N-CSRS 1 wbif-ncsrs.htm WBI FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT 5-31-15 wbif-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.

 
 
 
 

 

WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund
 





















Semi-Annual Report
May 31, 2015



 
 

 


Table of Contents
 

 
Expense Example
3
Sector Allocation of Portfolio Assets
7
Schedule of Investments
9
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
24
Statements of Operations
28
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
32
Financial Highlights
40
Notes to Financial Statements
48
Notice to Shareholders
65
Householding
65
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
66
Privacy Notice
72


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 
 
WBI Funds

EXPENSE EXAMPLE – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Generally, shareholders of mutual funds 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 WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund, WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund, WBI Absolute Dividend Income Fund, and WBI Absolute Dividend Growth Fund Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested in the No Load Class and the Institutional Class of each Fund at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (12/1/14 – 5/31/15).
 
Actual Expenses
 
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses, with actual net expenses being limited to 1.75% and 1.50% per the operating expenses limitation agreement for the No Load Class and the Institutional Class, respectively, of each Fund, effective March 30, 2015. For the period December 1, 2014 to March 30, 2015, the actual net expenses were limited to 2.00% and 1.60% per the operating expenses limitation agreement for the No Load Class and the Institutional Class, respectively, of each Fund. Although the Funds charge no sales load or transaction fees, you will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks, and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent. To the extent the Funds invest in shares of other investment companies as part of its investment strategy, you will indirectly bear your proportionate share of any fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in which the Funds invest in addition to the expenses of the Funds.  Actual expenses of the underlying funds are expected to vary among the various underlying funds.  The Example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. You may use the information in the first line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
 
The second line of the tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratios and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may
 

 
3

 
 
WBI Funds

EXPENSE EXAMPLE – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.  Please note that the expenses shown in the tables 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 tables 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 costs were included, your transaction costs would have been higher.
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund – No Load Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   963.10
$7.98
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,016.80
$8.20
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.63%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund – Institutional Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   965.10
$7.45
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,017.35
$7.64
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.52%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund – No Load Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   988.90
$8.08
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,016.80
$8.20
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.63%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 

 
4

 
 
WBI Funds

EXPENSE EXAMPLE – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund – Institutional Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   990.00
$7.74
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,017.15
$7.85
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.56%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund – No Load Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   956.90
$7.61
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,017.15
$7.85
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.56%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund – Institutional Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   956.90
$7.71
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,017.05
$7.95
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.58%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund – No Load Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   956.00
$8.14
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,016.60
$8.40
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.67%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
 

 
5

 
 
WBI Funds

EXPENSE EXAMPLE – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund – Institutional Class
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/14
5/31/15
12/1/14 – 5/31/15*
Actual
$1,000.00
$   957.20
$7.42
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)
$1,000.00
$1,017.35
$7.64
 
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.52%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in most recent fiscal half-year) divided by 365 days to reflect the one-half year expense.















 
6

 
 
WBI Funds

SECTOR ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)


WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund




 

 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund



 

 
 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.
 


 
7

 
 
WBI Funds

SECTOR ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS – at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)


WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund



 

 

WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund





 

Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.
 


 
8

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 57.70%
 
Value
 
   
Air Transportation - 1.99%
     
  34,939  
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
  $ 1,499,582  
               
     
Building Material and
       
     
  Garden Equipment - 6.03%
       
  55,365  
Fastenal Co.
    2,298,201  
  32,294  
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.
    2,259,934  
            4,558,135  
     
Chemical Manufacturing - 4.58%
       
  38,525  
AbbVie, Inc.
    2,565,380  
  7,992  
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)
    897,262  
            3,462,642  
     
Clothing and Clothing
       
     
  Accessories Stores - 5.54%
       
  57,744  
Gap, Inc.
    2,213,328  
  30,698  
TJX Cos., Inc.
    1,976,337  
            4,189,665  
     
Computer and Electronic
       
     
  Product Manufacturing - 6.98%
       
  51,198  
Broadcom Corp. - Class A
    2,910,606  
  68,623  
Intel Corp.
    2,364,749  
            5,275,355  
     
Credit Intermediation and
       
     
  Related Activities - 6.38%
       
  44,218  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    894,972  
  69,806  
H&R Block, Inc.
    2,214,944  
  26,676  
IBERIABANK Corp.
    1,714,467  
            4,824,383  
     
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and
       
     
  Component Manufacturing - 0.91%
       
  32,957  
Corning, Inc.
    689,461  
               
     
Hospitals - 1.27%
       
  17,365  
Community Health Systems, Inc. (a)
    960,458  
               
     
Insurance Carriers and
       
     
  Related Activities - 3.33%
       
  29,740  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    2,516,301  


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

 
9

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Leather and Allied
     
   
  Product Manufacturing - 2.10%
     
  15,617  
NIKE, Inc. - Class B
  $ 1,587,780  
               
     
Machinery Manufacturing - 4.08%
       
  17,718  
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
    871,548  
  101,102  
Pitney Bowes, Inc.
    2,209,079  
            3,080,627  
     
Miscellaneous Manufacturing - 2.76%
       
  14,816  
Becton, Dickinson & Co.
    2,081,796  
               
     
Primary Metal Manufacturing - 4.09%
       
  64,222  
Alcoa, Inc.
    802,775  
  10,811  
Precision Castparts Corp.
    2,287,932  
            3,090,707  
     
Professional, Scientific, and
       
     
  Technical Services - 2.45%
       
  41,120  
Nielsen N.V. (b)
    1,849,989  
               
     
Rail Transportation - 1.74%
       
  38,635  
CSX Corp.
    1,316,681  
               
     
Support Activities for Mining - 1.17%
       
  9,762  
Schlumberger Ltd. (b)
    886,097  
               
     
Transportation Equipment
       
     
  Manufacturing - 2.30%
       
  27,377  
PACCAR, Inc.
    1,740,082  
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
  (Cost $42,910,699)
    43,609,741  
               
     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 4.65%
       
  69,419  
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
    3,518,155  
     
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
       
     
  (Cost $3,485,200)
    3,518,155  
               
Principal
           
Amount
 
CORPORATE BONDS - 15.25%
       
     
Advertising Agencies - 0.72%
       
     
Omnicom Group, Inc.
       
$ 500,000  
  4.45%, 8/15/2020
    546,377  


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

 
10

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Aerospace Product and
     
   
  Parts Manufacturing - 0.52%
     
   
Lockheed Martin Corp.
     
$ 356,000  
  4.25%, 11/15/2019
  $ 391,386  
               
     
Agencies, Brokerages, and Other
       
     
  Insurance Related Activities - 0.19%
       
     
Aon PLC
       
  142,000  
  3.50%, 9/30/2015
    143,327  
               
     
Beverage Manufacturing - 0.19%
       
     
Anheuser-Busch Cos., LLC
       
  135,000  
  4.50%, 4/1/2018
    146,488  
               
     
Business Support Services - 0.91%
       
     
Western Union Co.
       
  650,000  
  5.93%, 10/1/2016
    687,494  
               
     
Credit Intermediation and
       
     
  Related Activities - 0.08%
       
     
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
       
  59,000  
  2.60%, 1/15/2016
    59,674  
               
     
Depository Credit Intermediation - 1.69%
       
     
Citigroup, Inc.
       
  572,000  
  6.125%, 11/21/2017
    632,840  
     
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
       
  450,000  
  4.50%, 1/24/2022
    492,404  
     
Wells Fargo & Co.
       
  142,000  
  4.48%, 1/16/2024
    152,856  
            1,278,100  
     
Health and Personal Care Stores - 0.20%
       
     
Express Scripts, Inc.
       
  148,000  
  3.125%, 5/15/2016
    150,966  
               
     
Insurance Carriers - 2.00%
       
     
American International Group, Inc.
       
  800,000  
  5.85%, 1/16/2018
    886,928  
     
Cigna Corp.
       
  140,000  
  8.30%, 1/15/2033 (c)
    185,505  
     
Wellpoint, Inc.
       
  440,000  
  3.125%, 5/15/2022
    440,867  
            1,513,300  


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

 
11

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Investigation and Security Services - 0.14%
     
   
Tyco International Finance
     
$ 105,000  
  3.375%, 10/15/2015
  $ 105,979  
               
     
Machinery Manufacturing - 0.65%
       
     
Kennametal, Inc.
       
  490,000  
  2.65%, 11/1/2019
    493,107  
               
     
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories - 0.23%
       
     
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
       
  170,000  
  3.75%, 8/23/2022
    175,249  
               
     
Medical Equipment and
       
     
  Supplies Manufacturing - 0.13%
       
     
Zimmer Holdings, Inc.
       
  90,000  
  4.625%, 11/30/2019
    98,666  
               
     
Miscellaneous Manufacturing - 1.14%
       
     
Mattel, Inc.
       
  865,000  
  1.70%, 3/15/2018
    862,139  
               
     
Motion Picture and Video Industries - 0.72%
       
     
Viacom, Inc.
       
  522,000  
  3.50%, 4/1/2017
    542,158  
               
     
Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and
       
     
  Directory Publishers - 0.27%
       
     
Thomson Reuters Corp.
       
  193,000  
  3.95%, 9/30/2021
    205,940  
               
     
Non-Depository Credit Intermediation - 0.23%
       
     
American Express Credit
       
  150,000  
  2.80%, 9/19/2016
    153,692  
     
General Electric Capital Corp.
       
  15,000  
  5.55%, 10/15/2020
    17,094  
            170,786  
     
Non-Metallic Mineral Mining
       
     
  and Quarrying - 0.75%
       
     
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.
       
  543,000  
  3.25%, 12/1/2017
    567,994  
               
     
Office Supplies, Stationery,
       
     
  and Gift Stores - 0.91%
       
     
Staples, Inc.
       
  680,000  
  2.75%, 1/12/2018
    686,684  


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

 
12

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
     
Value
 
   
Pharmaceutical and
     
   
  Medicine Manufacturing - 0.88%
     
   
Amgen, Inc.
     
$ 656,000  
  2.125%, 5/15/2017
  $ 667,109  
               
     
Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and
       
     
  Artificial Synthetic Fibers and
       
     
  Filaments Manufacturing - 0.66%
       
     
Dow Chem Co.
       
  460,000  
  4.25%, 11/15/2020
    499,082  
               
     
Securities and Commodity Contracts
       
     
  Intermediation and Brokerage - 0.52%
       
     
Prudential Financial, Inc.
       
  384,000  
  3.00%, 5/12/2016
    391,644  
               
     
Software Publishers - 0.89%
       
     
Symantec Corporation
       
  660,000  
  2.75%, 6/15/2017
    670,018  
               
     
Traveler Accommodation - 0.43%
       
     
Marriott International, Inc.
       
  320,000  
  3.25%, 9/15/2022
    321,972  
               
     
Utilities - 0.20%
       
     
Exelon Generation Co., LLC
       
  135,000  
  5.20%, 10/1/2019
    149,863  
     
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
       
     
  (Cost $11,416,010)
    11,525,502  
               
     
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 20.21%
       
  1,800,000  
0.375%, 10/31/2016
    1,798,171  
  2,400,000  
0.625%, 2/15/2017
    2,403,561  
  2,300,000  
0.625%, 11/30/2017
    2,290,837  
  2,400,000  
0.75%, 2/28/2018
    2,391,749  
  2,400,000  
0.75%, 3/31/2018
    2,390,251  
  2,300,000  
0.625%, 4/30/2018
    2,280,954  
  1,700,000  
1.625%, 12/31/2019
    1,716,470  
     
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES
       
     
  (Cost $15,217,482)
    15,271,993  


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

 
13

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.85%
 
Value
 
  1,400,465  
Invesco STIT-Treasury Portfolio -
     
     
  Institutional Class, 0.02% (d)
  $ 1,400,465  
     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
       
     
  (Cost $1,400,465)
    1,400,465  
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
       
     
  (Cost $74,429,856) - 99.66%
    75,325,856  
     
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.34%
    259,993  
     
NET ASSETS - 100.00%
  $ 75,585,849  

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund
(a)
Non-income producing security.
(b)
U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer.
(c)
Step-up bond; the interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2015.
(d)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.


 
 
 
 
 

 


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

 
14

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 58.25%
 
Value
 
   
Accommodation - 2.47%
     
  11,998  
Marriott International, Inc. - Class A
  $ 935,724  
               
     
Building Material and
       
     
  Garden Equipment - 2.97%
       
  27,130  
Fastenal Co.
    1,126,166  
               
     
Chemical Manufacturing - 8.96%
       
  18,714  
AbbVie, Inc.
    1,246,165  
  4,293  
Clorox Co.
    462,184  
  15,134  
E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
    1,074,666  
  5,484  
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)
    615,689  
            3,398,704  
     
Clothing and Clothing
       
     
  Accessories Stores - 2.98%
       
  29,465  
Gap, Inc.
    1,129,393  
               
     
Computer and Electronic
       
     
  Product Manufacturing - 6.74%
       
  24,704  
Broadcom Corp. - Class A
    1,404,422  
  33,452  
Intel Corp.
    1,152,756  
            2,557,178  
     
Credit Intermediation and
       
     
  Related Activities - 3.27%
       
  61,223  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    1,239,153  
               
     
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and
       
     
  Component Manufacturing - 2.68%
       
  48,564  
Corning, Inc.
    1,015,959  
               
     
Insurance Carriers and
       
     
  Related Activities - 3.14%
       
  14,075  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    1,190,886  
               
     
Leather and Allied
       
     
  Product Manufacturing - 0.76%
       
  2,849  
NIKE, Inc. - Class B
    289,658  
               
     
Machinery Manufacturing - 2.72%
       
  20,966  
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
    1,031,318  
               
     
Miscellaneous Manufacturing - 2.36%
       
  5,244  
C. R. Bard, Inc.
    893,158  


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

 
15

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Motion Picture and Sound
     
   
  Recording Industries - 1.38%
     
  6,180  
Time Warner, Inc.
  $ 522,086  
               
     
Non-Metallic Mineral
       
     
  Product Manufacturing - 2.10%
       
  85,780  
Cemex SAB de CV - ADR (a)
    797,757  
               
     
Primary Metal Manufacturing - 1.76%
       
  3,150  
Precision Castparts Corp.
    666,635  
               
     
Rail Transportation - 3.02%
       
  33,546  
CSX Corp.
    1,143,248  
               
     
Software Publishers - 2.96%
       
  25,784  
Oracle Corp.
    1,121,346  
               
     
Transportation Equipment
       
     
  Manufacturing - 5.12%
       
  4,852  
General Dynamics Corp.
    680,056  
  18,934  
Triumph Group, Inc.
    1,262,709  
            1,942,765  
     
Utilities - 2.86%
       
  14,203  
Entergy Corp.
    1,086,103  
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
(Cost $21,523,086)
    22,087,237  
               
     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 27.69%
       
  36,408  
Guggenheim BulletShares
       
     
  2020 High Yield Corp. Bond ETF
    937,506  
  69,825  
Guggneheim BulletShares
       
     
  2022 Corp. Bond ETF
    1,469,816  
  9,143  
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF
    1,130,806  
  24,776  
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF
    1,255,648  
  8,927  
PIMCO 0-5 Year High Yield Corp.
       
     
  Bond Index ETF
    909,036  
  9,935  
PIMCO Total Return Active ETF
    1,075,166  
  81,680  
PowerShares Financial Preferred Portfolio
    1,502,912  
  150,434  
PowerShares Preferred Portfolio
    2,215,893  
     
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
       
     
(Cost $10,495,733)
    10,496,783  


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

 
16

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
 
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 11.08%
 
Value
 
$ 700,000  
0.375%, 10/31/2016
  $ 699,289  
  1,000,000  
0.625%, 11/30/2017
    996,016  
  1,000,000  
0.625%, 4/30/2018
    991,719  
  1,500,000  
1.625%, 12/31/2019
    1,514,532  
     
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES
       
     
  (Cost $4,179,472)
    4,201,556  
               
Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 2.27%
       
  859,392  
Invesco STIT-Treasury Portfolio -
       
     
  Institutional Class, 0.02% (b)
    859,392  
     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
       
     
  (Cost $859,392)
    859,392  
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
       
     
  (Cost $37,057,683) - 99.29%
    37,644,968  
     
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.71%
    270,470  
     
NET ASSETS - 100.00%
  $ 37,915,438  

ADR - American Depositary Receipt
ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund
(a)
Non-income producing security.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.











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

 
17

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 82.81%
 
Value
 
   
Building Material and
     
   
  Garden Equipment - 3.75%
     
  8,163  
Fastenal Co.
  $ 338,846  
               
     
Chemical Manufacturing - 8.81%
       
  6,107  
AbbVie, Inc.
    406,665  
  1,363  
E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
    96,787  
  3,822  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    293,415  
            796,867  
     
Clothing and Clothing
       
     
  Accessories Stores - 4.40%
       
  7,567  
Gap, Inc.
    290,043  
  1,252  
L Brands, Inc.
    108,323  
            398,366  
     
Credit Intermediation and
       
     
  Related Activities - 11.91%
       
  2,504  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    311,973  
  4,132  
Discover  Financial Services
    240,772  
  11,761  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    238,042  
  3,651  
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
    110,005  
  5,586  
H&R Block, Inc.
    177,244  
            1,078,036  
     
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and
       
     
  Component Manufacturing - 5.51%
       
  6,079  
Corning, Inc.
    127,173  
  3,441  
Hubbell, Inc. - Class B
    371,731  
            498,904  
     
Electronics and Appliance Stores - 1.54%
       
  4,016  
Best Buy Co., Inc.
    139,355  
               
     
Food Manufacturing - 5.11%
       
  8,112  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    428,719  
  815  
Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A
    33,896  
            462,615  
     
Insurance Carriers and
       
     
  Related Activities - 8.43%
       
  4,739  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    400,967  
  3,013  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
    362,193  
            763,160  


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

 
18

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Machinery Manufacturing - 6.00%
     
  2,309  
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
  $ 113,580  
  5,600  
Outerwall, Inc.
    429,296  
            542,876  
     
Primary Metal Manufacturing - 1.64%
       
  703  
Precision Castparts Corp.
    148,776  
               
     
Professional, Scientific, and
       
     
  Technical Services - 6.18%
       
  1,652  
Amgen, Inc.
    258,142  
  6,691  
Nielsen N.V. (a)
    301,028  
            559,170  
     
Rail Transportation - 4.09%
       
  10,855  
CSX Corp.
    369,938  
               
     
Software Publishers - 4.39%
       
  8,484  
Microsoft Corp.
    397,560  
               
     
Support Activities for Mining - 4.15%
       
  4,139  
Schlumberger Ltd. (a)
    375,697  
               
     
Transportation Equipment
       
     
  Manufacturing - 6.90%
       
  5,767  
PACCAR, Inc.
    366,550  
  3,873  
Triumph Group, Inc.
    258,290  
            624,840  
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
  (Cost $7,240,485)
    7,495,006  
               
     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 3.09%
       
  5,247  
Vanguard Mortgage-Backed
       
     
  Securities ETF
    279,508  
     
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
       
     
  (Cost $279,103)
    279,508  


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

 
19

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
 
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 8.38%
 
Value
 
$ 300,000  
0.375%, 10/31/2016
  $ 299,695  
  300,000  
0.625%, 11/30/2017
    298,805  
  160,000  
1.00%, 5/31/2018
    160,225  
     
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES
       
     
  (Cost $756,224)
    758,725  
               
Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 7.35%
       
  665,504  
Invesco STIT-Treasury Portfolio -
       
     
  Institutional Class, 0.02% (b)
    665,504  
     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
       
     
  (Cost $665,504)
    665,504  
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
       
     
  (Cost $8,941,316) - 101.63%
    9,198,743  
     
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (1.63)%
    (147,636 )
     
NET ASSETS - 100.00%
  $ 9,051,107  

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund
(a)
U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.











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

 
20

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS - 86.13%
 
Value
 
   
Accommodation - 4.01%
     
  30,835  
Marriott International, Inc. - Class A
  $ 2,404,822  
               
     
Administrative and Support Services - 1.58%
       
  11,223  
ManpowerGroup, Inc.
    950,027  
               
     
Amusement, Gambling, and
       
     
  Recreation Industries - 3.31%
       
  39,110  
Las Vegas Sands Corp.
    1,987,961  
               
     
Building Material and
       
     
  Garden Equipment - 2.20%
       
  31,831  
Fastenal Co.
    1,321,305  
               
     
Chemical Manufacturing - 17.95%
       
  40,618  
AbbVie, Inc.
    2,704,753  
  27,145  
E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
    1,927,566  
  25,114  
Eastman Chemical Co.
    1,928,002  
  16,415  
Ecolab, Inc.
    1,881,980  
  8,983  
Shire PLC - ADR
    2,336,927  
            10,779,228  
     
Credit Intermediation and
       
     
  Related Activities - 8.74%
       
  18,086  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
    2,253,335  
  38,060  
Comerica, Inc.
    1,863,037  
  56,050  
Fifth Third Bancorp
    1,134,452  
            5,250,824  
     
Electronics and Appliance Stores - 4.10%
       
  70,890  
Best Buy Co., Inc.
    2,459,883  
               
     
Food Manufacturing - 3.24%
       
  36,761  
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.
    1,942,819  
               
     
Freight Transportation Arrangement - 0.95%
       
  9,223  
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
    569,336  
               
     
Health and Personal Care Stores - 0.94%
       
  5,527  
CVS Health Corp.
    565,854  
               
     
Insurance Carriers and
       
     
  Related Activities - 3.48%
       
  14,564  
Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. (a)
    675,187  
  16,748  
Prudential Financial, Inc.
    1,417,048  
            2,092,235  


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

 
21

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
     
Value
 
   
Leather and Allied
     
   
  Product Manufacturing - 1.29%
     
  7,615  
NIKE, Inc. - Class B
  $ 774,217  
               
     
Machinery Manufacturing - 4.69%
       
  36,714  
Outerwall, Inc.
    2,814,495  
               
     
Media - 1.75%
       
  31,369  
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class B
    1,048,980  
               
     
Motion Picture and
       
     
  Sound Recording Industries - 4.06%
       
  28,887  
Time Warner, Inc.
    2,440,374  
               
     
Paper Manufacturing - 1.64%
       
  15,138  
Rock-Tenn Co. - Class A
    986,089  
               
     
Petroleum and Coal
       
     
  Products Manufacturing - 5.33%
       
  54,031  
Valero Energy Corp.
    3,200,796  
               
     
Primary Metal Manufacturing - 1.85%
       
  38,656  
Tenaris S.A. - ADR
    1,112,133  
               
     
Rail Transportation - 4.10%
       
  72,305  
CSX Corp.
    2,464,154  
               
     
Software Publishers - 1.42%
       
  11,568  
SAP SE - ADR
    854,875  
               
     
Support Activities for Mining - 1.96%
       
  51,065  
Superior Energy Services, Inc.
    1,179,091  
               
     
Transportation Equipment
       
     
  Manufacturing - 7.54%
       
  14,828  
Boeing Co.
    2,083,631  
  38,409  
PACCAR, Inc.
    2,441,276  
            4,524,907  
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
  (Cost $49,738,978)
    51,724,405  
               
     
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS - 4.13%
       
  46,530  
Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF
    2,478,653  
     
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS
       
     
  (Cost $2,475,061)
    2,478,653  


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

 
22

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

Principal
         
Amount
 
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 6.30%
 
Value
 
$ 1,200,000  
0.375%, 10/31/2016
  $ 1,198,781  
  1,400,000  
0.625%, 11/30/2017
    1,394,422  
  1,200,000  
0.625%, 4/30/2018
    1,190,063  
     
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES
       
     
  (Cost $3,780,469)
    3,783,266  
               
Shares
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 6.88%
       
  4,130,390  
Invesco STIT-Treasury Portfolio -
       
     
  Institutional Class, 0.02% (b)
    4,130,390  
     
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
       
     
  (Cost $4,130,390)
    4,130,390  
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
       
     
  (Cost $60,124,898) - 103.44%
    62,116,714  
     
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (3.44)%
    (2,062,269 )
     
NET ASSETS - 100.00%
  $ 60,054,445  

ADR - American Depositary Receipt
ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund
(a)
U.S. traded security of a foreign issuer.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2015.












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

 
23

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Balanced
   
Balanced
 
   
Fund
   
Plus Fund
 
ASSETS
           
Investments in securities, at value
           
  (identified cost $74,429,856
           
  and $37,057,683, respectively)
  $ 75,325,856     $ 37,644,968  
Cash
    22,204        
Receivables
               
Investment securities sold
    824,474        
Fund shares sold
    141,117       289,088  
Dividends and interest
    217,205       78,215  
Prepaid expenses
    22,202       31,777  
Total assets
    76,553,058       38,044,048  
LIABILITIES
               
Payables
               
Investment securities purchased
    709,196        
Fund shares redeemed
    88,635       35,000  
Advisory fees
    55,098       26,944  
Administration and fund accounting fees
    45,804       28,575  
Shareholder servicing fees
    32,652       10,936  
12b-1 fees
    11,619       2,733  
Audit fees
    10,029       10,023  
Transfer agent fees and expenses
    6,628       4,951  
Shareholder reporting
    2,712       3,019  
Chief Compliance Officer fee
    2,392       2,392  
Legal fees
    1,939       2,905  
Custody fees
    505       1,132  
Total liabilities
    967,209       128,610  
NET ASSETS
  $ 75,585,849     $ 37,915,438  



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

 
24

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Balanced
   
Balanced
 
   
Fund
   
Plus Fund
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
           
  VALUE PER SHARE
           
No Load Shares
           
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 32,211,557     $ 9,152,827  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited number
               
  of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    3,070,978       867,980  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 10.49     $ 10.54  
Institutional Shares
               
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 43,374,292     $ 28,762,611  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited number
               
  of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    4,113,518       2,723,431  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 10.54     $ 10.56  
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
               
Paid-in capital
  $ 76,641,999     $ 37,674,353  
Undistributed net investment income
    61,184       62,328  
Accumulated net realized loss from
               
  investments and options
    (2,013,334 )     (408,528 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
    896,000       587,285  
Net assets
  $ 75,585,849     $ 37,915,438  




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

 
25

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
ASSETS
           
Investments in securities, at value
           
  (identified cost $8,941,316
           
  and $60,124,898, respectively)
  $ 9,198,743     $ 62,116,714  
Cash
    6,870       12,434  
Receivables
               
Investment securities sold
    745,713       2,801,990  
Fund shares sold
    55,333       17,198  
Dividends and interest
    17,831       161,471  
Dividend tax reclaim
    597        
Prepaid expenses
    29,547       27,036  
Total assets
    10,054,634       65,136,843  
LIABILITIES
               
Payables
               
Investment securities purchased
    809,473       4,708,863  
Fund shares redeemed
    138,703       227,090  
Administration and fund accounting fees
    20,970       44,039  
Audit fees
    10,028       10,023  
Shareholder reporting
    4,805       4,790  
Transfer agent fees and expenses
    4,522       6,966  
Advisory fees
    3,229       42,913  
Legal fees
    2,964       1,881  
Shareholder servicing fees
    2,949       20,670  
Custody fees
    2,648       1,174  
Chief Compliance Officer fee
    2,391       2,392  
12b-1 fees
    845       11,597  
Total liabilities
    1,003,527       5,082,398  
NET ASSETS
  $ 9,051,107     $ 60,054,445  






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

 
26

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
           
  VALUE PER SHARE
           
No Load Shares
           
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 2,165,440     $ 26,104,114  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited number
               
  of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    210,946       2,286,269  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 10.27     $ 11.42  
Institutional Shares
               
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
  $ 6,885,667     $ 33,950,331  
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited number
               
  of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
    669,481       2,960,117  
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
  $ 10.29     $ 11.47  
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
               
Paid-in capital
  $ 9,607,454     $ 60,193,089  
Undistributed net investment income
    12,293       57,020  
Accumulated net realized loss on
               
  investments and options
    (826,067 )     (2,187,480 )
Net unrealized appreciation on investments
    257,427       1,991,816  
Net assets
  $ 9,051,107     $ 60,054,445  






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

 
27

 
 
WBI Funds

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ended May 31, 2015 (Unaudited)

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Balanced
   
Balanced
 
   
Fund
   
Plus Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Income
           
Dividends (Net of foreign taxes withheld
           
  and issuance fees of $5,698 and $147,
           
  and $0 and $0, respectively)
  $ 614,332     $ 409,554  
Interest
    192,944       23,760  
Total investment income
    807,276       433,314  
Expenses
               
Advisory fees (Note 4)
    391,313       160,338  
Administration and fund
               
  accounting fees (Note 4)
    70,534       45,302  
Shareholder servicing fees -
               
  Institutional Shares (Note 6)
    51,037       31,962  
Shareholder servicing fees -
               
  No Load Shares (Note 6)
    10,662       2,809  
Distribution fees - No Load Shares (Note 5)
    41,239       10,149  
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
    23,776       14,933  
Registration fees
    17,592       13,606  
Audit fees
    10,029       10,023  
Reports to shareholders
    5,089       2,429  
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 4)
    4,642       4,642  
Trustee fees
    4,074       3,762  
Legal fees
    3,491       2,951  
Custody fees (Note 4)
    3,259       2,940  
Other expenses
    2,876       2,293  
Insurance expense
    1,491       941  
Total expenses
    641,104       309,080  
Advisory fee waiver and expense
               
  recoupment/(reimbursement) (Note 4)
    4,498       (40,831 )
Net expenses
    645,602       268,249  
Net investment income
  $ 161,674     $ 165,065  






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

 
28

 
 
WBI Funds

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ended May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Balanced
   
Balanced
 
   
Fund
   
Plus Fund
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)
           
  ON INVESTMENTS AND OPTIONS
           
Net realized loss on:
           
Investments
  $ (1,936,552 )   $ (376,620 )
Purchased options
    (93,774 )     (34,028 )
Written options
    (1,350 )     (8,854 )
Capital gain distributions from regulated
               
  investment companies
    11,960       10,988  
Net change in unrealized appreciation
               
  on investments
    (1,252,294 )     (111,107 )
Net realized and unrealized
               
  loss on investments and options
    (3,272,010 )     (519,621 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets
               
  Resulting from Operations
  $ (3,110,336 )   $ (354,556 )











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

 
29

 
 
WBI Funds

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ended May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Income
           
Dividends (Net of foreign taxes withheld
           
  and issuance fees of $2,980 and $725, and
           
  $5,966 and $1,160, respectively)
  $ 171,798     $ 770,329  
Interest
    2,652       1,880  
Total investment income
    174,450       772,209  
Expenses
               
Advisory fees (Note 4)
    63,535       363,377  
Administration and fund
               
  accounting fees (Note 4)
    37,751       65,927  
Shareholder servicing fees -
               
  Institutional Shares (Note 6)
    14,038       47,601  
Shareholder servicing fees -
               
  No Load Shares (Note 6)
          15,376  
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
    13,893       22,314  
Registration fees
    12,030       18,499  
Audit fees
    10,028       10,023  
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 4)
    4,641       4,642  
Trustee fees
    3,704       4,134  
Legal fees
    2,925       3,508  
Distribution fees - No Load Shares (Note 5)
    2,525       36,522  
Custody fees (Note 4)
    2,383       4,259  
Other expenses
    2,293       3,073  
Reports to shareholders
    2,234       5,671  
Insurance expense
    929       1,711  
Interest expense (Note 8)
          17  
Total expenses
    172,909       606,654  
Less: Advisory fee waiver and
               
  expense reimbursement (Note 4)
    (68,714 )     (4,752 )
Net expenses
    104,195       601,902  
Net investment income
  $ 70,255     $ 170,307  





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

 
30

 
 
WBI Funds

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the six months ended May 31, 2015 (Unaudited), Continued

   
WBI Absolute
   
WBI Absolute
 
   
Return
   
Return
 
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)
           
  ON INVESTMENTS AND OPTIONS
           
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
           
Investments
  $ (820,439 )   $ (2,018,901 )
Purchased options
    (10,788 )     (194,754 )
Written options
    5,188       39,828  
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation on investments
    68,142       (1,631,176 )
Net realized and unrealized
               
  loss on investments and options
    (757,897 )     (3,805,003 )
Net Decrease in Net Assets
               
  Resulting from Operations
  $ (687,642 )   $ (3,634,696 )











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

 
31

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
           
  NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 161,674     $ 284,004  
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
               
Investments
    (1,936,552 )     4,398,920  
Purchased options
    (93,774 )     (3,728 )
Written options
    (1,350 )     68,227  
Capital gain distributions from
               
  regulated investment companies
    11,960        
Net change in unrealized appreciation
               
  on investments
    (1,252,294 )     831,794  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    (3,110,336 )     5,579,217  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
No Load Shares
    (38,552 )     (163,977 )
Institutional Shares
    (61,938 )     (335,669 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
No Load Shares
    (1,398,880 )      
Institutional Shares
    (2,105,939 )      
Total distributions to shareholders
    (3,605,309 )     (499,646 )
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase in net assets derived from
               
  net change in outstanding shares (a)
    824,374       5,932,341  
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
    (5,891,271 )     11,011,912  
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    81,477,120       70,465,208  
End of period
  $ 75,585,849     $ 81,477,120  
Undistributed net investment
               
  income at end of period
  $ 61,184     $  





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

 
32

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a) A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
   
No Load Shares
   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
             
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    725,312     $ 7,829,453       951,832     $ 10,587,208  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    133,766       1,437,318       13,962       153,433  
Shares redeemed*
    (570,700 )     (6,084,771 )     (969,147 )     (10,606,232 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    288,378     $ 3,182,000       (3,353 )   $ 134,409  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 2,978             $ 322  
                                 
   
Institutional Shares
   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
                 
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    1,425,353     $ 15,289,256       2,126,536     $ 23,803,116  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    199,514       2,150,118       26,681       294,371  
Shares redeemed*
    (1,870,340 )     (19,797,000 )     (1,678,094 )     (18,299,555 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    (245,473 )   $ (2,357,626 )     475,123     $ 5,797,932  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 75,762             $ 7,208  








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

 
33

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
           
  NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 165,065     $ 129,052  
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
               
Investments
    (376,620 )     574,375  
Purchased options
    (34,028 )     (6,968 )
Written options
    (8,854 )     2,380  
Capital gain distributions from regulated
               
  investment companies
    10,988        
Net change in unrealized appreciation
               
  on investments
    (111,107 )     573,104  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    (354,556 )     1,271,943  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
No Load Shares
    (24,052 )     (23,455 )
Institutional Shares
    (78,685 )     (122,501 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
No Load Shares
    (118,480 )      
Institutional Shares
    (362,293 )      
Total distributions to shareholders
    (583,510 )     (145,956 )
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase in net assets derived from
               
  net change in outstanding shares (a)
    11,560,602       19,725,769  
Total increase in net assets
    10,622,536       20,851,756  
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    27,292,902       6,441,146  
End of period
  $ 37,915,438     $ 27,292,902  
Undistributed net investment
               
  income at end of period
  $ 62,328     $  




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

 
34

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a) A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
   
No Load Shares
   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
             
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    322,926     $ 3,427,351       504,488     $ 5,357,955  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    13,455       142,532       1,997       20,837  
Shares redeemed*
    (88,570 )     (933,725 )     (17,518 )     (181,011 )
Net increase
    247,811     $ 2,636,158       488,967     $ 5,197,781  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 279             $ 29  
                                 
   
Institutional Shares
   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
                 
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    1,329,397     $ 14,150,266       1,504,723     $ 15,876,912  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    41,585       440,978       11,480       119,723  
Shares redeemed*
    (535,999 )     (5,666,800 )     (140,766 )     (1,468,647 )
Net increase
    834,983     $ 8,924,444       1,375,437     $ 14,527,988  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 7,706             $ 4,139  







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

 
35

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
           
  NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 70,255     $ 32,316  
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
               
Investments
    (820,439 )     182,176  
Purchased options
    (10,788 )     30,713  
Written options
    5,188       38,121  
Net change in unrealized appreciation
               
  on investments
    68,142       (35,232 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    (687,642 )     248,094  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
No Load Shares
    (9,030 )     (6,247 )
Institutional Shares
    (48,932 )     (35,525 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
No Load Shares
    (21,887 )      
Institutional Shares
    (184,253 )      
Total distributions to shareholders
    (264,102 )     (41,772 )
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets derived
               
  from net change in outstanding shares (a)
    (8,882,195 )     13,827,700  
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
    (9,833,939 )     14,034,022  
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    18,885,046       4,851,024  
End of period
  $ 9,051,107     $ 18,885,046  
Undistributed net investment
               
  income at end of period
  $ 12,293     $  







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

 
36

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a) A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
   
No Load Shares
   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
             
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    64,574     $ 674,836       151,783     $ 1,632,825  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    2,918       30,917       338       3,701  
Shares redeemed*
    (33,161 )     (344,926 )     (37,356 )     (404,695 )
Net increase
    34,331     $ 360,827       114,765     $ 1,231,831  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $             $ 963  
                                 
   
Institutional Shares
   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
                 
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    199,886     $ 2,091,105       1,341,897     $ 14,586,225  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    21,775       233,186       3,164       34,481  
Shares redeemed*
    (1,105,650 )     (11,567,313 )     (186,899 )     (2,024,837 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    (883,989 )   $ (9,243,022 )     1,158,162     $ 12,595,869  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 5,141             $ 2,499  







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

 
37

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
           
  NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
  $ 170,307     $ 273,874  
Net realized gain/(loss) on:
               
Investments
    (2,018,901 )     4,725,066  
Purchased options
    (194,754 )     28,133  
Written options
    39,828       296,579  
Net change in unrealized appreciation
               
  on investments
    (1,631,176 )     (1,713,584 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
    (3,634,696 )     3,610,068  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net investment income
               
No Load Shares
    (36,161 )     (62,300 )
Institutional Shares
    (77,126 )     (259,215 )
From net realized gain on investments
               
No Load Shares
    (1,812,148 )     (1,354,365 )
Institutional Shares
    (3,233,017 )     (2,441,481 )
Total distributions to shareholders
    (5,158,452 )     (4,117,361 )
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets derived
               
  from net change in outstanding shares (a)
    (22,218,913 )     16,386,461  
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
    (31,012,061 )     15,879,168  
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
    91,066,506       75,187,338  
End of period
  $ 60,054,445     $ 91,066,506  
Undistributed net investment
               
  income at end of period
  $ 57,020     $  






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

 
38

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a) A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
   
No Load Shares
   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
             
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    383,539     $ 4,469,250       848,101     $ 10,565,724  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    157,740       1,848,240       105,998       1,322,658  
Shares redeemed*
    (809,386 )     (9,398,860 )     (502,238 )     (6,276,236 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    (268,107 )   $ (3,081,370 )     451,861     $ 5,612,146  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 65             $ 645  
                                 
   
Institutional Shares
   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months Ended
                 
   
May 31, 2015
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2014
 
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
    533,673     $ 6,276,794       2,351,676     $ 29,530,945  
Shares issued on
                               
  reinvestments of
                               
  distributions
    280,559       3,298,724       184,902       2,313,995  
Shares redeemed*
    (2,461,553 )     (28,713,061 )     (1,674,024 )     (21,070,625 )
Net increase/(decrease)
    (1,647,321 )   $ (19,137,543 )     862,554     $ 10,774,315  
* Net of redemption fees of
          $ 2,873             $ 3,996  







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

 
39

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 29,
 
   
Ended
                      2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
to
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
    2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 11.39     $ 10.55     $ 10.65     $ 9.83     $ 10.00  
Income from
                                       
  investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income^
    0.02       0.03       0.05       0.08       0.08  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.43 )     0.87       (0.02 )     0.83       (0.25 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.41 )     0.90       0.03       0.91       (0.17 )
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.01 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.09 )      
From net realized
                                       
  gain on investments
    (0.48 )           (0.08 )            
Total distributions
    (0.49 )     (0.06 )     (0.13 )     (0.09 )      
Redemption fees retained^#
    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.49     $ 11.39     $ 10.55     $ 10.65     $ 9.83  
                                         
Total return
    -3.69 %‡     8.58 %     0.32 %     9.34 %     -1.70 %‡
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 32,212     $ 31,683     $ 29,383     $ 20,826     $ 5,010  
Ratio of expenses to
                                       
  average net assets (a):
                                       
Before expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    1.62 %†     2.06 %     1.93 %     2.21 %     6.66 %†
After expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    1.63 %†**     2.00 %     2.00 %     2.00 %     2.00 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets (b):
                                       
Before expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    0.34 %†     0.19 %     0.59 %     0.51 %     (3.77 )%†
After expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    0.33 %†     0.25 %     0.52 %     0.72 %     0.89 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    169.49 %‡     176.43 %     247.36 %     202.76 %     225.23 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.75%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
40

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 29,
 
   
Ended
                      2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
to
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
    2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 11.42     $ 10.58     $ 10.68     $ 9.85     $ 10.00  
Income from
                                       
  investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income^
    0.02       0.06       0.08       0.10       0.10  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.42 )     0.88       (0.03 )     0.84       (0.25 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.40 )     0.94       0.05       0.94       (0.15 )
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.01 )     (0.10 )     (0.07 )     (0.11 )      
From net realized
                                       
  gain on investments
    (0.48 )           (0.08 )            
Total distributions
    (0.49 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )      
Redemption fees retained^
    0.01       0.00 #     0.00 #     0.00 #     0.00 #
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.54     $ 11.42     $ 10.58     $ 10.68     $ 9.85  
                                         
Total return
    -3.49 %‡     8.89 %     0.51 %     9.65 %     -1.50 %‡
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 43,374     $ 49,794     $ 41,083     $ 33,602     $ 6,174  
Ratio of expenses to
                                       
  average net assets (a):
                                       
Before expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    1.51 %†     1.74 %     1.66 %     1.94 %     5.80 %†
After expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    1.52 %†***     1.68 %**     1.73 %     1.75 %     1.75 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets (b):
                                       
Before expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    0.45 %†     0.48 %     0.84 %     0.76 %     (2.97 )%†
After expense
                                       
  reimbursement/recoupment
    0.44 %†     0.54 %     0.77 %     0.95 %     1.08 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    169.49 %‡     176.43 %     247.36 %     202.76 %     225.23 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective July 1, 2014, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.60%.
***
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.50%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
41

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months
         
June 17,
 
   
Ended
          2013*  
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
to
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
    2013  
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.87     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income^
    0.05       0.06       0.04  
Net realized and unrealized
                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.17 )     0.94       (0.03 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.12 )     1.00       0.01  
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.03 )     (0.13 )     (0.01 )
From net realized gain on investments
    (0.18 )            
Total distributions
    (0.21 )     (0.13 )     (0.01 )
Redemption fees retained^
    0.00 #     0.00 #      
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.54     $ 10.87     $ 10.00  
                         
Total return
    -1.11 %‡     10.05 %     0.08 %‡
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 9,153     $ 6,742     $ 1,312  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (a):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    1.87 %†     3.31 %     16.32 %†
After expense reimbursement
    1.63 %†**     1.97 %     2.00 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                       
  to average net assets (b):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    0.67 %†     (0.75 )%     (13.36 )%†
After expense reimbursement
    0.91 %†     0.59 %     0.96 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    159.38 %‡     200.20 %     86.29 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.75%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
42

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months
         
June 17,
 
   
Ended
          2013*  
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
to
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
    2013  
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.88     $ 10.00     $ 10.00  
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income^
    0.05       0.11       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized
                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.16 )     0.92       (0.06 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.11 )     1.03       0.01  
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.03 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
From net realized gain on investments
    (0.18 )            
Total distributions
    (0.21 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
Redemption fees retained^#
    0.00       0.00       0.00  
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.56     $ 10.88     $ 10.00  
                         
Total return
    -1.00 %‡     10.39 %     0.13 %‡
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 28,763     $ 20,551     $ 5,129  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (a):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    1.80 %†     3.10 %     9.12 %†
After expense reimbursement
    1.56 %†***     1.65 %**     1.75 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                       
  to average net assets (b):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    0.75 %†     (0.39 )%     (5.76 )%†
After expense reimbursement
    0.99 %†     1.06 %     1.61 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    159.38 %‡     200.20 %     86.29 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective July 1, 2014, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.60%.
***
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.50%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
43

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months
         
June 17,
 
   
Ended
          2013*  
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
to
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
    2013  
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.90     $ 10.61     $ 10.00  
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income^
    0.05       0.01        
Net realized and unrealized
                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.52 )     0.33       0.61  
Total from investment operations
    (0.47 )     0.34       0.61  
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.05 )     (0.06 )      
From net realized gain on investments
    (0.12 )            
Return of capital
                (0.00 )#
Total distributions
    (0.17 )     (0.06 )     (0.00 )#
Redemption fees retained^
    0.01       0.01        
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.27     $ 10.90     $ 10.61  
                         
Total return
    -4.31 %‡     3.27 %     6.14 %‡
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 2,165     $ 1,926     $ 656  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (a):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    2.60 %†     4.33 %     17.07 %†
After expense reimbursement
    1.56 %†**     1.97 %     2.00 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                       
  to average net assets (b):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    0.00 %†     (2.24 )%     (15.07 )%†
After expense reimbursement
    1.04 %†     0.12 %     0.00 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    167.85 %‡     223.18 %     49.43 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.75%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
44

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months
         
June 17,
 
   
Ended
          2013*  
   
May 31,
   
Year Ended
   
to
 
   
2015
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
    2013  
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 10.92     $ 10.61     $ 10.00  
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income^
    0.06       0.04       0.00 #
Net realized and unrealized
                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.54 )     0.34       0.62  
Total from investment operations
    (0.48 )     0.38       0.62  
Less distributions:
                       
From net investment income
    (0.04 )     (0.07 )      
From net realized gain on investments
    (0.12 )            
Return of capital
                (0.01 )
Total distributions
    (0.16 )     (0.07 )     (0.01 )
Redemption fees retained^
    0.01       0.00 #     0.00 #
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 10.29     $ 10.92     $ 10.61  
                         
Total return
    -4.31 %‡     3.55 %     6.19 %‡
                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 6,886     $ 16,959     $ 4,195  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (a):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    2.61 %†     3.89 %     13.46 %†
After expense reimbursement
    1.58 %†***     1.66 %**     1.75 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                       
  to average net assets (b):
                       
Before expense reimbursement
    0.03 %†     (1.83 )%     (11.69 )%†
After expense reimbursement
    1.06 %†     0.40 %     0.02 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    167.85 %‡     223.18 %     49.43 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective July 1, 2014, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.60%.
***
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.50%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
45

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
No Load Shares
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 29,
 
   
Ended
                      2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
to
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
    2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 12.69     $ 12.83     $ 10.86     $ 9.50     $ 10.00  
Income from
                                       
  investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income^
    0.02       0.01       0.04       0.06       0.03  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.56 )     0.51       2.01       1.37       (0.55 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.54 )     0.52       2.05       1.43       (0.52 )
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )      
From net realized
                                       
  gain on investments
    (0.71 )     (0.63 )                  
Total distributions
    (0.73 )     (0.66 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )      
Redemption fees retained^
    0.00 #     0.00 #     0.00 #     0.00 #     0.02  
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 11.42     $ 12.69     $ 12.83     $ 10.86     $ 9.50  
                                         
Total return
    -4.40 %‡     4.12 %     18.96 %     15.16 %     -5.00 %‡
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 26,104     $ 32,402     $ 26,985     $ 12,866     $ 4,815  
Ratio of expenses to
                                       
  average net assets (a):
                                       
Before fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.69 %†     2.03 %     2.07 %     2.31 %     4.56 %†
After fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.67 %†**     2.00 %     2.00 %     2.00 %     2.00 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets (b):
                                       
Before fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.37 %†     0.08 %     0.29 %     0.23 %     (2.20 )%†
After fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.39 %†     0.11 %     0.36 %     0.54 %     0.36 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    170.10 %‡     266.42 %     219.78 %     261.95 %     301.31 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.75%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
46

 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS – For a share outstanding throughout each period

   
Institutional Shares
 
   
Six Months
                     
December 29,
 
   
Ended
                      2010*  
   
May 31,
                     
to
 
   
2015
   
Year Ended November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
    2011  
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
  $ 12.73     $ 12.87     $ 10.89     $ 9.50     $ 10.00  
Income from
                                       
  investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income^
    0.03       0.06       0.07       0.10       0.05  
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
    (0.56 )     0.49       2.01       1.39       (0.55 )
Total from investment operations
    (0.53 )     0.55       2.08       1.49       (0.50 )
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
    (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )      
From net realized
                                       
  gain on investments
    (0.71 )     (0.63 )                  
Total distributions
    (0.73 )     (0.69 )     (0.10 )     (0.10 )      
Redemption fees retained^#
    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00  
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 11.47     $ 12.73     $ 12.87     $ 10.89     $ 9.50  
                                         
Total return
    -4.28 %‡     4.40 %     19.29 %     15.75 %     -5.00 %‡
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 33,950     $ 58,664     $ 48,203     $ 13,351     $ 15,226  
Ratio of expenses to
                                       
  average net assets (a):
                                       
Before fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.53 %†     1.69 %     1.79 %     1.95 %     2.92 %†
After fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    1.52 %†***     1.66 %**     1.70 %     1.57 %     1.75 %†
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets (b):
                                       
Before fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.48 %†     0.41 %     0.53 %     0.61 %     (0.59 )%†
After fee waivers and
                                       
  expense reimbursement
    0.49 %†     0.44 %     0.62 %     0.99 %     0.58 %†
Portfolio turnover rate
    170.10 %‡     266.42 %     219.78 %     261.95 %     301.31 %‡

*
Commencement of operations.
**
Effective July 1, 2014, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.60%.
***
Effective March 30, 2015, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.50%.
^
Per share numbers have been calculated using the average shares method.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.
Not annualized.
Annualized.
(a)
Does not include expenses of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(b)
Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.


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

 
47

 
 
WBI Funds

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

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund (“Balanced Fund”), WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund (“Balanced Plus Fund”), WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund (“Dividend Income Fund”), and the WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund (“Dividend Growth Fund”) (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.  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”.
 
Each Fund offers No Load Shares and Institutional Shares. The investment objective of the Balanced Fund and the Balanced Plus Fund is to seek current income and long-term appreciation, while also seeking to protect principal during unfavorable market conditions. The investment objective of the Dividend Income Fund and the Dividend Growth Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation and current income. The Balanced Fund and the Dividend Growth Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2010. The Balanced Plus Fund and the Dividend Income Fund commenced operations on June 17, 2013.
 
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 the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to 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 the Balanced Fund and Dividend Growth Fund open tax years 2012-2014, or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2015 tax returns.  Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax


 
48

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
positions taken on returns filed for the Balanced Plus Fund and Dividend Income Fund open tax years 2013-2014, 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.
 
 
C.
Security Transactions, Income and Distributions:  Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective security. Dividend income, income and capital gain distributions from underlying funds, and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
 
   
The Funds distribute substantially all net investment income, if any, quarterly, and net realized capital gains, if any, annually.  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 differs 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.
 
   
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.
 
 
D.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts:  Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting.  These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.
 
 
E.
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


 
49

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
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.
 
 
F.
Redemption Fees:  The Funds charge a 2.00% redemption fee to shareholders who redeem shares held for 60 days or less.  Such fees are retained by the Funds and accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.  During the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Funds retained the following amounts in redemption fees:

   
Redemption Fees
 
 
Balanced Fund
       
 
  No Load Shares
  $ 2,978    
 
  Institutional Shares
    75,762    
 
Balanced Plus Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
    279    
 
  Institutional Shares
    7,706    
 
Dividend Income Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
       
 
  Institutional Shares
    5,141    
 
Dividend Growth Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
    65    
 
  Institutional Shares
    2,873    
 
 
G.
Derivative Transactions:  The Funds have adopted the financial accounting reporting rules as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Funds are required to include enhanced disclosure that enables investors to understand how and why an entity uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.
 
   
The Funds may utilize options for hedging purposes as well as direct investment. Some options strategies, including buying puts, tend to hedge the Funds’ investments against price fluctuations. Other strategies, such as writing puts and calls and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options contracts may be combined with each other in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of each Fund’s overall strategy in a manner deemed appropriate to the Advisor and consistent with each Fund’s investment objective and policies. When a call or put option is written, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability. The liability is marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the written option. When a written option expires, a gain is realized in the amount of the premium originally received. If a closing purchase contract is entered into, a


 
50

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
gain or loss is realized in the amount of the original premium less the cost of the closing transaction. If a written call option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a written/put option is exercised, the amount of the premium originally received reduces the cost of the security which is purchased upon the exercise of the option.
 
 
With options, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the options are covered or secured, which means that the Funds will own the underlying security or, to the extent they do not hold the security, will maintain liquid assets consisting of cash, short-term securities, or equity or debt securities equal to the market value of the security underlying the option, marked to market daily.
 
 
Options purchased are recorded as investments and marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the option contract. If an option purchased expires, a loss is realized in the amount of the cost of the option contract. If a closing transaction is entered into, a gain or loss is realized to the extent that the proceeds from the sale are greater or less than the cost of the option. If a purchase put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security by adjusting the proceeds from such sale by the amount of the premium originally paid. If a purchased call option is exercised, the cost of the security purchased upon exercise is increased by the premium originally paid.
 
 
Average Balance Information
 
 
The average monthly market values of purchased and written options during the six months ended May 31, 2015 for the Balanced Fund was $6,350 and $44,525, respectively.
 
 
Transactions in written options contracts for the six months ended May 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
 
Balanced Fund

     
Contracts
 
Premiums Received
 
 
Beginning balance
          $    
 
Options written
    2,450         144,031    
 
Options closed
    (1,625 )       (95,196 )  
 
Options exercised
    (825 )       (48,835 )  
 
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
          $    
 
 
The average monthly market values of purchased and written options during the six months ended May 31, 2015 for the Balanced Plus Fund was $2,340 and $9,365, respectively.


 
51

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
Transactions in written options contracts for the six months ended May 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
 
Balanced Plus Fund

     
Contracts
 
Premiums Received
 
 
Beginning balance
          $    
 
Options written
    610         38,958    
 
Options closed
    (90 )       (7,391 )  
 
Options exercised
    (520 )       (31,567 )  
 
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
          $    
 
 
The average monthly market values of purchased and written options during the six months ended May 31, 2015 for the Dividend Income Fund was $1,287 and $1,729, respectively.
 
 
Transactions in written options contracts for the six months ended May 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
 
Dividend Income Fund

     
Contracts
 
Premiums Received
 
 
Beginning balance
          $    
 
Options written
    490         18,181    
 
Options closed
    (240 )       (6,070 )  
 
Options exercised
    (180 )       (10,186 )  
 
Options expired
    (70 )       (1,925 )  
 
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
          $    
 
 
The average monthly market values of purchased and written options during the six months ended May 31, 2015 for the Dividend Growth Fund was $14,549 and $72,483, respectively.
 
 
Transactions in written options contracts for the six months ended May 31, 2015, are as follows:
 
 
Dividend Growth Fund

     
Contracts
 
Premiums Received
 
 
Beginning balance
          $    
 
Options written
    4,139         288,902    
 
Options closed
    (2,570 )       (114,560 )  
 
Options exercised
    (1,569 )       (174,342 )  
 
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
          $    

 

 
52

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
The effect of derivative instruments on the statements of operations for the six months ended May 31, 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Balanced Fund

   
Location of Gain/(Loss) on
     
 
Derivative Type
Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Value
 
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on purchased options
  $ (93,774 )
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on written options
    (1,350 )
             
 
Balanced Plus Fund
         
   
Location of  Gain/(Loss) on
       
 
Derivative Type
Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Value
 
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on purchased options
  $ (34,028 )
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on written options
    (8,854 )
             
 
Dividend Income Fund
         
   
Location of  Gain/(Loss) on
       
 
Derivative Type
Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Value
 
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on purchased options
  $ (10,788 )
 
Equity Contracts
Realized gain on written options
    5,188  
             
 
Dividend Growth Fund
         
   
Location of Gain/(Loss) on
       
 
Derivative Type
Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Value
 
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on purchased options
  $ (194,754 )
 
Equity Contracts
Realized gain on written options
    39,828  
 
 
H.
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 the Funds have the ability to access.
 

 
53

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
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 the Funds’ 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).
 
Equity Securities:  The Funds’ investments are carried at fair value. Equity securities, including common stocks and exchange-traded funds, that are primarily traded on a national securities exchange shall be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation or, if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices.  Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”).  If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices.  Over-the-counter securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System shall be valued at the most recent sales price.  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.
 
Fixed Income Securities: Debt securities, such as corporate bonds, asset backed securities, municipal bonds, and U.S. Government agency issues are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. The pricing service may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer. In addition, the model may incorporate market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data.
 

 
54

 
 
WBI Funds

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

Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. These securities will generally be classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Options: Exchange-traded options are valued at the composite price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded. If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and the lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded. Exchange-traded options that are actively traded are categorized in level 1 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. 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:
 

 

 


 
55

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
Balanced Fund
                       
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
Common Stocks
                       
 
  Finance and Insurance
  $ 7,340,684     $     $     $ 7,340,684  
 
  Health Care and Social
                               
 
    Assistance
    960,458                   960,458  
 
  Manufacturing
    21,008,450                   21,008,450  
 
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil
                               
 
    and Gas Extraction
    886,097                   886,097  
 
  Professional, Scientific, and
                               
 
    Technical Services
    1,849,989                   1,849,989  
 
  Retail Trade
    8,747,800                   8,747,800  
 
  Transportation and
                               
 
    Warehousing
    2,816,263                   2,816,263  
 
Total Common Stocks
    43,609,741                   43,609,741  
 
Exchange-Traded Funds
    3,518,155                   3,518,155  
 
Corporate Bonds
                               
 
  Accommodation and
                               
 
    Food Services
          321,972             321,972  
 
  Finance and Insurance
          4,244,325             4,244,325  
 
  Health Care and
                               
 
    Social Assistance
          175,249             175,249  
 
  Information
          1,418,116             1,418,116  
 
  Manufacturing
          2,596,847             2,596,847  
 
  Mining, Quarrying, and
                               
 
    Oil and Gas Extraction
          567,994             567,994  
 
  Professional, Scientific,
                               
 
    and Technical Services
          1,213,486             1,213,486  
 
  Retail Trade
          837,650             837,650  
 
  Utilities
          149,863             149,863  
 
Total Corporate Bonds
          11,525,502             11,525,502  
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
          15,271,993             15,271,993  
 
Short-Term Investments
    1,400,465                   1,400,465  
 
Total Investments in Securities
  $ 48,528,361     $ 26,797,495     $     $ 75,325,856  




 
56

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
Balanced Plus Fund
                       
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
Common Stocks
                       
 
  Accommodation and
                       
 
    Food Services
  $ 935,724     $     $     $ 935,724  
 
  Finance and Insurance
    2,430,039                   2,430,039  
 
  Information
    1,643,432                   1,643,432  
 
  Manufacturing
    12,593,131                   12,593,131  
 
  Retail Trade
    2,255,560                   2,255,560  
 
  Transportation
                               
 
    and Warehousing
    1,143,248                   1,143,248  
 
  Utilities
    1,086,103                   1,086,103  
 
Total Common Stocks
    22,087,237                   22,087,237  
 
Exchange-Traded Funds
    10,496,783                   10,496,783  
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
          4,201,556             4,201,556  
 
Short-Term Investments
    859,392                   859,392  
 
Total Investments in Securities
  $ 33,443,412     $ 4,201,556     $     $ 37,644,968  
                                   
 
Dividend Income Fund
                               
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
Common Stocks
                               
 
  Finance and Insurance
  $ 1,841,196     $     $     $ 1,841,196  
 
  Information
    397,560                   397,560  
 
  Manufacturing
    3,074,878                   3,074,878  
 
  Mining, Quarrying, and
                               
 
    Oil and Gas Extraction
    375,697                   375,697  
 
  Professional, Scientific,
                               
 
    and Technical Services
    559,170                   559,170  
 
  Retail Trade
    876,567                   876,567  
 
  Transportation
                               
 
    and Warehousing
    369,938                   369,938  
 
Total Common Stocks
    7,495,006                   7,495,006  
 
Exchange-Traded Funds
    279,508                   279,508  
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
          758,725             758,725  
 
Short-Term Investments
    665,504                   665,504  
 
Total Investments in Securities
  $ 8,440,018     $ 758,725     $     $ 9,198,743  




 
57

 
 
WBI Funds

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

 
Dividend Growth Fund
                       
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
Common Stocks
                       
 
  Accommodation and
                       
 
    Food Services
  $ 2,404,822     $     $     $ 2,404,822  
 
  Administrative Support
                               
 
    and Waste Management
    950,027                   950,027  
 
  Arts, Entertainment,
                               
 
    and Recreation
    1,987,961                   1,987,961  
 
  Finance and Insurance
    7,343,059                   7,343,059  
 
  Information
    4,344,228                   4,344,228  
 
  Manufacturing
    26,134,685                   26,134,685  
 
  Mining, Quarrying, and
                               
 
    Oil and Gas Extraction
    1,179,091                   1,179,091  
 
  Retail Trade
    4,347,042                   4,347,042  
 
  Transportation
                               
 
    and Warehousing
    3,033,490                   3,033,490  
 
Total Common Stocks
    51,724,405                   51,724,405  
 
Exchange-Traded Funds
    2,478,653                   2,478,653  
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
          3,783,266             3,783,266  
 
Short-Term Investments
    4,130,390                   4,130,390  
 
Total Investments in Securities
  $ 58,333,448     $ 3,783,266     $     $ 62,116,714  
 
Refer to the Funds’ 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. There were no Level 3 securities held in the Funds during the six months ended May 31, 2015.
 
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER AGREEMENTS
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, WBI Investments, Inc. (the “Advisor”) provided the Funds with investment management services under an Investment Advisory Agreement. The Advisor furnished all investment advice, office space, facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds. Effective March 30, 2015, as compensation for its services, the Advisor is entitled to a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.85% based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund. Prior to March 30, 2015, the Advisor was entitled to a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% based upon the average daily net assets of each Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Funds incurred the following in advisory fees:


 
58

 
 
WBI Funds

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

   
Advisory Fees
 
 
Balanced Fund
  $ 391,313    
 
Balanced Plus Fund
    160,338    
 
Dividend Income Fund
    63,535    
 
Dividend Growth Fund
    363,377    
 
The Funds are responsible for their own operating expenses.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce fees payable to it by the Funds and to pay the Funds’ operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit each Fund’s No Load Shares net annual operating expenses to 1.75% of average daily net assets and each Fund’s Institutional Shares net annual operating expenses to 1.50% of average daily net assets, effective March 30, 2015. Prior to March 30, 2015, the actual net expenses were limited to 2.00% and 1.60% per the operating expenses limitation agreement for the No Load Shares and the Institutional Shares, respectively, of each Fund.  The Advisor is permitted to be reimbursed only for fee reductions and expense payments made in the previous three fiscal years.  Any such reimbursement is also contingent upon Board of Trustees review and approval at the time the reimbursement is made. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Funds’ payment of current ordinary operating expenses.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Advisor reduced its fees and absorbed Fund expenses in the amount of $40,831, $68,714 and $4,752 for the Balanced Plus Fund, Dividend Income Fund, and the Dividend Growth Fund respectively. For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Advisor recouped expenses of $4,498 from the Balanced Fund. The Funds cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions expire as follows:
 
                     
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
Balanced Fund
   
Balanced Plus Fund
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
Year
 
Amount
   
Year
   
Amount
   
Year
   
Amount
   
Year
   
Amount
 
2015
  $     2016     $ 111,157     2016     $ 113,659     2015     $ 92,504  
2016
        2017       192,288     2017       205,107     2016       37,833  
2017
    40,336     2018       40,831     2018       68,714     2017       27,714  
2018
              $ 344,276           $ 387,480     2018       4,752  
    $ 40,336                                       $ 162,803  
 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”) acts as the Funds’ Administrator under an Administration Agreement. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Funds; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Trustees; monitors the activities of the Funds’ custodian, transfer agent and accountants; coordinates the preparation and payment of the Funds’ expenses and reviews the Funds’ expense accruals.  U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC also serves as the fund


 
59

 
 
WBI Funds

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

accountant and transfer agent to the Funds. U.S. Bank N.A., an affiliate of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ custodian.
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Balanced Fund, Balanced Plus Fund, Dividend Income Fund, and the Dividend Growth Fund incurred the following expenses for administration and fund accounting, transfer agency, custody, and chief compliance officer fees:
 
     
Balanced
   
Balanced
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
     
Fund
   
Plus Fund
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
 
Administration and
                       
 
  Fund Accounting
  $ 70,534     $ 45,302     $ 37,751     $ 65,927  
 
Transfer Agency (a)
    19,529       12,943       12,439       17,327  
 
Chief Compliance Officer
    4,642       4,642       4,641       4,642  
 
Custody
    3,259       2,940       2,383       4,259  
 
(a) Does not include out-of-pocket expenses.
                               
 
At May 31, 2015, the Funds had payables due to USBFS for administration and fund accounting, transfer agency, Chief Compliance Officer fees and to U.S. Bank, N.A. for custody fees in the following amounts:
 
     
Balanced
   
Balanced
   
Dividend
   
Dividend
 
     
Fund
   
Plus Fund
   
Income Fund
   
Growth Fund
 
 
Administration and
                       
 
  Fund Accounting
  $ 45,804     $ 28,575     $ 20,970     $ 44,039  
 
Transfer Agency (a)
    6,628       4,951       4,433       6,887  
 
Chief Compliance Officer
    2,392       2,392       2,391       2,392  
 
Custody
    505       1,132       2,648       1,174  
 
(a) Does not include out-of-pocket expenses.
                               
 
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.
 
NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTION (12B-1) FEE
 
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”) for the No Load Shares only. The Plan permits the Funds to pay for distribution and related expenses at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s No Load Shares.  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 compensation for distribution and


 
60

 
 
WBI Funds

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

service activities, not reimbursements for specific expenses incurred.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Balanced Fund – No Load Shares, Balanced Plus Fund – No Load Shares, Dividend Income Fund – No Load Shares, and the Dividend Growth Fund – No Load Shares paid the Distributor $41,239, $10,149, $2,525, and $36,522, respectively.
 
NOTE 6 – SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE
 
Each Fund’s No Load Shares has entered into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Advisor, under which they may pay servicing fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the No Load and Institutional Shares of each Fund, effective March 30, 2015. Prior to March 30, 2015, each Fund’s No Load Shares Agreement allowed servicing fees to be paid at an annual rate of up to 0.40% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. Each Fund’s Institutional Shares has entered into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Advisor, under which they may pay servicing fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. Payments to the Advisor under the Agreement may reimburse the Advisor for payments it makes to selected brokers, dealers and administrators which have entered into Service Agreements with the Advisor for services provided to shareholders of the Funds. The services provided by such intermediaries are primarily designed to assist shareholders of the Funds and include the furnishing of office space and equipment, telephone facilities, personnel and assistance to the Funds in servicing such shareholders. Services provided by such intermediaries also include the provision of support services to the Funds and include establishing and maintaining shareholders’ accounts and record processing, purchase and redemption transactions, answering routine client inquiries regarding the Funds, and providing such other personal services to shareholders as the Funds may reasonably request.  For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the Funds incurred the following shareholder servicing fees under the agreement:
 
   
Shareholder Servicing Fees
 
 
Balanced Fund
       
 
  No Load Shares
  $ 10,662    
 
  Institutional Shares
    51,037    
 
Balanced Plus Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
    2,809    
 
  Institutional Shares
    31,962    
 
Dividend Income Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
       
 
  Institutional Shares
    14,038    
 
Dividend Growth Fund
         
 
  No Load Shares
    15,376    
 
  Institutional Shares
    47,601    


 
61

 
 
WBI Funds

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

NOTE 7 – 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 U.S. Government securities and short-term securities, were as follows:
 
     
Purchases
   
Sales
 
 
Balanced Fund
  $ 136,476,299     $ 130,867,074  
 
Balanced Plus Fund
    65,947,369       49,393,096  
 
Dividend Income Fund
    19,079,242       23,558,403  
 
Dividend Growth Fund
    112,893,708       119,740,880  
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2015, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of U.S. Government securities, excluding short-term securities, were as follows:
 
     
Purchases
   
Sales
 
 
Balanced Fund
  $ 19,241,594     $ 17,017,730  
 
Balanced Plus Fund
    6,675,547       6,021,998  
 
Dividend Income Fund
    598,078       320,002  
 
Dividend Growth Fund
    3,780,234        
 
NOTE 8 – LINES OF CREDIT
 
The Balanced Fund and the Dividend Growth Fund had lines of credit in the amount of $1,600,000 and $2,800,000, 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 Balanced Fund did not draw upon its lines of credit. The Dividend Growth Fund had an outstanding average daily balance of $51,258, a weighted average interest rate of 3.25% and paid $842 in interest. The maximum amount outstanding for the Dividend Growth Fund during the six months ended May 31, 2015 was $2,800,000. At May 31, 2015, the Funds had no outstanding loan amounts.
 
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
The distributions paid by the Fund during the six months ended May 31, 2015 and the year ended November 30, 2014, were characterized as follows:
 
     
Balanced Fund
   
Balanced Plus Fund
 
     
May 31,
   
Nov. 30,
   
May 31,
   
Nov. 30,
 
     
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
Ordinary Income
  $ 3,202,794     $ 499,646     $ 581,251     $ 145,956  
 
Long-Term Capital Gains
    402,515             2,259        


 
62

 
 
WBI Funds

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

     
Dividend Income Fund
   
Dividend Growth Fund
 
     
May 31,
   
Nov. 30,
   
May 31,
   
Nov. 30,
 
     
2015
   
2014
   
2015
   
2014
 
 
Ordinary Income
  $ 257,334     $ 41,772     $ 3,965,674     $ 4,116,105  
 
Long-Term Capital Gains
    6,768             1,192,778       1,255  
 
Ordinary income distributions may include dividends paid from short-term capital gains.
 
As of November 30, 2014, the Funds’ most recently completed fiscal year end, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) were as follows:
 
   
Balanced Fund
 
Balanced Plus Fund
 
 
Cost of investments (a)
  $ 79,284,196       $ 26,881,024    
 
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
  $ 2,743,011       $ 851,910    
 
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
    (594,717 )       (153,518 )  
 
Net tax unrealized appreciation (a)
    2,148294         698,392    
 
Undistributed ordinary income
    3,108,738         478,508    
 
Undistributed long-term capital gain
    402,463         2,251    
 
Total distributable earnings
    3,511,201         480,759    
 
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
               
 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
  $ 5,659,495       $ 1,179,151    
                       
     
Dividend
     
Dividend
   
   
Income Fund
 
Growth Fund
 
 
Cost of investments (a)
  $ 18,743,011       $ 86,885,291    
 
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
  $ 502,332       $ 4,412,966    
 
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
    (313,047 )       (803,096 )  
 
Net tax unrealized appreciation (a)
    189,285         3,609,870    
 
Undistributed ordinary income
    199,357         3,851,925    
 
Undistributed long-term capital gain
    6,755         1,192,709    
 
Total distributable earnings
    20,6112         5,044,634    
 
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
               
 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
  $ 395,397       $ 8,654,504    
 
 
(a)
The difference between book-basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
 
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Act”), net capital losses recognized after December 31, 2010, may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Under the law in effect prior to the Act, pre-enactment net capital
 

 
63

 
 
WBI Funds

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

losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.
 
The Balanced Fund, the Balanced Plus Fund, and the Dividend Income Fund, utilized $664,994, $83,602, and $35,442, respectively, of short-term capital loss carryforward.
 
















 
64

 
 
WBI 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-WBI-FUND (1-855-924-3863) 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, 2014
 
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-WBI-FUND (1-855-924-3863). 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 schedule 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-WBI-FUND (1-855-924-3863).
 



HOUSEHOLDING

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-WBI-FUND (1-855-924-3863) 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.
 
 


 
65

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

At a meeting held from December 2, 2014 through December 4, 2014, the 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 the continuance of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) and WBI Investments, Inc. (the “Advisor”) for another annual term for the WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund (“Balanced Fund”), WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund (“Dividend Growth Fund”), WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund (“Balanced Plus Fund”) and WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund (“Dividend Income Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”).  At this meeting, and at a prior meeting held from October 15, 2014 through October 16, 2014, the Board received and reviewed substantial information regarding the Funds, the Advisor and the services provided by the Advisor to the Funds under the Advisory Agreement.  This information, together with the information provided to the Board throughout the course of the year, formed the primary (but not exclusive) basis for the Board’s determinations.  Below is a summary of the factors considered by the Board and the conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement:
 
 
1.
THE NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISOR UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT.  The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Advisor’s overall services provided to the Funds as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment 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 Advisor involved in the day-to-day activities of the Funds.  The Board also considered the resources and compliance structure of the Advisor, including information regarding its compliance program, its chief compliance officer, the Advisor’s compliance record, and the Advisor’s disaster recovery plan/business continuity plan.  The Board also considered its knowledge of the Advisor’s operations, and noted that during the course of the prior year they had met with the Advisor in person to discuss Fund performance and investment outlook as well as various marketing and compliance topics, including the Advisor’s risk management process.  The Board concluded that the Advisor had the quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement and that the nature, overall quality and extent of such management services are satisfactory.
 
 
2.
THE FUNDS’ HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE AND THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ADVISOR.  In assessing the quality of the portfolio management delivered by the Advisor, the Board reviewed the


 
66

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

 
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.  In reviewing the performance of the Funds, the Board considered that Balanced Plus Fund and Dividend Income Fund were relatively new, with just over one year of performance information.  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 each Fund’s level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in the peer universe.  The Board noted that the Advisor represented the minor differences in performance between the Funds and their similarly managed accounts may be due to the effects of investing significant inflows during volatile market conditions as the Funds were growing from their seed capital to their current level.
 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Lipper comparative universe, was above its peer group median and average for all relevant periods.
 
 
The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was below its peer group median and average for all relevant periods.
 
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund and reviewed the performance of the Fund against broad-based securities market benchmarks.
 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Lipper comparative universe, was significantly above its peer group median and average for all relevant periods.
 
 
The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to the Morningstar comparative universe, was well above the peer group median and average for all relevant periods.
 
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund and reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Lipper comparative universe, was above its peer group median and average for the one-year and since inception periods.


 
67

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

   
The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to the Morningstar comparative universe, was below the peer group median and average for the one-year and since inception periods.
 
   
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund and reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
 
   
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Lipper comparative universe, was significantly above its peer group median and average for the one-year and since inception periods.
 
   
The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to the Morningstar comparative universe, was above its peer group median and average for the one-year and since inceptions periods.
 
   
The Board also considered any differences in performance between similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund and reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
 
 
3.
THE COSTS OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISOR AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE ADVISOR’S FEE UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT.  In considering the appropriateness of the advisory fee, the Board considered the level of the fee itself as well as the total fees and expenses of each Fund.  The Board reviewed information as to the fees and expenses of advisers and funds within relevant peer funds and similarly managed separate accounts for other types of clients advised by the Advisor, as well as all expense waivers and reimbursements.  When reviewing fees charged to other similarly managed accounts, the Board took into account the type of account and the differences in the management of that account that might be germane to the difference, if any, in the fees charged to such accounts.  The Board also took into consideration the services the Advisor provided to its separately managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees charged to the Funds.  The Board found that the fees charged to the Funds were generally in line with or comparable to the fees charged by the Advisor to its similarly managed separate account clients, and to the extent fees charged to the Funds were higher than for the average similarly managed separate accounts, it was largely a reflection of more investment management, compliance and operational complexity involved in managing the Funds that is not present in managing the separately managed accounts.


 
68

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.75% for Institutional shares and 2.00% for No Load shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for both Institutional shares and No Load shares was above the median and average of its peer group.  The Board also noted that the contractual advisory fee was marginally above its peer group median and slightly above its peer group average, and when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the advisory fee was the same as the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the net advisory fees received by the Advisor from the Fund during the most recent fiscal period were slightly above the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average.  As a result, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s expenses and advisory fee were not outside the range of its peer group.
 
 
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.75% for Institutional shares and 2.00% for No Load shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for both Institutional shares and No Load shares was above the median and average of its peer group.  The Board also noted that the contractual advisory fee was marginally above its peer group median and slightly above its peer group average, and the same as the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the net advisory fees received by the Advisor from the Fund during the most recent fiscal period were slightly above the peer group median and average.  As a result, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s expenses and advisory fee were not outside the range of its peer group.
 
 
WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.75% for Institutional shares and 2.00% for No Load shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for both Institutional Class shares and No Load shares was above the peer group median and average.  The Board also noted that the contractual advisory fee was marginally above its peer group median and slightly


 
69

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

   
above its peer group average, as well as the same as the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the Advisor did not receive advisory fees from the Fund for the last fiscal period.  As a result, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s expenses and advisory fee were not outside the range of its peer group.
 
   
WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.75% for Institutional shares and 2.00% for No Load shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for both Institutional Class shares and No Load shares was above the peer group median and average.  The Board also noted that the contractual advisory fee was marginally above its peer group median and slightly above its peer group average, as well as the same as the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the Advisor did not receive advisory fees from the Fund for the last fiscal period.  As a result, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s expenses and advisory fee were not outside the range of its peer group.
 
 
4.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE.  The Board also considered whether economies of scale were being realized by the Advisor that should be shared with shareholders.  The Board noted that the Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses so that each Fund does not exceed its specified Expense Caps.  The Board noted that at current asset levels, it did not appear that there were additional significant economies of scale being realized by the Advisor that should be shared with shareholders and concluded that it would continue to monitor economies of scale in the future as circumstances changed and assuming asset levels continued to increase.
 
 
5.
THE PROFITS TO BE REALIZED BY THE ADVISOR AND ITS AFFILIATES FROM THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FUNDS.  The Board reviewed the Advisor’s financial information and took into account both the direct benefits and the indirect benefits to the Advisor from advising the Funds.  The Board considered the profitability to the Advisor from its relationship with the Funds and considered any additional benefits


 
70

 
 
WBI Funds

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

 
derived by the Advisor from its relationship with the Funds, including benefits received in the form of Rule 12b-1 fees and shareholder servicing plan fees received from the Funds and “soft dollar” benefits that may be received by the Advisor in exchange for Fund brokerage.  The Board noted that the Advisor has soft dollar arrangements with certain executing brokerdealers that receive payment for order flow (“PFOF”) from other dealers and market centers for certain types of orders submitted in part by clients of the Advisor.  This PFOF is similarly used to provide soft dollars which are used to pay for research and other permitted expenses.  In selecting executing broker dealers, whether or not they obtain PFOF, the Advisor represented that it conducts ongoing reviews and analysis of the execution quality to ensure that its clients receive best execution.  For purposes of the Advisor’s soft dollar policy, PFOF is treated as client brokerage commissions which should be used to the ultimate benefit of the client.  The Board also noted that the Advisor and its affiliates do not receive PFOF in connection with the Funds’ brokerage.  The Board reviewed information indicating that the Advisor does not charge a separate fee for separately managed account clients (managed by the Advisor or its affiliates) invested in the Funds and determined that the Advisor (or its affiliate) was not receiving an advisory fee both at the separate account and at the Fund level for these accounts, and as a result was not receiving additional fall-out benefits from these relationships.  After such review, the Board determined that the profitability to the Advisor with respect to the Advisory Agreement was not excessive, and that the Advisor had maintained 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 continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund, WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund, WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund, and the WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund but rather the Board based its determination on the total combination of information available to them.  Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board determined that the advisory arrangements with the Advisor, including the advisory fees, were fair and reasonable.  The Board therefore determined that the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the WBI Absolute Return Balanced Fund, WBI Absolute Return Dividend Growth Fund, WBI Absolute Return Balanced Plus Fund, and the WBI Absolute Return Dividend Income Fund would be in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders.
 
 

 

 
71

 
 
WBI 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 with unaffiliated third parties.
 














 
72

 
















(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 



















 
 

 


Investment Advisor
WBI Investments, Inc.
One River Centre
331 Newman Springs Road
Suite 122
Red Bank, NJ 07701


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


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


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


Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street, 2nd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
1-855-WBI-FUND (1-855-924-3863)


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




This report is intended for the shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.  To obtain a free prospectus, please call 1-855-924-3863
 


WB-SEMI


 
 

 

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, as amended, (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     8/6/15      



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     8/6/15  

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

Date     8/6/15                                     

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