM STIT-STIC Prime Portfolio
    2,930,992  
  2,819,096  
AIM STIT Treasury Portfolio
    2,819,096  
  856,685  
Fidelity Institutional Government Portfolio
    856,685  
     
Total Short-Term Investments
       
     
  (Cost $9,114,399)
    9,114,399  
     
Total Investments in Securities
       
     
  (Cost $108,409,175) - 101.96%
    104,987,878  
     
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (1.96)%
    (2,022,931 )
     
Net Assets - 100.00%
  $ 102,964,947  

*
Non-income producing security.
#
U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
16

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 94.78%
 
Value
 
   
Aerospace & Defense - 1.57%
     
  1,488  
Axsys Technologies, Inc.*
  $ 87,703  
               
     
Biotechnology - 6.72%
       
  1,650  
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    64,845  
  1,275  
Cephalon, Inc.*
    98,800  
  1,100  
Myriad Genetics, Inc.*
    71,368  
  1,425  
OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*
    70,238  
  675  
United Therapeutics Corp.*
    70,990  
            376,241  
     
Capital Markets - 1.00%
       
  750  
Eaton Vance Corp.
    26,422  
  1,200  
Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc.
    29,700  
            56,122  
     
Chemicals - 2.46%
       
  1,030  
Airgas, Inc.
    51,139  
  375  
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
    34,297  
  1,000  
Sigma-Aldrich Corp.
    52,420  
            137,856  
     
Commercial Banks - 1.47%
       
  3,325  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.
    82,360  
               
     
Commercial Services & Supplies - 7.02%
       
  1,460  
Clean Harbors, Inc.*
    98,623  
  1,650  
FTI Consulting, Inc.*
    119,196  
  1,225  
I H S, Inc.*
    58,359  
  1,987  
Stericycle, Inc.*
    117,054  
            393,232  
     
Diversified Consumer Services - 1.27%
       
  1,475  
American Public Education, Inc.*
    71,213  
               
     
Diversified Financial Services - 1.64%
       
  3,000  
The Nasdaq OMX Group, Inc.*
    91,710  
               
     
Electronic Equipment & Instruments - 3.72%
       
  2,130  
Amphenol, Inc.
    85,498  
  3,195  
FLIR Systems, Inc.*
    122,752  
            208,250  
     
Energy Equipment & Services - 1.40%
       
  775  
Core Laboratories NV#
    78,523  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
17

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Food Products - 2.58%
     
  3,025  
Flowers Foods, Inc.
  $ 88,814  
  825  
Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.*
    55,613  
            144,427  
     
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.21%
       
  2,342  
Mindray Medical International Ltd. - ADR
    78,996  
  3,375  
Natus Medical Inc.*
    76,478  
  2,550  
SonoSite, Inc.*
    80,070  
            235,544  
     
Health Care Providers & Services - 4.08%
       
  2,225  
Amedisys, Inc.*
    108,291  
  2,182  
athenahealth, Inc.*
    72,595  
  1,900  
CardioNet, Inc.*
    47,424  
            228,310  
     
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 0.42%
       
  960  
Burger King Holdings, Inc.
    23,578  
               
     
Household Products - 1.64%
       
  1,475  
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    91,583  
               
     
Insurance - 0.56%
       
  575  
Assurant, Inc.
    31,625  
               
     
Internet Software & Services - 2.02%
       
  3,267  
Open Text Corp.*#
    112,973  
               
     
IT Services - 4.64%
       
  2,340  
ManTech International Corp.*
    138,739  
  5,975  
SAIC, Inc.*
    120,874  
            259,613  
     
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 11.99%
       
  975  
Covance, Inc.*
    86,200  
  3,484  
Icon plc - ADR*
    133,263  
  2,250  
Illumina, Inc.*
    91,193  
  2,675  
Invitrogen Corp.*
    101,115  
  3,675  
PAREXEL International Corp.*
    105,326  
  1,625  
PerkinElmer, Inc.
    40,576  
  5,764  
QIAGEN N.V.*#
    113,724  
            671,397  
     
Machinery - 5.60%
       
  1,649  
Bucyrus International, Inc.
    73,677  
  1,825  
CIRCOR International, Inc.
    79,260  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
18

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Machinery - 5.60%, Continued
     
  900  
Flowserve Corp.
  $ 79,893  
  974  
Valmont Industries, Inc.
    80,540  
            313,370  
     
Media - 1.50%
       
  1,515  
Morningstar, Inc.*
    84,037  
               
     
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 5.99%
       
  2,355  
Arena Resources, Inc.*
    91,492  
  2,725  
Concho Resources, Inc.*
    75,237  
  1,325  
GMX Resources, Inc.*
    63,335  
  1,475  
Whiting Petroleum Corp.*
    105,109  
            335,173  
     
Road & Rail - 1.76%
       
  2,225  
Kansas City Southern*
    98,701  
               
     
Semiconductor & Semiconductor Equipment - 2.96%
       
  4,675  
Altera Corp.
    96,679  
  2,275  
Netlogic Microsystems, Inc.*
    68,796  
            165,475  
     
Software - 8.08%
       
  2,850  
ANSYS, Inc.*
    107,929  
  1,644  
Concur Technologies, Inc.*
    62,899  
  2,575  
McAfee, Inc.*
    87,447  
  1,090  
MICROS Systems, Inc.*
    29,059  
  1,950  
Quality Systems, Inc.
    82,407  
  2,875  
Solera Holdings, Inc.*
    82,570  
            452,311  
     
Specialty Retail - 7.18%
       
  3,125  
Aeropostale, Inc.*
    100,344  
  1,852  
The Buckle, Inc.
    102,860  
  2,825  
Ross Stores, Inc.
    103,988  
  2,975  
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*
    94,813  
            402,005  
     
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 1.30%
       
  700  
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*
    72,856  
     
Total Common Stocks (Cost $5,450,850)
    5,306,188  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
19

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 7.74%
 
Value
 
  154,816  
Aim Liquid Assets
  $ 154,816  
  154,886  
AIM STIT-STIC Prime Portfolio
    154,886  
  123,316  
AIM STIT Treasury Portfolio
    123,316  
     
Total Short-Term Investments
       
     
  (Cost $433,018)
    433,018  
     
Total Investments in Securities
       
     
  (Cost $5,883,868) - 102.52%
    5,739,206  
     
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (2.52)%
    (141,001 )
     
Net Assets - 100.00%
  $ 5,598,205  

*
Non-income producing security.
#
U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer.
ADR - American Depository Receipt
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
20

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at September 30, 2008

   
U.S. Equity Large
   
U.S. Equity Small-Mid
 
   
Cap Growth Fund
   
Cap Growth Fund
 
ASSETS
           
Investments in securities, at value
           
  (cost $108,409,175 and $5,883,868,
           
  respectively)
  $ 104,987,878     $ 5,739,206  
Receivables:
               
Securities sold
    10,059,955       21,558  
Fund shares issued
    729        
Dividends and interest
    72,819       2,666  
Due from Advisor (Note 3)
          7,575  
Prepaid expenses
    14,351       7,654  
Total assets
    115,135,732       5,778,659  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Payables:
               
Securities purchased
    12,048,262       127,602  
Fund shares redeemed
          14,000  
Administration fees
    7,966       2,050  
Audit fees
    18,180       18,180  
Transfer agent fees and expenses
    7,717       5,557  
Advisory fees
    66,269        
Custody fees
    3,234       2,405  
Legal fees
    3,007       1,714  
Fund accounting fees
    10,014       6,704  
Shareholder reporting
    4,953       1,371  
Chief Compliance Officer fee
    1,050       336  
Accrued other expenses
    133       535  
Total liabilities
    12,170,785       180,454  
                 
NET ASSETS
  $ 102,964,947     $ 5,598,205  
                 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
               
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 102,964,947     $ 5,598,205  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
               
  number of shares (par
               
  value $0.01) authorized]
    2,369,273       145,833  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 43.46     $ 38.39  
                 
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
               
Paid-in capital
  $ 117,214,282     $ 7,241,063  
Undistributed net investment income
    95,154        
Accumulated net realized loss on investments
    (10,923,192 )     (1,498,196 )
Net unrealized depreciation of investments
    (3,421,297 )     (144,662 )
Net assets
  $ 102,964,947     $ 5,598,205  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
21

 

RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Period Ended September 30, 2008

   
U.S. Equity Large
   
U.S. Equity Small-Mid
 
   
Cap Growth Fund
   
Cap Growth Fund*
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Income
           
Dividends (net of foreign tax withheld
           
  of $2,742 and $165, respectively)
  $ 1,042,751     $ 16,841  
Interest
    405,716       11,726  
Total income
    1,448,467       28,567  
                 
Expenses
               
Advisory fees (Note 3)
    903,546       49,492  
Administration fees (Note 3)
    108,395       18,717  
Fund accounting fees (Note 3)
    39,943       20,307  
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 3)
    30,543       16,310  
Registration fees
    28,896       16,388  
Custody fees (Note 3)
    23,124       9,775  
Audit fees
    18,180       18,180  
Legal fees
    15,014       9,933  
Trustee fees
    9,881       5,400  
Insurance expense
    8,840       2,260  
Miscellaneous expense
    6,883       1,189  
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 3)
    6,300       1,502  
Reports to shareholders
    6,258       1,502  
Total expenses
    1,205,803       170,955  
Less: advisory fee reimbursement
               
  and waiver (Note 3)
    (1,677 )     (104,141 )
Net expenses
    1,204,126       66,814  
Net investment income/(loss)
    244,341       (38,247 )
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS
               
  ON INVESTMENTS
               
Net realized loss on investments
    (7,796,310 )     (1,498,196 )
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
    (22,983,647 )     (144,662 )
Net realized and unrealized
               
  loss on investments
    (30,779,957 )     (1,642,858 )
Net decrease in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
  $ (30,535,616 )   $ (1,681,105 )

*
Commencement of operations on December 28, 2007.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
22

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
September 30, 2008
   
September 30, 2007
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
             
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 244,341     $ 483,673  
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments
    (7,796,310 )     8,771,460  
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation)
               
  on investments
    (22,983,647 )     14,648,382  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    (30,535,616 )     23,903,515  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
    (336,522 )     (493,788 )
From net realized gain on investments
    (5,250,771 )      
Total distributions to shareholders
    (5,587,293 )     (493,788 )
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Proceeds from shares sold
    20,941,208       15,648,702  
Distributions reinvested
    5,517,510       443,220  
Payment for shares redeemed (a)
    (12,941,017 )     (43,503,047 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  from capital share transactions
    13,517,701       (27,411,125 )
Total decrease in net assets
    (22,605,208 )     (4,001,398 )
                 
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of year
    125,570,155       129,571,553  
End of year
  $ 102,964,947     $ 125,570,155  
Includes undistributed net
               
  investment income of
  $ 95,154     $ 187,366  
                 
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
               
Shares sold
    401,719       304,510  
Shares issued on reinvestment of distributions
    96,561       8,658  
Shares redeemed
    (249,367 )     (818,462 )
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding
    248,913       (505,294 )

(a)
Net of redemption fees of $2,354 and $0, respectively.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
23

 
 
RIGEL U.S EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
December 28, 2007*
 
   
through
 
   
September 30, 2008
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
     
       
OPERATIONS
     
Net investment loss
  $ (38,247 )
Net realized loss on investments
    (1,498,196 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments
    (144,662 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
    (1,681,105 )
         
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
       
Proceeds from shares sold
    7,510,520  
Payment for shares redeemed
    (231,210 )
Net increase in net assets
       
  from capital share transactions
    7,279,310  
Total increase in net assets
    5,598,205  
         
NET ASSETS
       
Beginning of period
     
End of period
  $ 5,598,205  
Includes undistributed net investment income of
  $  
         
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES
       
Shares sold
    151,246  
Shares redeemed
    (5,413 )
Net increase in shares outstanding
    145,833  

*
Commencement of operations.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
24

 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - For a share outstanding throughout the period

               
May 31, 2006*
 
   
Year Ended
   
to
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net asset value,
                 
  beginning of period
  $ 59.22     $ 49.35     $ 50.00  
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income
 
0.11
^     0.20       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized
                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (13.24 )     9.86       (0.72 )
Total from investment operations
    (13.13 )     10.06       (0.65 )
                         
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.16 )     (0.19 )      
From net realized gain on investments
    (2.47 )            
Total distributions
    (2.63 )     (0.19 )      
                         
Redemption fees retained
 
0.00
^#            
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 43.46     $ 59.22     $ 49.35  
                         
Total return
    (23.23 )%     20.44 %     (1.30 )%++
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 102,965     $ 125,570     $ 129,572  
                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    1.00 %     1.02 %     0.97 %+
After expense reimbursement
    1.00 %     1.00 %     0.97 %+
                         
Ratio of net investment income
                       
  to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    0.20 %     0.36 %     0.47 %+
After expense reimbursement
    0.20 %     0.38 %     0.47 %+
                         
Portfolio turnover rate
    316.01 %     231.59 %     98.05 %++

*
Commencement of operations.
+
Annualized.
++
Not annualized.
^
Based on average shares outstanding.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
25

 

RIGEL U.S. EQUITY SMALL-MID CAP GROWTH FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - For a share outstanding throughout the period

   
December 28, 2007*
 
   
to
 
   
September 30, 2008
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 50.00  
         
Income from investment operations:
       
Net investment loss
    (0.26 )
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments
    (11.35 )
Total from investment operations
    (11.61 )
         
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 38.39  
         
Total return
    (23.22 )%++
         
Ratios/supplemental data:
       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 5,598  
         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
    3.45 %+
After expense reimbursement
    1.35 %+
         
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
    (2.87 )%+
After expense reimbursement
    (0.77 )%+
         
Portfolio turnover rate
    118.69 %++

*
Commencement of operations.
+
Annualized.
++
Not annualized.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
26

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION
 
The Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are each a diversified series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company.  The investment objective of the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund (“U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund”) is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in large capitalization companies.  The investment objective of the Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (“U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund”) is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in small- and mid-sized capitalization companies that the Advisor expects to have above-average earnings growth over the long term.  The U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund began operations on May 31, 2006 and December 28, 2007, respectively.
 
NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
A.
Security Valuation:  The Funds’ investments are carried at fair value. Securities that are primarily traded on a national securities exchange shall be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation or, if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System shall be valued at the most recent trade price.  Securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or if the closing price doesn’t represent fair value, are valued following procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.  These procedures consider many factors, including the type of security, size of holding, trading volume and news events.  Short-term investments are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.  Investments in other mutual funds are valued at their net asset value per share.  

 
27

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

B.
Federal Income Taxes:  It is the Funds’ policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.  
 
 
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”).  FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements.  FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority.  Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year.  Effective March 31, 2008, the Funds adopted FIN 48.  Management of the Funds reviewed the tax positions in the open tax years 2005 to 2008 for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the open tax year 2008 for the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund.  Management of the Funds determined that the implementation of FIN 48 had no impact on either Fund’s net assets or results of operations.
 
C.
Security Transactions, Dividends and Distributions: Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.  Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.   The amount of dividends and distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations which differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  All short-term capital gains are ordinary income for tax purposes.
 
D.
Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
28

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

E.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts:  Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting.  These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.
 
 
For the period ended September 30, 2008, the Funds made the following reclassifications:

   
Undistributed
   
Accumulated
       
   
Net Investment
   
Net Realized
   
Paid-in
 
   
Income/(Loss)
   
Gain/(Loss)
   
Capital
 
U.S. Equity Large Cap
                 
  Growth Fund
  $ (31 )   $ 29     $ 2  
U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap
                       
  Growth Fund
    38,247             (38,247 )

 
These permanent differences primarily relate to Net Operating Losses.
 
F.
New Accounting Pronouncements:  In September 2006, FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurement” (“SFAS 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  The Funds believe the adoption of SFAS 157 will have no material impact on their financial statements.  
 
 
In March 2008, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”) was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  SFAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting for derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosure that enables investors to understand how and why an entity uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.  Management is currently evaluating the implications of SFAS 161.  The impact on the Funds’ financial statement disclosures, if any, is currently being assessed.
 
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
For the period ended September 30, 2008, Rigel Capital, LLC (the “Advisor”) provided the Funds with investment management services under
 
 
29

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

an Investment Advisory Agreement. The Advisor furnished all investment advice, office space, facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds. As compensation for its services, the Advisor is entitled to a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.75% for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and 1.00% for the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund. For the period ended September 30, 2008, the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund incurred $903,546 and $49,492, respectively, in advisory fees.
 
Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses.  The Advisor has agreed to reduce fees payable to it by the Funds and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s aggregate annual operating expenses to 1.00% of average daily net assets of the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and 1.35% of average daily net assets of the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund.  Any such reduction made by the Advisor in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Fund’s obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Fund to the Advisor, if so requested by the Advisor, in subsequent fiscal years if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses. The Advisor is permitted to be reimbursed only for fee reductions and expense payments made in the previous three fiscal years.  Any such reimbursement is also contingent upon Board of Trustees review and approval at the time the reimbursement is made. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses.  For the period ended September 30, 2008, the Advisor reduced its fees in the amount of $1,677 for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and $104,141 for the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund; no amounts were reimbursed to the Advisor.  Cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions and the year of expiration are as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2011
   
Total
 
U.S. Equity Large Cap
                 
  Growth Fund
  $ 24,800     $ 1,677     $ 26,477  
U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap
                       
  Growth Fund
        $ 104,141     $ 104,141  
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”) acts as the Funds’ Administrator under an Administration Agreement. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Funds; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to
 
 
30

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

the Trustees; monitors the activities of the Funds’ custodian, transfer agent and accountants; coordinates the preparation and payment of the Funds’ expenses and reviews the Funds’ expense accruals.
 
For the period ended September 30, 2008, the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund incurred $108,395 and $18,717 in administration fees, respectively.
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”) also serves as the fund accountant and transfer agent to the Funds.  For the period ended September  30, 2008, the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund incurred $39,943 and $20,307 in fund accounting fees, respectively, and $18,443 and $13,890 in transfer agent fees, respectively.  U.S. Bank N.A., an affiliate of USBFS, serves as the Funds’ custodian.  For the period ended September 30, 2008, the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund incurred $23,124 and $9,775 in custody fees, respectively.
 
Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares. The Distributor is an affiliate of the Administrator.
 
Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of the Administrator.
 
For the period ended September 30, 2008, the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund were allocated $6,300 and $1,502 of the Chief Compliance Officer fee, respectively.
 
NOTE 4 - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
For the period ended September 30, 2008, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) were $357,780,950 and $342,483,785, respectively, for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and $7,380,006 and $7,158,543, respectively, for the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund.
 
NOTE 5 - IN-KIND PURCHASE
 
On December 28, 2007, the Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, a newly formed series in the Trust, received as an in-kind purchase the assets of the Rigel Opportunity Fund LLC.  At the time of the in-kind purchase, the assets of the Rigel Opportunity Fund LLC were valued at $7,109,232.
 
 
31

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at September 30, 2008, Continued

NOTE 6 - INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund were as follows:
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Ordinary income
  $ 3,569,652     $ 493,788  
Long-term capital gains
    2,017,641          
 
The U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund designated $2,017,641 as long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to Internal Revenue code Section 852(b)(3).
 
The U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund did not make a distribution during the period ended September 30, 2008.
 
As of September 30, 2008, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
 
   
U.S. Equity
   
U.S. Equity
 
   
Large Cap
   
Small-Mid Cap
 
   
Growth Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
Cost of investments
  $ 110,255,502     $ 5,904,331  
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
  $ 3,742,542     $ 260,171  
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
    (9,010,166 )     (425,296 )
Net tax unrealized depreciation
  $ (5,267,624 )   $ (165,125 )
Undistributed ordinary income
  $ 95,154     $  
Undistributed long-term capital gain
           
Total distributable earnings
  $ 95,154     $  
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
  $ (9,076,865 )   $ (1,477,733 )
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
  $ (14,249,335 )   $ (1,642,858 )
 
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
The U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund had no capital loss carryforward.  The U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and the U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund had $9,076,865 and $1,477,733, respectively, of post-October capital losses deferred at September 30, 2008.

 
32

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees
Advisors Series Trust and Shareholders of
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and
Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund, and Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, each a series of Advisor Series Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of September 30, 2008, with respect to Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund the related statement of operations for the year then ended, and the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period May 31, 2006 (commencement of operations) to September 30, 2006 and with respect to Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period December 28, 2007(commencement of operations) to September 30, 2008.  These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Trust’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement.  The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2008, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly in all material respects, the financial position of the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund and Rigel U.S. Equity Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, as of September 30, 2008, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the periods indicated above, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 26, 2008
 
 
33

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited)

For the year ended September 30, 2008, the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund designated $3,569,654 and $2,017,641, respectively, as ordinary income and long-term gains for purposes of the dividends paid deduction.
 
For the year ended September 30, 2008, certain dividends paid by the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.  The percentage of dividends declared from net investment income designated as qualified dividend income was 51.74%.
 
For corporate shareholders in the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the year ended September 30, 2008 was 52.98%.
 
For the year ended September 30, 2008, the percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund was 90.57%.
 
For the year ended September 30, 2008, the percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as interest related dividends under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(1)(c) for the U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund was 22.63%.
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Policies
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-977-4435, or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30, 2008
 
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-977-4435.  Furthermore, you can obtain the Funds’ proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 
34

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at September 30, 2008 (Unaudited), Continued

Quarterly Filings on Form N-Q
 
The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-202-551-8090.  Information included in the Funds’ Form N-Q is also available by calling 1-866-977-4435.

 
35

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited)

This chart provides information about the Trustees and Officers who oversee the Funds.  Officers elected by the Trustees manage the day-to-day operations of the Funds and execute policies formulated by the Trustees.
 
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES(1)

               
Number of
   
               
Portfolios
   
       
Term of
 
Principal
 
in Fund
   
   
Position
 
Office and
 
Occupation
 
Complex
 
Other
Name, Address
 
with the
 
Length of
 
During Past
 
Overseen
 
Directorships
and Age
 
Trust
 
Time Served
 
Five Years
 
by Trustees(2)
 
Held
Walter E. Auch
 
Trustee
 
Indefinite
 
Management
 
2
 
Director, Sound
(age 87,
     
term since
 
Consultant;
     
Surgical
dob 4/12/1921)
     
February
 
formerly
     
Technologies,
615 E. Michigan Street
     
1997.
 
Chairman, CEO
     
LLC; Trustee,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
of Chicago Board
     
Consulting
           
Options Exchange
     
Group Capital
           
(CBOE) and
     
Markets Funds
           
President of
     
(Smith Barney)
           
Paine Webber.
     
(11 portfolios);
                   
Trustee, The
                   
UBS Funds (57
                   
portfolios).
                     
James
 
Trustee
 
Indefinite
 
Dean Emeritus,
 
2
 
Trustee, The
Clayburn LaForce
     
term since
 
John E. Anderson
     
Payden Funds
(age 79,
     
May 2002.
 
Graduate School
     
(21 portfolios);
dob 12/28/1928)
         
of Management,
     
Trustee, The
615 E. Michigan Street
         
University of
     
Metzler/
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
California, Los
     
Payden
           
Angeles.
     
Investment
                   
Group (6
                   
portfolios);
                   
Trustee, Arena
                   
Pharma-
                   
ceuticals.
                     
Donald E. O’Connor
 
Trustee
 
Indefinite
 
Retired; former
 
2
 
Trustee, The
(age 72,
     
term since
 
Financial Consultant
     
Forward
dob 6/18/1936)
     
February
 
and former
     
Funds (16
615 E. Michigan Street
     
1997.
 
Executive Vice
     
portfolios).
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
President and
       
           
Chief Operating
       
           
Officer of ICI
       
           
Mutual Insurance
       
           
Company (until
       
           
January 1997).
       

 
36

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited), Continued


               
Number of
   
               
Portfolios
   
       
Term of
 
Principal
 
in Fund
   
   
Position
 
Office and
 
Occupation
 
Complex
 
Other
Name, Address
 
with the
 
Length of
 
During Past
 
Overseen
 
Directorships
and Age
 
Trust
 
Time Served
 
Five Years
 
by Trustees(2)
 
Held
George J. Rebhan
 
Trustee
 
Indefinite
 
Retired; formerly
 
2
 
Trustee,
(age 74,
     
term since
 
President, Hotchkis
     
E*TRADE
dob 7/10/1934)
     
May 2002.
 
and Wiley Funds
     
Funds (6
615 E. Michigan Street
         
(mutual funds)
     
portfolios).
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
(1985 to 1993).
       
                     
George T. Wofford
 
Trustee
 
Indefinite
 
Retired; formerly
 
2
 
None.
(age 68,
     
term since
 
Senior Vice
       
dob 10/8/1939)
     
February
 
President, Federal
       
615 E. Michigan Street
     
1997.
 
Home Loan Bank
       
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
of San Francisco.
       
                     
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
                   
Joe D. Redwine
 
Interested
 
Indefinite
 
President, CEO,
 
2
 
None.
(age 61,
 
Trustee
 
term since
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund
       
dob 7/9/1947)
     
September
 
Services, LLC
       
615 E. Michigan Street
     
2008.
 
since May 1991.
       
Milwaukee, WI 53202
                   

OFFICERS

       
Term of
 
Principal
   
Position
 
Office and
 
Occupation
Name, Address
 
with the
 
Length of
 
During Past
and Age
 
Trust
 
Time Served
 
Five Years
Joe D. Redwine
 
Chairman and
 
Indefinite term since
 
President, CEO, U.S.
(age 61, dob 7/9/1947)
 
Chief Executive
 
September 2007.
 
Bancorp Fund Services,
615 E. Michigan Street
 
Officer
     
LLC since May 1991.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
           
             
Douglas G. Hess
 
President and
 
Indefinite term since
 
Vice President, Compliance
(age 41, dob 7/19/1967)
 
Principal
 
June 2003.
 
and Administration, U.S.
615 E. Michigan Street
 
Executive Officer
     
Bancorp Fund Services,
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
LLC since March 1997.

 
37

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
INFORMATION ABOUT TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS (Unaudited), Continued

 
OFFICERS

       
Term of
 
Principal
   
Position
 
Office and
 
Occupation
Name, Address
 
with the
 
Length of
 
During Past
and Age
 
Trust
 
Time Served
 
Five Years
Cheryl L. King
 
Treasurer and
 
Indefinite term since
 
Assistant Vice President,
(age 47, dob 8/27/1961)
 
Principal
 
December 2007.
 
Compliance and
615 E. Michigan Street
 
Financial Officer
     
Administration, U.S.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
Bancorp Fund Services,
           
LLC since October 1998.
             
Robert M. Slotky
 
Vice President,
 
Indefinite term since
 
Senior Vice President, U.S.
(age 61, dob 6/17/1947)
 
Chief
 
September 2004.
 
Bancorp Fund Services,
2020 E. Financial Way
 
Compliance
     
LLC since July 2001;
Glendora, CA 91741
 
Officer,
     
Senior Vice President,
 
 
AML Officer
     
Investment Company
           
Administration, LLC (May
           
1997 to July 2001).
             
Jeanine M. Bajczyk, Esq.
 
Secretary
 
Indefinite term since
 
Vice President and
(age 43, dob 4/16/1965)
     
June 2007.
 
Counsel, U.S. Bancorp
615 E. Michigan Street
         
Fund Services, LLC, since
Milwaukee, WI 53202
         
May 2006; Senior Counsel,
           
Wells Fargo Funds
           
Management, LLC, May
           
2005 to May 2006; Senior
           
Counsel, Strong Financial
           
Corporation, January 2002
           
to April 2005.

(1)
The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)
The Trust is comprised of numerous portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisors.  The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds.  The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment advisor with any other series.
 
The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-866-977-4435.

 
38

 
 
RIGEL MUTUAL FUNDS
 
REPORT OF THE TRUST’S SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING (Unaudited)

A Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Meeting”) took place on July 15, 2008, to elect two new Trustees to the Board and to approve the ratification of the prior appointment of one current Trustee of the Board.
 
All Trust shareholders of record, in the aggregate across all Funds of the Trust, at the close of business on May 22, 2008, were entitled to attend or submit proxies.  As of the record date, the Trust had 109,009,551.55 shares outstanding.  The results of the voting for each proposal were as follows:
 
Proposal No. 1.     Election of Two New Trustees
 
Nominee
For Votes
Votes Withheld
Michael D. LeRoy
67,690,566.1576
161,711.1704
Joe D. Redwine
67,386,892.1216
165,385.2064
 
Proposal No. 2.     Ratification of the Prior Appointment of One Current Trustee of the Board
 
Current Trustee
For Votes
Votes Withheld
George J. Rebhan
66,476,414.1932
1,075,863.1348
 
Effective September 1, 2008, the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust consists of the following individuals:
 
Walter E. Auch,
George J. Rebhan,
  Independent Trustee
  Independent Trustee
James Clayburn La Force,
Joe D. Redwine,
  Independent Trustee
  Interested Trustee
Donald E. O’Connor,
George T. Wofford,
  Independent Trustee
  Independent Trustee
 
Effective December 1, 2008, the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust consists of the following individuals:
 
Walter E. Auch,
George J. Rebhan,
  Independent Trustee
  Independent Trustee
James Clayburn La Force,
Joe D. Redwine,
  Independent Trustee
  Interested Trustee
Michael D. LeRoy,
George T. Wofford,
  Independent Trustee
  Independent Trustee
Donald E. O’Connor, Independent Trustee
 
 
Effective January 1, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust consists of the following individuals:
 
Michael D. LeRoy,
Joe D. Redwine,
  Independent Trustee
  Interested Trustee
Donald E. O’Connor,
George T. Wofford,
  Independent Trustee
  Independent Trustee
George J. Rebhan, Independent Trustee
 

 
39

 
 
Advisor
Rigel Capital, LLC
601 Union Street, Suite 3930
Seattle, WA 98101

Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI  53202

Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI  53202
(866) 977-4435

Custodian
U.S. Bank N.A.
1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI  53212

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
1818 Market Street, Suite 2400
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Legal Counsel
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022-3205

 

 

 
 
Past performance results shown in this report should not be considered a representation of future performance.  Share price and returns will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.  Statements and other information herein are dated and are subject to change.

 
 

 
 
Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.  The registrant has not made any amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report.  The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.

A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that it does not have an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.  At this time, the registrant believes that the business experience and financial literacy provided by each member of the audit committee collectively offers the registrant adequate oversight given the registrant’s level of financial complexity.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years.  “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.  “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit.  “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.  There were no “other services” provided by the principal accountant.  The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.

 
FYE  9/30/2008
FYE  9/30/2007
Audit Fees
          $31,000
          $14,700
Audit-Related Fees
          N/A
          N/A
Tax Fees
          $5,400
          $2,600
All Other Fees
          N/A
          N/A

The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.
 
The percentage of fees billed by Tait, Weller, & Weller LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:

 
FYE  9/30/2008
FYE  9/30/2007
Audit-Related Fees
0%
0%
Tax Fees
0%
0%
All Other Fees
0%
0%

All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant.

The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years.  The audit committee of the board of trustees/directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.

Non-Audit Related Fees
FYE  9/30/2008
FYE  9/30/2007
Registrant
N/A
N/A
Registrant’s Investment Adviser
N/A
N/A

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to registrants who are not listed issuers (as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

Item 6. Investments.

(a)  
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
 
(b)
Not Applicable.
 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)  
The Registrant’s President/Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

(b)  
There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)  
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Filed herewith.

(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Filed herewith.

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.  Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

(b)  
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Furnished herewith.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


(Registrant)  Advisors Series Trust                                                                                                           

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Douglas G. Hess
                                               Douglas G. Hess, President

Date   12/2/08                                



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By (Signature and Title)*   /s/ Douglas G. Hess
                                               Douglas G. Hess, President

Date   12/2/08                                                      

By (Signature and Title)* _/s/ Cheryl L. King
                                                Cheryl L. King, Treasurer

Date   12/2/08

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.