N-CSR 1 pf-ncsra.htm PZENA FUNDS ANNUAL REPORT 2-28-19
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)


Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer
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) 765-6872
Registrant's telephone number, including area code



Date of fiscal year end: February 28, 2019



Date of reporting period:  February 28, 2019



Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.









PZENA MID CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVMX
Institutional Class PZIMX
 
PZENA EMERGING MARKETS VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVEX
Institutional Class PZIEX
 
PZENA LONG/SHORT VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVLX
Institutional Class PZILX
 
PZENA SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVSX
Institutional Class PZISX
 
PZENA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVIX
Institutional Class PZIIX

1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996) • www.pzenafunds.com




Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Funds or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
 
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds or your financial intermediary electronically.
 
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Funds or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper may apply to all funds held within the fund complex and may apply to all funds held through your financial intermediary.
 


Table of Contents



Letter to Shareholders
1
   
Pzena Funds Commentary
 
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
2
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
4
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
6
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
8
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
10
   
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
 
Portfolio Allocation
12
Schedule of Investments
13
   
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
Portfolio Allocation
14
Schedule of Investments
15
Portfolio Diversification
17
   
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
 
Portfolio Allocation
18
Schedule of Investments
19
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
21
   
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
 
Portfolio Allocation
23
Schedule of Investments
24
   
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
 
Portfolio Allocation
26
Schedule of Investments
27
Portfolio Diversification
29
   
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
30
   
Statements of Operations
32
   
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
34
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
35
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
36
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
37
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
38
   
Statement of Cash Flows – Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
39
   
Financial Highlights
 
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
40
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
42
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
44
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
46
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
48
   
Notes to Financial Statements
50
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
61
   
Expense Example
62
   
Information about Trustees and Officers
64
   
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
67
   
Notice to Shareholders
70
   
Privacy Notice
71




 

 
Dear Shareholder:
 
As last year’s fiscal year came to a close, investors seemingly had the wind at their backs. Stocks were strong across the globe. Economic growth combined with solid corporate results fueled the emerging markets, and positive economic data and tax reform helped the US along. The macro environment across other developed markets also continued to strengthen. February 2018 marked a turning point, however. It was remarkable how quickly the tide turned despite so much positive news coming from the corporate sector. More hawkish telegraphing from the US Federal Reserve seemed to light the fuse, and investors became increasingly agitated by a growing chorus of negative headlines that included monetary tightening, rising interest rates, trade wars, BREXIT, whipsawing oil prices, and political dysfunction, to name a few. By the end of this fiscal year – February 2019 – non-US markets across the developed and emerging markets were down high single- to low double-digits. The US managed gains, but it took strong returns in January and February to offset widespread weakness across the year, which was punctuated by considerable declines in October and December.
 
Value stocks again lagged across developed markets. Economically sensitive sectors and businesses facing the most controversy fared worst. As such, we believe that the probability for a value resurgence has grown to extremely compelling levels. Cyclicals in the emerging markets, however, held up somewhat better, and value outperformed. Nonetheless, emerging markets still stand out for the compelling valuations of the cheapest quintile relative to the universe.
 
The underperformance of a style or approach can be challenging, but it’s important to keep a long-term perspective. Historically, wide valuation differentials have preceded periods of significant value outperformance. By our estimation, the valuation dispersions between the cheapest and most expensive stocks1 expanded in most markets, leaving them at extreme levels reached only three other times over the last 40 years. The long-term track record of value is compelling and reminds us why it is an important component to a well-balanced, thoughtfully constructed portfolio. One that will be well positioned over the years ahead.
 
We thank you for investing with us. As always, we are committed to our philosophy of value investing with a long-term outlook. We have persistently sought to exploit the opportunities created by widening valuation spreads and are excited by the range and scope of good companies that are in our Funds. The key is always the same: identify a business under a near-term cloud, but with a solid franchise, and an identifiable path to earnings normalization. The pages that follow discuss the performance of our Funds and the opportunities that lie ahead. We welcome your comments and feedback.
 
Best regards,
 
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1
Based on our analysis of dispersion between the 20% lowest valued versus the 20% highest valued shares in our developed world universe – the ~1,600 largest stocks, equally weighted by market capitalization – on a price-to-book basis. Price-to-book is a ratio comparing a firm’s market price to its book value. The book value of a company is the total value of the company’s assets, minus the company’s outstanding liabilities.

1

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2019

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT

 

 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2019.
 
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Since Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
(3/31/2014)
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVMX)
-0.08%
-9.11%
-8.12%
12.07%
5.56%
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZIMX)
-0.09%
-9.02%
-7.82%
12.41%
5.87%
Russell Midcap® Value Index
 1.86%
-3.98%
 2.63%
12.58%
7.24%

(1)  Not annualized.
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996). Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held 30 days or less. If it did, total returns would be reduced.
 
Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.
 
PZVMX Expense Ratio – Gross: 3.71%
PZVMX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.26%*
 
PZIMX Expense Ratio – Gross: 2.84%
PZIMX Expense Ratio – Net: 0.91%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s registration statement dated June 28, 2018.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least June 27, 2019.

US equity returns were broadly positive during the past fiscal year, however, trade war tensions and US economic growth concerns led to heightened volatility, especially toward the end of 2018. For the 12 months ended February 28, 2019, value underperformed growth across the market cap spectrum, but the disparity was most acute among mid cap companies. As value investors, the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund’s (the “Fund”) underperformance reflected the market’s preference for companies viewed as delivering reliable growth irrespective of valuations, and those that provided stability and yield. Companies that disappointed in delivering growth were severely punished, even if the underlying businesses remained healthy.
 
In aggregate, health care and financials positions detracted most. In health care, generic pharmaceuticals company Mylan N.V. (“Mylan”) was the largest detractor, falling after the company received an FDA warning letter regarding a manufacturing facility and weak 2019 guidance. We continue to hold Mylan,
 
 
2

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2019

 
seeing significant self-help opportunities and a stabilization in generic drug pricing underpinning earnings normalization. Negative results within financials were driven by idiosyncratic stock-specific issues. The Fund’s largest individual detractor was US oil services company, National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (a new buy in 2018). Oil prices fell in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the company reported weaker-than-expected results due to an inability to pass through higher raw material and labor costs. The company hosted an analyst day displaying an impressive array of market leading technologies and a strong balance sheet. The company is a late cycle energy company, which is cheap based on our estimate of normalized earnings, and we continued to build our position on the weakness.
 
Positions in producer durables were the Fund’s main contributors, led by Carlisle Companies, Inc. (“Carlisle”) and KBR, Inc. (“KBR”). Carlisle, an industrial conglomerate with strong positions in commercial roofing, aerospace components, and various other businesses, was a strong contributor on double digit organic growth in roofing and the Interconnect division (which is approximately two-thirds aerospace-related). KBR, the engineering and construction company, with a focus on government services and liquified natural gas (LNG), appreciated after reporting strong earnings driven by strong organic growth in its Government Services unit on higher defense spending, better margins and a lower tax rate.
 
During the fiscal year, we initiated several new positions in the Fund, most notably National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (discussed above), Fifth Third Bancorp (“Fifth Third”), Newell Brands, Inc. (“Newell”), and AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc. (“AXA”). Fifth Third Bancorp is a regional bank that has been executing on several strategic initiatives and has been improving its balance sheet mix, product offerings, and customer experience. Capital levels remain elevated, and we believe there is a significant opportunity for capital return in excess of earnings. Newell is a consumer products company that recently merged with Jarden and now owns a collection of well-known brands including Graco, Coleman, Rubbermaid, and Calphalon. Integration issues, the sudden bankruptcy of Toys-R-Us, and inventory tightening by office superstores pressured sales and margins. The long-term profit history of the brands bolsters our belief in the durability of the franchise, and management has a credible plan to sell the non-core brands to reduce leverage, which enabled us to purchase this diverse set of brands at what we believe to be an attractive valuation. We participated in the IPO of AXA, a life insurer that specializes in variable annuities and owns a majority stake in AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. We believe the stock is priced well below the midpoint of the initial expected range due to general discomfort with companies that sell variable annuity products. We view AXA as a well-capitalized franchise with strong captive distribution that generates an attractive return on capital.
 
To help fund our purchases, there were several notable sells during the fiscal year. We exited XL Group, Ltd. as it rallied on news that it was being acquired by AXA S.A., and did the same with Validus Holdings, Ltd. as American International Group, Inc. acquired it. We eliminated our position in Micro Focus International PLC, which spun out of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. a year ago, as we were concerned about the deterioration in its operations. We sold Superior Energy Services, Inc. and used proceeds to build our position in National Oilwell Varco, Inc. We also exited Lamar Advertising Co., Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., and Willis Towers Watson PLC, all on valuation.
 
The markets have exhibited continued volatility and increased fear of cyclical companies has set in, enabling us to purchase several great franchises at what we believe are cheap prices. Our Fund remains skewed toward economically sensitive stocks, many with self-help opportunities.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in mid-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The value investing style may over time go in and out of favor. At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Mid Cap Fund may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Investments in real estate investment trusts are subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The Russell Midcap® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Mid Cap® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Mid Cap® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates.  An index cannot be invested in directly.
 


3

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Commentary
February 2019

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT
 
 
 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2019.
 
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Since Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
(3/31/2014)
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVEX)
5.37%
2.04%
-6.95%
17.29%
2.19%
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZIEX)
5.49%
2.26%
-6.57%
17.62%
2.48%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index – Net USD
6.11%
0.33%
-9.89%
15.04%
3.57%

(1) Not annualized.
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996). Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held 60 days or less. If it did, total returns would be reduced.
 
Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.
 
PZVEX Expense Ratio – Gross: 2.07%
PZVEX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.61%*
 
PZIEX Expense Ratio – Gross: 1.76%
PZIEX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.26%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s registration statement dated June 28, 2018.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least June 27, 2019.

Emerging market equities were down over the trailing fiscal year and lagged the developed markets. Trade fears, whipsawing oil prices, tighter Federal Reserve monetary policy, and the risks these dynamics pose for capital account balances tested emerging market economies. A strong relief rally in the beginning of 2019 partially helped performance, but most markets declined. Stocks in Turkey were down the most on political instability, and China’s weakness dragged down the index on a combination of structural deleveraging and trade tensions. Smaller market participants Qatar and Peru were able to produce positive returns. Energy was the sole sector in the black for the year. Investors in emerging markets rotated into value from growth; the MSCI EM Value Index outperformed its growth counterpart by over 500 basis points.
 
The Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund (the “Fund”) was down but outperformed both its benchmark, the MSCI


4

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2019

 
Emerging Markets Index and the MSCI EM Value Index. Stock selection in China was the largest contributor to relative outperformance versus the benchmark. Positions in Russia, and by sector, positions in utilities and information technology also drove the outperformance.
 
The largest individual detractor was the Taiwanese electronic manufacturing services company Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (“Hon Hai”). It traded down with the technology sector, but the company also reported lower-than-expected margins, attributable to higher expenses related to iPhone X production, and a more muted iPhone unit growth outlook. Akbank T.A.S. (“Akbank”), a leading Turkish bank, detracted as Turkish macro conditions deteriorated, leading to a Turkish lira decline, and causing investors to assess the potential rise in funding costs for Turkish banks. While Akbank is highly sensitive to the Turkish macroeconomy, we believe it is a great operator with a solid earnings history and the strongest balance sheet among its peers. We continue to hold both Hon Hai and Akbank in the Fund.
 
Lenovo Group Limited was the largest individual contributor in the Fund. The Chinese PC, smartphone, and data center equipment manufacturer recently reported better-than-expected and encouraging 2QFY19 results, characterized by healthy topline growth and an improvement in operating income and margins. By segment, PC performance remained strong, and, while Mobile and Data Center businesses continue to lose money, the level of losses continues to decline with both segments showing signs that management’s turnaround efforts appear to be progressing. Russian energy positions, Lukoil PJSC and Rosneft Oil Co., also contributed as both benefitted from rising crude oil prices and improving capital return policy to shareholders, including share buybacks.
 
During the fiscal year, we added several new diverse companies to Fund, notably Realtek Semiconductor Corp. (“Realtek”), a Taiwan-based fabless semiconductor company, Catcher Technology Co., Ltd. (“Catcher”), the manufacturer of premium metal casing for smartphones and notebook PCs, Huadian Power International Corp., Ltd. (“Huadian”), one of the largest Chinese coal utilities, and Siam Commercial Bank PLC (“Siam”), one of the largest banks in Thailand. Realtek has followed a strategy of becoming a market leader by focusing on mature tech. categories and on being the cost leader in each market. The company has continued to gain share and recent weakness in its gross margins led to the underperformance of the stock, creating an attractive opportunity. For Catcher, Apple, Inc. accounts for an estimated 70% of total sales, which has recently been an overhang for the stock due to fears of a material iPhone slowdown. Given its focus on the premium metal market, Catcher commands very high average selling prices and has superior margins. We were able to purchase the stock at an attractive valuation (under 7x our estimate of normal earnings assuming modest sales growth and sustainable margins). Approximately 25% of the company’s market cap is in net cash. Huadian’s profitability has been hurt by rising coal prices, but we believe it should improve through a combination of regulatory price increases and coal price normalization. Lastly, Siam became cheap due to concerns around the small- and medium-enterprise credit cycle, the costs associated with its digitalization program, and the impact of a reduction in transaction related fees. We believe the market overreacted to these issues, and we were able to purchase a solid franchise with self-help opportunities at an attractive valuation. To help fund these purchases, we exited Russian energy major Gazprom PJSC, due to its questionable capital discipline. We also sold out of positions in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Pref, Randon S.A. Implementos e Participacoes Pref, Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. Pref, and China Shineway Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd., as they reached fair value.
 
Our largest sector weightings remain in information technology and financials, and we have no exposure to health care or real estate. While this lends our Fund a more cyclical bent, our relatively large exposure to utilities has balanced the Fund during this turbulent period, and remains as we enter the new year. Our largest country concentrations are to China and South Korea, with Asia overall constituting the bulk of the Fund, and we also hold a relative overweight to emerging Europe and very little exposure to Latin America.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The Fund may invest in participatory notes which are a type of equity linked derivative and involve counterparty risk and risk that the performance of the security may not exactly match the performance of the issuer. Investments in real estate investment trusts are subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets, and provides equity returns including dividends net of withholding tax rates as calculated by MSCI. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 
The MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index is based on a traditional market cap weighted parent index, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.
 

5

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Commentary
February 2019

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT
 
 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2019.
 
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Since Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
(3/31/2014)
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVLX)
-0.94%
-4.05%
-7.24%
  4.06%
  1.40%
Pzena Long/Short Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZILX)
-0.86%
-3.93%
-6.91%
  4.41%
  1.70%
Russell 1000® Index
 1.84%
-3.07%
 4.99%
15.43%
10.44%
ICE BofAML 0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
 0.57%
 1.09%
 2.02%
  1.08%
  0.67%
50% Russell 1000® Index/50%  ICE BofAML
         
  0-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index
 1.42%
-0.73%
 3.83%
  8.21%
  5.62%

(1)  Not annualized.
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996). Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held 60 days or less. If it did, total returns would be reduced.
 
Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.
 
PZVLX Expense Ratio – Gross: 7.49%
PZVLX Expense Ratio – Net: 2.85%*
 
PZILX Expense Ratio – Gross: 6.73%
PZILX Expense Ratio – Net: 2.50%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s registration statement dated June 28, 2018.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least June 27, 2019.

US equity markets were punctuated by heightened volatility, as investors struggled with uncertainties that included the impact of trade wars, rising interest rates, and the outlook for the US economy. Equity markets plunged nearing year-end, but then staged a strong recovery in the beginning of 2019. Most sectors in the Russell 1000® Index ended the period up, led by utilities
 
 
6

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2019

 
and health care. Growth-style investing continued to outperform the value approach.
 
The Pzena Long/Short Value Fund (the “Fund”) underperformed the benchmark on both the long and short sides of the book. The long book declined for the period compared to 4.98% and 3.14% returns for the long-only Russell 1000® and Russell 1000® Value indices, respectively. The short book was up significantly more than the indices for the period and so detracted from performance.
 
On the long side, the relative underperformance was driven by holdings in consumer discretionary, financials, and health care. Mylan N.V., the generic drug manufacturer, was our largest detractor after reporting a mixed quarter, and new guidance for 2019 that was below street expectations. Delays in approval in the US for new generic versions of biosimilars have been impactful and create additional uncertainty. But the company is working to address these issues and the effects appear to be largely reflected in the stock’s price. Meanwhile the company’s international business continues to grow nicely. Mednax, Inc., the neo natal/anesthesiology services provider, was weak after reporting better-than-expected 4Q2018 results but disappointing preliminary 2019 guidance. Generally, the fundamental issues have been the convergence of soft birth volumes, demographically driven payer mix shift toward Medicare, and clinician comp inflation. The company is tackling these issues with multiple levers, including piloting new staffing models to reduce fixed cost in neonatology; negotiating better rates; renegotiating clinician comp where possible; cutting G&A cost; and deploying IT resources to improve clinician efficiency. We purchased Newell Brands, Inc. (“Newell”) during the period, a branded consumer products holding. Newell fell after reporting a decent quarter but issued disappointing guidance and reduced their targeted proceeds from divestments. The low guidance appears to be a conservative move by management as there were no new issues identified that could explain the tempered outlook. Management also commented that they have already priced for a 10% tariff level. Ford Motor Co., the global auto manufacturer, was also a detractor, driven by fears of peak auto sales, low profitability in its non-US divisions, and worries about how tariffs and the trade war between the US and China would affect the auto sector. We continue to see this stock as an attractive holding. JELD-WEN Holding, Inc., the leading door and window manufacturer, fell on concerns over rising costs, weakness in organic growth, and an adverse legal decision in an action brought by a customer. We believe the disruptions to earnings are temporary and our investment case remains intact. Financials declined overall, led by Morgan Stanley, American International Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., and Citigroup, Inc. Contributors to the long book spanned a variety of sectors and included AutoZone, Inc. (consumer discretionary), HCP, Inc. and Omega Healthcare investors, Inc. (financial services), and Express Scripts Holding Co. (health care). The short book detracted more than the long book, led by holdings in consumer discretionary, health care, and financials.
 
The breadth and scope of the opportunity set among value stocks today continues to expand generating new opportunities for the Fund, leading to an increasingly idiosyncratic portfolio construction. Whether by way of over-reaction to earnings disappointments, restructuring or rationalization situations or company-specific challenges, these enable us to continue to build portfolios of stocks with disparate pathways back to their full earnings power. Overall, our long book remains exposed to sectors whose earnings are depressed and expectations are low: financials, technology, consumer discretionary, and health care. Our short book is exposed to stocks with rich valuations across sectors like the biotech stocks in health care; some of the new technology stocks in IT; and some industrial companies that are enjoying significantly higher margins than their history.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. The Fund may make short sales of securities, which involves the risk that losses may exceed the original amount invested in these securities. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The value investing style may over time go in and out of favor. At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Long/Short Value Fund may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Investments in real estate investment trusts are subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The Russell 1000® Index is an unmanaged index and is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index; it measures the performance of approximately 1000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. An index cannot be invested in directly. The ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch 0-3 month U.S. Treasury Bill Index measures the performance of short-term U.S. Government securities with a remaining term to final maturity of less than three months. The index cannot be invested in directly. The blended index represents a 50% weighting of the Russell 1000® Index, and a 50% weighting of the ICE Bank of America Merrill Lynch 0-3 month U.S. Treasury Bill Index, both described above.
 


7

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2019

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT
 
 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2019.
 
 
Three
Six
One
Since Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
(4/27/2016)
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVSX)
0.85%
-8.04%
2.40%
  7.39%
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZISX)
1.02%
-7.82%
2.83%
  7.77%
Russell 2000® Value Index
1.32%
-8.59%
4.42%
11.24%

(1)  Not annualized.
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996). Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held 30 days or less. If it did, total returns would be reduced.
 
Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.
 
PZVSX Expense Ratio – Gross: 2.95%
PZVSX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.46%*
 
PZISX Expense Ratio – Gross: 2.57%
PZISX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.11%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of a supplement to the Fund’s registration statement dated June 28, 2018.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least June 27, 2020.

US equity returns were broadly positive during the past fiscal year, however, trade war tensions and US economic growth concerns led to heightened volatility, especially toward the end of 2018. For the 12 months ended February 28, 2019, value underperformed growth across the market cap spectrum, and small cap stocks outperformed large cap. The Russell 2000® Value Index was up 4.4%, led by utilities, technology, and financial services, while energy, consumer staples, and materials & processing declined the most. As value investors, the Pzena Small Cap Value Fund’s (the “Fund”) underperformance reflected the market’s preference for companies viewed as delivering reliable growth irrespective of valuations, and those that provided stability and yield. Companies that disappointed in delivering growth were severely punished, even if the underlying businesses remained healthy.
 
 
8

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2019

 
The Pzena Small Cap Value Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index, largely due to stock selection within the technology and materials & processing sectors, as well as our underweight in utilities. The largest individual detractor was Diebold Nixdorf, Inc. (“Diebold Nixdorf”), the ATM manufacturer and services company. The stock declined after lowering guidance and reporting weaker-than-expected results, including a swing from positive to negative free cash flow, leaving the company at risk of tripping its debt covenants. The weakening of the balance sheet increased the range of potential outcomes and risk of permanent impairment, so we exited our position. Also detracting was Realogy Holdings Corp. (“Realogy”), a real estate brokerage leader that we purchased early in the fiscal year. Realogy was down on a combination of transaction declines and margins that were impacted by negative operating leverage and continued upward pressure on commission splits. Management is in the process of implementing strategic initiatives that they expect to have a positive impact going forward. Mednax, Inc., the neo natal/anesthesiology services provider, was weak after reporting better-than-expected 4Q2018 results but disappointing preliminary 2019 guidance. Generally, the fundamental issues have been the convergence of soft birth volumes, demographically driven payer mix shift toward Medicare, and clinician comp inflation. The company is tackling these issues with multiple levers, including piloting new staffing models to reduce fixed cost in neonatology; negotiating better rates; renegotiating clinician comp where possible; cutting G&A cost; and deploying IT resources to improve clinician efficiency.
 
The largest individual contributor was Essendant, Inc., wholesaler of office essentials, as it was acquired by Staples (which was acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners). We sold out of the position as the stock price converged to the acquisition price. Insight Enterprises, Inc., a tech value added reseller, reported very strong results in May driven by solid sales on a continued strong device refresh cycle (mostly PCs but also servers), as well as growth in its services business. The company was up further in 2019 after reporting better-than-expected margins driven by a growing mix of higher margin services sales, as well as management’s belief that IT demand will be heathy throughout the year. Lastly, payment terminal manufacturer Verifone Systems, Inc. (“Verifone”) traded higher after announcing it was being acquired by private equity at a large premium.
 
While overall portfolio positioning remains largely unchanged, we have made several notable additions and sales in the portfolio during the last fiscal year. We established positions in Celestica, Inc. and Jabil, Inc., both global electronics manufacturing services providers as fears around trade wars developed. We also initiated a position in Ryder Systems, Inc., a leading provider of commercial fleet management and supply chain solutions, which came under pressure due to near-term headwinds in the commercial rental business due to soft demand and weak pricing. We also added CNO Financial Group, Inc., a seller of life and health products to underserved middle income Americans through a captive distribution network. The company de-risked its legacy long-term care book by selling the riskiest portion of the book, mitigating the tail risk in the long-term care book. Other new positions include Varex Imaging Corp., a leading manufacturer of x-ray tubes and digital detectors for medical and industrial applications, C&J Energy Services, Inc., an oil services company, Motorcar Parts of America, Inc., a leading remanufacturer of alternators and starters for used cars, and REV Group, Inc., a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles (including fire trucks, ambulances, shuttle buses, and recreational vehicles).  We funded these by selling a number of positions, including Chart Industries, Inc., Cubic Corp, and Evertec, Inc., as they reached fair value, Verifone, General Cable Corp., Ply Gem Holdings, Inc., Validus Holdings, Ltd., Genworth Financial, Inc., Hanover Insurance, Group, and Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd., as they were all acquired, and finally Diebold Nixdorf and Superior Energy Services, Inc. due to reallocation to better investment opportunities. We believe the combination of wide spreads and improving fundamentals, coupled with company-specific self-help initiatives, continues to provide significant opportunity looking to 2019. The portfolio remains heavily invested in what we believe to be attractively valued economically sensitive sectors, including producer durables and materials and processing. We are still not yet finding opportunities in perceived ‘safe’ sectors including real estate investment trusts and utilities.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in small-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The value investing style may over time go in and out of favor. At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Small Cap Value Fund may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures.
 
The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


9

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2019

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT
 
 
 
Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2019.
 
 
Three
Six
Since Inception(1)
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
(7/2/2018)
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVIX)
1.45%
-8.40%
-7.48%
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZIIX)
1.51%
-8.33%
-7.32%
MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap Index – Net USD
3.87%
-7.63%
-6.30%

(1)  Not annualized.
 
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996). Performance data shown does not reflect the 1.00% redemption fee imposed on shares held 60 days or less. If it did, total returns would be reduced.
 
Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.  Fee waivers are in effect.  In the absence of fee waivers, returns would be reduced. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares.
 
PZVIX Expense Ratio – Gross: 5.69%
PZVIX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.52%*
 
PZIIX Expense Ratio – Gross: 5.34%
PZIIX Expense Ratio – Net: 1.17%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s registration statement dated June 28, 2018.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment advisor, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least June 27, 2019.

International small cap equity performance was volatile in the eight-month period since the Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund’s (the “Fund”) inception (July 2, 2018 to February 28, 2019), as investors struggled with uncertainties that included the impact of trade wars, rising political instability in Europe (UK, Italy, France), and the outlook for the global economy. Equity markets plunged towards the end of 2018, but then staged a broad relief rally to start off the new year. The MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap Index ended the eight-month period down 6.30%. Defensive sectors such as utilities and real estate outperformed. Energy was weak as the sharp correction (down ~40%) in oil prices in the fourth quarter took its toll on the sector. Against this value style headwind, our Fund was down.
 
 
10

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2019

 
By company, the largest detractors were European-based companies Salzgitter AG (German flat steel producer) and PostNL N.V. (Dutch mail carrier). Salzgitter AG suffered from a contraction in steel spreads and a disappointing earnings report but remains fundamentally strong with a solid position on the cost curve and clean balance sheet. We took advantage of the share price weakness to add to our position. PostNL N.V. shares fell during the final months of 2018 due to competitive pressures and a complex regulatory environment. Ultimately, we see progress on both fronts due to a reversal of an adverse regulatory decision from 2017, and with the announced merger of PostNL N.V. with its largest competitor, Sandd B.V.
 
The Fund’s top contributors were Ju Teng International Holdings, Ltd. (“Ju Teng”), the Hong Kong-based laptop casing supplier, and Go-Ahead Group PLC (“Go-Ahead”), the UK bus and train operator. Ju Teng was up during the period on improving sentiment and increased guidance on better metal casing mix. The majority of Ju Teng’s business supplies structural share gaining laptop original equipment manufacturers, and the stock trades at just 0.4x book value. We trimmed some shares of Ju Teng after its strong performance. Go-Ahead shares reacted positively to strong interim results and a negotiated settlement with the UK Department for Transport regarding operational issues on a train concession. The agreement eliminated an area of uncertainty for the company, improving the future earnings profile.
 
The Fund’s largest exposures are in industrials and financials. In the current environment of uncertainty, the opportunity set continues to broaden out particularly in technology, materials and other cyclicals. As investors flock to safety in reaction to macro and political concerns, we see opportunities to buy high quality businesses at valuation levels that are among the lowest that we have seen in the last few years.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in small- and mid-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences  in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The Fund may invest in participatory notes which are a type of equity linked derivative and involve counterparty risk and risk that the performance of the security may not exactly match the performance of the issuer. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries* (excluding the United States). With 2,580 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. *DM countries in this index include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
 
The book value of a company is the total value of the company’s assets, minus the company’s outstanding liabilities.
 

11

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)



 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 28, 2019.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 









12

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 97.91%
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 18.46%
                 
Avis Budget Group, Inc. (a)
   
28,600
   
$
1,024,452
     
2.39
%
Gildan Activewear, Inc. (b)
   
12,146
     
433,248
     
1.01
%
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.
   
42,088
     
969,286
     
2.26
%
Lear Corp.
   
8,630
     
1,312,364
     
3.06
%
Mohawk Industries, Inc. (a)
   
3,116
     
424,150
     
0.99
%
Newell Brands, Inc.
   
63,091
     
1,023,967
     
2.39
%
News Corp.
   
55,242
     
719,251
     
1.68
%
Omnicom Group, Inc.
   
14,877
     
1,126,189
     
2.63
%
PVH Corp.
   
7,623
     
875,425
     
2.05
%
             
7,908,332
     
18.46
%
                         
Energy – 8.92%
                       
Cenovus Energy, Inc. (b)
   
81,507
     
746,604
     
1.74
%
Halliburton Co.
   
26,626
     
817,152
     
1.91
%
Murphy Oil Corp.
   
11,651
     
336,714
     
0.78
%
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
   
38,339
     
1,078,859
     
2.52
%
TechnipFMC PLC (b)
   
37,890
     
844,568
     
1.97
%
             
3,823,897
     
8.92
%
                         
Financial Services – 27.66%
                       
Apollo Global
                       
  Management LLC – Class A
   
28,658
     
839,679
     
1.96
%
AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.
   
66,318
     
1,268,000
     
2.96
%
Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd. (b)
   
28,163
     
1,607,262
     
3.75
%
Fifth Third Bancorp
   
46,756
     
1,289,531
     
3.01
%
Franklin Resources, Inc.
   
28,693
     
935,679
     
2.18
%
Invesco, Ltd. (b)
   
34,314
     
663,976
     
1.55
%
KeyCorp
   
63,302
     
1,117,913
     
2.61
%
KKR & Co., Inc. – Class A
   
55,281
     
1,228,897
     
2.87
%
Realogy Holdings Corp.
   
31,653
     
430,481
     
1.00
%
Regions Financial Corp.
   
69,885
     
1,146,114
     
2.68
%
Voya Financial, Inc.
   
26,188
     
1,324,327
     
3.09
%
             
11,851,859
     
27.66
%
                         
Health Care – 8.23%
                       
Cardinal Health, Inc.
   
18,508
     
1,005,725
     
2.35
%
McKesson Corp.
   
7,467
     
949,504
     
2.21
%
MEDNAX, Inc. (a)
   
19,522
     
642,469
     
1.50
%
Mylan N.V. (a)(b)
   
35,244
     
930,089
     
2.17
%
             
3,527,787
     
8.23
%
                         
Materials & Processing – 3.22%
                       
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (a)
   
68,271
     
1,379,757
     
3.22
%
                         
Producer Durables – 20.19%
                       
AECOM Technology Corp. (a)
   
33,709
     
1,043,631
     
2.44
%
Carlisle Cos., Inc.
   
9,586
     
1,179,845
     
2.75
%
Dover Corp.
   
1,504
     
136,157
     
0.32
%
Genpact, Ltd. (b)
   
27,146
     
901,790
     
2.10
%
KBR, Inc.
   
54,203
     
1,071,051
     
2.50
%
Ryder System, Inc.
   
22,431
     
1,394,311
     
3.26
%
Snap-on, Inc.
   
5,202
     
832,320
     
1.94
%
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
   
9,842
     
1,303,376
     
3.04
%
Terex Corp.
   
23,418
     
786,611
     
1.84
%
             
8,649,092
     
20.19
%
                         
Technology – 9.11%
                       
Anixter International, Inc. (a)
   
18,952
     
1,112,103
     
2.60
%
Avnet, Inc.
   
38,459
     
1,672,582
     
3.90
%
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.
   
68,275
     
1,118,345
     
2.61
%
             
3,903,030
     
9.11
%
                         
Utilities – 2.12%
                       
Edison International
   
15,143
     
906,914
     
2.12
%
Total Common Stocks 
                       
  (Cost $46,825,192)
           
41,950,668
     
97.91
%
                         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.39%
                       
Money Market Fund – 2.39%
                       
Fidelity Institutional
                       
  Government Portfolio –
                       
  Class I, 2.29% (c)
   
1,023,796
     
1,023,796
     
2.39
%
Total Short-Term Investments
                       
  (Cost $1,023,796)
           
1,023,796
     
2.39
%
Total Investments
                       
  (Cost $47,848,988) – 100.30%
           
42,974,464
     
100.30
%
Liabilities in Excess
                       
  of Other Assets – (0.30)%
           
(126,472
)
   
(0.30
)%
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
         
$
42,847,992
     
100.00
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

PLC
 
Public Limited Company
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
Foreign issued security.
(c)
 
The rate listed is the Fund’s 7-day annualized yield as of February 28, 2019.

Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.


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

13

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 
 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 28, 2019.
 









14

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 90.38%
                 
Brazil – 2.42%
                 
Cia de Saneamento Basico
                 
  do Estrado de San Paulo
   
579,170
   
$
6,036,635
     
1.94
%
Light S.A.
   
284,139
     
1,500,823
     
0.48
%
             
7,537,458
     
2.42
%
                         
China – 20.69%
                       
Baidu, Inc. – ADR (a)
   
43,698
     
7,102,673
     
2.28
%
China Agri-Industries
                       
  Holdings, Ltd.
   
16,840,000
     
5,985,363
     
1.92
%
China Construction
                       
  Bank Corp.
   
3,331,000
     
2,961,926
     
0.95
%
China Dongxiang Group Co.
   
16,208,000
     
2,333,200
     
0.75
%
China Mobile, Ltd.
   
697,000
     
7,334,272
     
2.35
%
China Resources Power
                       
  Holdings Co., Ltd.
   
3,744,000
     
7,097,133
     
2.28
%
China Shenhua Energy
                       
  Co., Ltd.
   
879,000
     
2,167,896
     
0.70
%
Dah Chong Hong
                       
  Holdings, Ltd.
   
3,642,272
     
1,359,515
     
0.44
%
Dongfeng Motor
                       
  Group Co., Ltd.
   
5,646,000
     
6,005,809
     
1.93
%
Grand Baoxin Auto
                       
  Group, Ltd.
   
18,198,000
     
5,656,629
     
1.82
%
Huadian Power
                       
  International Corp., Ltd.
   
12,806,000
     
5,611,980
     
1.80
%
Lenovo Group, Ltd.
   
11,986,000
     
10,795,378
     
3.47
%
             
64,411,774
     
20.69
%
                         
Czech Republic – 1.97%
                       
CEZ
   
252,621
     
6,121,210
     
1.97
%
                         
Hong Kong – 2.80%
                       
Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd.
   
38,089,000
     
8,297,358
     
2.66
%
Stella International
                       
  Holdings, Ltd.
   
157,000
     
207,207
     
0.07
%
Texwinca Holdings, Ltd.
   
542,000
     
209,902
     
0.07
%
             
8,714,467
     
2.80
%
                         
Hungary – 0.95%
                       
OTP Bank PLC
   
69,884
     
2,955,526
     
0.95
%
                         
India – 3.58%
                       
ICICI Bank Ltd. – ADR
   
470,030
     
4,634,496
     
1.49
%
Reliance Industries,
                       
  Ltd. – GDR
   
45,334
     
1,573,090
     
0.51
%
State Bank of India – GDR (a)
   
130,127
     
4,931,813
     
1.58
%
             
11,139,399
     
3.58
%
                         
Indonesia – 0.57%
                       
Bank Danamon
                       
  Indonesia Tbk PT
   
2,957,100
     
1,792,023
     
0.57
%
                         
Malaysia – 1.61%
                       
Genting Malaysia Berhad
   
5,829,100
     
5,017,054
     
1.61
%
                         
Poland – 1.24%
                       
Cyfrowy Polsat S.A. (a)
   
573,594
     
3,868,527
     
1.24
%
                         
Republic of Korea – 15.54%
                       
Dongbu Insurance Co., Ltd.
   
96,710
     
6,234,085
     
2.00
%
Hana Financial Group, Inc.
   
128,167
     
4,427,214
     
1.42
%
Hyundai Heavy
                       
  Industries Co., Inc. (a)
   
65,763
     
7,689,014
     
2.47
%
Hyundai Motor Co.
   
14,850
     
1,670,245
     
0.53
%
KB Financial Group, Inc.
   
112,700
     
4,444,070
     
1.43
%
LG Electronics, Inc.
   
22,492
     
1,409,875
     
0.45
%
POSCO
   
38,628
     
9,032,777
     
2.90
%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
   
177,570
     
7,120,483
     
2.29
%
Samsung Electronics
                       
  Co., Ltd. – GDR
   
83
     
82,792
     
0.03
%
Shinhan Financial
                       
  Group Co., Ltd.
   
161,060
     
6,250,795
     
2.01
%
Shinhan Financial
                       
  Group Co., Ltd. – ADR (a)
   
450
     
17,545
     
0.01
%
             
48,378,895
     
15.54
%
                         
Romania – 0.99%
                       
Banca Transilvania S.A.
   
6,749,611
     
3,073,667
     
0.99
%
                         
Russian Federation – 7.35%
                       
LUKOIL PJSC – ADR
   
93,516
     
7,780,531
     
2.50
%
MMC Norilsk Nickel
                       
  PJSC – ADR
   
367,032
     
7,854,485
     
2.52
%
Rosneft Oil Co. – GDR
   
1,209,684
     
7,246,007
     
2.33
%
             
22,881,023
     
7.35
%
                         
Singapore – 2.42%
                       
Wilmar International, Ltd.
   
3,185,000
     
7,538,461
     
2.42
%
                         
South Africa – 3.42%
                       
Reunert, Ltd.
   
826,836
     
4,106,680
     
1.32
%
Sasol
   
215,010
     
6,558,120
     
2.10
%
             
10,664,800
     
3.42
%
                         
Taiwan – 11.14%
                       
Catcher Technology Co., Ltd.
   
599,000
     
4,554,319
     
1.46
%
Compal Electronics, Inc.
   
8,792,000
     
5,456,345
     
1.75
%


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

15

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 90.38% (Continued)
                 
Taiwan – 11.14% (Continued)
                 
Hon Hai Precision
                 
  Industry Co., Ltd.
   
2,181,132
   
$
5,152,252
     
1.66
%
Lite-On Technology Corp.
   
3,001,000
     
4,344,046
     
1.39
%
Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
   
1,161,000
     
6,714,799
     
2.16
%
Taiwan Semiconductor
                       
  Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
   
1,086,000
     
8,433,513
     
2.71
%
Taiwan Semiconductor
                       
  Manufacturing
                       
  Co., Ltd. – ADR
   
1,125
     
43,931
     
0.01
%
             
34,699,205
     
11.14
%
                         
Thailand – 3.35%
                       
Bangkok Bank
                       
  Public Co., Ltd.
   
247,800
     
1,682,799
     
0.54
%
Bangkok Bank Public
                       
  Co., Ltd. – NVDR
   
400,000
     
2,652,916
     
0.85
%
Siam Commercial Bank
                       
  PLC – NVDR
   
1,430,300
     
6,082,037
     
1.96
%
             
10,417,752
     
3.35
%
                         
Turkey – 1.03%
                       
Akbank T.A.S.
   
2,484,493
     
3,197,390
     
1.03
%
                         
United Arab Emirates – 1.49%
                       
Abu Dhabi Commercial
                       
  Bank PJSC
   
1,262,004
     
3,274,407
     
1.05
%
Union National Bank PJSC
   
896,526
     
1,361,997
     
0.44
%
             
4,636,404
     
1.49
%
                         
United Kingdom – 3.97%
                       
Antofagasta PLC
   
399,362
     
4,962,164
     
1.59
%
Standard Chartered PLC
   
926,334
     
7,391,505
     
2.38
%
             
12,353,669
     
3.97
%
                         
United States – 3.85%
                       
Cognizant Technology
                       
  Solutions Corp. – Class A
   
107,357
     
7,620,200
     
2.45
%
Flextronics
                       
  International, Ltd. (a)
   
414,472
     
4,368,535
     
1.40
%
             
11,988,735
     
3.85
%
Total Common Stocks
                       
  (Cost $274,811,569)
           
281,387,439
     
90.38
%
                         
PREFERRED STOCKS – 4.43%
                       
Brazil – 2.54%
                       
Cia Energetica de
                       
  Minas Gerais, 4.39%
   
985,300
     
3,790,473
     
1.22
%
Telefonica Brasil
                       
  S.A. – ADR, 8.15%
   
329,309
     
4,109,776
     
1.32
%
             
7,900,249
     
2.54
%
                         
Republic of Korea – 1.89%
                       
Hyundai Motor Co., 5.50%
   
89,926
     
5,892,724
     
1.89
%
Total Preferred Stocks
                       
  (Cost $13,968,251)
           
13,792,973
     
4.43
%
                         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 4.22%
                       
Money Market Fund – 4.22%
                       
Fidelity Institutional
                       
  Government Portfolio –
                       
  Class I, 2.29% (b)
   
13,153,629
     
13,153,629
     
4.22
%
Total Short-Term Investments
                       
  (Cost $13,153,629)
           
13,153,629
     
4.22
%
Total Investments
                       
  (Cost $301,933,449) – 99.03%
           
308,334,041
     
99.03
%
Other Assets in
                       
  Excess of Liabilities – 0.97%
           
3,012,153
     
0.97
%
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
         
$
311,346,194
     
100.00
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR
 
American Depository Receipt
GDR
 
Global Depository Receipt
NVDR
 
Non-voting Depository Receipt
PJSC
 
Private Joint Stock Company
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
The rate listed is the Fund’s 7-day annualized yield as of February 28, 2019.


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

16

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Portfolio Diversification
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

   
Fair
   
% of
 
   
Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
           
Communication Services
 
$
18,305,471
     
5.88
%
Consumer Discretionary
   
23,869,436
     
7.67
%
Consumer Staples
   
13,523,824
     
4.34
%
Energy
   
18,767,524
     
6.03
%
Financials
   
67,366,211
     
21.64
%
Industrials
   
20,093,053
     
6.45
%
Information Technology
   
64,686,594
     
20.78
%
Materials
   
28,407,545
     
9.12
%
Utilities
   
26,367,781
     
8.47
%
Total Common Stocks
   
281,387,439
     
90.38
%
                 
PREFERRED STOCKS
               
Communication Services
   
4,109,776
     
1.32
%
Consumer Discretionary
   
5,892,724
     
1.89
%
Utilities
   
3,790,473
     
1.22
%
Total Preferred Stocks
   
13,792,973
     
4.43
%
Short-Term Investments
   
13,153,629
     
4.22
%
Total Investments
   
308,334,041
     
99.03
%
Other Assets in Excess
               
  of Liabilities
   
3,012,153
     
0.97
%
Total Net Assets
 
$
311,346,194
     
100.00
%

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by Pzena Investment Management, LLC.



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

17

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments of long securities as of February 28, 2019.
 


 
 


The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments of short securities as of February 28, 2019.
 

18

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 99.16%
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 14.97%
                 
Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)(d)
   
221
   
$
375,046
     
1.57
%
Carter’s, Inc. (d)
   
3,083
     
300,408
     
1.26
%
Ford Motor Co. (d)
   
62,334
     
546,669
     
2.29
%
H&R Block, Inc. (d)
   
4,786
     
115,582
     
0.49
%
Interpublic Group
                       
  of Cos., Inc. (d)
   
3,503
     
80,674
     
0.34
%
Lear Corp.
   
3,274
     
497,877
     
2.09
%
Newell Brands, Inc.
   
16,521
     
268,136
     
1.12
%
News Corp. – Class A (d)
   
13,578
     
176,786
     
0.74
%
Omnicom Group, Inc. (d)
   
11,946
     
904,312
     
3.79
%
PVH Corp.
   
1,067
     
122,534
     
0.51
%
ServiceMaster Global
                       
  Holdings, Inc. (a)
   
4,063
     
183,485
     
0.77
%
             
3,571,509
     
14.97
%
                         
Consumer Staples – 0.47%
                       
CVS Health Corp. (d)
   
1,938
     
112,075
     
0.47
%
                         
Energy – 9.27%
                       
Cenovus Energy, Inc. (b)(d)
   
14,298
     
130,970
     
0.55
%
ExxonMobil Corp. (d)
   
10,868
     
858,898
     
3.60
%
Halliburton Co. (d)
   
10,883
     
333,999
     
1.40
%
HollyFrontier Corp.
   
3,495
     
178,944
     
0.75
%
Murphy Oil Corp. (d)
   
6,463
     
186,781
     
0.79
%
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.
   
10,268
     
288,941
     
1.21
%
Royal Dutch
                       
  Shell PLC – ADR (d)
   
3,722
     
231,546
     
0.97
%
             
2,210,079
     
9.27
%
                         
Financial Services – 26.20%
                       
American International
                       
  Group, Inc. (d)
   
12,029
     
519,653
     
2.18
%
AXA Equitable Holdings, Inc.
   
16,269
     
311,063
     
1.30
%
Axis Capital
                       
  Holdings, Ltd. (b)(d)
   
6,111
     
348,755
     
1.46
%
Bank of America Corp. (d)
   
16,890
     
491,161
     
2.06
%
Capital One Financial Corp. (d)
   
5,240
     
437,959
     
1.84
%
CBRE Group, Inc. – Class A (a)
   
3,991
     
198,592
     
0.83
%
Citigroup, Inc. (d)
   
8,218
     
525,788
     
2.20
%
Franklin Resources, Inc. (d)
   
10,187
     
332,198
     
1.39
%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (d)
   
1,440
     
283,248
     
1.19
%
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (d)
   
1,823
     
301,014
     
1.26
%
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (d)
   
3,676
     
383,627
     
1.61
%
KKR & Co., Inc. – Class A
   
7,031
     
156,299
     
0.66
%
Metlife, Inc. (d)
   
10,457
     
472,552
     
1.98
%
Morgan Stanley (d)
   
9,051
     
379,961
     
1.59
%
Regions Financial Corp. (d)
   
5,791
     
94,973
     
0.40
%
UBS Group AG (b)
   
9,311
     
117,970
     
0.49
%
Voya Financial, Inc. (d)
   
10,025
     
506,964
     
2.13
%
Wells Fargo & Co. (d)
   
5,808
     
289,761
     
1.22
%
Willis Towers Watson PLC (b)(d)
   
573
     
98,568
     
0.41
%
             
6,250,106
     
26.20
%
                         
Health Care – 12.06%
                       
AmerisourceBergen Corp. (d)
   
1,521
     
126,699
     
0.53
%
Amgen, Inc. (d)
   
2,791
     
530,513
     
2.22
%
Anthem, Inc.
   
1,211
     
364,184
     
1.52
%
Biogen, Inc. (a)(d)
   
1,381
     
452,982
     
1.90
%
Exelixis, Inc. (a)
   
9,177
     
205,473
     
0.86
%
McKesson Corp. (d)
   
3,898
     
495,670
     
2.08
%
MEDNAX, Inc. (a)(d)
   
6,367
     
209,538
     
0.88
%
Merck & Co., Inc.
   
2,546
     
206,964
     
0.87
%
Mylan N.V. (a)(b)(d)
   
10,830
     
285,804
     
1.20
%
             
2,877,827
     
12.06
%
                         
Materials & Processing – 1.45%
                       
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (a)(d)
   
17,130
     
346,197
     
1.45
%
                         
Producer Durables – 11.79%
                       
AECOM Technology
                       
  Corp. (a)(d)
   
10,111
     
313,036
     
1.31
%
Carlisle Cos., Inc. (d)
   
1,024
     
126,034
     
0.53
%
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
   
3,657
     
330,520
     
1.38
%
General Electric Co.
   
52,284
     
543,231
     
2.28
%
Genpact, Ltd. (b)(d)
   
12,393
     
411,695
     
1.73
%
Ryder System, Inc. (d)
   
5,712
     
355,058
     
1.49
%
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
   
2,437
     
322,732
     
1.35
%
Terex Corp. (d)
   
8,019
     
269,358
     
1.13
%
United Continental
                       
  Holdings, Inc. (a)
   
1,354
     
118,895
     
0.50
%
Wabtec Corp.
   
281
     
20,573
     
0.09
%
             
2,811,132
     
11.79
%
                         
Technology – 17.97%
                       
Amdocs, Ltd. (b)(d)
   
6,971
     
387,378
     
1.62
%
Apple, Inc.
   
923
     
159,817
     
0.67
%
Avnet, Inc. (d)
   
14,993
     
652,046
     
2.73
%
Broadcom, Inc.
   
1,042
     
286,925
     
1.20
%
Cognizant Technology
                       
  Solutions Corp. – Class A (d)
   
8,304
     
589,418
     
2.47
%
Facebook, Inc. – Class A (a)
   
2,668
     
430,749
     
1.81
%
Hewlett Packard
                       
  Enterprise Co. (d)
   
23,283
     
381,375
     
1.60
%


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

19

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 99.16% (Continued)
                 
Technology – 17.97% (Continued)
                 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
   
3,685
   
$
238,014
     
1.00
%
Micron Technology, Inc. (a)
   
5,070
     
207,262
     
0.87
%
Oracle Corp. (d)
   
14,157
     
738,004
     
3.09
%
Qorvo, Inc. (a)(d)
   
3,076
     
215,751
     
0.91
%
             
4,286,739
     
17.97
%
                         
Utilities – 4.98%
                       
Edison International (d)
   
15,004
     
898,590
     
3.77
%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
   
5,085
     
289,438
     
1.21
%
             
1,188,028
     
4.98
%
Total Common Stocks
                       
  (Cost $25,416,543)
           
23,653,692
     
99.16
%
                         
REITs – 6.39%
                       
Financial Services – 6.39%
                       
HCP, Inc.
   
15,131
     
465,581
     
1.95
%
Hospitality Properties Trust (d)
   
5,362
     
145,149
     
0.61
%
Lamar Advertising Co. –
                       
  Class A (d)
   
5,626
     
436,409
     
1.83
%
Omega Healthcare
                       
  Investors, Inc. (d)
   
10,272
     
368,765
     
1.55
%
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (d)
   
3,463
     
108,184
     
0.45
%
Total REITs
                       
  (Cost $1,252,838)
           
1,524,088
     
6.39
%
                         
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.83%
                       
Money Market Fund – 2.83%
                       
Fidelity Institutional
                       
  Government Portfolio –
                       
  Class I, 2.29% (c)
   
674,860
     
674,860
     
2.83
%
Total Short-Term Investments
                       
  (Cost $674,860)
           
674,860
     
2.83
%
Total Investments
                       
  (Cost $27,344,241) – 108.38%
           
25,852,640
     
108.38
%
Liabilities in Excess
                       
  of Other Assets – (8.38)%
           
(1,998,476
)
   
(8.38
)%
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
         
$
23,854,164
     
100.00
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR
 
American Depository Receipt
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
REIT
 
Real Estate Investment Trust
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
Foreign issued security.
(c)
 
The rate listed is the Fund’s 7-day annualized yield as of February 28, 2019.
(d)
 
All or a portion of the security has been pledged in connection with open short securities.

Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.


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

20

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 49.07%
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 7.60%
                 
Amazon.com, Inc. (a)
   
97
   
$
159,063
     
0.67
%
Caesars Entertainment Corp. (a)
   
17,993
     
155,100
     
0.65
%
GCI Liberty, Inc. (a)
   
3,863
     
206,825
     
0.87
%
Home Depot, Inc.
   
869
     
160,887
     
0.67
%
Liberty Global PLC –
                       
  Class A (a)(b)
   
7,093
     
186,900
     
0.78
%
Lions Gate Entertainment
                       
  Corp. – Class A (b)
   
10,004
     
154,562
     
0.65
%
Madison Square Garden
                       
  Co. – Class A (a)
   
431
     
124,188
     
0.52
%
Marriott International,
                       
  Inc. – Class A
   
1,391
     
174,251
     
0.73
%
Vail Resorts, Inc.
   
579
     
120,658
     
0.51
%
Wynn Resorts, Ltd.
   
1,403
     
177,536
     
0.74
%
Yum! Brands, Inc.
   
2,041
     
192,874
     
0.81
%
             
1,812,844
     
7.60
%
                         
Consumer Staples – 1.83%
                       
Constellation Brands, Inc.
   
901
     
152,413
     
0.64
%
National Beverage Corp.
   
1,571
     
107,755
     
0.45
%
Sysco Corp.
   
2,604
     
175,900
     
0.74
%
             
436,068
     
1.83
%
                         
Energy – 2.82%
                       
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.
   
7,963
     
196,049
     
0.83
%
EOG Resources, Inc.
   
1,653
     
155,382
     
0.65
%
Equitrans Midstream Corp.
   
8,792
     
155,091
     
0.65
%
Viper Energy Partners LP
   
5,011
     
164,912
     
0.69
%
             
671,434
     
2.82
%
                         
Financial Services – 6.98%
                       
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.
   
1,879
     
180,215
     
0.76
%
Global Payments, Inc.
   
1,408
     
183,575
     
0.77
%
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.
   
8,790
     
178,173
     
0.75
%
LendingTree, Inc. (a)
   
638
     
203,490
     
0.85
%
Markel Corp. (a)
   
176
     
176,859
     
0.74
%
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.
   
764
     
186,325
     
0.78
%
S&P Global, Inc.
   
849
     
170,114
     
0.71
%
Texas Pacific Land Trust
   
273
     
203,008
     
0.85
%
Weyerhaeuser Co.
   
7,386
     
183,838
     
0.77
%
             
1,665,597
     
6.98
%
                         
Health Care – 5.78%
                       
Align Technology, Inc. (a)
   
802
     
207,694
     
0.87
%
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)
   
1,495
     
127,075
     
0.53
%
Chemed Corp.
   
583
     
192,099
     
0.80
%
FibroGen, Inc. (a)
   
3,454
     
199,641
     
0.84
%
HealthEquity, Inc. (a)
   
2,588
     
208,282
     
0.87
%
Medidata Solutions, Inc. (a)
   
2,512
     
188,450
     
0.79
%
STERIS PLC (b)
   
1,039
     
125,678
     
0.53
%
Zoetis, Inc.
   
1,384
     
130,414
     
0.55
%
             
1,379,333
     
5.78
%
                         
Materials & Processing – 5.27%
                       
AptarGroup, Inc.
   
1,797
     
182,809
     
0.76
%
Ashland Global Holdings, Inc.
   
2,404
     
186,022
     
0.78
%
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.
   
6,770
     
171,078
     
0.72
%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
   
939
     
176,344
     
0.74
%
Newmont Mining Corp.
   
5,060
     
172,647
     
0.73
%
Royal Gold, Inc.
   
2,056
     
181,771
     
0.76
%
Vulcan Materials Co.
   
1,667
     
185,804
     
0.78
%
             
1,256,475
     
5.27
%
                         
Producer Durables – 10.66%
                       
3M Co.
   
894
     
185,407
     
0.78
%
Arconic, Inc.
   
8,643
     
159,809
     
0.67
%
Boeing Co.
   
433
     
190,503
     
0.80
%
Brink’s Co.
   
2,639
     
208,270
     
0.87
%
CSX Corp.
   
2,488
     
180,803
     
0.76
%
Curtiss-Wright Corp.
   
1,373
     
169,277
     
0.71
%
Deere & Co.
   
1,232
     
202,097
     
0.85
%
Knight-Swift Transportation
                       
  Holdings, Inc.
   
5,276
     
177,432
     
0.74
%
Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.
   
4,246
     
173,619
     
0.73
%
Mettler-Toledo
                       
  International, Inc. (a)
   
278
     
189,293
     
0.79
%
MSA Safety, Inc.
   
1,188
     
122,827
     
0.51
%
Norfolk Southern Corp.
   
971
     
174,100
     
0.73
%
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.
   
1,358
     
204,746
     
0.86
%
Union Pacific Corp.
   
1,222
     
204,929
     
0.86
%
             
2,543,112
     
10.66
%
                         
Technology – 7.41%
                       
Arista Networks, Inc. (a)
   
572
     
163,163
     
0.68
%
Autodesk, Inc. (a)
   
1,123
     
183,060
     
0.77
%
Cognex Corp.
   
3,504
     
187,113
     
0.78
%
Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
   
11,251
     
173,603
     
0.73
%
EchoStar Corp. – Class A (a)
   
4,319
     
166,541
     
0.70
%
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
   
988
     
132,501
     
0.56
%
NVIDIA Corp.
   
1,055
     
162,744
     
0.68
%
Take-Two Interactive
                       
  Software, Inc. (a)
   
1,434
     
125,131
     
0.52
%


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

21

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Schedule of Securities Sold Short (Continued)
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 49.07% (Continued)
                 
Technology – 7.41% (Continued)
                 
Universal Display Corp.
   
1,148
   
$
171,327
     
0.72
%
ViaSat, Inc. (a)
   
2,112
     
159,562
     
0.67
%
Yelp, Inc. (a)
   
3,853
     
143,563
     
0.60
%
             
1,768,308
     
7.41
%
                         
Utilities – 0.72%
                       
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (a)
   
6,893
     
170,946
     
0.72
%
Total Common Stocks
                       
  (Proceeds $11,656,545)
           
11,704,117
     
49.07
%
                         
REITs – 6.95%
                       
Financial Services – 6.95%
                       
CoreSite Realty Corp.
   
1,814
   
185,481
     
0.78
%
Crown Castle International Corp.
   
1,609
     
191,069
     
0.80
%
CyrusOne, Inc.
   
2,534
     
126,295
     
0.53
%
Duke Realty Corp.
   
7,116
     
210,420
     
0.88
%
Equinix, Inc.
   
457
     
193,539
     
0.81
%
Invitation Homes, Inc.
   
9,013
     
207,299
     
0.87
%
JBG SMITH Properties
   
4,632
     
186,623
     
0.78
%
Liberty Property Trust
   
3,734
     
176,730
     
0.74
%
Prologis, Inc.
   
2,577
     
180,545
     
0.76
%
Total REITs
                       
  (Proceeds $1,569,732)
           
1,658,001
     
6.95
%
TOTAL SECURITIES
                       
  SOLD SHORT
                       
  (Proceeds $13,226,277) – 56.02%
         
$
13,362,118
     
56.02
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

As of February 28, 2019, securities and cash collateral of $17,156,924 has been pledged in connection with open short securities.

REIT
 
Real Estate Investment Trust
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
Foreign issued security.


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

22

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)


 



The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 28, 2019.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 







23

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 94.54%
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 4.78%
                 
Avis Budget Group, Inc. (a)
   
27,748
   
$
993,933
     
3.79
%
Motorcar Parts of
                       
  America, Inc. (a)
   
12,582
     
260,322
     
0.99
%
             
1,254,255
     
4.78
%
                         
Consumer Staples – 2.57%
                       
Universal Corp.
   
11,334
     
672,560
     
2.57
%
                         
Energy – 5.47%
                       
C&J Energy Services, Inc. (a)
   
46,561
     
804,108
     
3.06
%
Murphy Oil Corp.
   
21,825
     
630,743
     
2.41
%
             
1,434,851
     
5.47
%
                         
Financial Services – 30.93%
                       
American Equity Investment
                       
  Life Holding Co.
   
24,560
     
777,324
     
2.96
%
Argo Group International
                       
  Holdings, Ltd. (b)
   
9,098
     
632,402
     
2.41
%
Associated Banc-Corp.
   
39,413
     
917,535
     
3.50
%
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. (b)
   
16,044
     
915,631
     
3.49
%
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
   
45,437
     
773,792
     
2.95
%
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
   
26,481
     
613,035
     
2.34
%
Hope Bancorp, Inc.
   
50,018
     
729,263
     
2.78
%
Realogy Holdings Corp.
   
27,690
     
376,584
     
1.44
%
Synovus Financial Corp.
   
16,355
     
648,966
     
2.47
%
TCF Financial Corp.
   
22,762
     
521,250
     
1.99
%
Webster Financial Corp.
   
11,682
     
670,780
     
2.56
%
WSFS Financial Corp.
   
12,343
     
534,205
     
2.04
%
             
8,110,767
     
30.93
%
                         
Health Care – 7.58%
                       
MEDNAX, Inc. (a)
   
21,411
     
704,636
     
2.69
%
Triple-S Management
                       
  Corp. – Class B (a)(b)
   
23,526
     
598,502
     
2.28
%
Varex Imaging Corp. (a)
   
21,794
     
685,203
     
2.61
%
             
1,988,341
     
7.58
%
                         
Materials & Processing – 10.05%
                       
Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (a)
   
19,888
     
805,464
     
3.07
%
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (a)
   
48,513
     
980,448
     
3.74
%
Masonite International
                       
  Corp. (a)(b)
   
15,310
     
848,939
     
3.24
%
             
2,634,851
     
10.05
%
                         
Producer Durables – 20.27%
                       
Actuant Corp. – Class A
   
41,121
     
1,005,408
     
3.83
%
KBR, Inc.
   
34,016
     
672,156
     
2.56
%
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
   
8,772
     
180,616
     
0.69
%
REV Group, Inc.
   
70,545
     
623,618
     
2.38
%
Ryder System, Inc.
   
12,500
     
777,000
     
2.96
%
Steelcase, Inc.
   
21,185
     
370,949
     
1.42
%
Terex Corp.
   
15,143
     
508,653
     
1.94
%
TriMas Corp. (a)
   
28,999
     
937,538
     
3.58
%
Wesco Aircraft
                       
  Holdings, Inc. (a)
   
28,133
     
238,849
     
0.91
%
             
5,314,787
     
20.27
%
                         
Technology – 12.89%
                       
Anixter International, Inc. (a)
   
14,201
     
833,315
     
3.18
%
ARC Document
                       
  Solutions, Inc. (a)
   
26,114
     
61,890
     
0.24
%
Celestica, Inc. (a)(b)
   
72,719
     
669,742
     
2.55
%
Insight Enterprises, Inc. (a)
   
12,525
     
699,146
     
2.66
%
Jabil, Inc.
   
14,555
     
413,362
     
1.58
%
ScanSource, Inc. (a)
   
18,726
     
703,161
     
2.68
%
             
3,380,616
     
12.89
%
Total Common Stocks
                       
  (Cost $24,709,246)
           
24,791,028
     
94.54
%
                         
REITs – 0.95%
                       
Financial Services – 0.95%
                       
DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
   
23,316
     
249,248
     
0.95
%
Total REITs
                       
  (Cost $257,304)
           
249,248
     
0.95
%


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

24

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 4.51%
                 
Money Market Fund- 4.51%
                 
Fidelity Institutional
                 
  Government Portfolio –
                 
  Class I, 2.29% (c)
   
1,182,574
   
$
1,182,574
     
4.51
%
Total Short-Term Investments
                       
  (Cost $1,182,574)
           
1,182,574
     
4.51
%
Total Investments
                       
  (Cost $26,149,124) – 100.00%
           
26,222,850
     
100.00
%
Liabilities in Excess
                       
  of Other Assets – 0.00%
           
(607
)
   
0.00
%
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
         
$
26,222,243
     
100.00
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

REIT
 
Real Estate Investment Trust
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
Foreign issued security.
(c)
 
The rate listed is the Fund’s 7-day annualized yield as of February 28, 2019.

Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.



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

25

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)




 

The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 28, 2019.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 







26

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS – 95.29%
                 
Australia – 1.55%
                 
OFX Group, Ltd.
   
23,268
   
$
29,874
     
1.55
%
                         
Austria – 1.86%
                       
Vienna Insurance Group AG
                       
  Wiener Versicherung Gruppe
   
1,487
     
35,857
     
1.86
%
                         
Belgium – 1.93%
                       
Orange Belgium S.A.
   
1,835
     
37,194
     
1.93
%
                         
Canada – 9.19%
                       
Celestica, Inc. (a)
   
5,891
     
54,212
     
2.81
%
Dorel Industries, Inc. – Class B
   
1,466
     
18,726
     
0.97
%
Genworth MI Canada, Inc.
   
1,721
     
57,975
     
3.00
%
Linamar Corp.
   
1,184
     
46,561
     
2.41
%
             
177,474
     
9.19
%
                         
France – 10.38%
                       
Coface S.A.
   
4,499
     
40,478
     
2.10
%
Europcar Mobility Group
   
3,871
     
33,155
     
1.72
%
Ipsos
   
1,671
     
44,096
     
2.28
%
Rexel S.A.
   
5,782
     
72,081
     
3.73
%
Technicolor S.A. (a)
   
9,732
     
10,688
     
0.55
%
             
200,498
     
10.38
%
                         
Germany – 8.38%
                       
Bertrandt AG
   
431
     
34,317
     
1.78
%
Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG
   
3,510
     
43,278
     
2.24
%
Salzgitter AG
   
2,755
     
84,171
     
4.36
%
             
161,766
     
8.38
%
                         
Hong Kong – 4.99%
                       
Ju Teng International
                       
  Holdings, Ltd.
   
124,000
     
33,647
     
1.74
%
Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd.
   
288,000
     
62,738
     
3.25
%
             
96,385
     
4.99
%
                         
Italy – 6.79%
                       
BPER Banca
   
3,686
     
15,576
     
0.81
%
Danieli & C Officine
                       
  Meccaniche S.p.A.
   
3,473
     
55,621
     
2.88
%
Saipem S.p.A. (a)
   
8,408
     
43,658
     
2.26
%
UBI Banca – Unione di
                       
  Banche Italiane S.p.A.
   
5,422
     
16,164
     
0.84
%
             
131,019
     
6.79
%
                         
Japan – 17.17%
                       
DIC Corp.
   
1,900
     
60,342
     
3.13
%
Foster Electric Co., Ltd.
   
4,100
     
56,719
     
2.94
%
Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.
   
800
     
17,283
     
0.90
%
Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
   
5,600
     
56,972
     
2.95
%
Nishi-Nippon Financial
                       
  Holdings, Inc.
   
1,700
     
15,084
     
0.78
%
Taiheiyo Cement Corp.
   
700
     
23,895
     
1.24
%
Transcosmos, Inc.
   
1,700
     
33,873
     
1.75
%
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
   
800
     
29,606
     
1.53
%
Zeon Corp.
   
3,700
     
37,709
     
1.95
%
             
331,483
     
17.17
%
                         
Netherlands – 8.08%
                       
Flow Traders
   
1,763
     
51,136
     
2.65
%
Koninklijke BAM Groep N.V.
   
12,378
     
50,404
     
2.61
%
PostNL N.V.
   
20,243
     
54,455
     
2.82
%
             
155,995
     
8.08
%
                         
Spain – 1.43%
                       
Unicaja Banco S.A.
   
23,647
     
27,704
     
1.43
%
                         
Switzerland – 2.05%
                       
Aryzta AG (a)
   
34,673
     
39,605
     
2.05
%
                         
United Kingdom – 21.49%
                       
Balfour Beatty PLC
   
10,934
     
41,767
     
2.16
%
Capita PLC (a)
   
19,559
     
32,168
     
1.67
%
Drax Group PLC
   
9,371
     
45,342
     
2.35
%
Go-Ahead Group PLC
   
2,397
     
64,984
     
3.37
%
Greencore Group PLC
   
3,757
     
9,767
     
0.51
%
John Wood Group PLC
   
8,504
     
58,697
     
3.04
%
Northgate PLC
   
11,427
     
55,381
     
2.87
%
Petrofac, Ltd.
   
5,453
     
30,941
     
1.60
%
SIG PLC
   
24,423
     
40,556
     
2.10
%
SThree PLC
   
8,370
     
35,192
     
1.82
%
             
414,795
     
21.49
%
Total Common Stocks
                       
  (Cost $2,017,252)
           
1,839,649
     
95.29
%
                         
PREFERRED STOCKS – 1.22%
                       
Germany – 1.22%
                       
Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
   
420
     
23,600
     
1.22
%
Total Preferred Stocks
                       
  (Cost $30,121)
           
23,600
     
1.22
%


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

27

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 28, 2019

               
% of
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
   
Net Assets
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 4.18%
                 
Money Market Fund – 4.18%
                 
Fidelity Institutional
                 
  Government Portfolio –
                 
  Class I, 2.29% (b)
   
80,658
   
$
80,658
     
4.18
%
Total Short-Term Investments
                       
  (Cost $80,658)
           
80,658
     
4.18
%
Total Investments
                       
  (Cost $2,128,031) – 100.69%
           
1,943,907
     
100.69
%
Liabilities in Excess
                       
  of Other Assets – (0.69)%
           
(13,320
)
   
(0.69
)%
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
         
$
1,930,587
     
100.00
%

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

PLC
 
Public Limited Company
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
The rate listed is the Fund’s 7-day annualized yield as of February 28, 2019.





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

28

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Diversification
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

   
Fair
   
% of
 
   
Value
   
Net Assets
 
COMMON STOCKS
           
Communication Services
 
$
91,978
     
4.76
%
Consumer Discretionary
   
122,007
     
6.32
%
Consumer Staples
   
49,371
     
2.56
%
Energy
   
133,296
     
6.90
%
Financials
   
350,409
     
18.15
%
Industrials
   
662,425
     
34.31
%
Information Technology
   
121,732
     
6.31
%
Materials
   
263,089
     
13.63
%
Utilities
   
45,342
     
2.35
%
Total Common Stocks
   
1,839,649
     
95.29
%
                 
PREFERRED STOCKS
               
Health Care
   
23,600
     
1.22
%
Total Preferred Stocks
   
23,600
     
1.22
%
Short-Term Investments
   
80,658
     
4.18
%
Total Investments
   
1,943,907
     
100.69
%
Liabilities in Excess
               
  of Other Assets
   
(13,320
)
   
(0.69
)%
Total Net Assets
 
$
1,930,587
     
100.00
%

Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by Pzena Investment Management, LLC.



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

29

Pzena Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 28, 2019

         
PZENA
       
   
PZENA
   
EMERGING
   
PZENA
 
   
MID CAP
   
MARKETS
   
LONG/SHORT
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
ASSETS:
                 
Investments in securities, at value (cost $47,848,988, $301,933,449
                 
  and $27,344,241, respectively)
 
$
42,974,464
   
$
308,334,041
   
$
25,852,640
 
Foreign currency, at value (cost $0, $91 and $0, respectively)
   
     
91
     
 
Deposits for short sales
   
     
     
13,405,596
 
Receivables
                       
Fund shares sold
   
1,411
     
2,233,601
     
1,574
 
Securities sold
   
95,977
     
     
 
Dividends and interest
   
72,212
     
1,065,910
     
56,089
 
Dividend tax reclaim
   
     
76,983
     
 
Prepaid expenses
   
19,381
     
23,878
     
18,841
 
Total assets
   
43,163,445
     
311,734,504
     
39,334,740
 
LIABILITIES:
                       
Securities sold short, at value (proceeds received $0, $0 and $13,226,277, respectively)
   
     
     
13,362,118
 
Payables
                       
  Margin
   
     
     
2,028,490
 
  Securities purchased
   
245,160
     
27,613
     
 
  Fund shares redeemed
   
     
17,725
     
 
  Audit fees
   
22,000
     
22,000
     
22,000
 
  Administration and fund accounting fees
   
14,430
     
30,848
     
15,601
 
  Due to Advisor (Note 4)
   
11,792
     
227,915
     
17,020
 
  12b-1 distribution fees
   
8,669
     
11,385
     
1,597
 
  Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
5,929
     
6,756
     
5,730
 
  Shareholder reporting
   
4,338
     
8,020
     
2,892
 
  Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
1,500
     
1,500
     
1,500
 
  Custody fees
   
926
     
32,127
     
7,021
 
  Shareholder servicing fees
   
680
     
965
     
84
 
  Legal fees
   
24
     
     
24
 
  Miscellaneous
   
5
     
1,454
     
1,419
 
  Currency
   
     
2
     
 
  Dividends payable
   
     
     
13,571
 
  Broker interest and fees payable
   
     
     
1,509
 
Total liabilities
   
315,453
     
388,310
     
15,480,576
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
42,847,992
   
$
311,346,194
   
$
23,854,164
 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
                       
Paid-in capital
 
$
47,436,989
   
$
305,808,723
   
$
25,207,277
 
Total distributable earnings
   
(4,588,997
)
   
5,537,471
     
(1,353,113
)
Net assets
 
$
42,847,992
   
$
311,346,194
   
$
23,854,164
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
                       
Investor Class:
                       
Net assets
 
$
8,919,674
   
$
12,814,276
   
$
1,563,915
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
769,853
     
1,213,050
     
156,863
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share(1)
 
$
11.59
   
$
10.56
   
$
9.97
 
Institutional Class:
                       
Net assets
 
$
33,928,318
   
$
298,531,918
   
$
22,290,249
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
2,965,036
     
28,241,128
     
2,209,918
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share(1)
 
$
11.44
   
$
10.57
   
$
10.09
 

(1)
A redemption fee of 1.00% is assessed against shares redeemed within 30 days of purchase for the Mid Cap Value Fund and 60 days for the Emerging Markets Value Fund and Long/Short Value Fund.


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

30

Pzena Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
February 28, 2019

         
PZENA
 
   
PZENA
   
INTERNATIONAL
 
   
SMALL CAP
   
SMALL CAP
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
ASSETS:
           
Investments in securities, at value (cost $26,149,124 and $2,128,031, respectively)
 
$
26,222,850
   
$
1,943,907
 
Receivables
               
Fund shares sold
   
20,607
     
793
 
Securities sold
   
8,241
     
 
Dividends and interest
   
29,363
     
1,611
 
Dividend tax reclaim
   
     
895
 
Due from Advisor (Note 4)
   
     
15,897
 
Prepaid expenses
   
10,207
     
16,642
 
Total assets
   
26,291,268
     
1,979,745
 
LIABILITIES:
               
Payables
               
  Securities purchased
   
9,508
     
 
  Fund shares redeemed
   
217
     
 
  Audit fees
   
22,000
     
16,600
 
  Administration and fund accounting fees
   
14,393
     
15,462
 
  Due to Advisor (Note 4)
   
4,545
     
 
  12b-1 distribution fees
   
6,032
     
943
 
  Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
6,282
     
5,938
 
  Shareholder reporting
   
2,950
     
2,577
 
  Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
1,500
     
1,500
 
  Custody fees
   
1,117
     
3,408
 
  Shareholder servicing fees
   
462
     
69
 
  Legal fees
   
19
     
24
 
  Miscellaneous
   
     
2,637
 
Total liabilities
   
69,025
     
49,158
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
26,222,243
   
$
1,930,587
 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
               
Paid-in capital
 
$
26,301,108
   
$
2,114,149
 
Total distributable earnings
   
(78,865
)
   
(183,562
)
Net assets
 
$
26,222,243
   
$
1,930,587
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
               
Investor Class:
               
Net assets
 
$
6,139,030
   
$
925,023
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
563,005
     
102,005
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share(1)
 
$
10.90
   
$
9.07
 
Institutional Class:
               
Net assets
 
$
20,083,213
   
$
1,005,564
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
1,828,198
     
110,877
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share(1)
 
$
10.99
   
$
9.07
 

(1)
A redemption fee of 1.00% is assessed against shares redeemed within 30 days of purchase for the Small Cap Value Fund and 60 days for the International Small Cap Value Fund.


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

31

Pzena Funds
Statements of Operations
For the year ended February 28, 2019

         
PZENA
       
   
PZENA
   
EMERGING
   
PZENA
 
   
MID CAP
   
MARKETS
   
LONG/SHORT
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
                 
Dividends (Net of foreign taxes withheld and issuance fees of $2,182,
                 
  $747,483 and $3,143, respectively)
 
$
906,800
   
$
4,908,812
   
$
632,806
 
Interest income
   
26,728
     
217,286
     
195,202
 
Total investment income
   
933,528
     
5,126,098
     
828,008
 
                         
EXPENSES:
                       
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
348,854
     
1,798,720
     
371,405
 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 4)
   
86,543
     
163,667
     
93,631
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
36,232
     
36,287
     
33,617
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
35,891
     
41,153
     
34,492
 
Audit fees
   
22,000
     
22,000
     
22,000
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
21,796
     
27,639
     
4,894
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
13,948
     
14,323
     
13,280
 
Chief Compliance Officer fees (Note 4)
   
9,000
     
9,000
     
9,000
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class (Note 6)
   
7,485
     
9,800
     
916
 
Reports to shareholders
   
7,455
     
10,863
     
4,799
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
5,912
     
153,643
     
43,654
 
Legal fees
   
4,620
     
3,801
     
4,620
 
Insurance expense
   
1,496
     
2,200
     
1,398
 
Other expenses
   
5,750
     
16,207
     
7,764
 
Total expenses before dividend expense on securities sold short and interest expense
   
606,982
     
2,309,303
     
645,470
 
Dividend and interest expense on securities sold short
   
     
     
235,847
 
Total expenses before advisory fee waiver
   
606,982
     
2,309,303
     
881,317
 
Less: advisory fee waiver (Note 4)
   
(185,240
)
   
(23,464
)
   
(206,354
)
Net expenses
   
421,742
     
2,285,839
     
674,963
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
511,786
     
2,840,259
     
153,045
 
                         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):
                       
Net realized gain/(loss) on transactions from:
                       
  Investments
   
863,977
     
323,097
     
1,223,799
 
  Foreign currency
   
(66
)
   
(299,241
)
   
(7
)
  Securities sold short
   
     
     
(960,385
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from:
                       
  Investments
   
(4,952,625
)
   
(946,778
)
   
(2,150,744
)
  Foreign currency
   
     
(304
)
   
 
  Securities sold short
   
     
     
(88,457
)
Net loss on investments, foreign currency, and securities sold short
   
(4,088,714
)
   
(923,226
)
   
(1,975,794
)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
                       
  RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
 
$
(3,576,928
)
 
$
1,917,033
   
$
(1,822,749
)


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

32

Pzena Funds
Statements of Operations (Continued)
For the year ended February 28, 2019

         
PZENA
 
   
PZENA
   
INTERNATIONAL
 
   
SMALL CAP
   
SMALL CAP
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND(1)
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
           
Dividends (Net of foreign taxes withheld and issuance fees of $0 and $2,166, respectively)
 
$
301,346
   
$
22,688
 
Interest income
   
16,964
     
1,051
 
Total investment income
   
318,310
     
23,739
 
                 
EXPENSES:
               
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
195,280
     
12,694
 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 4)
   
86,326
     
61,521
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
30,329
     
24,909
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
38,034
     
22,572
 
Audit fees
   
22,000
     
16,600
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
15,204
     
1,565
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
13,512
     
5,291
 
Chief Compliance Officer fees (Note 4)
   
9,000
     
6,000
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class (Note 6)
   
4,760
     
144
 
Reports to shareholders
   
5,065
     
2,581
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
6,326
     
11,473
 
Legal fees
   
4,631
     
2,927
 
Insurance expense
   
1,352
     
 
Other expenses
   
4,456
     
6,741
 
Total expenses before advisory fee waiver and expense reimbursement
   
436,275
     
175,018
 
Less: advisory fee waiver and expense reimbursement (Note 4)
   
(171,647
)
   
(158,461
)
Net expenses
   
264,628
     
16,557
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
53,682
     
7,182
 
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):
               
Net realized gain on transactions from:
               
  Investments
   
288,345
     
28,533
 
  Foreign currency
   
     
824
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from:
               
  Investments
   
98,383
     
(184,124
)
  Foreign currency
   
     
(3
)
Net gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency
   
386,728
     
(154,770
)
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
 
$
440,410
   
$
(147,588
)

(1)
For the period July 2, 2018 (commencement of operations) through February 28, 2019.


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

33

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
511,786
   
$
48,926
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
863,977
     
481,081
 
  Foreign currency
   
(66
)
   
(3
)
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments
   
(4,952,625
)
   
(651,787
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
   
(3,576,928
)
   
(121,783
)
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(186,228
)
   
(78,841
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(1,242,621
)
   
(144,761
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(1,428,849
)
   
(223,602
)(1)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
1,853,880
     
6,347,056
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
6,353,272
     
30,542,966
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
186,121
     
78,686
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
1,242,621
     
144,761
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(794,226
)(2)
   
(500,431
)(3)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(2,718,136
)(4)
   
(35,143
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
6,123,532
     
36,577,895
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
1,117,755
     
36,232,510
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
41,730,237
     
5,497,727
 
End of year
 
$
42,847,992
   
$
41,730,237
(5) 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
154,546
     
475,427
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
514,634
     
2,328,994
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
17,330
     
6,058
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
117,228
     
11,144
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(67,105
)
   
(40,003
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(228,727
)
   
(2,889
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
507,906
     
2,778,731
 

(1) 
Includes net investment income distributions of $12,019 and $33,531, and net realized gain distributions of $66,822 and $111,230, for the Investor and Institutional Class, respectively.
(2) 
Net of redemption fees of $24.
(3) 
Net of redemption fees of $64.
(4) 
Net of redemption fees of $5,811.
(5) 
Includes accumulated net investment income of $3,169.


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

34

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
2,840,259
   
$
573,333
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
323,097
     
698,407
 
  Foreign currency
   
(299,241
)
   
(7,737
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
(946,778
)
   
6,220,441
 
  Foreign currency
   
(304
)
   
(2,810
)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
1,917,033
     
7,481,634
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(103,483
)
   
(109,674
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(2,888,037
)
   
(485,782
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(2,991,520
)
   
(595,456
)(1)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
8,663,630
     
8,491,754
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
283,979,019
     
13,603,544
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
103,147
     
109,644
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
2,270,656
     
427,668
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(6,140,004
)(2)
   
(1,242,060
)(3)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(28,701,540
)(4)
   
(565,096
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
260,174,908
     
20,825,454
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
259,100,421
     
27,711,632
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
52,245,773
     
24,534,141
 
End of year
 
$
311,346,194
   
$
52,245,773
(5) 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
832,127
     
788,690
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
27,288,062
     
1,303,876
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
10,588
     
10,180
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
233,057
     
39,746
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(591,404
)
   
(123,586
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(2,875,618
)
   
(50,685
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
24,896,812
     
1,968,221
 

(1) 
Includes net investment income distributions of $109,674 and $485,782, for the Investor and Institutional Class, respectively.
(2) 
Net of redemption fees of $1,616.
(3) 
Net of redemption fees of $2,944.
(4) 
Net of redemption fees of $1,992.
(5) 
Includes accumulated net investment loss of $(56,634).


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

35

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
153,045
   
$
7,029
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
1,223,799
     
603,809
 
  Foreign currency
   
(7
)
   
18
 
  Securities sold short
   
(960,385
)
   
(334,120
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
(2,150,744
)
   
(13,195
)
  Securities sold short
   
(88,457
)
   
51,189
 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
(1,822,749
)
   
314,730
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(14,215
)
   
 
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(257,618
)
   
 
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(271,833
)
   
 
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
386,923
     
1,228,965
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
5,837,025
     
14,333,569
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
14,204
     
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
257,618
     
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(1,189,362
)
   
(51,399
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(419,777
)
   
(7,887
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
4,886,631
     
15,503,248
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
2,792,049
     
15,817,978
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
21,062,115
     
5,244,137
 
End of year
 
$
23,854,164
   
$
21,062,115
(1) 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
37,140
     
118,938
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
535,362
     
1,314,725
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
1,475
     
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
26,446
     
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(113,119
)
   
(4,893
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(43,121
)
   
(716
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
444,183
     
1,428,054
 

(1) 
Includes accumulated net investment income of $5,923.


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

36

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income/(loss)
 
$
53,682
   
$
(6,882
)
Net realized gain on investments from investments
   
288,345
     
1,299,334
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
   
98,383
     
(1,407,655
)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
440,410
     
(115,203
)
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(223,408
)
   
(387,060
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(560,261
)
   
(665,676
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(783,669
)
   
(1,052,736
)(1)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
1,154,334
     
1,704,252
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
16,536,202
     
6,377,437
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
223,408
     
387,060
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
515,499
     
506,119
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(733,967
)(2)
   
(1,804,598
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(7,068,058
)(3)
   
(4,888,473
)(4)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
10,627,418
     
2,281,797
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
10,284,159
     
1,113,858
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
15,938,084
     
14,824,226
 
End of year
 
$
26,222,243
   
$
15,938,084
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
104,467
     
147,004
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
1,530,946
     
548,715
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
22,521
     
34,223
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
51,653
     
44,474
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(66,852
)
   
(155,781
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(681,145
)
   
(426,250
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
961,590
     
192,385
 

(1) 
Includes net realized gain distributions of $387,060 and $665,676, for the Investor and Institutional Class, respectively.
(2) 
Net of redemption fees of $12.
(3) 
Net of redemption fees of $41.
(4) 
Net of redemption fees of $11.


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

37

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets


   
For the Period
 
   
July 2, 2018(1)
 
   
through
 
   
February 28, 2019
 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM:
     
OPERATIONS:
     
Net investment income
 
$
7,182
 
Net realized gain from:
       
  Investments
   
28,533
 
  Foreign currency
   
824
 
Change in unrealized depreciation on:
       
  Investments
   
(184,124
)
  Foreign currency
   
(3
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
   
(147,588
)
         
DISTRIBUTIONS:
       
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(16,898
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(19,076
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(35,974
)
         
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
       
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
1,000,000
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
1,078,175
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
16,898
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
19,076
 
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
2,114,149
 
         
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
1,930,587
 
         
NET ASSETS:
       
Beginning of period
   
 
End of period
 
$
1,930,587
 
         
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
       
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
100,000
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
108,614
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
2,005
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
2,263
 
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
212,882
 

(1)  Commencement of operations.


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

38

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund
Statement of Cash Flows


   
Year Ended
 
   
February 28, 2019
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
     
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
 
$
(1,822,749
)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:
       
Purchases of investments
   
(19,503,402
)
Purchases to cover securities sold short
   
(24,510,456
)
Proceeds from sales of long-term investments
   
14,987,530
 
Proceeds from securities sold short
   
26,321,668
 
Purchases of short-term investments, net
   
(353,121
)
Cash received through merger
   
177,060
 
Return of capital dividends received
   
(6,958
)
Long-term distributions received
   
8,392
 
Net realized gain on investments
   
(1,223,799
)
Net realized loss on short transactions
   
960,385
 
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments
   
2,150,744
 
Change in unrealized appreciation on short transactions
   
88,457
 
(Increases)/Decreases in operating assets:
       
Increase in dividends and interest receivable
   
(25,545
)
Increase in deposits at broker for short sales
   
(2,709,316
)
Decrease in receivable from Advisor
   
5,704
 
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
   
(438
)
Increases/(Decreases) in operating liabilities:
       
Increase in dividends payable on short positions
   
6,668
 
Increase in payable to broker
   
822,443
 
Increase in other accrued expenses
   
11,478
 
Net cash used in operating activities
   
(4,615,255
)
         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       
Proceeds from shares sold
   
6,224,405
 
Payment on shares redeemed
   
(1,609,139
)
Cash distributions paid to shareholders
   
(11
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
4,615,255
 
         
Net change in cash
   
 
         
CASH:
       
Beginning balance
   
 
Ending balance
 
$
 
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
       
Non-cash financing activities – distributions reinvested
 
$
271,821
 



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

39

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
12.92
   
$
12.26
   
$
8.70
   
$
10.51
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.11
(2) 
   
0.05
     
0.05
     
0.07
     
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(1.18
)
   
0.94
     
3.58
     
(1.55
)
   
0.81
 
Total from investment operations
   
(1.07
)
   
0.99
     
3.63
     
(1.48
)
   
0.81
 
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.01
)
Dividends from net realized
  gain on investments
 
(0.26
)
   
(0.28
)
   
     
(0.28
)
   
(0.29
)
Total distributions
   
(0.26
)
   
(0.33
)
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.33
)
   
(0.30
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
     
     
 
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
11.59
   
$
12.92
   
$
12.26
   
$
8.70
   
$
10.51
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-8.12
%
   
8.09
%
   
41.73
%
   
-14.44
%
   
8.36
%(4)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
8,920
   
$
8,593
   
$
2,741
   
$
1,053
   
$
1,148
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.66
%
   
3.63
%
   
6.90
%
   
8.51
%
   
11.32
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.24
%
   
1.22
%(6)
   
1.35
%
   
1.17
%
   
1.35
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
0.48
%
   
(2.09
)%
   
(5.04
)%
   
(6.64
)%
   
(9.94
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
0.90
%
   
0.32
%
   
0.51
%
   
0.70
%
   
0.03
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
34
%
   
16
%
   
26
%
   
43
%
   
22
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Effective October 12, 2017, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.25%.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

40

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
12.93
   
$
12.27
   
$
8.70
   
$
10.52
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.15
(2) 
   
0.09
     
0.09
     
0.08
     
0.03
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(1.20
)
   
0.94
     
3.58
     
(1.55
)
   
0.81
 
Total from investment operations
   
(1.05
)
   
1.03
     
3.67
     
(1.47
)
   
0.84
 
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.18
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.03
)
Dividends from net realized
  gain on investments
   
(0.26
)
   
(0.28
)
   
     
(0.28
)
   
(0.29
)
Total distributions
   
(0.44
)
   
(0.37
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.35
)
   
(0.32
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
     
     
     
 
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
11.44
   
$
12.93
   
$
12.27
   
$
8.70
   
$
10.52
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-7.82
%
   
8.36
%
   
42.21
%
   
-14.31
%
   
8.73
%(4)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
33,928
   
$
33,137
   
$
2,757
   
$
1,528
   
$
1,407
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.32
%
   
2.83
%
   
6.64
%
   
8.25
%
   
10.94
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
0.90
%
   
0.93
%(6)
   
1.00
%
   
1.00
%
   
1.00
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
0.82
%
   
(1.27
)%
   
(4.77
)%
   
(6.39
)%
   
(9.56
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.24
%
   
0.63
%
   
0.87
%
   
0.86
%
   
0.38
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
34
%
   
16
%
   
26
%
   
43
%
   
22
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Effective October 12, 2017, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 0.90%.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

41

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
11.46
   
$
9.47
   
$
6.74
   
$
9.04
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.13
(2) 
   
0.07
     
0.03
     
0.13
     
0.06
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(0.93
)
   
2.06
     
2.76
     
(2.29
)
   
(0.99
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.80
)
   
2.13
     
2.79
     
(2.16
)
   
(0.93
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.01
)
Dividends from net realized
  gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
(0.02
)
Total distributions
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.03
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
     
 
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
10.56
   
$
11.46
   
$
9.47
   
$
6.74
   
$
9.04
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-6.95
%
   
22.56
%
   
41.63
%
   
-24.02
%
   
-9.28
%(4)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
12,814
   
$
11,023
   
$
2,713
   
$
811
   
$
1,186
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.60
%
   
2.03
%
   
3.19
%
   
3.26
%
   
7.95
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.59
%
   
1.57
%
   
1.60
%
   
1.55
%
   
1.75
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.25
%
   
0.42
%
   
(0.91
)%
   
(0.36
)%
   
(5.50
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
1.26
%
   
0.88
%
   
0.68
%
   
1.35
%
   
0.70
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(6)
   
21
%
   
7
%
   
29
%
   
22
%
   
13
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

42

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
11.46
   
$
9.48
   
$
6.74
   
$
9.04
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income
   
0.17
(2) 
   
0.17
     
0.10
     
0.13
     
0.03
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(0.93
)
   
1.97
     
2.72
     
(2.27
)
   
(0.93
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.76
)
   
2.14
     
2.82
     
(2.14
)
   
(0.90
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.04
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
(0.02
)
Total distributions
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.06
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
     
     
     
 
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
10.57
   
$
11.46
   
$
9.48
   
$
6.74
   
$
9.04
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-6.57
%
   
22.63
%
   
42.01
%
   
-23.78
%
   
-9.06
%(4)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
298,532
   
$
41,223
   
$
21,821
   
$
10,302
   
$
15,092
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.26
%
   
1.75
%
   
2.88
%
   
3.02
%
   
4.48
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.25
%
   
1.40
%
   
1.40
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.59
%
   
1.10
%
   
(0.45
)%
   
(0.15
)%
   
(2.79
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.60
%
   
1.60
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.47
%
   
0.29
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(6)
   
21
%
   
7
%
   
29
%
   
22
%
   
13
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

43

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
10.85
   
$
10.54
   
$
9.01
   
$
9.32
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income/(loss)
   
0.04
(2) 
   
0.04
     
(0.04
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.10
)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(0.83
)
   
0.27
     
1.66
     
(0.26
)
   
(0.07
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.79
)
   
0.31
     
1.62
     
(0.31
)
   
(0.17
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.01
)
   
     
     
     
 
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.09
)
   
     
(0.51
)
Total distributions
   
(0.09
)
   
     
(0.09
)
   
     
(0.51
)
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.97
   
$
10.85
   
$
10.54
   
$
9.01
   
$
9.32
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-7.24
%
   
2.94
%
   
18.00
%
   
-3.33
%
   
-1.70
%(3)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
1,564
   
$
2,510
   
$
1,236
   
$
967
   
$
995
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
3.83
%
   
7.38
%
   
9.63
%
   
10.64
%
   
14.15
%(4)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement(5)
   
3.00
%
   
2.74
%
   
2.88
%
   
2.97
%
   
3.12
%(4)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets(6):
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
(0.49
)%
   
(4.72
)%
   
(7.19
)%
   
(8.27
)%
   
(12.20
)%(4)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.34
%
   
(0.08
)%
   
(0.44
)%
   
(0.60
)%
   
(1.17
)%(4)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
58
%
   
36
%
   
59
%
   
51
%
   
148
%(3)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Not annualized.
(4) 
Annualized.
(5) 
Excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 2.05%, 2.00%, 2.10%, 1.91%, 2.10% for the periods ending 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(6) 
The net investment income/(loss) ratios include dividend and interest expense on short positions.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

44

Pzena Long/Short Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
                           
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
March 31, 2014(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
February 28, 2015
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
10.97
   
$
10.63
   
$
9.05
   
$
9.35
   
$
10.00
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income/(loss)
   
0.07
(2) 
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.04
)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
                                       
  on investments
   
(0.84
)
   
0.35
     
1.68
     
(0.26
)
   
(0.10
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.77
)
   
0.34
     
1.67
     
(0.30
)
   
(0.14
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.03
)
   
     
     
     
 
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.09
)
   
     
(0.51
)
Total distributions
   
(0.11
)
   
     
(0.09
)
   
     
(0.51
)
                                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
10.09
   
$
10.97
   
$
10.63
   
$
9.05
   
$
9.35
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-6.91
%
   
3.20
%
   
18.48
%
   
-3.21
%
   
-1.39
%(3)
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
22,290
   
$
18,552
   
$
4,088
   
$
3,230
   
$
3,077
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
3.53
%
   
6.72
%
   
9.28
%
   
10.39
%
   
13.32
%(4)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement(5)
   
2.70
%
   
2.49
%
   
2.53
%
   
2.81
%
   
2.79
%(4)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss)
                                       
  to average net assets(6):
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
(0.19
)%
   
(4.07
)%
   
(6.84
)%
   
(8.02
)%
   
(11.27
)%(4)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.64
%
   
0.16
%
   
(0.09
)%
   
(0.44
)%
   
(0.74
)%(4)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
58
%
   
36
%
   
59
%
   
51
%
   
148
%(3)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Not annualized.
(4) 
Annualized.
(5) 
Excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 1.75% for all the periods shown in the table.
(6) 
The net investment income/(loss) ratios include dividend and interest expense on short positions.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

45

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
               
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
April 27, 2016(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
February 28, 2017
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
11.10
   
$
11.96
   
$
10.00
 
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income/(loss)
   
0.00
(2)(3) 
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.03
)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
   
0.22
     
0.03
     
2.00
 
Total from investment operations
   
0.22
     
     
1.97
 
                         
Less distributions:
                       
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.42
)
   
(0.86
)
   
(0.01
)
Total distributions
   
(0.42
)
   
(0.86
)
   
(0.01
)
                         
Redemption fees retained(2)(3)
   
0.00
     
0.00
     
0.00
 
                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
10.90
   
$
11.10
   
$
11.96
 
                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
2.40
%
   
-0.11
%
   
19.72
%(4)
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
6,139
   
$
5,583
   
$
5,711
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
2.36
%
   
2.91
%
   
4.96
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.52
%(6)
   
1.51
%
   
1.55
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
(0.81
)%
   
(1.65
)%
   
(3.79
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.03
%
   
(0.25
)%
   
(0.38
)%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
52
%
   
56
%
   
13
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(3) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Effective January 31, 2019, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.45%.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

46

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period
               
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
April 27, 2016(1)
 
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
through
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
February 28, 2017
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
11.17
   
$
11.99
   
$
10.00
 
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income/(loss)
   
0.04
(2) 
   
0.01
     
(0.00
)(3)
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments
   
0.23
     
0.03
     
2.00
 
Total from investment operations
   
0.27
     
0.04
     
2.00
 
                         
Less distributions:
                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.03
)
   
     
(0.01
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.42
)
   
(0.86
)
   
 
Total distributions
   
(0.45
)
   
(0.86
)
   
(0.01
)
                         
Redemption fees retained(2)(3)
   
0.00
     
0.00
     
0.00
 
                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
10.99
   
$
11.17
   
$
11.99
 
                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
2.83
%
   
0.22
%
   
20.02
%(4)
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
20,083
   
$
10,355
   
$
9,114
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
2.03
%
   
2.56
%
   
4.31
%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.19
%(6)
   
1.20
%
   
1.20
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
(0.48
)%
   
(1.27
)%
   
(3.20
)%(5)
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.36
%
   
0.09
%
   
(0.09
)%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(7)
   
52
%
   
56
%
   
13
%(4)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Amount is less than $0.01.
(4) 
Not annualized.
(5) 
Annualized.
(6) 
Effective January 31, 2019, the advisor contractually agreed to lower the net annual operating expense limit to 1.10%.
(7) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

47

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout the period
   
For the Period
 
   
July 2, 2018(1)
 
   
through
 
   
February 28, 2019
 
PER SHARE DATA:
     
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
10.00
 
         
Income from investment operations:
       
Net investment income
   
0.03
(2) 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments
   
(0.79
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.76
)
         
Less distributions:
       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.04
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.13
)
Total distributions
   
(0.17
)
         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.07
 
         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-7.48
%(3)
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
925
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
   
13.92
%(4)
After expense reimbursement
   
1.44
%(4)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
   
(12.05
)%(4)
After expense reimbursement
   
0.43
%(4)
Portfolio turnover rate(5)
   
32
%(3)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Not annualized.
(4) 
Annualized.
(5) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

48

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout the period
   
For the Period
 
   
July 2, 2018(1)
 
   
through
 
   
February 28, 2019
 
PER SHARE DATA:
     
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
10.00
 
         
Income from investment operations:
       
Net investment income
   
0.04
(2) 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments
   
(0.78
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.74
)
         
Less distributions:
       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.06
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.13
)
Total distributions
   
(0.19
)
         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.07
 
         
TOTAL RETURN
   
-7.32
%(3)
         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
1,006
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
   
13.65
%(4)
After expense reimbursement
   
1.17
%(4)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
       
Before expense reimbursement
   
(11.78
)%(4)
After expense reimbursement
   
0.70
%(4)
Portfolio turnover rate(5)
   
32
%(3)

(1) 
Commencement of operations.
(2) 
Based on average shares outstanding.
(3) 
Not annualized.
(4) 
Annualized.
(5) 
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

49

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements
February 28, 2019

 
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Mid Cap Value Fund”), Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund (the “Emerging Markets Value Fund”), Pzena Long/Short Value Fund (the “Long/Short Value Fund”), Pzena Small Cap Value Fund (the “Small Cap Value Fund”), and Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund (the “International Small Cap Value 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”.
 
The primary investment objective for each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.  Currently, each Fund offers Investor Class and Institutional Class shares.  Each class of shares differs principally in its respective distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and sales charges, if any.  Each class of shares has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes.
 
The Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, and Long/Short Value Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2014. The Small Cap Value Fund commenced operations on April 27, 2016, and the International Small Cap Value Fund commenced operations on July 2, 2018.
 
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Security Valuation – All investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value, as described in Note 3.
 
Federal Income Taxes – It is the policy of the Funds to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to 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.  The tax returns of the Funds’ prior three fiscal years are open for examination. Management has reviewed all open tax years in major jurisdictions and concluded that there is no impact on the Funds’ net assets and no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax events relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the state of Wisconsin. 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.
 
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.  Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with each Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.  The Funds will make distributions of dividends and capital gains, if any, at least annually, typically in December.  The Funds may make any additional payment of dividends or distributions if they deem it desirable at any other time during the year.  The amount of dividends and distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations which differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
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.
 
The Funds are 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 the Funds are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets.  Common expenses of the Trust are typically allocated among the funds in the Trust based on a fund’s respective net assets, or by other equitable means.
 
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.
 
Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operation during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 
50

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
Redemption Fees – The Funds charge a 1% redemption fee to shareholders who redeem shares held for 30 days or less for the Mid Cap Value Fund and the Small Cap Value Fund and 60 days for the Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, and the International Small Cap Value Fund.  Such fees are retained by the applicable Fund and accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.  During the year ended February 28, 2019, the Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, and Small Cap Value Fund retained $5,835, $3,608 and $53, respectively, in redemption fees.
 
Foreign Currency – Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
 
The Funds do not isolate those portions of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
 
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period-end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
 
REITs – The Funds can make certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon funds available from operations.  It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital.  Each Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to its shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of each Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.
 
Leverage and Short Sales – The Long/Short Value Fund may use leverage in connection with its investment activities and may affect short sales of securities.  Leverage can increase the investment returns of the Fund if the securities purchased increase in value in an amount exceeding the cost of the borrowing.  However, if the securities decrease in value, the Fund will suffer a greater loss than would have resulted without the use of leverage.  A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security which it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position.  A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases.  However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss.  The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction.  Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions.
 
With a long position, the maximum sustainable loss is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum attainable price of the shorted security.  The Fund would also incur increased transaction costs associated with selling securities short.  In addition, if the Fund sells securities short, it must maintain a segregated account with its custodian containing cash or high-grade securities equal to (i) the greater of the current market value of the securities sold short or the market value of such securities at the time they were sold short, less (ii) any collateral deposited with the Fund’s broker (not including the proceeds from the short sales).  The Fund may be required to add to the segregated account as the market price of a shorted security increases.  As a result of maintaining and adding to its segregated account, the Fund may maintain higher levels of cash or liquid assets (for example, U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) for collateral needs thus reducing its overall managed assets available for trading purposes.  The Fund is obligated to pay the counterparty any dividends or interest due on securities sold short.  Such dividends and interest are recorded as an expense to the Fund.
 
Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Year End – In preparing the financial statements as of February 28, 2019, management considered the impact of subsequent events for the potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. Management has determined there were no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Funds’ 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 Fund has the ability to access.

 
51

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
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 – Equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks, foreign-issued common stocks, exchange-traded funds, closed-end mutual funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs), 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.  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.
 
Participatory Notes – Participatory notes are valued with an evaluated price provided by an independent pricing service.  These securities will generally be classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Investment Companies – Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their net asset value per share.  To the extent, these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Short-Term Securities – Short-term securities having a maturity of less than 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean between bid and asked price.  To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, these securities would be classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Illiquid Securities – A security may be considered illiquid if it lacks a readily available market.  Securities are generally considered liquid if they can be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which the security is valued by the Funds.  Illiquid securities may be valued under methods approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees as reflecting fair value.  The Funds intend to hold no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.
 
Certain restricted securities may be considered illiquid.  Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, may have contractual restrictions on resale, and may be valued under methods approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees as reflecting fair value.  Certain restricted securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors, including Rule 144a securities, are not subject to the limitation on the Funds’ investment in illiquid securities if they are determined to be liquid in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees.
 
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or if the closing price does not represent fair value, are valued following procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (“Board”).  These procedures consider many factors, including the type of security, size of holding, trading volume and news events.  There can be no assurance that the Funds could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if they were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the Funds determine their net asset value per share.
 
The Board has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee of the Trust that comprises 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.
 

 
52

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ securities as of February 28, 2019:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
                       
Consumer Discretionary
 
$
7,908,332
   
$
   
$
   
$
7,908,332
 
Energy
   
3,823,897
     
     
     
3,823,897
 
Financial Services
   
11,851,859
     
     
     
11,851,859
 
Health Care
   
3,527,787
     
     
     
3,527,787
 
Materials & Processing
   
1,379,757
     
     
     
1,379,757
 
Producer Durables
   
8,649,092
     
     
     
8,649,092
 
Technology
   
3,903,030
     
     
     
3,903,030
 
Utilities
   
906,914
     
     
     
906,914
 
Total Common Stocks
   
41,950,668
     
     
     
41,950,668
 
Short-Term Investments
   
1,023,796
     
     
     
1,023,796
 
Total Investments in Securities
 
$
42,974,464
   
$
   
$
   
$
42,974,464
 
                                 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
                               
Brazil
 
$
7,537,458
   
$
   
$
   
$
7,537,458
 
China
   
64,411,774
     
     
     
64,411,774
 
Czech Republic
   
6,121,210
     
     
     
6,121,210
 
Hong Kong
   
8,714,467
     
     
     
8,714,467
 
Hungary
   
2,955,526
     
     
     
2,955,526
 
India
   
11,139,399
     
     
     
11,139,399
 
Indonesia
   
1,792,023
     
     
     
1,792,023
 
Malaysia
   
5,017,054
     
     
     
5,017,054
 
Poland
   
3,868,527
     
     
     
3,868,527
 
Republic of Korea
   
48,378,895
     
     
     
48,378,895
 
Romania
   
3,073,667
     
     
     
3,073,667
 
Russian Federation
   
22,881,023
     
     
     
22,881,023
 
Singapore
   
7,538,461
     
     
     
7,538,461
 
South Africa
   
10,664,800
     
     
     
10,664,800
 
Taiwan
   
34,699,205
     
     
     
34,699,205
 
Thailand
   
10,417,752
     
     
     
10,417,752
 
Turkey
   
3,197,390
     
     
     
3,197,390
 
United Arab Emirates
   
4,636,404
     
     
     
4,636,404
 
United Kingdom
   
12,353,669
     
     
     
12,353,669
 
United States
   
11,988,735
     
     
     
11,988,735
 
Total Common Stocks
   
281,387,439
     
     
     
281,387,439
 
Preferred Stocks
                               
Brazil
   
7,900,249
     
     
     
7,900,249
 
Republic of Korea
   
5,892,724
     
     
     
5,892,724
 
Total Preferred Stocks
   
13,792,973
     
     
     
13,792,973
 
Short-Term Investments
   
13,153,629
     
     
     
13,153,629
 
Total Investments in Securities
 
$
308,334,041
   
$
   
$
   
$
308,334,041
 

 
53

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
Long/Short Value Fund
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
                       
Consumer Discretionary
 
$
3,571,509
   
$
   
$
   
$
3,571,509
 
Consumer Staples
   
112,075
     
     
     
112,075
 
Energy
   
2,210,079
     
     
     
2,210,079
 
Financial Services
   
6,250,106
     
     
     
6,250,106
 
Health Care
   
2,877,827
     
     
     
2,877,827
 
Materials & Processing
   
346,197
     
     
     
346,197
 
Producer Durables
   
2,811,132
     
     
     
2,811,132
 
Technology
   
4,286,739
     
     
     
4,286,739
 
Utilities
   
1,188,028
     
     
     
1,188,028
 
Total Common Stocks
   
23,653,692
     
     
     
23,653,692
 
REITs
   
1,524,088
     
     
     
1,524,088
 
Short-Term Investments
   
674,860
     
     
     
674,860
 
Total Investments in Securities
 
$
25,852,640
   
$
   
$
   
$
25,852,640
 
                                 
Long/Short Value Fund (Continued)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities Sold Short
                               
Common Stocks
                               
Consumer Discretionary
 
$
1,812,844
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,812,844
 
Consumer Staples
   
436,068
     
     
     
436,068
 
Energy
   
671,434
     
     
     
671,434
 
Financial Services
   
1,665,597
     
     
     
1,665,597
 
Health Care
   
1,379,333
     
     
     
1,379,333
 
Materials & Processing
   
1,256,475
     
     
     
1,256,475
 
Producer Durables
   
2,543,112
     
     
     
2,543,112
 
Technology
   
1,768,308
     
     
     
1,768,308
 
Utilities
   
170,946
     
     
     
170,946
 
Total Common Stocks
   
11,704,117
     
     
     
11,704,117
 
REITs
   
1,658,001
     
     
     
1,658,001
 
Total Securities Sold Short
 
$
13,362,118
   
$
   
$
   
$
13,362,118
 
                                 
Small Cap Value Fund
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
                               
Consumer Discretionary
 
$
1,254,255
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,254,255
 
Consumer Staples
   
672,560
     
     
     
672,560
 
Energy
   
1,434,851
     
     
     
1,434,851
 
Financial Services
   
8,110,767
     
     
     
8,110,767
 
Health Care
   
1,988,341
     
     
     
1,988,341
 
Materials & Processing
   
2,634,851
     
     
     
2,634,851
 
Producer Durables
   
5,314,787
     
     
     
5,314,787
 
Technology
   
3,380,616
     
     
     
3,380,616
 
Total Common Stocks
   
24,791,028
     
     
     
24,791,028
 
REITs
   
249,248
     
     
     
249,248
 
Short-Term Investments
   
1,182,574
     
     
     
1,182,574
 
Total Investments in Securities
 
$
26,222,850
   
$
   
$
   
$
26,222,850
 

 
54

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
International Small Cap Value Fund
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
                       
Australia
 
$
29,874
   
$
   
$
   
$
29,874
 
Austria
   
35,857
     
     
     
35,857
 
Belgium
   
37,194
     
     
     
37,194
 
Canada
   
177,474
     
     
     
177,474
 
France
   
200,498
     
     
     
200,498
 
Germany
   
161,766
     
     
     
161,766
 
Hong Kong
   
96,385
     
     
     
96,385
 
Italy
   
131,019
     
     
     
131,019
 
Japan
   
331,483
     
     
     
331,483
 
Netherlands
   
155,995
     
     
     
155,995
 
Spain
   
27,704
     
     
     
27,704
 
Switzerland
   
39,605
     
     
     
39,605
 
United Kingdom
   
414,795
     
     
     
414,795
 
Total Common Stocks
   
1,839,649
     
     
     
1,839,649
 
Preferred Stocks
                               
Germany
   
23,600
     
     
     
23,600
 
Total Preferred Stocks
   
23,600
     
     
     
23,600
 
Short-Term Investments
   
80,658
     
     
     
80,658
 
Total Investments in Securities
 
$
1,943,907
   
$
   
$
   
$
1,943,907
 

Refer to the Funds’ Schedule of Investments for a detailed break-out of securities.  Transfers between levels are recognized at February 28, 2019, the end of the reporting period.  During the year ended February 28, 2019, the Funds recognized no transfers between levels.

The following is a reconciliation of the Emerging Markets Value Fund’s Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value:
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
Level 3 Reconciliation Disclosure
   
Rights
 
Balance as of February 28, 2018
 
$
35,337
 
Exercised
   
(46,441
)
Change in unrealized depreciation
   
11,104
 
Balance as of February 28, 2019
 
$
 
         
Change in unrealized depreciation during the period for
       
Level 3 investments held at February 28, 2019
 
$
 

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The primary focus of ASU 2018-13 is to improve the effectiveness of the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The changes affect all companies that are required to include fair value measurement disclosures. In general, the amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt the removed or modified disclosures upon the issuance of ASU 2018-13 and may delay adoption of the additional disclosures, which are required for public companies only, until their effective date. Management is currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the Funds’ financial statements and disclosures.
 

 
55

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Funds have an investment advisory agreement with Pzena Investment Management, LLC. (the “Advisor”) pursuant to which the Advisor is responsible for providing investment management services to each Fund.  The Advisor furnished all investment advice, office space and facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds.  As compensation for its services, the Advisor is entitled to a monthly management fee, based upon the average daily net assets of the Funds at the annual rates of:
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
0.80%
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1.00%
 
 
Long/Short Value Fund
1.50%
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
0.95%
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
1.00%
 

For the year ended February 28, 2019, the Funds incurred the following in advisory fees:
 
     
Advisory Fees
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
348,854
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
1,798,720
 
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
371,405
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
195,280
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
12,694
 

The Funds are responsible for their own operating expenses.  The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Funds to ensure that the net annual operating expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, taxes, interest and dividends on securities sold short and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed the following amounts of the average daily net assets for each class of shares:
 
     
Emerging
   
International
   
Mid Cap
Markets
Long/Short
Small Cap
Small Cap
   
Value Fund
Value Fund
Value Fund
Value Fund*
Value Fund
 
Investor Class
1.25%
1.60%
2.10%
1.45%
1.52%
 
Institutional Class
0.90%
1.25%
1.75%
1.10%
1.17%

*
Effective January 31, 2019, the Advisor agreed to reduce the Small Cap Value Fund’s expense caps for the Investor and Institutional Class to 1.45% and 1.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets.  Prior to January 31, 2019, the Advisor agreed to reduce the Small Cap Value Fund’s expense caps for the Investor and Institutional Class to 1.55% and 1.20%, respectively, of average daily net assets.

Any such reduction made by the Advisor in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Funds’ obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Funds to the Advisor, if so requested by the Advisor, in any subsequent month in the three year period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Funds toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. 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 year ended February 28, 2019, the Advisor reduced its fees and reduced other operating expenses in the amount of $185,240 for the Mid Cap Value Fund, $23,464 for the Emerging Markets Value Fund, $206,354 for the Long/Short Value Fund, $171,647 for the Small Cap Value Fund, and $158,461 for the International Small Cap Value Fund. Cumulative expenses subject to recapture pursuant to the aforementioned conditions and the date of expiration are as follows:
 
                 
Mar. 2021 –
       
     
2/28/2020
   
2/28/2021
   
Feb. 2022
   
Total
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
189,357
   
$
201,672
   
$
185,240
   
$
576,269
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
230,037
     
190,112
     
66,606
     
486,755
 
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
311,724
     
321,232
     
206,354
     
839,310
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
179,183
     
182,255
     
171,647
     
533,085
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
     
     
158,461
     
158,461
 

 
56

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services” or the “Administrator”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent.  In those capacities, Fund Services maintains the Funds’ books and records, calculates each Fund’s NAV, prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, coordinates the payment of fund expenses, reviews expense accruals and prepares materials supplied of the Board of Trustees. The officers of the Trust and the Chief Compliance Officer are also employees of Fund Services.
 
Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of each Fund’s shares.  U.S. Bank N.A. serves as custodian (the “Custodian”) to the Funds.  Both the Distributor and Custodian are affiliates of the Administrator.
 
NOTE 5 – 12b-1 DISTRIBUTION FEES
 
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”).  The Plan permits the Funds to pay for distribution and related expenses at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Funds’ Investor Class 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 service activities, not reimbursements for specific expenses incurred.  For the year ended February 28, 2019, the Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund incurred distribution expenses on their Investor Class shares of $21,796, $27,639, $4,894, $15,204, and $1,565, respectively.
 
NOTE 6 – SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEES
 
The Funds have entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Advisor, under which the Advisor will provide, or arrange for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services.  As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, the Funds may pay servicing fees at an annual rate of up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares.  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 each Fund.  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 year ended February 28, 2019, the Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund incurred shareholder servicing expenses on their Investor Class shares of $7,485 $9,800, $916, $4,760, and $144, respectively.
 
NOTE 7 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
For the year ended February 28, 2019, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, were as follows:
 
     
Purchases
   
Sales
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
27,500,087
   
$
14,188,404
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
284,450,701
     
36,008,582
 
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
19,524,695
     
14,987,530
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
19,826,699
     
10,390,908
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
2,581,083
     
560,716
 

For the year ended February 28, 2019, the Long/Short Value Fund had $24,510,456 in cover buys and $26,321,668 in short sales.  There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.
 

 
57

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019


NOTE 8 – CONTROL OWNERSHIP
 
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund creates a presumption of control of the Fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.  The following table reflects shareholders that maintain accounts of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund as of February 28, 2019:
 
   
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
   
Investor Class
Institutional Class
 
 
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
79%
33%
 
 
National Financial Services, LLC
35%
 
       
   
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
   
Investor Class
Institutional Class
 
 
LPL Financial
47%
 
 
National Financial Services, LLC
41%
 
       
   
Long/Short Value Fund
 
   
Investor Class
Institutional Class
 
 
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
68%
 
 
ValueQuest Partners, LLC
82%
 
       
   
Small Cap Value Fund
 
   
Investor Class
Institutional Class
 
 
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
80%
 
 
National Financial Services, LLC
30%
 
 
Pershing, LLC
51%
 
       
   
International Small Cap Value Fund
 
   
Investor Class
Institutional Class
 
 
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
100%
92%
 
 
NOTE 9 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
As of February 28, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
 
         
Emerging
               
International
 
   
Mid Cap
   
Markets
   
Long/Short
   
Small Cap
   
Small Cap
 
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
 
Cost of investments(a)
 
$
47,871,156
   
$
302,003,291
   
$
27,462,820
   
$
26,284,122
   
$
2,128,064
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
   
1,192,835
     
21,378,753
     
1,647,967
     
1,614,766
     
61,632
 
Gross unrealized depreciation
   
(6,089,527
)
   
(15,048,984
)
   
(3,393,988
)
   
(1,676,038
)
   
(245,792
)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
   
(4,896,692
)
   
6,329,769
     
(1,746,021
)
   
(61,272
)
   
(184,160
)
Undistributed ordinary income
   
88,804
     
     
87,306
     
20,930
     
598
 
Undistributed long-term capital gains
   
218,891
     
     
305,602
     
     
 
Total distributable earnings
   
307,695
     
     
392,908
     
20,930
     
598
 
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
   
     
(792,298
)
   
     
(38,523
)
   
 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
 
$
(4,588,997
)
 
$
5,537,471
   
$
(1,353,113
)
 
$
(78,865
)
 
$
(183,562
)

(a)
The difference between the book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and cost is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales adjustments.

 
58

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
At February 28, 2019, the following Fund had tax basis capital losses to offset future capital gains:
 
   
Capital Loss Carryover
Expires
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
     
 
Long-Term
$336,464
Indefinite
 

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended February 28, 2019 and February 28, 2018, were as follows:
 
     
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
     
February 28, 2019
   
February 28, 2018
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
           
 
Ordinary income
 
$
713,126
   
$
95,287
 
 
Long-Term Capital Gain
   
715,723
     
128,315
 
                   
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
2,991,520
   
$
595,456
 
                   
 
Long/Short Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
74,431
   
$
 
 
Long-Term Capital Gain
   
197,402
     
 
                   
 
Small Cap Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
106,712
   
$
695,179
 
 
Long-Term Capital Gain
   
676,957
     
357,557
 
                   
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
35,974
     
N/A
 

Ordinary income distributions may include dividends paid from short-term capital gains.
 
At February 28, 2019, the following Funds deferred, on a tax basis, post-October losses:
 
     
Post-October
   
Late Year Ordinary
 
     
Capital Loss
   
Loss Deferral
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
$
   
$
455,834
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
38,523
     
 
 
NOTE 10 – PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Below is a summary of some, but not all, of the principal risks of investing in the Funds, each of which may adversely affect a Fund’s net asset value and total return. The Funds’ most recent prospectus provides further descriptions of each Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and principal risks. The following risks apply to all Funds, unless specifically noted.
 
Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign securities are subject to special risks. Foreign securities can be more volatile than domestic (U.S.) securities. Securities markets of other countries are generally smaller than U.S. securities markets. Many foreign securities may be less liquid than U.S. securities, which could affect the Funds’ investments. Foreign securities may be adversely affected by political instability; changes in currency exchange rates; inefficient markets and higher transaction costs; foreign economic conditions; or inadequate or different regulatory and accounting standards.
 
Value Style Investing Risk. The Advisor follows an investing style that favors value investments. The value investing style may over time go in and out of favor. At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Funds may underperform other funds that use different investing styles.
 
Mid Cap Company Risk (Mid Cap Value Fund). A mid cap company may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than stocks of larger companies. These stocks present greater risks than securities of larger, more diversified companies.
 
Emerging Markets Risk (Emerging Markets Value Fund and International Small Cap Value Fund). Emerging markets are markets of countries in the initial stages of industrialization and that generally have low per capita income. In addition to the risks of foreign securities in general, emerging markets are generally more volatile, have relatively unstable governments, social and legal
 

 
59

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 28, 2019

 
systems that do not protect shareholders, economies based on only a few industries and securities markets that are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile with less government oversight than more developed countries.
 
Currency Risk (Emerging Markets Value Fund and International Small Cap Value Fund). Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of what each Fund owns and each Fund’s share price. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and the risk is especially high in emerging markets.
 
P-Note Risk (Emerging Markets Value Fund). P-Notes are a type of equity-linked derivative which generally are traded over-the-counter. Even though a P-Note is intended to reflect the performance of the underlying equity security, the performance of a P-Note will not replicate exactly the performance of the issuers or markets that the P-Note seeks to replicate due to transaction costs and other expenses. In addition, P-Notes are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the broker-dealer or bank that issues the P-Notes will not fulfill its contractual obligation to complete the transaction with the Fund.
 
Short Sales Risk (Long/Short Value Fund). A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security which it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position. A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases. However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Long/Short Fund will realize a loss. The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction. Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions.
 
Portfolio Turnover Risk (Long/Short Value Fund). A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) has the potential to result in the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, which may subject you to a higher tax liability.
 
Small Cap Company Risk (Small Cap Value Fund and International Small Cap Value Fund). Investing in securities of small cap companies may involve greater risk than investing in larger, more established companies because they can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes. Smaller companies may have limited product lines, or limited market or financial resources and their management may be dependent on a limited number of key individuals. Securities of these companies may have limited market liquidity and their prices may be more volatile. These stocks present greater risks than securities of larger, more diversified companies.
 







60

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Trustees of
Advisors Series Trust and
Shareholders of
Pzena Funds
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund, Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund, Pzena Long/Short Value Fund, Pzena Small Cap Value Fund, and Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of February 28, 2019, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and for the period March 31, 2014 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2015, with respect to Pzena Small Cap Value Fund, the financial highlights for each of the two years in the period then ended and for the period April 27, 2016 (commencement of operations) to February 28, 2017, with respect to Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund, the statement of operations, the statement of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period July 2, 2018 (commencement of operations) through February 28, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).  In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of February 28, 2019, the results of their operations, cash flows, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for the periods indicated above, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Basis for Opinion
 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2003.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting.  As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
 
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 28, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 

 
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 26, 2019


61

Pzena Funds
Expense Example
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)


As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs including sales charges (loads), if applicable; redemption fees, if applicable; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1 fees); and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
 
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period indicated and held for the entire period from September 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019.
 
Actual Expenses
 
The information in the table under the heading “Actual” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in these columns 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 row entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.  There are some account fees that are charged to certain types of accounts, such as Individual Retirement Accounts (generally, a $15 fee is charged to the account annually) that would increase the amount of expenses paid on your account.  The example below does not include portfolio trading commissions and related expenses, and other extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
 
The information in the table under the heading “Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)” provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.  As noted above, there are some account fees that are charged to certain types of accounts that would increase the amount of expense paid on your account.
 
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the information under the heading “Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)” 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 

 
 

 
62

Pzena Funds
Expense Example (Continued)
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

 
   
Beginning
   
Ending
   
Expenses Paid
 
   
Account Value
   
Account Value
   
During Period(1)
 
Investor Class
 
9/1/18
   
2/28/19
   
9/1/18 – 2/28/19
 
Actual
                 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
1,000.00
   
$
908.90
   
$
5.82
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,020.40
     
7.91
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
959.50
     
14.87
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
919.60
     
7.19
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
916.00
     
6.70
 
                         
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
                       
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
1,000.00
   
$
1,018.70
   
$
6.16
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,016.96
     
7.90
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,009.62
     
15.25
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,017.31
     
7.55
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,017.80
     
7.05
 

(1)
The Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund expenses are equal to the expense ratio of 1.23%, 1.58%, 3.06%, 1.51%, and 1.41%, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 days (to reflect the six month period of operation of the Funds). The ending account values in the table are based on its actual total returns of the Investor Class shares of each Fund.  The Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund’s Investor Class shares returned -9.11%, 2.04%, -4.05%, -8.04%, and -8.33%, respectively.

   
Beginning
   
Ending
   
Expenses Paid
 
   
Account Value
   
Account Value
   
During Period(2)
 
Institutional Class
 
9/1/18
   
2/28/19
   
9/1/18 – 2/28/19
 
Actual
                 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
1,000.00
   
$
909.80
   
$
4.26
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,022.60
     
6.27
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
960.70
     
13.51
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
921.80
     
5.62
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
916.70
     
5.56
 
                         
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
                       
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
1,000.00
   
$
1,020.33
   
$
4.51
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,018.60
     
6.26
 
Long/Short Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,011.01
     
13.86
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,018.94
     
5.91
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
1,000.00
     
1,018.99
     
5.86
 

(2)
The Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund expenses are equal to the expense ratio of 0.90%, 1.25%, 2.78%, 1.18%, and 1.17%, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 days (to reflect the six month period of operation of the Funds). The ending account values in the table are based on its actual total returns of the Institutional Class shares of each Fund. The Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Long/Short Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, and International Small Cap Value Fund’s Institutional Class shares returned -9.02%, 2.26%, -3.93%, -7.82%, and -8.33%, respectively.



63

Pzena Funds
Information about Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)


This chart provides information about the Trustees and Officers who oversee the Funds. Officers elected by the Trustees manage the day-to-day operations of the Funds and execute policies formulated by the Trustees.
 
   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
Other
   
and
Principal
in Fund
Directorships
 
Position
Length
Occupation
Complex
Held During
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
During Past
Overseen by
Past Five
and Age
the Trust
Served
Five Years
Trustee(2)
Years(3)
Independent Trustees(1)
         
           
Gail S. Duree
Trustee
Indefinite
Director, Alpha Gamma
5
Trustee, Advisors
(age 72)
 
term;
Delta Housing Corporation
 
Series Trust
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
(collegiate housing management)
 
(for series not
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
March
(2012 to present); Trustee
 
affiliated with
   
2014.
and Chair (2000 to 2012),
 
the Funds);
     
New Covenant Mutual Funds
 
Independent
     
(1999 to 2012); Director and
 
Trustee from
     
Board Member, Alpha Gamma
 
1999 to 2012,
     
Delta Foundation (philanthropic
 
New Covenant
     
organization) (2005 to 2011).
 
Mutual Funds
         
(an open-end
         
investment
         
company with
         
4 portfolios).
           
David G. Mertens
Trustee
Indefinite
Partner and Head of Business
5
Trustee, Advisors
(age 58)
 
term*;
Development (February 2019
 
Series Trust 
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
to present) Ballast Equity
 
(for series not
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
March
Management, LLC (a privately-
 
affiliated with
   
2017.
held investment advisory firm);
 
the Funds).
     
Managing Director and Vice
   
     
President, Jensen Investment
   
     
Management, Inc. (a privately-
   
     
held investment advisory firm)
   
     
(2002 to 2017).
   
           
George J. Rebhan
Chairman
Indefinite
Retired; formerly President,
5
Trustee, Advisors
(age 84)
of the
term;
Hotchkis and Wiley Funds
 
Series Trust
615 E. Michigan Street
Board and
since
(mutual funds) (1985 to 1993).
 
(for series not
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trustee
May
   
affiliated with
   
2002.
   
the Funds);
         
Independent
         
Trustee from
         
1999 to 2009,
         
E*TRADE
         
Funds.
           
Joe D. Redwine
Trustee
Indefinite
Retired; formerly Manager,
5
Trustee, Advisors
(age 71)
 
term;
President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp
 
Series Trust
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
Fund Services, LLC, and its
 
(for series not
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
September
predecessors, (May 1991
 
affiliated with the
   
2008.
to July 2017).
 
Funds).

 

 
64

Pzena Funds
Information about Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (Continued)

 
 
   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
Other
   
and
Principal
in Fund
Directorships
 
Position
Length
Occupation
Complex
Held During
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
During Past
Overseen by
Past Five
and Age
the Trust
Served
Five Years
Trustee(2)
Years(3)
Raymond B. Woolson
Trustee
Indefinite
President, Apogee Group, Inc.
5
Trustee, Advisors
(age 60)
 
term*;
(financial consulting firm)
 
Series Trust
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
(1998 to present).
 
(for series not
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
January
   
affiliated with
   
2016.
   
the Funds);
         
Independent
         
Trustee,
         
DoubleLine
         
Funds Trust
         
(an open-end
         
investment
         
company with
         
16 portfolios),
         
DoubleLine
         
Opportunistic
         
Credit Fund and
         
DoubleLine
         
Income Solutions
         
Fund, from 2010
         
to present;
         
Independent
         
Trustee,
         
DoubleLine
         
Equity Funds
         
from 2010
         
to 2016.

 

 
65

Pzena Funds
Information about Trustees and Officers (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 
   
Term of
 
 
Position
Office and
 
Name, Address
Held with
Length of
Principal Occupation
and Age
the Trust
Time Served
During Past Five Years
Officers
     
       
Jeffrey T. Rauman
President,
Indefinite
Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration,
(age 50)
Chief
term; since
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (February 1996 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
Executive
December 2018.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Officer and
   
 
Principal
   
 
Executive
   
 
Officer
   
       
Cheryl L. King
Vice
Indefinite
Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bancorp
(age 57)
President,
term; since
Fund Services, LLC (October 1998 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
Treasurer and
December 2007.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Principal
   
 
Financial
   
 
Officer
   
       
Kevin J. Hayden
Assistant
Indefinite
Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration,
(age 47)
Treasurer
term; since
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (June 2005 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
 
September 2013.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
     
       
Richard R. Conner
Assistant
Indefinite
Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration,
(age 36)
Treasurer
term; since
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (July 2010 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
 
December 2018.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
     
       
Michael L. Ceccato
Vice
Indefinite
Senior Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC and
(age 61)
President,
term; since
Vice President, U.S. Bank N.A. (February 2008 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
Chief
September 2009.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Compliance
   
 
Officer and
   
 
AML Officer
   
       
Emily R. Enslow, Esq.
Vice
Indefinite
Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (July 2013
(age 32)
President
term; since
to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
and
December 2017.
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Secretary
   

*
Under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, a Trustee serves during the continued lifetime of the Trust until he/she dies, resigns, is declared bankrupt or incompetent by a court of appropriate jurisdiction, or is removed, or, if sooner, until the election and qualification of his/her successor.  In addition, the Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee first elected or appointed to the Board after December 1, 2015, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs.
(1)
The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)
As of February 28, 2019, the Trust was comprised of 41 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisors.  The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds.  The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor does it share the same investment advisor with any other series.
(3)
“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and Officers and is available, without charge, upon request by calling 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996).
 


66

Pzena Funds
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)


At a meeting held on December 5-6, 2018, the Board (which is comprised of five persons, all of whom are Independent Trustees as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), considered and approved, for another annual term, the continuance of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) and Pzena Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor”) on behalf of the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Mid Cap Fund”), Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund (the “Emerging Markets Fund”), Pzena Long/Short Value Fund (the “Long/Short Fund”) and Pzena Small Cap Value Fund (the “Small Cap Fund”) (each, a “Fund,” and together, the “Funds”).  At this meeting, and at a prior meeting held on October 17-18, 2018, 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, noting that the Advisor currently serves as investment sub-advisor to a number of mutual funds not affiliated with the Trust and previously managed its own family of proprietary mutual funds.  The Board also considered the resources and compliance structure of the Advisor, including information regarding its compliance program, its chief compliance officer and the Advisor’s compliance record, as well as the Advisor’s cybersecurity program and 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 the Funds’ 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 short-term and long-term performance of the Funds as of July 31, 2018 on both an absolute basis and in comparison to its peer funds utilizing Morningstar classifications and appropriate securities benchmarks.  The Board considered that the Small Cap Fund was newer with less than three years of performance history. The Board also took into account that each Fund’s track record is measured as of a specific date, and that track records can vary as of different measurement dates. Therefore, in reviewing a Fund’s performance, the Trustees also considered the broader perspective of the Fund’s performance over varying time periods, the market conditions experienced during the periods under review, as well as the outlook for the Fund going forward in light of expected market conditions.  When reviewing performance against the comparative peer group universe, the Board took into account that the investment objective and strategies of a Fund, as well as its level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in its peer universe.  The Trustees also discussed with the Advisor and considered that certain periods of underperformance may be transitory while other periods of underperformance may be reflective of broader issues that may warrant consideration of corrective action. The Board therefore took into account the Advisor’s views as to the reasons for each Fund’s relative performance against peers and benchmarks over various time periods and its future outlook for each Fund. In considering each Fund’s performance, the Trustees placed greater emphasis on performance against peers as opposed to the unmanaged benchmark indices.
     
   
Mid Cap Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was above the peer group median for the one-year, three-year and since inception periods.
     
   
The Board reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Advisor’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund outperformed the similarly managed accounts for the one-year period and underperformed for the three-year period.
     
   
Emerging Markets Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was below the peer group median for the one-year and since inception periods and above the peer group median for the three-year period.


 
67

Pzena Funds
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)


 
   
The Board reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Advisor’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund outperformed the similarly managed accounts for the one-year period and underperformed for the three-year period.
     
   
Long/Short Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was below the peer group median for the one-year and since inception periods and above the peer group median for the three-year period.
     
   
The Board reviewed the performance of the Fund against broad-based securities market benchmarks.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Advisor’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund underperformed the similarly managed accounts for the one-year and three-year periods.
     
   
Small Cap Fund: The Board noted that the Fund’s performance, with regard to its Morningstar comparative universe, was above the peer group median for the one-year and since inception periods.
     
   
The Board reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark.
     
   
The Board also considered that the Advisor does not manage any other accounts with a similar strategy to that of the Small Cap Fund.
     
 
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 advisory fee and total fees and expenses of the Funds, the Board reviewed comparisons to the peer funds and the Advisor’s similarly managed accounts for other types of clients, 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.
     
   
Mid Cap Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain annual expense ratios for the Fund of 1.25% for Investor Class shares and 0.90% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was above the peer group median and average and the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Institutional Class shares was below the peer group median and average.  Additionally, the Board noted that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was slightly below the peer group median and above the average, and the Institutional Class shares was below the peer group median and average.  The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the peer group median and average, and that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the contractual advisory fee was also above the peer group median and average.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the advisory fees received by the Advisor were below the peer group median and average for the year ended July 31, 2018.  The Board also took into consideration the services the Advisor provides to its similarly managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees charged to the Fund.  The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were lower than, equal to, or higher than the fees charged to the Advisor’s similarly managed account clients depending on the asset level.
     
   
Emerging Markets Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain annual expense ratios for the Fund of 1.60% for Investor Class shares and 1.25% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was above the peer group median and average and the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Institutional Class shares was below the peer group median and average.  Additionally, the Board noted that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was above the peer group median and average, and the total expense ratio for the Institutional Class shares was below the peer group median and above the peer group average.  The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the peer group median and average, and that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the contractual advisory fee was equal to the peer group median and above the average.  The Board also took into consideration the services the Advisor provides to its similarly managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees charged to the Fund.  The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were equal to or higher than the fees charged to the Advisor’s similarly managed account clients depending on the asset level.

 
68

Pzena Funds
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (Continued)


 
   
Long/Short Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain annual expense ratios for the Fund of 2.10% for Investor Class shares and 1.75% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratios for the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were below the peer group median and average.  Additionally, the Board noted that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the Fund’s total expense ratios for the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were below the peer group median and average.  The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the peer group median and average, and that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the contractual advisory fee was also above the peer group median and average.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the advisory fees received by the Advisor were below the peer group median and average for the year ended July 31, 2018.  The Board noted that separate accounts were currently only utilized by employees of the Advisor.
     
   
Small Cap Fund: The Board noted that the Advisor had contractually agreed to maintain annual expense ratios for the Fund of 1.55% for Investor Class shares and 1.20% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was above the peer group median and average and the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Institutional Class shares was equal to the peer group median and slightly below the peer group average.  Additionally, the Board noted that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the Fund’s total expense ratio for the Investor Class shares was above the peer group median and average, and the total expense ratio for the Institutional Class shares was below the peer group median and average.  The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the peer group median and average, and that when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes, the contractual advisory fee was also above the peer group median and average.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the advisory fees received by the Advisor were below the peer group median and average for the year ended July 31, 2018. The Board also considered that the Advisor does not manage any other accounts with a similar strategy to that of the Small Cap Fund.
     
   
The Board determined that it would continue to monitor the appropriateness of the advisory fees for the Funds and concluded that, at this time, the fees to be paid to the Advisor were fair and reasonable.
     
 
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 further noted that the Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses so that the Funds do not exceed the 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 derived by the Advisor from its relationship with the Funds, such as Rule 12b-1 fees received from the Funds’ Investor Class shares.  The Board also considered “soft dollar” benefits that may be received by the Advisor in exchange for Fund brokerage.  The Board noted the Advisor’s separate account clients are not invested in the Funds, and as a result the Advisor 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 Funds, 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 arrangement with the Advisor, including the advisory fee, was fair and reasonable.  The Board therefore determined that the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Funds would be in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders.
 



69

Pzena Funds
Notice to Shareholders
February 28, 2019 (Unaudited)

 
Federal Tax Distribution Information
 
Certain dividend paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.  For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019, the percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
100.00%
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
95.95%
 
Long/Short Value Fund
100.00%
 
Small Cap Value Fund
44.21%
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
54.19%
 

For corporate shareholders in the Funds, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2019, was as follows:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
100.00%
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1.77%
 
Long/Short Value Fund
100.00%
 
Small Cap Value Fund
44.21%
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
0.00%
 
 

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 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996) or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30
 
Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996). Furthermore, you can obtain a Fund’s 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. A Fund’s 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 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996).
 
 
Householding
 
In an effort to decrease costs, the Transfer Agent intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other regulatory 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 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996) 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.
 



70

Pzena Funds
Privacy Notice


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











71











(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 













Investment Advisor
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10022


Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102


Legal Counsel
Schiff Hardin LLP
666 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1700
New York, New York 10103


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


Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202


Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 6th Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 1-844-PZN-l996 (l-844-796-1996).
 



ZP-ANNUAL


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

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

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.  Ms. Gail S. Duree is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N‑CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

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

 
FYE  2/28/2019
FYE  2/28/2018
Audit Fees
          $86,600
$71,600
Audit-Related Fees
          N/A
N/A
Tax Fees
          $18,000
$14,000
All Other Fees
          N/A
N/A

The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre‑approve all audit and non‑audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.

The percentage of fees billed by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:

 
FYE  2/28/2019
FYE  2/28/2018
Audit-Related Fees
0%
0%
Tax Fees
0%
0%
All Other Fees
0%
0%

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

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

Non-Audit Related Fees
FYE  2/28/2019
FYE  2/28/2018
Registrant
N/A
N/A
Registrant’s Investment Adviser
N/A
N/A

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

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

(b) Not applicable.

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/Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer and Vice President/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 fourth fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

Item 13. 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. Filed herewith.

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer 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.

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant.  There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.

(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/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer

Date    5/9/2019


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/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer/Principal Executive Officer

Date    5/9/2019

By (Signature and Title)     /s/ Cheryl L. King
Cheryl L. King, Vice President/Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer

Date    5/8/2019