N-CSRS 1 sf-ncsrs.htm SEMPER FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT sf-ncsrs.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 Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)


Douglas G. Hess, President
Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor
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: November 30, 2015



Date of reporting period: May 31, 2015

 
 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
 
 
 


 
Semper MBS Total Return Fund
Investor Class – SEMPX
Institutional Class – SEMMX
 
Semper Short Duration Fund
Investor Class – SEMRX
Institutional Class – SEMIX
 
 
 
 
 
 
Semi-Annual Report
May 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
 
Table of Contents
 
Allocation of Portfolio Assets
    1
       
Expense Example
    3
       
Schedule of Investments
    5
       
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
    34
       
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    36
       
Statements of Operations
    39
       
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
    40
       
Financial Highlights
    44
       
Notes to Financial Statements
    48
       
Notice to Shareholders
    63
       
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
    64
       
Householding
    68
       
Privacy Notice
    69


 
 

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

 
 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.

 
1

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

 
 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.

 
2

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
EXPENSE EXAMPLE at May 31, 2015 (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 (12/1/14 – 5/31/15).
 
Actual Expenses
 
The information in the table under the heading “Actual” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses, with actual net expenses being limited to 1.00% and 0.75% per the operating expenses limitation agreement for the Semper MBS Total Return Fund – Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively, and limited to 0.85% and 0.60% per the operating expenses limitation agreement for the Semper Short Duration Fund – Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively.  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, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees.  You may use this information, 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 information in the table under the heading “Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is different from the Fund’s actual returns.  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 Fund 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 transaction 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 relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 
 
3

 
 
SEMPER FUNDS
 
EXPENSE EXAMPLE at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

MBS Total Return Fund
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15(1)
       
Investor Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,025.20
$5.05
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,019.95
$5.04
  before expenses)
     
       
Institutional Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$1,025.50
$3.79
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,021.19
$3.78
  before expenses)
     
 
(1)
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account values over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) / 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.  The annualized expense ratios of the Semper MBS Total Return Fund – Investor Class and Institutional Class are 1.00% and 0.75%, respectively.
 
Short Duration Fund
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15(1)
       
Investor Class
     
Actual(2)
$1,000.00
$1,007.40
$6.26
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,018.70
$6.29
  before expenses)(3)
     
       
Institutional Class
     
Actual(2)
$1,000.00
$1,008.70
$5.01
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,019.95
$5.04
  before expenses)(3)
     
 
(1)
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios, multiplied by the average account values over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) / 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.  The annualized expense ratios of the Semper Short Duration Fund – Investor Class and Institutional Class are 1.25% and 1.00%, respectively.
(2)
Excluding interest expense on short positions, your actual expenses would be $4.25 and $3.00 for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
(3)
Excluding interest expense on short positions, your hypothetical expenses would be $4.28 and $3.02 for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
 
 
4

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 3.3%
     
   
Access Financial Manufactured Housing Contract Trust
     
$ 349,312  
  7.650%, due 5/15/21, Series 1995-1, Class B1
  $ 213,457  
     
American Residential Properties Trust
       
  770,000  
  2.533%, due 9/17/31, Series 2014-SFR1,
       
     
  Class C (a)(d)
    776,760  
     
Business Loan Express
       
  431,974  
  0.735%, due 7/25/28, Series 2002-1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    379,483  
  410,703  
  1.185%, due 4/25/29, Series 2003-1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)(f)
    386,061  
  406,785  
  0.985%, due 6/27/33, Series 2005-1A,
       
     
  Class M (a)(d)(f)
    349,835  
     
Cajun Global, LLC
       
  641,375  
  5.955%, due 2/20/41, Series 2011-1, Class A2 (d)
    654,371  
     
Invitation Homes Trust
       
  300,000  
  2.400%, due 12/17/30, Series 2013-SFR1,
       
     
  Class D (a)(d)
    300,797  
  910,000  
  1.683%, due 6/17/31, Series 2014-SFR1,
       
     
  Class B (a)(d)
    910,781  
     
KeyCorp Student Loan Trust
       
  808,334  
  0.807%, due 1/25/37, Series 2003-A, Class 2B (a)
    701,444  
     
Newtek Small Business Loan Trust
       
  1,446,347  
  3.635%, due 4/25/40, Series 2014-1,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)(f)
    1,446,347  
     
Oakwood Mortgage Investors, Inc.
       
  257,833  
  0.436%, due 9/15/17, Series 2002-A, Class A1 (a)
    229,304  
     
Structured Asset Securities Corp.
       
  1,035,618  
  3.357%, due 1/25/31, Series 2003-AL2,
       
     
  Class A (d)
    1,010,795  
     
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $7,344,327)
    7,359,435  

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

 
5

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS – 1.2%
     
   
Trapeza LLC
     
$ 1,487,004  
  0.687%, due 1/25/35, Series 2004-7A,
     
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)(f)
  $ 1,236,072  
  1,655,138  
  0.561%, due 4/6/42, Series 2007-12A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)(f)
    1,303,421  
     
Total Collateralized Debt
       
     
  Obligations (cost $2,539,962)
    2,539,493  
               
     
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – AGENCY – 0.2%
       
     
GNMA REMIC Trust
       
  95,598  
  1.884%, due 3/16/46, Series 2013-46,
       
     
  Class AC (a)
    93,623  
  5,560,325  
  0.892%, due 8/16/52, Series 2012-25,
       
     
  Class IO (a)
    292,893  
     
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Agency (cost $505,483)
    386,516  
               
     
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 16.8%
       
     
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  570,000  
  5.497%, due 12/10/42, Series 2004-6,
       
     
  Class G (a)(d)(f)
    148,200  
  660,000  
  5.749%, due 6/10/49, Series 2007-3,
       
     
  Class AJ (a)
    690,028  
     
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust
       
  593,187  
  0.635%, due 4/25/35, Series 2005-1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    521,737  
  2,117,017  
  0.675%, due 11/25/35, Series 2005-3A,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    1,796,199  
  499,477  
  0.585%, due 4/25/36, Series 2006-1A,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    406,824  
  10,790,887  
  4.521%, due 12/25/37, Series 2007-6A,
       
     
  Class IO (d) (h)
    215,818  
  20,289,008  
  4.236%, due 4/25/38, Series 2008-2,
       
     
  Class SIO (d)
    695,435  
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
6

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Bayview Financial Asset Trust
     
$ 711,492  
  0.985%, due 3/25/37, Series 2007-SR1A,
     
     
  Class M1 (a)(d)
  $ 628,390  
     
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
       
  1,800,000  
  5.597%, due 3/11/39, Series 2006-PW11,
       
     
  Class D (d)
    1,685,947  
  478,000  
  4.898%, due 6/11/41, Series 2005-PWR8,
       
     
  Class D
    477,514  
  510,000  
  5.611%, due 9/11/41, Series 2006-PW13,
       
     
  Class AJ (a)
    524,053  
     
CNL Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  218,816  
  0.824%, due 10/20/27, Series 2001-1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    201,921  
  157,771  
  2.684%, due 10/20/27, Series 2001-1A,
       
     
  Class B (a)(d)
    141,840  
  429,284  
  0.905%, due 3/23/28, Series 2001-2A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    394,312  
  159,361  
  0.785%, due 10/25/28, Series 2002-1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    144,384  
  346,665  
  0.985%, due 3/27/29, Series 2002-2A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    315,835  
  156,609  
  0.625%, due 10/25/30, Series 2003-2A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)
    136,197  
  407,610  
  0.686%, due 5/15/31, Series 2003-1A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)
    371,407  
     
Comm Mortgage Trust
       
  1,600,000  
  5.377%, due 12/10/46, Series 2006-C8, Class AJ
    1,627,186  
     
Credit Suisse Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  1,000,000  
  5.538%, due 9/15/39, Series 2006-C4, Class AJ (a)
    1,011,394  
  1,170,000  
  5.949%, due 9/15/39, Series 2007-C4, Class AJ (a)
    1,226,702  
     
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.
       
  1,450,000  
  5.792%, due 1/15/37, Series 2004-C1,
       
     
  Class H (a)(d)
    1,408,234  
  350,000  
  5.777%, due 11/15/37, Series 2004-C5,
       
     
  Class H (a)(d)(g)
    264,441  
  4,000,000  
  4.231%, due 5/15/38, Series 2003-C3,
       
     
  Class J (a)(d)
    3,898,133  
  1,390,000  
  5.266%, due 8/15/38, Series 2005-C4,
       
     
  Class E (a)(d)
    1,380,797  

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

 
7

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Fannie Mae-Aces
     
$ 2,273,198  
  6.205%, due 9/25/20, Series 2010-M6,
     
     
  Class SA (a)
  $ 493,363  
     
GCCFC Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  3,000,000  
  5.287%, due 8/12/42, Series 2005-GG3,
       
     
  Class F (a)(d)
    2,967,843  
     
GE Commercial Mortgage Corp.
       
  500,000  
  5.495%, due 11/10/45, Series 2005-C4,
       
     
  Class AJ (a)
    502,250  
     
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
       
  1,240,000  
  5.121%, due 9/12/37, Series 2005-CB12,
       
     
  Class B (a)
    1,187,650  
  800,000  
  5.535%, due 7/15/41, Series 2004-LN2,
       
     
  Class D (a)
    682,527  
  100,000  
  6.100%, due 4/15/45, Series 2006-LDP7,
       
     
  Class B (a)
    71,140  
  805,000  
  6.208%, due 2/15/51, Series 2007-LDP12,
       
     
  Class B (a)
    781,799  
     
Key Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates
       
  770,000  
  5.919%, due 12/15/40, Series 2007-SL1,
       
     
  Class B (a)(d)
    783,286  
     
LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  2,672,500  
  4.979%, due 1/15/36, Series 2004-C1, Class E (a)
    2,683,668  
  440,000  
  5.094%, due 12/15/39, Series 2004-C8,
       
     
  Class G (a)(d)
    442,323  
     
Lehman Brothers Small Balance Commercial
       
  469,322  
  1.135%, due 2/25/30, Series 2005-1A,
       
     
  Class B (a)(d)
    377,896  
  489,151  
  0.000%, due 9/25/30, Series 2005-2A,
       
     
  Class 1A (a)(d)
    454,347  
     
ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  190,000  
  6.066%, due 6/12/46, Series 2006-2, Class B (a)(d)
    187,857  
  2,000,000  
  0.369%, due 8/12/48, Series 2007-5,
       
     
  Class AMFL (a)(d)
    1,906,614  
     
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
       
  660,000  
  5.070%, due 12/13/41, Series 2005-T17,
       
     
  Class E (a)(d)
    115,546  

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

 
8

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Velocity Commercial Capital Loan Trust
     
$ 1,869,000  
  6.052%, due 9/25/44, Series 2014-1,
     
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)(f)
  $ 1,869,000  
     
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  400,000  
  5.357%, due 12/15/44, Series 2005-C22,
       
     
  Class B (a)
    400,009  
  690,000  
  5.672%, due 10/15/48, Series 2006-C28,
       
     
  Class B (a)
    691,435  
  220,000  
  5.368%, due 11/15/48, Series 2006-C29,
       
     
  Class AJ (a)
    223,870  
     
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Non-Agency (cost $37,866,805)
    37,135,351  
               
     
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – AGENCY – 0.1%
       
     
FNMA REMIC Trust
       
  211,894  
  2.000%, due 10/25/40, Series 2013-53, Class CB
    212,054  
     
GNMA II Pool
       
  82,741  
  2.544%, due 9/20/63, Series #899223 (a)
    89,925  
     
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Agency (cost $277,308)
    301,979  
               
     
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 64.5%
       
     
ABSC Long Beach Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  582,183  
  8.550%, due 9/21/30, Series 2000-LB1,
       
     
  Class AF5 (a)
    611,649  
     
Accredited Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  438,872  
  4.330%, due 6/25/33, Series 2003-1, Class A-1 (h)
    399,082  
     
ACE Security Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  367,747  
  1.355%, due 7/25/33, Series 2003-NC1,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    349,372  
     
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust
       
  471,851  
  2.752%, due 9/25/35, Series 2005-5, Class 2A1 (a)
    417,484  
  417,030  
  0.725%, due 11/25/35, Series 2005-6A,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    347,901  
     
Aegis Asset Backed Securities Trust
       
  3,309,508  
  0.355%, due 1/25/37, Series 2006-1, Class A2 (a)
    2,168,949  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
9

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
AFC Home Equity Loan Trust
     
$ 487,408  
  1.115%, due 11/24/28, Series 1998-4,
     
     
  Class 2A2 (a)
  $ 439,016  
  703,298  
  1.065%, due 2/25/29, Series 1999-1,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    607,743  
  878,339  
  0.885%, due 6/25/30, Series 2000-2, Class 2A (a)
    732,987  
  168,070  
  0.935%, due 10/25/30, Series 2000-3,
       
     
  Class 1A (a)(d)
    151,317  
     
American Home Mortgage Investment Trust
       
  87,324  
  5.064%, due 9/25/35, Series 2005-2, Class 5A1 (h)
    89,469  
  329,980  
  6.100%, due 1/25/37, Series 2007-A,
       
     
  Class 13A1 (d)(h)
    189,064  
  223,290  
  2.103%, due 4/25/44, Series 2004-1, Class 3A (a)
    218,926  
     
Amresco Residential Securities Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  2,048,132  
  6.156%, due 11/25/29, Series 1999-1,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    1,860,648  
     
Asset Backed Funding Certificates
       
  84,605  
  2.285%, due 2/25/32, Series 2002-WF2,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)
    82,910  
     
Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust
       
  656,406  
  5.500%, due 12/25/33, Series 2003-10,
       
     
  Class 3A1
    674,268  
  1,321,272  
  6.000%, due 1/25/37, Series 2006-9,
       
     
  Class 2NC1
    902,782  
     
Banc of America Funding Corp.
       
  1,646,450  
  5.500%, due 2/26/20, Series 2009-R17,
       
     
  Class 3A2 (d)
    1,657,522  
  1,156,244  
  5.500%, due 6/26/21, Series 2009-R15,
       
     
  Class 5A3 (d)
    1,139,697  
  921,527  
  2.728%, due 12/20/34, Series 2004-B,
       
     
  Class 3A2 (a)
    525,227  
  171,524  
  2.735%, due 12/20/34, Series 2004-B,
       
     
  Class 1A2 (a)
    158,944  
  91,480  
  2.735%, due 12/20/34, Series 2004-B,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    84,770  
  36,127  
  2.802%, due 12/20/34, Series 2004-C,
       
     
  Class 1B2 (a)
    34,224  
  2,540,669  
  0.350%, due 9/20/35, Series 2005-F, Class 1X (a)
    210,151  
  219,851  
  44.978%, due 7/25/47, Series 2007-5,
       
     
  Class 7A2 (a)
    391,197  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
10

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Banc of America Mortgage Securities
     
$ 194,983  
  4.867%, due 12/26/22, Series 2007-4, Class 2A3
  $ 190,389  
  141,809  
  5.500%, due 1/25/34, Series 2003-10, Class 1A2
    143,081  
  287,462  
  5.500%, due 3/25/34, Series 2004-2, Class 1A8
    295,135  
     
Bayview Financial Asset Trust
       
  1,130,590  
  0.635%, due 3/25/37, Series 2007-SR1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    973,114  
  386,610  
  1.085%, due 3/25/37, Series 2007-SR1A,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    331,905  
     
Bayview Financial Revolving Asset Trust
       
  3,358,878  
  1.116%, due 12/28/40, Series 2005-E,
       
     
  Class A2A (a)(d)
    2,516,115  
  4,123,478  
  1.186%, due 12/28/40, Series 2005-E,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)
    3,093,378  
     
Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust
       
  373,570  
  2.740%, due 9/25/34, Series 2004-6,
       
     
  Class 2A2 (a)
    321,714  
  50,085  
  5.260%, due 2/25/36, Series 2005-12,
       
     
  Class 24A1 (a)
    45,357  
     
Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust
       
  263,435  
  2.600%, due 11/25/34, Series 2004-11,
       
     
  Class 2A6A (a)
    251,485  
     
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust
       
  153,163  
  5.500%, due 11/25/33, Series
       
     
  2003-AC6, Class A3 (h)
    151,576  
  2,513,631  
  0.633%, due 9/25/34, Series 2005-CL1,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)
    2,425,247  
  12,806,066  
  0.534%, due 9/25/35, Series 2005-SD4, Class 1X (a)
    351,351  
     
Bella Vista Mortgage Trust
       
  285,710  
  0.725%, due 2/22/35, Series 2005-1, Class 2A (a)
    250,933  
     
CDC Mortgage Capital Trust
       
  337,439  
  0.805%, due 1/25/33, Series 2002-HE1,
       
     
  Class A (a)
    312,340  
     
Chase Funding Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates
       
  175,259  
  6.333%, due 4/25/32, Series 2002-2, Class 1A5 (h)
    179,092  
  357,187  
  5.159%, due 11/25/32, Series 2003-4,
       
     
  Class 1M1 (a)
    334,372  
     
Chase Mortgage Finance Corp.
       
  628,148  
  2.526%, due 12/25/37, Series 2007-A3, Class1A7 (a)
    539,530  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
11

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Chevy Chase Mortgage Funding Corp.
     
$ 578,745  
  0.385%, due 1/25/36, Series 2005-1,
     
     
  Class A2 (a)(d)
  $ 504,140  
  799,771  
  0.465%, due 10/25/46, Series 2005-C,
       
     
  Class A2 (a)(d)
    635,312  
     
CIT Group Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  532,381  
  7.210%, due 2/25/33, Series 2002-1, Class AF5 (h)
    533,331  
     
Citicorp Mortgage Securities Trust
       
  358,451  
  5.500%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-3, Class 3A1
    361,347  
  138,676  
  5.500%, due 7/25/37, Series 2007-6, Class 3A1
    135,489  
     
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  1,665,304  
  5.750%, due 4/25/23, Series 2009-8,
       
     
  Class 6A2 (a)(d)
    1,669,810  
  471,796  
  6.000%, due 7/25/34, Series 2004-NCM1,
       
     
  Class 2A2
    488,914  
  345,267  
  2.684%, due 7/25/36, Series 2006-AR5,
       
     
  Class 1A3A (a)
    287,264  
  257,699  
  6.333%, due 1/25/37, Series 2007-OPX1,
       
     
  Class A4B (h)
    186,387  
  923,546  
  2.932%, due 9/25/37, Series 2007-10,
       
     
  Class 2A3A (a)
    774,676  
  736,604  
  1.185%, due 10/25/37, Series 2007-FS1,
       
     
  Class 2A1A (a)(d)
    502,250  
     
CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust
       
  279,232  
  6.000%, due 10/25/36, Series 2006-A5, Class 3A1
    232,495  
     
Conseco Finance Home Loan Trust
       
  360,320  
  10.260%, due 8/15/31, Series 2000-E, Class B1 (a)
    361,128  
     
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust
       
  385,541  
  7.000%, due 9/25/34, Series 2004-J8, Class 1A1
    396,886  
  182,534  
  6.000%, due 8/25/37, Series 2008-2R, Class 2A1
    148,337  
  139,690  
  6.000%, due 8/25/37, Series 2008-2R, Class 3A1
    116,479  
     
Countrywide Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  263,073  
  0.406%, due 12/15/29, Series 2004-G, Class 2A (a)
    225,304  
     
Countrywide Home Loans
       
  176,848  
  5.000%, due 6/25/18, Series 2003-15, Class 2A1
    177,310  
  550,298  
  2.460%, due 9/25/33, Series 2003-37,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    524,799  
  129,564  
  2.476%, due 8/25/34, Series 2004-12,
       
     
  Class 12A1 (a)
    110,148  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
12

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Countrywide Home Loans (Continued)
     
$ 997,133  
  2.316%, due 10/20/34, Series 2004-15,
     
     
  Class 3A (a)
  $ 847,476  
  107,029  
  5.500%, due 10/25/34, Series 2004-19, Class A15
    105,775  
  4,549,902  
  6.000%, due 10/25/34, Series 2005-8R, Class A3
    4,606,052  
  777,938  
  6.000%, due 3/25/35, Series 2005-R1,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (d)
    787,911  
  877,313  
  2.797%, due 4/25/35, Series 2005-11,
       
     
  Class 1A2 (a)
    788,146  
  79,351  
  18.329%, due 1/25/36, Series 2005-30, Class A2 (a)
    101,569  
  870,850  
  5.500%, due 2/25/36, Series 2006-J1, Class 2A1
    811,304  
  166,136  
  2.481%, due 4/20/36, Series 2006-HYB2,
       
     
  Class 3A1 (a)
    141,099  
  233,149  
  2.545%, due 3/25/37, Series 2007-HYB1,
       
     
  Class 3A1 (a)
    198,256  
     
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.
       
  57,521  
  7.500%, due 6/25/20, Series 1997-2, Class A (d)
    59,885  
  563,228  
  5.523%, due 5/25/32, Series 2002-10,
       
     
  Class 1M2 (a)
    534,380  
  219,719  
  2.235%, due 3/25/33, Series 2003-AR9,
       
     
  Class CB1 (a)
    183,117  
  1,041,471  
  1.785%, due 2/25/34, Series 2004-AR1,
       
     
  Class 6M2 (a)
    885,579  
     
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
       
  405,735  
  5.000%, due 4/25/29, Series 2007-5, Class 9A2
    400,358  
  226,849  
  5.750%, due 12/26/35, Series 2005-1R,
       
     
  Class 2A5 (d)
    194,097  
  578,184  
  6.000%, due 5/27/36, Series 2009-12R,
       
     
  Class 15A1 (d)
    600,545  
  284,062  
  6.500%, due 7/26/36, Series 2007-5R,
       
     
  Class A5
    172,693  
  3,788,000  
  0.681%, due 10/25/36, Series 2006-CF3,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    2,926,715  
  1,005,641  
  5.500%, due 11/25/36, Series 2006-9, Class 2A1
    977,705  
  2,934,854  
  6.500%, due 11/25/36, Series 2006-9, Class 4A13
    2,862,075  
  774,967  
  2.702%, due 4/30/37, Series 2011-6R,
       
     
  Class 4A2 (a)(d)
    605,534  
  483,476  
  5.383%, due 2/15/40, Series 2010-RR4,
       
     
  Class 1BA (a)(d)
    498,779  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
13

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization
     
$ 3,704,000  
  0.545%, due 5/25/36, Series 2006-SC1,
     
     
  Class M1 (a)(d)
  $ 3,091,092  
     
Delta Funding Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  630,089  
  8.590%, due 5/15/30, Series 2000-1, Class M2 (h)
    635,404  
     
Deutsche Alt-A Securities, Inc.
       
  2,062,423  
  0.395%, due 6/25/37, Series 2007-AR3,
       
     
  Class 1A2 (a)
    1,617,261  
     
Encore Credit Receivables Trust
       
  210,000  
  0.675%, due 10/25/35, Series 2005-3, Class M2 (a)
    205,972  
     
EquiFirst Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  928,882  
  0.665%, due 1/25/34, Series 2004-1, Class 1A1 (a)
    884,348  
  20,381  
  0.905%, due 4/25/35, Series 2005-1, Class M3 (a)
    17,741  
     
Equity One ABS, Inc.
       
  1,409,585  
  0.825%, due 5/25/32, Series 2001-3, Class AV1 (a)
    1,179,303  
  84,956  
  6.039%, due 11/25/32, Series 2002-3, Class M1 (a)
    81,420  
  984,219  
  5.658%, due 9/25/33, Series 2003-2, Class M2 (a)
    985,330  
     
First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  634,389  
  0.805%, due 11/25/31, Series 2001-FF2,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)
    573,349  
     
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities
       
  2,151,258  
  2.250%, due 5/25/35, Series 2005-AA3,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    1,728,261  
     
First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
       
  155,027  
  6.000%, due 8/25/36, Series 2006-2, Class 1A7
    147,997  
  369,682  
  6.000%, due 2/25/37, Series 2006-4, Class 1A11
    337,879  
  318,725  
  2.397%, due 7/25/37, Series 2007-AR2,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    266,557  
     
GMACM Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  1,111,125  
  5.120%, due 4/25/33, Series
       
     
  2003-HE2, Class A4 (h)
    1,126,216  
     
GS Mortgage Securities Corp.
       
  101,414  
  7.500%, due 9/25/36, Series 2008-2R,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)(d)
    85,324  
  1,186,118  
  7.500%, due 10/25/36, Series 2008-2R,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)(d)
    987,708  
     
GSAA Home Equity Trust
       
  170,005  
  0.455%, due 7/25/37, Series 2007-7, Class A4 (a)
    139,183  
     
GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  195,174  
  7.366%, due 5/19/27, Series 1998-2, Class A (a)(d)
    195,998  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
14

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust (Continued)
     
$ 674,371  
  8.500%, due 1/25/36, Series 2006-RP1,
     
     
  Class 1A4 (d)
  $ 736,090  
     
GSR Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  116,098  
  4.500%, due 1/25/21, Series 2006-2F, Class 5A1
    111,232  
  1,373,473  
  0.485%, due 4/25/32, Series 2004-4, Class 2A4 (a)
    1,172,048  
  443,963  
  2.592%, due 9/25/34, Series 2004-11,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    422,057  
  706,462  
  6.536%, due 11/25/34, Series 2004-13F,
       
     
  Class B1 (a)
    367,809  
  147,460  
  0.515%, due 12/25/34, Series 2004-14,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    133,639  
  130,282  
  5.500%, due 3/25/36, Series 2006-3F,
       
     
  Class 1A2
    116,962  
     
HarborView Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  301,596  
  2.690%, due 2/25/36, Series 2006-2, Class 1A (a)
    255,884  
  369,404  
  3.471%, due 6/19/36, Series 2006-3, Class 1A (a)
    245,877  
  5,967,506  
  0.406%, due 5/19/46, Series 2006-4,
       
     
  Class 3A1A (a)
    2,599,523  
     
HomeBanc Mortgage Trust
       
  1,315,000  
  0.675%, due 10/25/35, Series 2005-4, Class M2 (a)
    894,660  
     
HSI Asset Loan Obligation Trust
       
  810,869  
  6.500%, due 6/25/37, Series 2007-1, Class 2A12
    567,086  
     
IMC Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  2,041,646  
  7.450%, due 6/20/29, Series 1998-1, Class A5 (h)
    2,135,794  
  719,604  
  6.482%, due 8/20/29, Series 1998-3, Class A7 (h)
    744,677  
     
Impac CMB Trust
       
  353,434  
  5.216%, due 12/25/32, Series 2002-9F, Class A1 (h)
    356,037  
  102,075  
  1.025%, due 10/25/33, Series 2003-11,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    100,220  
  378,868  
  1.085%, due 10/25/33, Series 2003-8,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    367,474  
  144,243  
  1.005%, due 8/25/34, Series 2004-8, Class 3A (a)
    136,868  
  794,018  
  1.835%, due 10/25/34, Series 2004-5,
       
     
  Class 1M4 (a)
    702,862  
  388,463  
  1.910%, due 10/25/34, Series 2004-6,
       
     
  Class M4 (a)
    329,729  
  688,904  
  2.656%, due 5/25/35, Series 2005-4,
       
     
  Class 2B1 (a)
    690,096  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
15

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
IndyMac INDX Mortgage Loan Trust
     
$ 110,125  
  0.985%, due 5/25/34, Series 2004-AR10,
     
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
  $ 101,064  
  594,446  
  3.270%, due 11/25/34, Series 2004-AR9,
       
     
  Class 1A (a)
    499,771  
  335,743  
  2.401%, due 6/25/35, Series 2005-AR7,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    244,046  
  896,554  
  4.425%, due 12/25/35, Series 2006-R1,
       
     
  Class A3 (a)
    732,968  
  255,961  
  2.644%, due 9/25/36, Series 2006-AR25,
       
     
  Class 6A1 (a)
    234,588  
     
IndyMac Residential Asset Backed Trust
       
  464,393  
  0.345%, due 7/25/37, Series 2007-B, Class 2A2 (a)
    291,521  
     
Irwin Home Equity
       
  159,594  
  2.060%, due 1/25/34, Series 2004-A, Class M2 (a)
    154,068  
  299,889  
  5.900%, due 9/25/37, Series
       
     
  2006-3, Class 2A4 (d)(h)
    302,824  
     
Lavender Trust
       
  400,000  
  5.500%, due 9/26/35, Series 2010-RR6A,
       
     
  Class A3 (d)
    405,645  
  445,000  
  6.250%, due 9/26/36, Series 2010-RR10A,
       
     
  Class A3 (d)
    453,637  
  223,000  
  6.000%, due 8/26/37, Series 2010-RR15A,
       
     
  Class A3 (d)
    228,364  
     
Lehman Mortgage Trust
       
  633,242  
  5.800%, due 1/25/36, Series 2005-3, Class 2A5
    615,012  
  680,432  
  5.000%, due 4/25/36, Series 2006-2, Class 4A1
    672,698  
  3,832,481  
  0.605%, due 12/25/36, Series 2006-8,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    1,634,343  
  155,180  
  0.000%, due 6/25/37, Series 2007-5, Class PO1 (e)
    118,136  
  334,214  
  0.000%, due 10/25/37, Series 2007-9,
       
     
  Class AP (e)
    243,149  
     
Lehman Structured Securities Corp.
       
  132,997  
  0.000%, due 7/26/24, Series 2002-GE1,
       
     
  Class A (a)(e)(f)
    106,398  
     
Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  566,257  
  0.745%, due 9/25/34, Series 2004-5, Class A5 (a)
    490,886  
     
MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust
       
  394,839  
  0.515%, due 12/25/34, Series 2004-15,
       
     
  Class 6A1 (a)
    338,424  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
16

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust (Continued)
     
$ 24,579  
  2.491%, due 7/25/35, Series 2005-6, Class 5A1 (a)
  $ 21,522  
     
MASTR Asset Backed Securities Trust
       
  412,822  
  1.910%, due 2/25/34, Series 2004-WMC1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)
    410,511  
     
MASTR Asset Securitization Trust
       
  4,426,618  
  0.685%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-2, Class 2A2 (a)
    2,474,555  
     
MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust
       
  127,422  
  6.000%, due 8/25/34, Series 2005-1, Class 1A1 (d)
    126,362  
  644,776  
  0.535%, due 5/25/35, Series 2005-2,
       
     
  Class 1A1F (a)(d)
    533,445  
     
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
       
  958,036  
  2.893%, due 4/25/37, Series 2007-1, Class 2A1 (a)
    818,625  
     
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
       
  90,715  
  2.133%, due 3/25/33, Series 2003-A2,
       
     
  Class 2M1 (a)
    83,587  
     
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Synthetic
       
  1,863,222  
  0.951%, due 6/28/35, Series 2005-ACR1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    1,712,948  
     
MESA Trust Asset Backed Certificates
       
  1,214,323  
  5.058%, due 2/18/33, Series 2002-1,
       
     
  Class B1 (a)(d)
    1,195,603  
     
MLCC Mortgage Investors, Inc.
       
  442,579  
  2.130%, due 4/25/35, Series 2005-1, Class 2A3 (a)
    391,119  
  256,811  
  2.330%, due 9/25/37, Series 2007-3, Class 1A2 (a)
    229,491  
     
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital I Trust
       
  184,223  
  1.610%, due 10/25/31, Series 2001-NC3,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    176,006  
  91,306  
  1.460%, due 2/25/32, Series 2001-AM1,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    84,848  
     
Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  292,943  
  2.426%, due 9/25/34, Series 2004-7AR,
       
     
  Class 2A7 (a)
    259,294  
  480,444  
  6.000%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-7, Class 4A4
    430,410  
     
New Century Alternative Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  313,454  
  5.712%, due 10/25/36, Series 2006-ALT2,
       
     
  Class AF2 (a)
    183,237  

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

 
17

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp.
     
$ 429,387  
  6.858%, due 2/19/30, Series 2001-R1A,
     
     
  Class A (a)(d)
  $ 425,625  
  608,695  
  7.500%, due 3/25/34, Series 2004-R1, Class A2 (d)
    626,957  
  232,474  
  0.635%, due 2/25/35, Series 2004-R3,
       
     
  Class AF (a)(d)
    198,269  
  2,739,412  
  0.445%, due 7/25/35, Series 2005-AR3,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    2,149,025  
  3,345,842  
  0.475%, due 8/25/35, Series 2005-AR4,
       
     
  Class 5A3 (a)
    2,388,456  
  605,306  
  5.318%, due 8/25/35, Series 2005-AP3,
       
     
  Class A3 (a)
    455,343  
  1,096,264  
  5.381%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-AF1,
       
     
  Class 5A (a)
    1,004,324  
     
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  39,872  
  1.385%, due 1/25/32, Series 2001-4, Class M1 (a)
    29,744  
     
PAMEX Mortgage Trust
       
  215,195  
  1.885%, due 7/25/29, Series 1999-A,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)(f)
    184,400  
     
Prime Mortgage Trust
       
  695,298  
  7.000%, due 7/25/34, Series 2005-5, Class 1A1
    700,961  
  157,790  
  8.000%, due 7/25/34, Series 2005-5, Class 1A3
    153,580  
  1,935,353  
  6.000%, due 5/25/35, Series 2006-DR1,
       
     
  Class 2A2 (d)
    1,921,203  
  150,217  
  5.500%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-1, Class 1A1
    136,892  
  584,451  
  6.250%, due 11/25/36, Series 2006-2, Class 1A15
    547,786  
  3,956,723  
  6.000%, due 4/25/37, Series 2007-2, Class A2
    3,353,612  
     
Provident Bank Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  408,000  
  3.682%, due 1/25/30, Series 1998-4, Class A9 (a)
    330,512  
  586,127  
  0.705%, due 3/25/30, Series 2000-1, Class A1 (a)
    498,119  
     
RBSGC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
       
  437,392  
  6.000%, due 6/25/37, Series 2008-B, Class A1 (d)
    384,510  
     
RBSSP Resecuritization Trust
       
  1,586,332  
  1.500%, due 7/26/37, Series 2010-4,
       
     
  Class 7A1X (d)
    16,644  
     
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc.
       
  460,722  
  0.455%, due 5/25/46, Series 2006-QO5,
       
     
  Class 3A4 (a)
    267,949  

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

 
18

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc.
     
$ 271,090  
  5.700%, due 10/25/31, Series 2001-RS3,
     
     
  Class AI5 (a)
  $ 275,104  
  195,521  
  5.910%, due 1/25/32, Series 2002-RS1,
       
     
  Class AI5 (a)
    201,851  
  19,888  
  5.350%, due 6/25/32, Series 2004-RS7,
       
     
  Class AI4 (a)
    19,603  
  243,208  
  0.805%, due 6/25/33, Series 2003-RS5,
       
     
  Class AIIB (a)
    220,976  
  1,013,975  
  1.910%, due 8/25/34, Series 2004-RS8,
       
     
  Class MII2 (a)
    768,820  
  2,570,000  
  0.565%, due 3/25/36, Series 2006-RS2,
       
     
  Class A3B (a)
    2,161,558  
     
Residential Asset Securities Corp.
       
  217,877  
  7.279%, due 4/25/32, Series
       
     
  2002-KS2, Class AI5 (h)
    224,230  
  417,963  
  4.620%, due 10/25/34, Series 2004-KS9,
       
     
  Class AI6 (a)
    370,298  
     
Residential Asset Securitization Trust
       
  329,596  
  5.000%, due 8/25/19, Series 2004-A6, Class A1
    330,387  
     
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Inc.
       
  340,000  
  4.750%, due 6/25/33, Series 2003-S13, Class A1
    344,230  
  301,076  
  5.500%, due 9/25/33, Series 2003-S17, Class A5
    315,517  
  83,306  
  5.500%, due 9/25/33, Series 2003-S17, Class A3
    84,128  
  606,784  
  2.712%, due 8/25/35, Series 2005-SA3,
       
     
  Class 1A (a)
    477,155  
  189,436  
  0.000%, due 6/25/36, Series 2006-S5, Class A4 (e)
    121,596  
  224,497  
  3.507%, due 11/25/36, Series 2006-SA4,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    199,808  
  985,776  
  0.000%, due 5/25/37, Series 2007-S5, Class AP (e)
    628,180  
     
Residential Funding Securities Corp.
       
  1,153,536  
  1.045%, due 3/25/33, Series 2002-RP1,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)
    1,056,818  
  1,540,607  
  3.935%, due 7/25/41, Series 2003-RP2,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    1,540,607  
     
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII
       
  355,102  
  2.360%, due 3/25/32, Series 2002-CIT1,
       
     
  Class M3 (a)
    309,294  
     
Saxon Asset Securities Trust
       
  619,564  
  2.285%, due 7/25/30, Series 2000-2, Class BV2 (a)
    619,292  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
19

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Security National Mortgage Loan Trust
     
$ 541,455  
  0.835%, due 11/25/34, Series 2004-2,
     
     
  Class AV (a)(d)
  $ 490,007  
  295,579  
  0.465%, due 1/25/37, Series 2006-3A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)
    288,549  
  252,691  
  0.535%, due 4/25/37, Series 2007-1,
       
     
  Class 2A (a)(d)
    213,372  
     
Sequoia Mortgage Trust
       
  742,273  
  0.554%, due 10/20/35, Series 2005-4,
       
     
  Class 1A2 (a)
    647,301  
  1,304,936  
  2.783%, due 9/20/46, Series 2007-1, Class 4A1 (a)
    1,080,148  
     
Southern Pacific Secured Assets Corp.
       
  404,398  
  7.080%, due 3/25/28, Series 1998-1, Class A6 (a)
    405,369  
     
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  504,163  
  2.418%, due 7/25/34, Series 2004-8, Class 2A2 (a)
    473,655  
  149,257  
  2.443%, due 3/25/35, Series 2005-4, Class 1A1 (a)
    135,005  
  225,731  
  2.467%, due 11/25/35, Series 2005-21,
       
     
  Class 3A1 (a)
    180,704  
  523,206  
  2.601%, due 6/25/37, Series 2007-5, Class 2A1 (a)
    479,493  
     
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust
       
  305,349  
  1.235%, due 8/25/33, Series 2003-BC9,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    285,646  
     
Structured Asset Securities Corp.
       
  150,442  
  8.481%, due 12/25/29, Series 2004-SC1,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    159,469  
  698,485  
  2.721%, due 7/25/32, Series 2002-14A,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    670,895  
  287,153  
  2.378%, due 7/25/33, Series 2003-24A,
       
     
  Class 5A (a)
    282,190  
  212,595  
  2.489%, due 11/25/33, Series 2003-34A,
       
     
  Class 3A6 (a)
    202,826  
  380,071  
  4.920%, due 3/25/34, Series
       
     
  2004-6XS, Class M1 (h)
    380,853  
  427,364  
  0.535%, due 4/25/35, Series 2005-RF2,
       
     
  Class A (a)(d)
    357,188  
  1,720,000  
  0.485%, due 1/25/37, Series 2007-GEL1,
       
     
  Class A3 (a)(d)
    1,048,561  
  1,443,114  
  0.465%, due 5/25/47, Series 2007-RM1,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(d)(f)
    1,179,746  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
20

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
SunTrust Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
     
$ 467,769  
  2.611%, due 2/25/37, Series 2007-1, Class 1A1 (a)
  $ 391,961  
     
Terwin Mortgage Trust
       
  778,693  
  8.000%, due 3/25/34, Series 2004-4SL,
       
     
  Class B3 (a)(d)
    690,608  
  378,723  
  0.885%, due 7/25/34, Series 2004-7HE,
       
     
  Class A3 (a)(d)
    349,394  
  606,272  
  2.685%, due 10/25/35, Series 2004-11HE,
       
     
  Class B1 (a)
    599,046  
  666,603  
  0.495%, due 7/25/36, Series 2005-12AL,
       
     
  Class AV2 (a)
    650,096  
     
Truman Capital Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  1,832,840  
  2.960%, due 11/25/31, Series 2002-1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(d)
    1,769,076  
     
Wachovia Mortgage Loan Trust, LLC
       
  249,428  
  2.665%, due 8/20/35, Series 2005-A,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    217,845  
  277,403  
  2.491%, due 10/20/35, Series 2005-B,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    239,349  
     
WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
       
  686,049  
  1.297%, due 11/25/41, Series 2001-AR3,
       
     
  Class 1A (a)
    638,347  
  1,258,319  
  1.610%, due 11/25/41, Series 2001-AR3,
       
     
  Class 2A (a)
    1,169,352  
  202,729  
  1.950%, due 7/25/42, Series 2002-AR9,
       
     
  Class 2A (a)
    190,787  
     
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
       
  136,407  
  2.616%, due 1/25/35, Series 2004-DD,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    135,839  
  462,148  
  4.223%, due 6/26/35, Series 2008-1R,
       
     
  Class A2 (a)(d)
    435,513  
  420,032  
  5.250%, due 9/25/35, Series 2005-7, Class A2
    411,295  
     
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Non-Agency (cost $141,326,700)
    142,177,189  

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

 
21

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount/Shares
     
Value
 
   
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – 3.0%
     
   
FNMA TBA
     
$ 3,000,000  
  3.500%, due 6/15/26 (b)
  $ 3,182,110  
  3,000,000  
  5.000%, due 6/15/41 (b)
    3,337,500  
     
Total U.S. Government Agencies
       
     
  (cost $6,513,867)
    6,519,610  
               
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 12.1%
       
  26,618,000  
First American Government Obligations Fund –
       
     
  Class Z, 0.01% (c)
    26,618,000  
     
Total Short-Term Investments
       
     
  (cost $26,618,000)
    26,618,000  
     
Total Investments (cost $222,992,452) – 101.2%
    223,037,573  
     
Liabilities less Other Assets – (1.2)%
    (2,628,264 )
     
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%
  $ 220,409,309  
               
(a)
Variable rate security.  Rate shown reflects the rate in effect at May 31, 2015.
(b)
Security purchased on a when-issued basis.  As of May 31, 2015, the total cost of investments purchased on a when-issued basis was $6,513,867 or 3.0% of total net assets.
(c)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.
(d)
Security purchased within the terms of a private placement memorandum, exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in the program or other “qualified institutional buyers.”  The Fund’s adviser has determined that such a security is liquid in accordance with the liquidity guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust.  As of May 31, 2015, the value of these investments was $75,150,530 or 34.1% of total net assets.
(e)
Security is a zero coupon bond. Zero coupon bonds are issued at a substantial discount from their value at maturity.
(f)
Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust.
(g)
Security is considered illiquid. As of May 31, 2015, the value of these investments was $264,441 or 0.12% of total net assets.
(h)
Step-up bond; the interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2015.
FNMA – Federal National Mortgage Association
GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association
REMIC – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit
TBA – To Be Announced

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

 
22

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – 16.3%
     
   
American Homes 4 Rent
     
$ 400,000  
  1.600%, due 6/17/31, Series 2014-SFR1,
     
     
  Class B (a)(c)
  $ 397,447  
     
Amresco Independence Funding, Inc.
       
  320,605  
  1.750%, due 7/15/26, Series 1999-1A,
       
     
  Class A (a)(c)(d)
    295,758  
     
Aurora Military Housing LLC
       
  500,000  
  5.350%, due 12/15/25 (c)
    551,020  
     
Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC
       
  620,000  
  2.100%, due 3/20/19, Series 2012-3A, Class A (c)
    625,008  
     
Bush Truck Leasing, LLC
       
  233,200  
  5.000%, due 9/25/18, Series 2011-AA,
       
     
  Class B (c)
    229,695  
  54,018  
  5.000%, due 9/25/18, Series 2011-AA,
       
     
  Class C (c)
    49,524  
     
FFCA Secured Lending Corp.
       
  715,158  
  7.850%, due 5/18/26, Series 1999-2,
       
     
  Class WA1C (c)(d)
    747,340  
     
Invitation Homes Trust
       
  90,000  
  1.683%, due 6/17/31, Series 2014-SFR1,
       
     
  Class B (a)(c)
    90,077  
  1,000,000  
  1.783%, due 9/18/31, Series 2014-SFR2,
       
     
  Class B (a)(c)
    1,004,134  
     
KeyCorp Student Loan Trust
       
  427,485  
  0.807%, due 1/25/37, Series 2003-A, Class 2B (a)
    370,956  
     
Montefiore Medical Center
       
  890,000  
  3.896%, due 5/20/27 (c)
    915,309  
     
Silver Bay Realty Trust
       
  500,000  
  1.633%, due 9/17/31, Series 2014-1, Class B (a)(c)
    498,565  
     
SLM Student Loan Trust
       
  400,000  
  1.493%, due 9/15/32, Series 2003-C, Class A3 (a)
    396,308  
  200,000  
  3.177%, due 9/15/32, Series 2003-C, Class A4 (a)
    198,154  
     
Small Business Administration
       
     
  Participation Certificates
       
  119,215  
  4.727%, due 2/10/19, Series 2009-P10A, Class 1
    127,085  
  163,619  
  3.080%, due 9/1/19, Series 2009-10E, Class 1
    168,372  
  146,315  
  4.233%, due 9/10/19, Series 2009-10B, Class 1
    153,809  
  351  
  0.980%, due 9/1/22, Series 2012-10E, Class 1
    348  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
23

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Structured Asset Securities Corp.
     
$ 278,249  
  3.357%, due 1/25/31, Series 2003-AL2,
     
     
  Class A (c)
  $ 271,580  
     
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $7,118,806)
    7,090,489  
               
     
COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS – 1.9%
       
     
Latitude Management Real Estate Capital, Inc.
       
  320,000  
  1.932%, due 2/24/32, Series 2015-CRE1 (a)(c)
    320,600  
     
Trapeza LLC
       
  315,425  
  0.687%, due 1/25/35, Series 2004-7A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(c)(d)
    262,198  
  331,028  
  0.561%, due 4/6/42, Series 2007-12A,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)(c)(d)
    260,684  
     
Total Collateralized Debt
       
     
  Obligations (cost $843,581)
    843,482  
               
     
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – AGENCY – 15.9%
       
     
FNMA
       
  8,731,681  
  0.337%, due 1/25/22, Series 2012-M3, Class X1
    154,734  
     
GNMA REMIC Trust
       
  137,204  
  2.237%, due 3/16/33, Series 2011-110, Class A
    137,935  
  187,448  
  1.738%, due 1/16/34, Series 2011-161, Class A
    187,387  
  650,889  
  1.350%, due 6/16/37, Series 2013-57, Class A
    642,440  
  18,204  
  6.000%, due 12/20/39, Series 2010-14, Class QP
    19,297  
  665,016  
  2.500%, due 8/16/41, Series 2014-52, Class CA
    679,200  
  572,487  
  2.400%, due 11/16/41, Series 2014-40, Class AC
    588,280  
  493,318  
  1.723%, due 8/16/42, Series 2013-46, Class AB
    482,461  
  771,449  
  1.300%, due 2/16/46, Series 2013-68, Class AC
    748,537  
  497,109  
  1.884%, due 3/16/46, Series 2013-46, Class AC
    486,841  
  1,115,852  
  1.042%, due 7/16/46, Series 2012-123, Class A
    1,070,061  
  489,283  
  2.426%, due 3/16/48, Series 2013-78, Class AF
    486,000  
  2,768,960  
  0.874%, due 1/16/49, Series 2009-4, Class IO
    112,473  
  1,159,034  
  1.838%, due 8/16/51, Series 2013-15, Class AC
    1,106,008  
     
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Agency (cost $6,965,561)
    6,901,654  

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

 
24

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
     
   
  SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 14.1%
     
   
Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust
     
$ 840,000  
  5.749%, due 6/10/49, Series 2007-3, Class AJ (a)
  $ 878,217  
     
Banc of America Large Loan
       
  18,540  
  5.108%, due 12/20/41, Series 2010-UB4,
       
     
  Class A4B (a)(c)(d)
    18,540  
     
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
       
  135,000  
  4.750%, due 6/11/41, Series 2005-PWR8, Class AJ
    135,216  
     
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  140,000  
  6.013%, due 10/15/41, Series 2004-C2,
       
     
  Class H (a)(c)
    136,914  
     
Comm Mortgage Trust
       
  167,484  
  6.850%, due 8/15/33, Series 2000-C1,
       
     
  Class G (a)(c)
    185,338  
     
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.
       
  430,000  
  5.777%, due 11/15/37, Series 2004-C5,
       
     
  Class H (a)(c)(h)
    324,884  
     
Invitation Homes Trust
       
  292,693  
  1.400%, due 12/17/30, Series 2013-SFR1,
       
     
  Class A (a)(c)
    293,718  
     
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
       
  945,000  
  5.337%, due 5/15/47, Series 2006-LDP9,
       
     
  Class AMS
    946,225  
     
Lehman Brothers Small Balance Commercial
       
  217,491  
  1.135%, due 2/25/30, Series 2005-1A,
       
     
  Class B (a)(c)
    175,122  
     
ML-CFC Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  500,000  
  6.066%, due 6/12/46, Series 2006-2, Class B (a)(c)
    494,360  
     
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust
       
  1,050,000  
  5.070%, due 12/13/41, Series 2005-T17,
       
     
  Class E (a)(c)
    183,823  
  22,923  
  0.439%, due 4/12/49, Series 2007-HQ12,
       
     
  Class A2FL (a)
    22,922  
  197,609  
  4.770%, due 7/15/56, Series 2005-IQ9,
       
     
  Class AJ
    197,452  
     
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust
       
  24,055  
  4.250%, due 12/19/40, Series 2011-KEY,
       
     
  Class A1 (c)
    24,051  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
25

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Morgan Stanley Re-REMIC Trust (Continued)
     
$ 106,509  
  2.000%, due 7/28/49, Series 2012-XA,
     
     
  Class A (c)(d)
  $ 106,455  
     
Velocity Commercial Capital Loan Trust
       
  470,490  
  1.185%, due 9/25/44, Series 2014-1, Class A (a)(c)
    467,291  
     
Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust
       
  1,500,000  
  5.306%, due 1/15/41, Series 2004-C11, Class B (a)
    1,522,356  
     
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Non-Agency (cost $6,517,094)
    6,112,884  
               
     
MUNICIPAL BONDS – 7.3%
       
               
     
Georgia – 0.6%
       
     
Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Revenue Bonds
       
  225,000  
  4.250%, due 12/1/24 (Callable 6/1/19)
    236,293  
               
     
Indiana – 0.3%
       
     
Indiana Housing & Community Development
       
     
  Authority Revenue Bonds
       
  115,000  
  4.550%, due 7/1/27 (Callable 7/1/16)
    117,009  
               
     
New Hampshire – 1.0%
       
     
New Hampshire Housing Finance
       
     
  Authority Revenue Bonds
       
  420,000  
  3.750%, due 7/1/34 (Callable 7/1/23)
    449,022  
               
     
New Jersey – 1.8%
       
     
New Jersey Higher Education Assistance
       
     
  Authority Revenue Bonds
       
  300,000  
  4.000%, due 12/1/23 (Callable 12/1/22)
    313,032  
     
New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency
       
  240,000  
  1.960%, due 11/1/18
    241,145  
  240,000  
  2.164%, due 11/1/19
    238,817  
            792,994  
               
     
Oregon – 0.4%
       
     
State of Oregon Housing & Community
       
     
  Services Department Revenue Bonds
       
  145,000  
  5.000%, due 1/1/42 (Callable 7/1/22)
    154,593  

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

 
26

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
           
   
South Carolina – 0.7%
     
   
South Carolina State Housing Finance &
     
   
  Development Authority Revenue Bonds
     
$ 290,000  
  5.150%, due 7/1/37 (Callable 7/1/15)
     
     
  (AMBAC Insured)
  $ 290,887  
               
     
Tennessee – 1.6%
       
     
Memphis Center City Revenue Finance
       
     
  Corp. Revenue Bonds
       
  445,000  
  4.180%, due 11/1/21 (AGM Insured)
    491,939  
     
Tennessee Housing Development Agency Revenue Bonds
       
  215,000  
  2.950%, due 1/1/17
    219,807  
            711,746  
               
     
Texas – 0.7%
       
     
Bexar County Housing Finance Corp. Revenue Bonds
       
  286,901  
  5.375%, due 10/1/39 (Callable 10/1/16)
    299,786  
               
     
Wisconsin – 0.2%
       
     
Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development
       
     
  Authority Revenue Bonds
       
  95,000  
  3.450%, due 4/1/20
    99,740  
     
Total Municipal Bonds (cost $3,103,702)
    3,152,070  
               
     
PRINCIPAL ONLY BOND – 0.7%
       
     
South Carolina Student Loan Corp.
       
  324,582  
  0.668%, due 1/25/41
    323,049  
     
Total Principal Only Bond (cost $323,734)
    323,049  
               
     
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – AGENCY – 8.7%
       
     
FHLMC
       
  23,154  
  8.850%, due 3/15/21, Series 129, Class H
    25,771  
  84,256  
  3.250%, due 4/15/25, Series 3845, Class NA
    86,127  
  24,048  
  3.500%, due 1/15/26, Series 3823, Class GA
    25,297  
  36,598  
  3.500%, due 3/15/26, Series 3834, Class GA
    38,685  
  311,293  
  2.000%, due 3/15/42, Series 4024, Class KP
    316,925  
  271,888  
  2.000%, due 11/15/42, Series 4135, Class BQ
    272,759  
  369,006  
  1.336%, due 10/25/44, Series T-62, Class 1A1 (a)
    376,815  
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
27

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
FNMA
     
$ 125,033  
  3.000%, due 10/25/38, Series 2010-137, Class MC
  $ 126,734  
  83,889  
  2.500%, due 10/25/39, Series 2010-118, Class DJ
    85,626  
  29,196  
  2.000%, due 10/25/40, Series 2012-113, Class PB
    29,509  
  342,756  
  3.000%, due 1/25/42, Series 2012-80, Class HD
    348,028  
  388,859  
  1.000%, due 3/25/43, Series 2013-14, Class PB
    386,157  
     
FNMA Grantor Trust
       
  573,409  
  0.741%, due 5/28/35, Series 2004-T5,
       
     
  Class AB7 (a)
    498,149  
     
GNMA
       
  34,975  
  5.367%, due 6/20/37, Series 2008-55, Class WT (a)
    38,046  
  587,989  
  1.250%, due 12/16/27, Series 2012-143, Class XC
    573,750  
  28,892  
  4.000%, due 10/20/38, Series 2009-75, Class LC
    29,904  
  257,366  
  3.500%, due 9/16/39, Series 2010-144, Class DK
    265,519  
  109,363  
  2.500%, due 9/20/39, Series 2010-150, Class GD
    110,611  
  163,984  
  0.578%, due 3/20/63, Series 2013-H10,
       
     
  Class FA (a)
    163,680  
     
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Agency (cost $3,785,585)
    3,798,092  
               
     
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
       
     
  SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 24.7%
       
     
Aames Mortgage Trust
       
  14,384  
  4.500%, due 3/25/33, Series 2002-2, Class A2 (i)
    14,345  
     
Accredited Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  318,435  
  1.185%, due 1/25/33, Series 2002-2, Class A3 (a)
    271,392  
  112,344  
  0.925%, due 10/25/33, Series 2003-2,
       
     
  Class A3 (a)
    99,720  
     
Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc.
       
  276,156  
  5.210%, due 11/25/33, Series
       
     
  2003-10, Class AF6 (i)
    285,593  
     
Amortizing Residential Collateral Trust
       
  12,688  
  0.765%, due 7/25/32, Series 2002-BC4, Class A (a)
    11,816  
  26,729  
  0.825%, due 8/25/32, Series 2002-BC6,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)
    25,842  
     
AMRESCO Residential Securities Corp.
       
     
  Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  343,501  
  7.300%, due 2/25/28, Series 1998-2, Class A5 (i)
    345,040  
  150,057  
  0.665%, due 7/25/28, Series 1998-3, Class A7 (a)
    134,539  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
28

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Argent Securities, Inc.
     
$ 49,557  
  2.810%, due 3/25/34, Series 2003-W7,
     
     
  Class M2 (a)
  $ 48,741  
  214,650  
  0.825%, due 6/24/34, Series 2004-W9,
       
     
  Class A2 (a)
    201,039  
     
Asset Backed Funding Certificates
       
  13,791  
  0.535%, due 7/25/35, Series 2005-OPT1,
       
     
  Class A1MZ
    13,680  
     
Banc of America Funding Corp.
       
  31,071  
  1.998%, due 1/26/37, Series 2009-R6,
       
     
  Class 3A1 (a)(c)
    31,104  
     
Banc of America Mortgage Securities, Inc.
       
  116,835  
  4.750%, due 6/25/19, Series 2004-5, Class 4A1
    118,298  
  51,001  
  2.484%, due 12/25/34, Series 2004-K,
       
     
  Class 4A1 (a)
    49,966  
     
BCMSC Trust
       
  89,864  
  7.180%, due 12/15/29, Series 1999-B, Class A3 (a)
    49,299  
     
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities Trust
       
  6,751  
  0.845%, due 10/25/32, Series 2002-2, Class A1 (a)
    6,460  
  9,450  
  5.500%, due 10/25/33,
       
     
  Series 2003-AC5, Class A2 (i)
    9,797  
  982,376  
  0.633%, due 9/25/34, Series 2005-CL1,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)
    947,834  
     
Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities, Inc.
       
  106,182  
  6.359%, due 3/25/31, Series 1997-6, Class 1A (a)
    108,817  
     
CDC Mortgage Capital Trust
       
  187,244  
  0.805%, due 1/25/33, Series 2002-HE1,
       
     
  Class A (a)
    173,317  
  172,390  
  0.805%, due 3/25/34, Series 2003-HE4,
       
     
  Class A1 (a)
    139,647  
     
Centex Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  43,835  
  4.250%, due 12/25/31, Series
       
     
  2003-A, Class AF4 (i)
    43,989  
  5,194  
  4.660%, due 12/25/32, Series 2002-D,
       
     
  Class AF6 (a)
    5,270  
     
Chase Funding Mortgage Loan
       
     
  Asset-Backed Certificates
       
  326,017  
  0.685%, due 2/25/35, Series 2004-2, Class 2A2 (a)
    287,600  

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

 
29

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc.
     
$ 2,298  
  0.595%, due 12/25/33, Series 2003-HE4,
     
     
  Class A (a)(c)
  $ 2,303  
     
ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  279,267  
  7.420%, due 3/15/28, Series 1997-1, Class M1 (a)
    278,422  
     
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust
       
  82,942  
  5.500%, due 4/25/34, Series 2004-J3, Class 1A1
    85,990  
  18,361  
  5.500%, due 11/25/35, Series 2005-54CB,
       
     
  Class 1A7
    18,369  
  59,911  
  5.500%, due 12/25/35, Series 2005-64CB,
       
     
  Class 1A7
    61,030  
     
Countrywide Home Loans
       
  15,021  
  4.500%, due 1/25/19, Series 2004-J1, Class 1A1
    15,267  
     
Countywide Asset-Backed Certificates
       
  14,870  
  1.790%, due 1/25/34, Series 2004-BC1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)
    13,957  
     
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities
       
  254,647  
  4.500%, due 9/25/19, Series 2004-6, Class 5A1
    254,710  
     
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization
       
  23,862  
  3.950%, due 2/25/33, Series
       
     
  2003-CB1, Class AF (i)
    24,140  
     
Delta Funding Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  35,930  
  0.605%, due 6/25/27, Series 1997-2, Class A7 (a)
    33,974  
     
Encore Credit Receivables Trust
       
  630,000  
  0.675%, due 10/25/35, Series 2005-3,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)
    617,917  
     
Equity One Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
       
  353,703  
  0.685%, due 7/25/34, Series 2004-2, Class AV2 (a)
    300,509  
     
GMACM Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  242,216  
  0.625%, due 12/25/26, Series 2001-HE2,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    220,785  
  159,393  
  4.590%, due 4/25/33, Series 2003-HE2, Class A5 (i)
    160,422  
     
GSAA Trust
       
  27,794  
  6.220%, due 4/25/34, Series 2004-3, Class M1 (i)
    26,493  
     
GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  62,910  
  7.500%, due 1/25/35, Series 2005-RP1,
       
     
  Class 1A2 (c)
    65,572  
     
HSI Asset Securitization Corp. Trust
       
  25,000  
  0.475%, due 1/25/36, Series 2006-OPT2,
       
     
  Class 2A4 (a)
    23,951  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
30

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Impac CMB Trust
     
$ 410,572  
  5.216%, due 12/25/32, Series
     
     
  2002-9F, Class A1 (i)
  $ 413,596  
  66,269  
  5.867%, due 12/25/32, Series
       
     
  2002-9F, Class M1 (i)
    67,057  
     
Irwin Home Equity Loan Trust
       
  337,402  
  5.420%, due 6/25/35, Series 2005-1, Class M1 (i)
    341,364  
     
MASTR Asset Securitization Trust
       
  62,474  
  5.500%, due 7/25/33, Series 2003-6, Class 8A1
    63,993  
  363,972  
  5.500%, due 11/25/33, Series 2003-10, Class 3A1
    374,215  
     
Mastr Specialized Loan Trust
       
  8,464  
  5.150%, due 7/25/35, Series 2005-02,
       
     
  Class A2 (c)
    8,495  
     
Mellon Residential Funding Corp.
       
     
  Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
       
  120,980  
  2.609%, due 10/20/29, Series 1999-TBC3,
       
     
  Class A2 (a)
    122,011  
     
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Synthetic
       
  1,000,000  
  0.951%, due 6/28/35, Series 2005-ACR1,
       
     
  Class M2 (a)(c)
    919,347  
     
RASC Trust
       
  213,290  
  0.305%, due 1/25/34, Series 2007-KS2,
       
     
  Class AI2 (a)
    211,138  
  100,000  
  0.665%, due 8/25/35, Series 2005-KS8,
       
     
  Class M3 (a)
    94,717  
     
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc.
       
  150,502  
  1.085%, due 8/25/34, Series 2004-RS8,
       
     
  Class MII1 (a)
    144,884  
     
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Inc.
       
  75,768  
  3.507%, due 11/25/36, Series 2006-SA4,
       
     
  Class 2A1 (a)
    67,435  
     
Saxon Asset Securities Trust
       
  19,567  
  1.310%, due 12/25/32, Series 2002-3,
       
     
  Class M1 (a)
    18,398  
     
Specialty Unwriting & Residential Finance Trust
       
  167,733  
  0.885%, due 8/25/34, Series 2003-BC3,
       
     
  Class A (a)
    156,506  
     
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  98,605  
  0.830%, due 3/25/35, Series 2005-6XS,
       
     
  Class A4 (a)
    98,222  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
31

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Loan Trust
     
$ 315,830  
  5.000%, due 3/25/35, Series 2005-4XS,
     
     
  Class 1A3 (i)
  $ 318,397  
     
Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage
       
     
  Pass-Through Certificates
       
  46,447  
  3.450%, due 2/25/32, Series 2002-AL1, Class A2
    46,341  
  118,016  
  1.160%, due 12/25/33, Series 2003-S2,
       
     
  Class M1A (a)
    112,645  
  354,047  
  5.370%, due 12/25/33, Series 2003-S2,
       
     
  Class M1F (i)
    355,096  
     
SunTrust Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
       
  84,892  
  6.013%, due 2/25/37, Series 2007-1,
       
     
  Class 3A1 (a)
    83,424  
     
Terwin Mortgage Trust
       
  651,177  
  0.495%, due 7/25/36, Series 2005-12AL,
       
     
  Class AV2 (a)
    635,053  
     
UCFC Home Equity Loan
       
  12,791  
  6.905%, due 4/15/30, Series 1998-D, Class MF1
    13,134  
     
WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
       
  77,453  
  1.937%, due 2/27/34, Series 2002-AR2,
       
     
  Class A (a)
    75,807  
     
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust
       
  389,735  
  2.616%, due 1/25/35, Series 2004-DD,
       
     
  Class 1A1 (a)
    388,112  
     
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
       
     
  Non-Agency (cost $10,546,343)
    10,756,343  
               
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 11.3%
       
               
     
Private Placement Participation Agreements – 4.7%
       
  127,613  
Abington Emerson Reo III, 9.000%, 12/31/16 (d)(e)
    127,613  
  753,516  
Basepoint – BP GFM Trust I, 8.000%,
       
     
  due 5/5/17 (d)(f)
    753,516  
     
Basepoint – BP Trust Series GFM-III Sr.
       
  178,585  
  8.000%, due 5/5/17 (d)(g)
    178,585  
     
Basepoint – BP Trust Series GFM-III Jr.
       
  250,000  
  10.000%, due 5/5/17 (d)(g)
    250,000  
     
Total Private Placement Participation
       
     
  Agreements (cost $1,309,714)
    1,309,714  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
32

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Money Market Fund – 6.6%
     
  2,884,691  
First American Government Obligations Fund –
     
     
  Class Z, 0.01% (b)
  $ 2,884,691  
     
Total Money Market Fund (cost $2,884,691)
    2,884,691  
     
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $4,194,405)
    4,194,405  
     
Total Investments (cost $43,398,811) – 99.2%
    43,172,468  
     
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities – 0.8%
    341,166  
     
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%
  $ 43,513,634  

(a)
Variable rate security.  Rate shown reflects the rate in effect at May 31, 2015.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.
(c)
Security purchased within the terms of a private placement memorandum, exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in the program or other “qualified institutional buyers.”  The Fund’s adviser has determined that such a security is liquid in accordance with the liquidity guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust.  As of May 31, 2015, the value of these investments was $9,956,256 or 22.9% of total net assets.
(d)
Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust.
(e)
Agreement is illiquid as of May 31, 2015.  The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of Abington Emerson Reo III.
(f)
Agreement is illiquid as of May 31, 2015.  The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of Basepoint – BP GFM Trust.
(g)
Agreement is illiquid as of May 31, 2015.  The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of BP Trust Series SLP-III.
(h)
Security is considered illiquid. As of May 31, 2015, the value of this investment was $324,884 or 0.75% of total net assets.
(i)
Step-up bond; the interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2015.
AGM – Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
AMBAC – Ambac Assurance Corporation
FHLMC – Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FNMA – Federal National Mortgage Association
GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association
REMIC – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

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

 
33

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY – 22.6%
     
   
FNMA TBA
     
$ 9,600,000  
  2.500%, due 6/15/28
  $ 9,814,062  
     
Total U.S. Government Agency
       
     
  (cost $9,780,750)
  $ 9,814,062  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
34

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
35

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
ASSETS
           
Investments in securities, at value
           
  (identified cost $222,992,452 and
           
  $43,398,811, respectively)
  $ 223,037,573     $ 43,172,468  
Cash
    1,933,072       354  
Receivables
               
Fund shares issued
    1,757,045        
Securities sold
    2,428,445       10,666,096  
Interest
    539,777       149,210  
Prepaid and other expenses
    84,972       11,495  
Total assets
    229,780,884       53,999,623  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Securities sold short (proceeds $9,780,750)
          9,814,062  
Payables
               
Dividends
    385,540       197  
Investments purchased
    7,827,299       581,784  
Fund shares redeemed
    989,449       17,188  
Interest on securities sold short
          10,157  
Due to Adviser
    74,853       201  
12b-1 fees
    17,695       2,209  
Custody fees
    4,645       3,804  
Administration and fund accounting fees
    35,159       25,494  
Transfer agent fees and expenses
    23,315       12,867  
Audit fees
    10,027       12,889  
Shareholder reporting
          1,101  
Chief Compliance Officer fee
    2,452       2,239  
Legal fees
    351       1,321  
Accrued expenses
    790       476  
Total liabilities
    9,371,575       10,485,989  
NET ASSETS
  $ 220,409,309     $ 43,513,634  

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

 
36

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
           
  VALUE PER SHARE
           
Investor Class
           
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 36,257,842     $ 502,812  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
               
  number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    3,296,747       49,847  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 11.00     $ 10.09  
                 
Institutional Class
               
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 184,151,467     $ 43,010,822  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
               
  number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    16,734,807       4,258,441  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 11.00     $ 10.10  
                 
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
               
Paid-in capital
  $ 219,922,378     $ 44,162,912  
Accumulated net investment loss
    (401,617 )     (26,765 )
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) from
               
  investments and securities sold short
    843,430       (362,858 )
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
    45,118       (226,343 )
  Securities sold short
          (33,312 )
Net assets
  $ 220,409,309     $ 43,513,634  

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

 
37

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
38

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Income
           
Interest
  $ 4,875,367     $ 1,002,669  
Total income
    4,875,367       1,002,669  
                 
Expenses
               
Advisory fees (Note 4)
    379,525       86,574  
Administration and fund
               
  accounting fees (Note 4)
    117,434       65,375  
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
    70,576       25,062  
12b-1 fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
    35,696       841  
Registration fees
    32,305       3,573  
Custody fees (Note 4)
    16,555       7,113  
Audit fees
    10,026       8,689  
Legal fees
    6,221       3,778  
Trustees fees
    4,798       4,336  
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 4)
    4,452       4,484  
Miscellaneous
    3,970       2,544  
Printing and mailing expense
    3,560       1,536  
Insurance expense
    1,114       2,758  
Interest expense (Note 7)
    112       149  
Total expenses before interest
               
  on short positions
    686,344       216,812  
Interest expense on securities sold short
          99,360  
Less: Advisory fees waived
               
  by Adviser (Note 4)
    (18,106 )     (67,525 )
Net expenses
    668,238       248,647  
Net investment income
    4,207,129       754,022  
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON
               
  INVESTMENTS AND SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
               
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
               
Investments
    843,555       (72,597 )
Securities sold short
          (289,499 )
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
Investments
    (860,443 )     (162,873 )
Securities sold short
          243,844  
Net realized and unrealized loss on
               
  investments and securities sold short
    (16,888 )     (281,125 )
Net Increase in Net Assets
               
  Resulting from Operations
  $ 4,190,241     $ 472,897  

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

 
39

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE)
           
  IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 4,207,129     $ 3,840,605  
Net realized gain from investments
    843,555       1,266,462  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
               
  (depreciation) on investments
    (860,443 )     430,966  
Net increase in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    4,190,241       5,538,033  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
Investor Class
    (754,078 )     (384,349 )
Institutional Class
    (3,917,543 )     (3,698,272 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
Investor Class
    (167,373 )     (5,327 )
Institutional Class
    (799,951 )     (76,880 )
Total distributions to shareholders
    (5,638,945 )     (4,164,828 )
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase in net assets derived from
               
  net change in outstanding shares (a)
    69,129,729       117,810,772  
Total increase in net assets
    67,681,025       119,183,977  
                 
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    152,728,284       33,544,307  
End of period
  $ 220,409,309     $ 152,728,284  
Accumulated net investment income/(loss)
  $ (401,617 )   $ 62,875  

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

 
40

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a)
A summary of share transactions is as follows:

Investor Class
 
   
Six Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    1,875,083     $ 20,706,045       2,458,968     $ 27,281,113  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
    80,472       886,282       33,694       371,483  
Shares redeemed
    (1,015,774 )     (11,196,406 )     (411,841 )     (4,531,804 )
Net increase
    939,781     $ 10,395,921       2,080,821     $ 23,120,792  

Institutional Class
 
   
Six Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    10,646,478     $ 117,751,405       12,177,176     $ 134,517,784  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
    245,162       2,701,582       263,482       2,893,967  
Shares redeemed
    (5,573,379 )     (61,719,179 )     (3,867,797 )     (42,721,771 )
Net increase
    5,318,261     $ 58,733,808       8,572,861     $ 94,689,980  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
41

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE)
           
  IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 754,022     $ 1,431,358  
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments
               
  and securities sold short
    (362,096 )     220,110  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
               
  (depreciation) from investments
               
  and securities sold short
    80,971       (316,878 )
Net increase in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    472,897       1,334,590  
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
Investor Class
    (12,190 )     (18,410 )
Institutional Class
    (890,702 )     (1,374,651 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
Investor Class
    (905 )     (2,429 )
Institutional Class
    (50,852 )     (102,393 )
Total distributions to shareholders
    (954,649 )     (1,497,883 )
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets derived
               
  from net change in outstanding shares (a)
    (18,143,598 )     9,747,595  
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
    (18,625,350 )     9,584,302  
                 
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    62,138,984       52,554,682  
End of period
  $ 43,513,634     $ 62,138,984  
Accumulated net investment income/(loss)
  $ (26,765 )   $ 122,105  

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

 
42

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a)
A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
Investor Class

   
Six Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
    November 30, 2014  
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    639     $ 6,458       14,905     $ 152,484  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
    1,282       12,996       2,037       20,812  
Shares redeemed
    (41,076 )     (415,357 )     (42,636 )     (434,641 )
Net decrease
    (39,155 )   $ (395,903 )     (25,694 )   $ (261,345 )
 
Institutional Class
 
   
Six Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
    November 30, 2014  
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    542,761     $ 5,492,619       1,649,991     $ 16,821,584  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
    92,170       934,779       144,375       1,477,044  
Shares redeemed
    (2,380,046 )     (24,175,093 )     (809,909 )     (8,289,688 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    (1,745,115 )   $ (17,747,695 )     984,457     $ 10,008,940  

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

 
43

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Investor Class
 
   
Six Months
             
   
Ended
         
July 22, 2013*
 
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
through
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 11.08     $ 10.75     $ 10.00  
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income
 
0.26
^  
0.55
^     0.08  
Net realized and unrealized gain
                       
  on investments
    0.01       0.38       0.75  
Total from investment operations
    0.27       0.93       0.83  
                         
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.28 )     (0.57 )     (0.08 )
From net realized gain
                       
  on investments
    (0.07 )     (0.03 )      
Total distributions
    (0.35 )     (0.60 )     (0.08 )
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 11.00     $ 11.08     $ 10.75  
                         
Total return
    2.52 %+     8.84 %     8.31 %+
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 36,258     $ 26,121     $ 2,969  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.03 %++     1.12 %     3.80 %++
After fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.00 %++     1.00 %     1.00 %++
Ratio of net investment income
                       
  to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    4.75 %++     4.83 %     1.45 %++
After fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    4.78 %++     4.95 %     4.25 %++
Portfolio turnover rate
    66 %+     142 %     114 %+
                         
*
Commencement of operations.
^
Based on average shares outstanding.
Not annualized.
++
Annualized.

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

 
44

 

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Institutional Class
 
   
Six Months
             
   
Ended
         
July 22, 2013*
 
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
through
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 11.09     $ 10.75     $ 10.00  
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income
 
0.28
^  
0.58
^     0.08  
Net realized and unrealized gain
                       
  on investments
    0.00#       0.38       0.75  
Total from investment operations
    0.28       0.96       0.83  
                         
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.30 )     (0.59 )     (0.08 )
From net realized gain
                       
  on investments
    (0.07 )     (0.03 )      
Total distributions
    (0.37 )     (0.62 )     (0.08 )
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 11.00     $ 11.09     $ 10.75  
                         
Total return
    2.55 %+     9.18 %     8.35 %+
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 184,151     $ 126,607     $ 30,576  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.77 %++     0.89 %     3.65 %++
After fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.75 %++     0.75 %     0.75 %++
Ratio of net investment income
                       
  to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    5.01 %++     5.10 %     1.54 %++
After fee waiver and
                       
  expense reimbursement
    5.03 %++     5.24 %     4.44 %++
Portfolio turnover rate
    66 %+     142 %     114 %+
                         
*
Commencement of operations.
^
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
Not annualized.
++
Annualized.
Less than $0.01.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
45

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Investor Class
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 23,
 
   
Ended
                        2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
through
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
    November 30,  
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
      2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 10.19     $ 10.23     $ 10.39     $ 10.25     $ 10.00  
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
 
0.14
^  
0.13
^     0.13       0.11       0.14  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.07 )     0.06       (0.11 )     0.27       0.25  
Total from investment operations
    0.07       0.19       0.02       0.38       0.39  
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.16 )     (0.21 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.14 )
From net realized gain
                                       
  on investments
    (0.01 )     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.11 )      
Total distributions
    (0.17 )     (0.23 )     (0.18 )     (0.24 )     (0.14 )
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.09     $ 10.19     $ 10.23     $ 10.39     $ 10.25  
                                         
Total return
    0.74 %+     1.86 %     0.18 %     3.84 %     3.89 %+
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period
                                       
  (thousands)
  $ 503     $ 907     $ 1,173     $ 856     $ 207  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.52 %++     1.84 %     2.91 %     3.40 %     8.07 %++
After fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement#
    1.25 %++     1.13 %     0.92 %     0.85 %     0.85 %++
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    2.59 %++     0.58 %     (0.69 )%     (1.47 )%     (5.70 )%++
After fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    2.86 %++     1.29 %     1.30 %     1.08 %     1.52 %++
Portfolio turnover rate
    19 %+     92 %     108 %     78 %     87 %+

*
Commencement of operations.
^
Based on average shares outstanding.
Not annualized.
++
Annualized.
Excluding interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.85%, 0.85% and 0.85% for the six months ended May 31, 2015 and the years ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
 
46

 

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Institutional Class
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 23,
 
   
Ended
                        2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
through
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
    November 30,  
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
      2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 10.20     $ 10.24     $ 10.40     $ 10.26     $ 10.00  
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
 
0.15
^  
0.24
^     0.16       0.14       0.16  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.06 )     (0.03 )     (0.12 )     0.27       0.26  
Total from investment operations
    0.09       0.21       0.04       0.41       0.42  
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.18 )     (0.23 )     (0.17 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )
From net realized gain
                                       
  on investments
    (0.01 )     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.11 )      
Total distributions
    (0.19 )     (0.25 )     (0.20 )     (0.27 )     (0.16 )
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.10     $ 10.20     $ 10.24     $ 10.40     $ 10.26  
                                         
Total return
    0.87 %+     2.11 %     0.42 %     4.10 %     4.22 %+
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period
                                       
  (thousands)
  $ 43,011     $ 61,232     $ 51,382     $ 23,050     $ 6,478  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.27 %++     1.06 %     1.15 %     2.51 %     4.27 %++
After fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement#
    1.00 %++     0.90 %     0.68 %     0.60 %     0.60 %++
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    2.78 %++     2.14 %     1.09 %     (0.58 )%     (1.97 )%++
After fee waiver and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    3.05 %++     2.30 %     1.56 %     1.33 %     1.70 %++
Portfolio turnover rate
    19 %+     92 %     108 %     78 %     87 %+

*
Commencement of operations.
Based on average shares outstanding.
Not annualized.
++
Annualized.
Excluding interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.60%, 0.60% and 0.60% for the six months ended May 31, 2015 and the years ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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

 
47

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The Semper MBS Total Return Fund and the Semper Short Duration 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, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company.  Prior to March 31, 2014, the Semper Short Duration Fund was a series of Forum Funds. The Funds follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies”.
 
The investment objective of the Semper MBS Total Return Fund (“MBS Total Return Fund”) is to seek a high level of risk-adjusted current income and capital appreciation.  The investment objective of the Semper Short Duration Fund (“Short Duration Fund”) is to seek a high level of current income that is consistent with preservation of capital.  The Funds currently offer Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares.  The MBS Total Return Fund’s Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares commenced operations on July 22, 2013.  The Short Duration Fund’s Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares commenced operations on December 23, 2010.
 
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:  All investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value, as described in note 3.
 
 
B.
Federal Income Taxes:  It is the Funds’ policy to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M 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 or excise tax provision is required.
 
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities.  Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years 2013-2014 for the MBS Total Return Fund and 2012-2014 for the Short Duration Fund or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2015 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the state of Wisconsin; however the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

 
48

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

 
C.
Security Transactions, Income and Distributions:  Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are calculated on the basis of specific cost.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.  Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective security.  Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
 
Investment income, expenses (other than those specific to the class of shares), and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are allocated to the separate classes of each Fund based upon their relative net assets on the date income is earned or expensed and realized and unrealized gains and losses are incurred.
 
Each Fund is charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to the Fund, such as investment advisory, custody and transfer agent fees.  Expenses that are not attributable to a Fund are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets.
 
The MBS Total Return Fund distributes substantially all net investment income, if any, monthly.  The Short Duration Fund declares dividends from net investment income daily and distributes the dividends to shareholders monthly.  The Funds distribute net realized gains, if any, annually. Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include short-term capital gains.  All short-term capital gains are included in ordinary income for tax purposes.
 
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.  To the extent these book/tax differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax treatment.
 
 
D.
Restricted Securities:  The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (“restricted securities”).  Restricted securities may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Federal securities laws or if the securities are registered to the public.  The sale or other disposition of these securities may involve additional expenses and the prompt sale of these securities at an acceptable price may be difficult.  Restricted securities, such as those issued pursuant to Rule 144a under the Securities Act of 1933, may be deemed to be liquid as determined by Semper Capital Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”).  All of the restricted securities held by the Funds at May 31, 2015 consist of securities issued under Rule 144a and have all been deemed to be liquid by the Adviser except for one bond held in both Funds.  The Adviser has determined that the Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. bond, due 11/15/37 is illiquid.

 
49

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

 
E.
Illiquid Securities:  A security may be considered illiquid if it lacks a readily available market.  Securities are generally considered liquid if they can be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which the security is valued by a Fund.  Illiquid securities may be valued under methods approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees as reflecting fair value.  Each Fund intends to invest no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.  At May 31, 2015, the MBS Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund had investments in illiquid securities with a total value of $264,441 or 0.12% of net assets and $1,634,598 or 3.76% of net assets, respectively.
 
     
Dates
Cost
 
MBS Total Return Fund
PAR
Acquired
Basis
 
Credit Suisse First Boston
     
 
  Mortgage Securities Corp.,
     
 
  due 11/15/37
$350,000
5/14
$279,869
         
     
Dates
Cost
 
Short Duration Fund
PAR
Acquired
Basis
 
Abington Emerson Reo III
$127,613
6/14 – 4/15
$127,613
 
Basepoint – BP GFM Trust I
  753,516
5/14 – 8/14
  753,516
 
Basepoint – BP Trust Series
     
 
  GFM-III Sr. – 8.00%
  178,585
10/14
  178,585
 
Basepoint – BP Trust Series
     
 
  GFM-III Jr. – 10.00%
  250,000
10/14
  250,000
 
Credit Suisse First Boston
      
 
  Mortgage Securities Corp.,
     
 
  due 11/15/37
  430,000
5/14
  343,836
 
 
F.
Repurchase Agreements:  Under a master repurchase agreement with a broker counterparty and custodian, each Fund may enter into transactions whereby the Fund purchases securities under agreements to resell such securities at an agreed upon price and date (“repurchase agreement”).  The Funds, through the custodian, take possession of securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement, the fair value of which exceeds the amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest.  If the counterparty defaults, and the fair value of the collateral declines, realization of the collateral may be delayed or limited.
 
The Short Duration Fund entered into repurchase agreements on February 25, 2014, and received U.S. Treasury Notes as collateral.  The Fund sold the collateral relating to the February 25, 2014 repurchase agreements.  Interest payments made by the Fund relating to the sold collateral are reflected as interest expense in the statements of operations.  As of May 31, 2015, the Short Duration Fund no longer held repurchase agreements.  The MBS Total

 
50

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Return Fund did not hold repurchase agreements during the six months ended May 31, 2015.
 
New Accounting Pronouncement:  In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-11 “Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures.”  ASU No. 2014-11 makes limited changes to the accounting for repurchase agreements, clarifies when repurchase agreements and securities lending transactions should be accounted for as secured borrowings, and requires additional disclosures regarding these types of transactions.  The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  Management is currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the Funds’ financial statements disclosures.
 
 
G.
Short Sales:  The Funds are authorized to make short sales of securities. In a typical short sale, a Fund sells a security, which it does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To complete the sale, a Fund must borrow the security (generally from the broker through which the short sale is made) in order to make delivery to the buyer. A Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. A Fund is said to have a “short position” in the securities sold until it delivers them to the broker. Until the security is replaced, the proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker, and a Fund is required to pay to the broker a negotiated portion of any interest which accrues during the period of the loan. To meet current margin requirements, a Fund may also be required to deposit with the broker cash or securities in excess of the current market value of the securities sold short as security for its obligation to cover its short position.  A Fund is also required to segregate or earmark liquid assets on its books to cover its obligation to return the security.
 
The adviser will generally sell securities short in conjunction with long positions with similar characteristics for the purposes of managing certain risks (primarily interest rate and/or yield spread risk) or for capturing differences in value between two securities, and not for forecasting the market’s direction.  In many instances, the Funds will utilize forward-settling sales of agency residential mortgage-backed securities where the underlying pools of mortgage loans are To Be Announced (“TBA”) securities for these short selling activities.
 
 
H.
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

 
51

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

and tax reporting.  These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.
 
 
I.
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.
 
 
J.
Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End:  In preparing the financial statements as of May 31, 2015, management considered the impact of subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
 
NOTE 3 – SECURITIES VALUATION
 
The Funds have adopted authoritative fair value accounting standards which establish an authoritative definition of fair value and set out a hierarchy for measuring fair value.  These standards require additional disclosures about the various inputs and valuation techniques used to develop the measurements of fair value, a discussion in changes in valuation techniques and related inputs during the period and expanded disclosure of valuation levels for major security types.  These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
 
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that each Fund has the ability to access.
     
 
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
     
 
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing each Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
 
Following is a description of the valuation techniques applied to the Funds’ major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
Each Fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (4:00 pm EST).

 
52

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Investment Companies:  Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their net asset value per share.  To the extent, these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities:  Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are securities issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal.  These securities are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models.  The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, current market data and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available.  Mortgage- and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
U.S. Government Securities:  U.S. Government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data.  Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.  U.S. Government securities are typically categorized in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
U.S. Government Agency Securities:  U.S. Government agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs.  Agency issued debt securities are generally valued in a manner similar to U.S. Government securities.  Mortgage pass-throughs include to-be-announced (“TBAs”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates.  TBA securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally valued using dealer quotations.  These securities are typically categorized in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Other Debt Securities:  Other debt securities, including corporate and municipal bonds, are valued at their mean prices furnished by an independent pricing service using valuation methods that are designed to represent fair value. These valuation methods can include matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models, market transactions, and dealer-supplied valuations. The pricing service may consider yields or recently executed transactions of investments with comparable quality, type of issue, coupon maturity and rating, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer.  Most debt securities are categorized in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Short-Term Securities:  Short-term debt securities, including those securities having a maturity of 60 days or less, are valued at the evaluated mean between the bid and asked prices.  To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, these securities would be classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The Board of Trustees (“Board”) has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee of the Trust which is comprised of representatives from U.S.

 
53

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ administrator.  The function of the Valuation Committee is to value securities where current and reliable market quotations are not readily available or the closing price does not represent fair value by following procedures approved by the Board.  These procedures consider many factors, including the type of security, size of holding, trading volume and news events.  All actions taken by the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed and ratified by the Board.
 
Depending on the relative significance of the valuation inputs, fair valued securities may be classified in either level 2 or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.  The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ securities as of May 31, 2015:
 
MBS Total Return Fund
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Fixed Income
                       
Asset-Backed Securities
  $     $ 5,177,192     $ 2,182,243     $ 7,359,435  
Collateralized Debt
                               
  Obligations
                2,539,493       2,539,493  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
          386,516             386,516  
Commercial Mortgage-
                               
  Backed Securities – Non-Agency
          35,118,151       2,017,200       37,135,351  
Residential Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
          301,979             301,979  
Residential Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Non-Agency
          140,706,645       1,470,544       142,177,189  
U.S. Government Agencies
          6,519,610             6,519,610  
Total Fixed Income
          188,210,093       8,209,480       196,419,573  
Short-Term Securities
    26,618,000                   26,618,000  
Total Investments
  $ 26,618,000     $ 188,210,093     $ 8,209,480     $ 223,037,573  

 
54

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Short Duration Fund
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Fixed Income
                       
Asset-Backed Securities
  $     $ 6,047,391     $ 1,043,098     $ 7,090,489  
Collateralized Debt Obligation
          320,600       522,882       843,482  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
          6,901,654             6,901,654  
Commercial Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Non-Agency
          5,987,889       124,995       6,112,884  
Municipal Bonds
          3,152,070             3,152,070  
Principal Only Bond
          323,049             323,049  
Residential Mortgage-
                               
  Backed Securities – Agency
          3,798,092             3,798,092  
Residential Mortgage-
                               
  Backed Securities –
                               
  Non-Agency
          10,756,343             10,756,343  
Total Fixed Income
          37,287,088       1,690,975       38,978,063  
Private Placement
                               
  Participation Agreements
                1,309,714       1,309,714  
Money Market Fund
    2,884,691                   2,884,691  
Repurchase Agreements
                       
Total Assets
  $ 2,884,691     $ 37,287,088     $ 3,000,689     $ 43,172,468  
Liabilities:
                               
Securities Sold Short
  $     $ 9,814,062     $     $ 9,814,062  
Total Liabilities
  $     $ 9,814,062     $     $ 9,814,062  
 
Refer to each Fund’s schedule of investments for a detailed break-out of securities by industry classification.  Transfers between levels are recognized at May 31, 2015, the end of the reporting period.  The Funds recognized no transfers to/from level 1 or level 2.

 
55

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

The following is a reconciliation of the MBS Total Return Fund’s level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining value.
 
MBS Total Return Fund
   
Investments in Securities, at Value
 
                         
         
Collateralized
   
Commercial
   
Residential
 
   
Asset-Backed
   
Debt
   
MBS –
   
MBS –
 
   
Securities
   
Obligations
   
Non-Agency
   
Non-Agency
 
Balance as of November 30, 2014
  $ 4,644,624     $     $ 2,062,479     $ 1,027,610  
Accrued discounts/premiums
    5,452       468       1,474       17,092  
Realized gain/(loss)
    23,024             3,443       14,271  
Change in unrealized
                               
  appreciation/(depreciation)
    5,400       (1,468 )     (6,554 )     (9,149 )
Purchases
    461,427       2,540,493             1,200,052  
Sales
    (2,957,684 )           (50,002 )     (86,299 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
                6,360       (693,033 )
Balance as of May 31, 2015
  $ 2,182,243     $ 2,539,493     $ 2,017,200     $ 1,470,544  
 
The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 securities still held at May 31, 2015, and still classified as level 3 was $(3,291).
 
The following is a reconciliation of the Short Duration Fund’s level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining value.
 
Short Duration Fund
 
   
Investments in Securities, at Value
 
                         
                     
Private
 
         
Collateralized
   
Commercial
   
Placement
 
   
Asset-Backed
   
Debt
   
MBS
   
Participation
 
   
Securities
   
Obligations
   
Non-Agency
   
Agreements
 
Balance as of November 30, 2014
  $ 1,914,203     $     $ 34,779     $ 3,629,497  
Accrued discounts/premiums
    (4,886 )     100              
Realized gain/(loss)
    (3,297 )           (71 )     (561 )
Change in unrealized
                               
  appreciation/(depreciation)
    795       (99 )     525        
Purchases
    323,920       522,881       115,579       7,505,332  
Sales
    (636,617 )           (25,817 )     (9,824,554 )
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
    (551,020 )           (551,020 )      
Balance as of May 31, 2015
  $ 1,043,098     $ 522,882     $ 124,995     $ 1,309,714  
 
The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 securities still held at May 31, 2015, and still classified as level 3 was $(13,493).
 
Transfers from level 3 to level 2 are a result of the availability of current market data provided by the Funds’ primary pricing service which utilizes observable inputs.  The Funds’ primary pricing service was unable to provide pricing for 13 securities held on May 31, 2015.  The Valuation Committee utilized indicative market quotations or

 
56

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

broker quotes received from a broker-dealer considered by the Adviser to be a market participant.  The underlying inputs which support the broker quote utilized by the Valuation Committee are not observable.  The primary pricing service was not able to provide pricing for one new security purchased by both Funds.  This security was then priced at cost on May 31, 2015.  Since the securities’ fair value utilized significant unobservable inputs due to the lack of reliable market data, the securities are classified as level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Significant unobservable valuation inputs for private placement participation agreements held in the Short Duration Fund and classified as level 3 securities as of May 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
Investments
Value at
Valuation
Unobservable
 
in Securities
5/31/15
Technique(s)
Input
Input Values
         
Private
   
Fixed loan
Projected yield to maturity was 9.5%
Placement
   
participation
at purchase, approximately 5% higher than
Participation
   
valued at
the Barclays Capital High Yield Loan Index
Agreements –
   
par based on
yield.  In our view, credit quality of the loan
Abington
   
deal cash flow,
participation is higher than the average
Emerson
 
Valued
illiquidity and
quality of the Index from a combination of
Reo III
$127,613
at par
short maturity.
subordination and overcollateralization.  
       
The liquidity of the loan participation is
       
materially lower than the Index
       
constituents’ liquidity, but is offset by short
       
average life.  Collateral performed as
       
expected, and the purchase yield spread
       
remained appropriate.  Principal was fully
       
paid off in June, 2015.
         
Private
   
Fixed loan
The loan participation’s projected yield to
Placement
   
participation
maturity at purchase was 8%, approximately
Participation
   
valued at
3.5% higher than the yield of the Barclays
Agreements –
   
par based on
Capital High Yield Loan Index.  In our view,
Basepoint –
   
deal cash flow,
the credit quality of the loan participation is
BP GFM
 
Valued
illiquidity and
higher than the average quality of the Index
Trust I
$753,516
at par
short maturity.
from a combination of significant
       
subordination, overcollateralization, strong
       
experience and financial wherewithal of
       
sponsors, and uniquely diversified collateral
       
consisting of consumer installment loans
       
provided to government employees in
       
Mexico. The liquidity of the loan
       
participation is materially lower than the
       
Index constituent liquidity, however, that is
       
largely offset by the short year average life.  
       
Since purchase, cash flows have been as
       
expected with no asset quality deterioration.
       
LTV is 70% and approximately 50% has
       
paid down. The purchase yield spread
       
remains appropriate, equal to a price of par.

 
57

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Private
   
Fixed loan
The loan participation’s projected yield to
Placement
   
participation
maturity at purchase was 8%, approximately
Participation
   
valued at
3.5% higher than the yield of the Barclays
Agreements –
   
par based on
Capital High Yield Loan Index.  In our view,
Basepoint –
   
deal cash flow,
the credit quality of the loan participation is
BP Trust Series
 
Valued
illiquidity and
higher than the average quality of the Index
GFM-III Sr
$178,585
at par
short maturity.
from a combination of significant
       
subordination, overcollateralization, strong
       
experience and financial wherewithal of
       
sponsors, and uniquely diversified collateral
       
consisting of consumer installment loans
       
provided to government employees in
       
Mexico. The liquidity of the loan
       
participation is materially lower than the
       
Index constituent liquidity, however, that is
       
largely offset by the short year average life.  
       
Since purchase, cash flows have been as
       
expected with no asset quality deterioration.  
       
LTV is 66% and approximately 30% has
       
paid down. The purchase yield spread
       
remains appropriate, equal to a price of par.
         
Private
   
Fixed loan
The loan participation’s projected yield to
Placement
   
participation
maturity at purchase was 10%,
Participation
   
valued at
approximately 5.5% higher than the yield of
Agreements –
   
par based on
the Barclays Capital High Yield Loan Index.  
Basepoint –
   
deal cash flow,
In our view, the credit quality of the loan
BP Trust Series
 
Valued
illiquidity and
participation is higher than the average
GFM-III Jr
$250,000
at par
short maturity.
quality of the Index from a combination of
       
significant overcollateralization, strong
       
experience and financial wherewithal of
       
sponsors, and uniquely diversified collateral
       
consisting of consumer installment loans
       
provided to government employees in
       
Mexico. The liquidity of the loan
       
participation is materially lower than the
       
Index constituent liquidity, however, that is
       
largely offset by the short year average life.  
       
Since purchase, cash flows have been as
       
expected with no asset quality deterioration.
       
LTV is 66%.  The purchase yield spread
       
remains appropriate, equal to a price of par.
 
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, Semper Capital Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) provided the Funds with investment management services under an investment advisory agreement. The Adviser furnished all investment advice, office

 
58

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

space, facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds. As compensation for its services, the Adviser is entitled to a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.45% based upon the average daily net assets of the MBS Total Return Fund and at an annual rate of 0.35% based upon the average daily net assets of the Short Duration Fund.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the MBS Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund incurred $379,525 and $86,574 in advisory fees, respectively.
 
Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses.  The Adviser has agreed to reduce fees payable to it by each Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, dividends and interest expense on securities sold short and extraordinary expenses) to 1.00% and 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the MBS Total Return Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively, and 0.85% and 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Short Duration Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively.  Any such reduction made by the Adviser in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Funds’ obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Funds to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, in subsequent fiscal years if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Funds toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses. The Adviser 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 Funds’ payment of current ordinary operating expenses.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Adviser reduced its fees in the amount of $18,106 and $67,525 for the MBS Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund, respectively.  No amounts were reimbursed to the Adviser.  The expense limitation will remain in effect through at least March 29, 2017, and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees.  Cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions and the date of expiration are as follows:
 
   
MBS Total Return Fund
   
Short Duration Fund
 
Year
 
Amount
   
Amount
 
2015
        $ 193,076  
2016
  $ 81,728       175,807  
2017
    101,415       109,081  
2018
    18,106       67,525  
    $ 201,249     $ 545,489  
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator” or “USBFS”) 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 the Trustees; monitors the activities of

 
59

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

the Funds’ custodian, transfer agent and accountants; coordinates the preparation and payment of the Funds’ expenses and reviews the Funds’ expense accruals.
 
USBFS also serves as the fund accountant and transfer agent to the Funds.  U.S. Bank N.A., an affiliate of USBFS, serves as the Funds’ custodian.
 
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 Funds are also employees of the Administrator.
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Funds incurred the following expense for administration, fund accounting, transfer agency, custody, and Chief Compliance Officer fees:
 
   
MBS Total
   
Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
Administration and Fund Accounting
  $ 117,434     $ 65,375  
Transfer Agency (excludes
               
  out-of-pocket expenses and sub-ta fees)
    26,827       14,413  
Custody
    16,555       7,113  
Chief Compliance Officer
    4,452       4,484  
 
At May 31, 2015, the Funds had payables due to USBFS for administration, fund accounting, transfer agency, and Chief Compliance Officer fees and to U.S. Bank N.A. for custody fees in the following amounts:
 
   
MBS Total
   
Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
Administration and Fund Accounting
  $ 35,159     $ 25,494  
Transfer Agency (excludes
               
  out-of-pocket expenses and sub-ta fees)
    758       6,407  
Custody
    4,645       3,804  
Chief Compliance Officer
    2,452       2,239  
 
NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN
 
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”).  The Plan permits the Funds to pay the Distributor for distribution and related expenses at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Investor Class.  The expenses covered by the Plan may include the cost in connection with the promotion and distribution of shares and the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature.  Payments made pursuant to the Plan will represent
 
 
60

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

compensation for distribution and service activities, not reimbursements for specific expenses incurred.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Investor Class shares paid the Distributor $35,696 and $841 for the MBS Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund, respectively.
 
NOTE 6 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, were as follows.
 
   
Non-Government
   
Government
 
   
Purchases
   
Sales
   
Purchases
   
Sales
 
MBS Total Return Fund
  $ 122,032,161     $ 60,857,030     $ 39,458,685     $ 43,340,741  
Short Duration Fund
    5,699,003       16,019,791       3,158,378       4,270,206  
 
NOTE 7 – LINES OF CREDIT
 
The MBS Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund have lines of credit in the amount of $30,000,000 and $10,000,000, respectively.  These lines of credit are intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with shareholder redemptions.  The credit facility is with the Funds’ custodian, U.S. Bank N.A.  During the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Short Duration Fund drew upon its line of credit.  The Short Duration Fund had an outstanding average daily balance of $9,978, a weighted average interest rate of 3.25%, and paid $164 in interest.  The maximum amount outstanding for the Short Duration Fund during the six months ended May 31, 2015 was $607,000.  The MBS Total Return Fund did not draw upon its line of credit during the six months ended May 31, 2015.  At May 31, 2015, the Funds had no outstanding loan amounts.
 
NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gains/(losses) can differ for financial statement and tax purposes due to differing treatments of paydowns.
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended May 31, 2015 and the year ended November 30, 2014 was as follows:
 
   
MBS Total Return Fund
   
Short Duration Fund
 
   
May 31, 2015
   
Nov. 30, 2014
   
May 31, 2015
   
Nov. 30, 2014
 
Ordinary income
  $ 5,635,097     $ 4,164,828     $ 954,649     $ 1,393,061  
Long-term
                               
  capital gains
    3,847                   104,822  

 
61

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

As of November 30, 2014, the Funds’ most recently completed fiscal year end, the components of capital on a tax basis were as follows:
 
   
MBS Total
   
Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
Cost of investments (a)
  $ 151,934,490     $ 66,875,365  
Gross unrealized appreciation
    2,080,754       567,073  
Gross unrealized depreciation
    (1,175,193 )     (630,662 )
Net unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) (a)
    905,561       (63,589 )
Undistributed ordinary income
    1,026,269       173,219  
Undistributed long-term capital gain
    3,805        
Total distributable earnings
    1,030,074       173,219  
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
          (277,156 )
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
  $ 1,935,635     $ (167,526 )
 
 
(a)
Book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation and cost are the same in the MBS Total Return Fund.  The difference between book basis and tax basis net unrealized depreciation in the Short Duration Fund is attributable primarily to wash sales.
 
NOTE 9 – REPORT OF THE FUNDS’ SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING
 
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Semper MBS Total Return Fund and the Semper Short Duration Fund took place on March 6, 2015 to approve an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and Advisors Series Trust on behalf of the Funds (the “Proposal”).
 
All Fund shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2014 were entitled to vote.  As of the record date, the Semper MBS Total Return Fund had 14,315,319 shares outstanding.  Of the 7,379,627 shares present in person or by proxy, 7,378,239 or 100% voted in favor of the Proposal (representing 51.5% of total outstanding shares), 0 or 0% voted against the Proposal, and 1,388 or 0.2% withheld from voting for the Proposal.  As of the record date, the Semper Short Duration Fund had 5,078,779 shares outstanding.  Of the 3,134,366 shares present in person or by proxy, 3,133,892 or 100% voted in favor of the Proposal (representing 61.7% of total outstanding shares), 0 or 0% voted against the Proposal, and 474 or 0.02% withheld from voting for the Proposal.  Accordingly, the Proposal was approved.

 
62

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

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 1-855-736-7799 or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) 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
 
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-736-7799.  Furthermore, you can obtain the Funds’ proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
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’ Form 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, upon request, by calling 1-855-736-7799.

 
63

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

At a meeting held on December 2-4, 2014, the full Board (which is comprised of five persons, four of whom are Independent Trustees as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), considered and approved a new investment advisory agreement (the “New Investment Advisory Agreement”) between Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) and Semper Capital Management, L.P. (the “Adviser” or “Semper”) for the Semper MBS Total Return Fund and the Semper Short Duration Fund (together, the “Funds”).  The Board noted that Semper proposed to restructure its firm ownership by selling a controlling interest to an outside investor, RSL Capital, LLC (“RSL Capital”), a limited liability company owned by Mr. Ronald S. Lauder (the “Transaction”).  The Board noted that contingent on Board approval, RSL Capital will acquire an 18.5% voting interest in the Adviser, bringing RSL Capital’s total voting interest in Semper to 31.5%.  The Board noted that concurrently with the transaction, a number of Semper employees will sell their ownership interests in Semper, which were previously held by a limited liability company owned by current and former employees of Semper, to RSL Capital.
 
The Board noted that no changes are planned to the portfolio management teams or investment approach for the Funds in connection with the transaction, nor are the Funds’ daily operations or management activities expected to be affected in any way.  The Board noted that the new owner is not expected to be involved in the management or day-to-day business operations of the firm.  The Board also noted that Semper management expects to incentivize employees who will not continue to have a direct or indirect ownership interest in Semper in a different manner than firm equity.  The Board then turned its attention to the approval of the Funds’ New Advisory Investment Agreement and other related materials.
 
The Board of Trustees considered that the New Investment Advisory Agreement is substantially identical to the prior investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser (the “Prior Investment Advisory Agreement”), except for the effective date and termination provisions, and concluded that the terms and conditions of the New Investment Advisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Funds and their shareholders.  In so concluding, the Board took into account a number of factors including the Adviser’s representation that the Transaction will not result in any change in the services provided by the Adviser to the Funds;  that there will be no change in the day-to-day management responsibilities of the Funds’ portfolio management teams or to the employees of the Adviser who determine the Funds’ overall investment strategy, portfolio allocation and risk parameters; that the Transaction is not expected to result in any change in the day-to-day business operations of the Adviser or in the senior management of the Adviser; and that RSL Capital’s investment in the Adviser is expected to enhance the Adviser’s balance sheet and financial condition and to support the Adviser’s ability to invest in and enhance its investment management capabilities.

 
64

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

The full Board, which includes a majority of Independent Trustees, also took into consideration, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser under the New Investment Advisory Agreement.  The Board considered the Adviser’s specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day management of the Funds.  The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the portfolio managers, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel of the Adviser that would be involved in the day-to-day activities of the Funds.  The Board also considered the resources and compliance structure of the Adviser, including information regarding its compliance program, its chief compliance officer and the Adviser’s compliance record and business continuity plan.  The Board also considered the Adviser’s business plan, noting that the Adviser currently manages other accounts with substantially similar objectives, policies, strategies and risks as the Funds.  After discussion, the Board concluded that the Adviser has the quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the New Investment Advisory Agreement and that the nature, overall quality and extent of such management services will be satisfactory.
 
In assessing the quality of the portfolio management delivered by the Adviser, the Board reviewed the short-term and long-term performance of the Funds as of July 31, 2014 on both an absolute basis, and in comparison to appropriate securities benchmarks and their peer funds utilizing Lipper and Morningstar classifications.  While the Board considered both short-term and long-term performance, it placed greater emphasis on longer term performance.  When reviewing performance against the comparative peer group universe, the Board took into account that the investment objectives and strategies of the Funds, as well as their level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in the peer universe.
 
The Board noted that the Semper MBS Total Return Fund’s (the “MBS Fund”) performance, with regard to each of its Lipper comparative universe and Morningstar comparative universe, was significantly above its peer group median and average for the one-year period.
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the MBS Fund.  The Board considered the MBS Fund’s outperformance compared to a composite of similarly managed account, which the Adviser represented has narrower investment guidelines than the Fund, and the MBS Fund’s underperformance compared to similarly managed private account, which the Adviser represented utilizes leverage and hedging and has a lower liquidity requirement, leading to performance dispersion.
 
The Board noted that the Semper Short Duration Fund’s (the “Short Duration Fund”) performance, with regard to its Lipper comparative universe, was above its peer

 
65

 

SEMPER FUNDS
 
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued 

group median and average for the one-year, three-year and since inception periods.  The Board noted that the Short Duration Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was above its peer group median and average for the one-year, three-year and since inception periods.
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Short Duration Fund.  The Board considered the Short Duration Fund’s outperformance compared to a composite of similarly managed accounts, which the Adviser represented includes portfolios with different quality/sector restrictions.
 
The Board also considered the performance of the Funds against broad-based securities market benchmarks.  The Board noted that while the MBS Fund primarily invests in non-agency mortgage-backed securities, a non-agency mortgaged-backed securities index to which to compare the MBS Fund does not exist and therefore the Barclays U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index is used as the Fund’s benchmark.
 
The Trustees then discussed the expected costs of the services to be provided by the Adviser and the structure of the Adviser’s fees under the New Investment Advisory Agreement.  In considering the advisory fees and anticipated total fees and expenses of the Funds, the Board reviewed and compared each Fund’s anticipated fees and expenses to those funds in its Lipper peer group, as well as the fees and expenses for similar types of accounts managed by the Adviser.  The Board viewed such information as a whole as useful in assessing whether the Adviser would be able to provide services at a cost that was competitive with other similar funds and consistent with an arm’s length bargaining process.  The Trustees also took into account the proposed expense waivers.
 
The Board noted that the Adviser was agreeing to waive its advisory fees and reimburse each Fund for certain of its expenses to the extent necessary to maintain an annual expense ratio (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, portfolio transaction expenses, taxes, interest expense, dividend and interest expense on securities sold short, proxy expenses and extraordinary expenses) of 0.75% for Institutional Class shares and 1.00% for Investor Class shares of the MBS Fund and 0.60% for Institutional Class shares and 0.85% for Investor Class shares of the Short Duration Fund.  The Board also considered that the Adviser has the ability to request recoupment of previously waived management fees and paid Fund expenses from the Funds for three years from the date they were paid, subject to the Expense Caps, which includes management fees waived or expenses paid for the benefit of the Funds prior to the change of control of the Adviser.
 
The Board noted that the MBS Fund’s expected total operating expenses were below the peer group median and average, while the expected contractual advisory fee was below the peer group median and average.  The Board noted that the Short Duration

 
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APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

Fund’s expected total operating expenses were below the peer group median and average, while the expected contractual advisory fee was at or below the peer group median and average.  The Board also considered that the expected contractual advisory fee for the MBS Fund was lower than the fees charged by the Adviser to another account with similar objectives, policies, strategies and risks as the Fund.  The Board also considered that the expected contractual advisory fee for the Short Duration Fund was higher than the fees charged by the Adviser to another account with similar objectives, policies, strategies and risks as the Fund.  In assessing the reasonableness of the advisory fees as compared to the fees charged to similarly managed accounts, the Board took into account differences in services, business structure and investment strategies that account for differences in fees.
 
The Board concluded that the fees to be paid to the Adviser were fair and reasonable.
 
The Board also considered economies of scale that would be expected to be realized by the Adviser as the assets of the Funds grow.  The Board noted that the Adviser would be contractually agreeing to reduce its advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses indefinitely, but in no event for less than an initial two-year term and subsequent terms of one year, so that the Funds do not exceed the Expense Caps.  The Board concluded that there were no effective economies of scale to be shared by the Adviser at this time, but indicated that this issue would be revisited in the future as circumstances changed and asset levels increased.
 
The Board then considered the profits expected to be realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds.  The Board reviewed the Adviser’s financial information and took into account both the expected direct benefits and the indirect benefits to the Adviser from advising the Funds.  The Board considered the expected profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds and considered any additional benefits that may be derived by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds, such as benefits received in exchange for Rule 12b-1 fees.  After such review, the Board determined that the expected profitability to the Adviser with respect to the New Investment Advisory Agreement was not excessive, and that the Adviser should be able to maintain adequate profit levels to support the services it provides to the Funds.
 
No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement; rather, the Trustees based their determination on the total mix of information available to them.  Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Trustees determined that the advisory arrangement with the Adviser, including advisory fees, was fair and reasonable to the Funds.  The Board, including a majority of Independent Trustees, therefore determined that the approval of the New Investment Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.

 
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SEMPER FUNDS
 
HOUSEHOLDING (Unaudited)

In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds intend to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other similar documents you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household.  Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-855-736-7799 to request individual copies of these documents.  Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.  This policy does not apply to account statements.
 

 
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SEMPER FUNDS
 
PRIVACY NOTICE

The Funds collect non-public information about you from the following sources:
 
Information we receive about you on applications or other forms;
 
Information you give us orally; and/or
 
Information about your transactions with us or others.
 
We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers without the customer’s authorization, except as permitted by law or in response to inquiries from governmental authorities. We may share information with affiliated and unaffiliated third parties with whom we have contracts for servicing the Funds.  We will provide unaffiliated third parties with only the information necessary to carry out their assigned responsibilities.  We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your non-public personal information and require third parties to treat your personal information with the same high degree of confidentiality.
 
In the event that you hold shares of the Funds through a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to, a broker-dealer, bank, or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared by those entities with unaffiliated third parties.
 

 
69

 

 
Investment Adviser
Semper Capital Management, L.P.
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 401
New York, New York 10017
 
 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
1818 Market Street, Suite 2400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
 
 
Legal Counsel
Paul Hastings LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
 
 
Custodian
U.S. Bank N.A.
1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
 
 
Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-855-736-7799 (855-SEM-PRXX)
 
 
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
615 East Michigan Street, 4th Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
 
 
This report is intended for shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.  For a current prospectus, please call 1-855-736-7799 (855-SEM-PRXX).  Statements and other information herein are dated and are subject to change.

 
 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

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 second 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 the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not Applicable.

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer 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)  
Certifications 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  8/7/15                                                                                                



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  8/7/15                                                                                                 

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

Date  8/7/15         

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