N-CSRS 1 sf-ncsrs.htm SEMPER FUNDS SEMIANNUAL REPORT 5-31-20

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, Wisconsin 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)



(Registrant's telephone number, including area code): (626) 914-7363



Date of fiscal year end:  November 30, 2020



Date of reporting period:  May 31, 2020


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


 
 

 
Semper MBS Total Return Fund
 
Class A – SEMOX
Investor Class – SEMPX
Institutional Class – SEMMX
 

 
Semper Short Duration Fund
 
Investor Class – SEMRX
Institutional Class – SEMIX
 

 
Semi-Annual Report
May 31, 2020
 

 

 
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 (defined herein) 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 through the Funds’ website.
 
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 will apply to all funds held with the fund complex and may apply to all funds held through your financial intermediary.



SEMPER FUNDS


Table of Contents
 

 
Allocation of Portfolio Assets
 
1
Expense Example
 
3
Schedules of Investments
 
5
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 
34
Statements of Operations
 
37
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
38
Financial Highlights
 
42
Notes to Financial Statements
 
47
Notice to Shareholders
 
64
Liquidity Risk Management Program
 
63
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
 
64
Privacy Notice
 
69




SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)


 

 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.
 


1

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)


 

 
Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total investments.
 


2

SEMPER FUNDS

EXPENSE EXAMPLE at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, redemption fees, and exchange fees, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service fees, and other fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (12/1/19 – 5/31/20).
 
Actual Expenses
 
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks, and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent.  The Example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, 12b-1 fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees.  You may use this information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period.  Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
 
The second line of the tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an 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.  Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees.  Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 

 

 
3

SEMPER FUNDS

EXPENSE EXAMPLE at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Total Return Fund
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/19
5/31/20
12/1/19 – 5/31/20(1)
Class A
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$   808.20
$4.97
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,019.50
$5.55
  before expenses)
     
       
Investor Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$   807.20
$4.97
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,019.50
$5.55
  before expenses)
     
       
Institutional Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$   805.60
$3.84
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,020.75
$4.29
  before expenses)
     

(1)
Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183 (days in most recent fiscal half-year)/366 days to reflect the one-half year expense.  The annualized expense ratios of the Semper MBS Total Return Fund – Class A, Investor Class and Institutional Class are 1.10%, 1.10% and 0.85%, respectively.

Short Duration Fund
 
 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period
 
12/1/19
5/31/20
12/1/19 – 5/31/20(1)
Investor Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$   938.20
$4.12
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,020.75
$4.29
  before expenses)
     
       
Institutional Class
     
Actual
$1,000.00
$   938.40
$2.91
Hypothetical (5% return
$1,000.00
$1,022.00
$3.03
  before expenses)
     

(1)
Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183 (days in most recent fiscal half-year)/366 days to reflect the one-half year expense.  The annualized expense ratios of the Semper Short Duration Fund – Investor Class and Institutional Class are 0.85% and 0.60%, respectively.


4

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – AGENCY – 0.0%
           
Fannie Mae-Aces
           
  Series 2010-M6, Class SA, 6.222%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 6.390%), 9/25/20 (g)(h)
 
$
268,547
   
$
2,355
 
  Series 2006-M1, Class IO, 0.072%, 3/25/36 (a)(g)
   
2,286,574
     
1,614
 
GNMA REMIC Trust
               
  Series 2012-25, Class IO, 0.310%, 8/16/52 (a)(g)
   
1,988,012
     
23,470
 
  Series 2013-173, Class AC, 2.722%, 10/16/53 (a)
   
13,881
     
14,409
 
Government National Mortgage Association
               
  Series 2002-28, Class IO, 0.565%, 1/16/42 (a)(g)
   
19,524
     
1
 
  Series 2005-23, Class IO, 0.004%, 6/17/45 (a)(g)
   
344,989
     
35
 
  Series 2006-68, Class IO, 0.246%, 5/16/46 (a)(g)
   
554,248
     
3,502
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – Agency
               
  (cost $184,104)
           
45,386
 
                 
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 4.1%
               
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust
               
  Series 2004-3, Class B2, 5.193%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.025%), 1/25/35 (c)(h)
   
56,646
     
58,215
 
  Series 2006-2A, Class M1, 0.478%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.310%), 7/25/36 (c)(h)
   
1,040,282
     
911,443
 
  Series 2006-2A, Class M3, 0.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.350%), 7/25/36 (c)(h)
   
1,503,766
     
1,123,466
 
  Series 2006-3A, Class M1, 0.508%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.340%), 10/25/36 (c)(h)
   
1,473,882
     
1,240,585
 
  Series 2007-2A, Class A1, 0.438%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.270%), 7/25/37 (c)(h)
   
2,098,750
     
1,847,419
 
  Series 2007-6A, Class A3A, 1.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 12/25/37 (c)(h)
   
1,672,610
     
1,667,250
 
CNL Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-1A, Class A1, 0.684%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 5/15/31 (c)(h)
   
346,071
     
312,309
 
FREMF Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2018-K731, Class C, 3.932%, 2/25/25 (a)(c)
   
1,223,000
     
1,196,565
 
GMAC Commercial Mortgage Asset Corp.
               
  Series 2005-DRUM, Class AIO, 0.171%, 5/10/50 (a)(c)(g)
   
143,365,616
     
1,827,610
 
  Series 2012-BLIS, Class IO, 0.576%, 7/10/50 (c)(g)
   
28,495,246
     
1,260,771
 
Lehman Brothers Small Balance Commercial Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2006-3A, Class M2, 0.877%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.390%), 12/25/36 (c)(h)
   
3,722,000
     
3,204,387
 
  Series 2007-1A, Class M1, 0.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 3/25/37 (c)(h)
   
5,881,000
     
5,149,373
 


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

5

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Multi-family Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
           
  Series 2019-01, Class M10, 3.418%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.250%), 10/15/49 (c)(h)
 
$
28,052,000
   
$
21,219,352
 
Velocity Commercial Capital Loan Trust
               
  Series 2017-2, Class M4, 5.000%, 11/25/47 (a)(c)
   
691,838
     
581,069
 
  Series 2017-2, Class M5, 6.420%, 11/25/47 (a)(c)
   
595,749
     
489,311
 
  Series 2018-1, Class M5, 6.260%, 4/25/48 (c)
   
465,737
     
443,988
 
  Series 2018-2, Class M3, 4.720%, 10/26/48 (a)(c)
   
469,292
     
449,902
 
  Series 2019-1, Class M5, 5.700%, 3/25/49 (a)(c)
   
745,709
     
378,266
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed
               
  Securities – Non-Agency (cost $54,001,988)
           
43,361,281
 
                 
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – AGENCY – 7.0%
               
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities
               
  Series 2019-R06, Class 2B1, 3.918%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.750%), 9/25/39 (c)(h)
   
14,000,000
     
9,025,347
 
  Series 2019-R07, Class 1B1, 3.568%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.400%), 10/25/39 (c)(h)
   
2,000,000
     
1,480,148
 
  Series 2020-R02, Class 2B1, 3.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.000%), 1/25/40 (c)(h)
   
22,666,000
     
13,025,513
 
  Series 2020-R01, Class 1B1, 3.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.250%), 1/25/40 (c)(h)
   
13,315,000
     
6,993,721
 
FNMA Grantor Trust
               
  Series 2003-T2, Class A1, 0.794%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.140%), 3/25/33 (h)
   
46,919
     
46,092
 
  Series 2004-T3, Class 2A, 4.267%, 8/25/43 (a)
   
50,839
     
53,314
 
FNMA Pool
               
  5.500%, 5/1/36, #871313
   
2,098
     
2,151
 
  5.000%, 8/1/37, #888534
   
12,897
     
14,473
 
FNMA REMIC Trust
               
  Series 2007-30, Class ZM, 4.250%, 4/25/37
   
54,195
     
67,630
 
  Series 2007-W8, Class 1A5, 6.434%, 9/25/37 (a)
   
11,425
     
13,996
 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk
               
  Series 2019-FTR3, Class B2 5.287%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 4.800%), 9/25/47 (c)(h)
   
3,900,000
     
2,004,746
 
  Series 2019-FTR4, Class B2, 5.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.000%), 11/25/47 (c)(h)
   
5,550,000
     
2,575,380
 
  Series 2018-SPI4, Class M2B, 4.464%, 11/25/48 (a)(c)
   
6,236,500
     
4,290,826
 
  Series 2019-DNA4, Class B2, 6.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 6.250%), 10/25/49 (c)(h)
   
6,115,000
     
2,878,804
 


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

6

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk REMIC Trust
           
  Series 2019-HQA4, Class B2, 6.768%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 6.600%), 11/25/49 (c)(h)
 
$
5,500,000
   
$
2,225,695
 
  Series 2020-HQA1, Class B2, 5.268%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.100%), 1/25/50 (c)(h)
   
9,300,000
     
4,133,956
 
  Series 2020-DNA1, Class B2, 5.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.250%), 1/25/50 (c)(h)
   
7,188,000
     
3,487,267
 
  Series 2020-DNA2, Class B1, 2.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 2/25/50 (c)(h)
   
9,114,000
     
5,719,357
 
  Series 2020-DNA2, Class B2, 4.968%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 4.800%), 2/25/50 (c)(h)
   
11,890,000
     
5,521,656
 
  Series 2020-HQA2, Class B2, 7.768%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 7.600%), 3/25/50 (c)(h)
   
15,000,000
     
8,700,000
 
Freddie Mac Whole Loan Securities Trust
               
  Series 2017-SC01, Class M2, 3.585%, 12/25/46 (a)(c)
   
595,000
     
524,803
 
  Series 2017-SC02, Class M2, 3.801%, 5/25/47 (a)(c)
   
1,411,000
     
1,357,752
 
GNMA II Pool
               
  5.000%, 6/20/40, #745378
   
63,418
     
69,091
 
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
               
  Agency (cost $132,515,862)
           
74,211,718
 
                 
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 85.1%
               
Accredited Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-1, Class M1, 0.498%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.330%), 4/25/36 (h)
   
2,414,000
     
2,131,289
 
ACE Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-HE4, Class A1, 0.308%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.140%), 10/25/36 (h)
   
963,328
     
554,990
 
AFC Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 1997-3, Class 1A4, 7.470%, 9/27/27 (k)
   
111,569
     
112,090
 
American Home Mortgage Assets Trust
               
  Series 2006-6, Class A1A, 0.358%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.190%), 12/25/46 (h)
   
11,205,438
     
8,748,135
 
Amresco Residential Securities Corp. Trust
               
  Series 1998-1, Class M1F, 6.518%, 1/25/28 (a)
   
125,005
     
127,639
 
AMSR Trust
               
  Series 2019-SFR1, Class G, 4.857%, 1/19/39 (a)(c)
   
2,502,000
     
2,226,812
 
  Series 2019-SFR1, Class H, 6.040%, 1/19/39 (a)(c)
   
1,220,000
     
1,097,384
 
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust  LLC
               
  Series 2019-1, Class B1, 5.400%, 11/25/48 (a)(c)
   
7,500,000
     
7,259,137
 
  Series 2019-2, Class B1, 5.016%, 3/25/49 (a)(c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,374,527
 


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

7

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Asset Backed Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust
           
  Series 1999-LB1, Class A1F, 7.110%, 6/21/29
 
$
871,739
   
$
889,184
 
Asset Backed Securities Corp. Long
               
  Beach Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 2000-LB1, Class AF5, 7.405%, 9/21/30 (k)
   
582,183
     
588,907
 
Banc of America Funding Corp.
               
  Series 2006-D, Class 5A2, 3.578%, 5/20/36 (a)
   
13,605
     
11,801
 
  Series 2008-R4, Class 1A4, 0.937%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.450%), 7/25/37 (c)(h)
   
2,148,467
     
1,211,031
 
  Series 2007-5, Class 7A2, 43.744%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 46.150%), 7/25/47 (h)(j)
   
135,291
     
301,296
 
Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust
               
  Series 2005-8, Class 11A1, 0.708%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.540%), 10/25/35 (h)
   
4,738,414
     
4,477,777
 
  Series 2005-9, Class 11A1, 0.688%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.520%), 11/25/35 (h)
   
7,925,768
     
9,357,344
 
  Series 2006-3, Class 1A1, 0.548%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.380%), 5/25/36 (h)
   
1,360,259
     
1,541,566
 
Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust
               
  Series 2006-IM1, Class A3, 0.448%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.280%), 4/25/36 (h)
   
10,505,431
     
11,371,835
 
  Series 2006-IM1, Class A6, 0.488%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.320%), 4/25/36 (h)
   
10,383,532
     
11,034,300
 
Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities, Inc.
               
  Series 1997-6, Class 1A, 6.294%, 3/25/31 (a)
   
126,147
     
126,018
 
BRAVO Residential Funding Trust
               
  Series 2019-NQM2, Class B2, 4.797%, 11/25/59 (a)(c)
   
1,350,000
     
1,067,551
 
Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-FRE2, Class A3, 0.328%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.160%), 10/25/36 (h)
   
2,085,660
     
1,678,872
 
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2004-HYB4, Class WA, 4.039%, 12/25/34 (a)
   
16,484
     
15,836
 
  Series 2013-2, Class 4A2, 1.237%, 8/25/35 (a)(c)
   
5,980,087
     
4,325,013
 
  Series 2009-6, Class 16A2, 6.000%, 3/25/36 (a)(c)
   
1,361,547
     
1,255,284
 
  Series 2007-AMC1, Class A1, 0.328%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.160%), 12/25/36 (c)(h)
   
2,417,338
     
1,591,802
 
  Series 2007-AMC3, Class A2D, 0.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.350%), 3/25/37 (h)
   
156,295
     
132,906
 
  Series 2007-WFH2, Class M3, 0.638%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.470%), 3/25/37 (h)
   
9,500,000
     
7,976,226
 
  Series 2007-AHL3, Class A3A, 0.228%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.060%), 7/25/45 (h)
   
589,825
     
454,151
 


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

8

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
CitiMortgage Alternative Loan Trust
           
  Series 2007-A7, Class 2A1, 0.568%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.400%), 7/25/37 (h)
 
$
272,572
   
$
194,010
 
Conseco Finance Home Loan Trust
               
  Series 2000-E, Class B1, 10.260%, 8/15/31 (a)
   
316,533
     
303,833
 
CoreVest American Finance Trust
               
  Series 2017-2, Class M, 5.622%, 12/25/27 (c)
   
9,000,000
     
9,886,823
 
  Series 2019-1, Class E, 5.489%, 3/15/52 (c)
   
242,500
     
247,075
 
  Series 2019-3, Class E, 4.740%, 10/15/52 (a)(c)
   
1,650,000
     
1,313,846
 
Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust
               
  Series 2004-15, Class 2A2, 4.209%, 9/25/34 (a)
   
367,377
     
352,876
 
  Series 2005-J10, Class 1A9, 0.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.700%), 10/25/35 (h)
   
884,366
     
650,836
 
  Series 2005-54CB, Class 1A8, 5.500%, 11/25/35
   
444,628
     
289,166
 
  Series 2006-4CB, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 4/25/36
   
6,985
     
6,200
 
  Series 2006-OA3, Class 1A1, 0.368%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.200%), 5/25/36 (h)
   
11,464
     
9,663
 
  Series 2006-18CB, Class A1, 0.638%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.470%), 7/25/36 (h)
   
8,705,314
     
4,110,814
 
  Series 2006-45T1, Class 1A2, 0.718%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.550%), 2/25/37 (h)
   
9,149,099
     
2,132,528
 
  Series 2007-16CB, Class 1A2, 0.568%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.400%), 8/25/37 (h)
   
972,234
     
737,872
 
  Series 2006-OA9, Class 1A1, 0.371%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.200%), 7/20/46 (h)
   
36,803
     
26,708
 
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates
               
  Series 2006-21, Class 1A, 0.308%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.140%), 5/25/35 (h)
   
319,493
     
295,728
 
  Series 2006-24, Class 2A3, 0.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.150%), 6/25/47 (h)
   
37,033
     
33,950
 
  Series 2007-12, Class 2A3, 0.968%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.800%), 8/25/47 (h)
   
367,737
     
352,427
 
Countrywide Home Loans
               
  Series 2003-56, Class 9A1, 4.250%, 12/25/33 (a)
   
17,434
     
16,198
 
  Series 2007-11, Class A1, 6.000%, 8/25/37
   
4,752,651
     
3,515,951
 
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp.
               
  Series 2003-1, Class DB1, 6.727%, 2/25/33 (a)
   
48,569
     
49,361
 
  Series 2003-AR18, Class 4M3, 3.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.900%), 7/25/33 (h)
   
277,728
     
268,870
 
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2015-1R, Class 6A2, 0.794%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.280%), 5/27/37 (c)(h)
   
2,700,165
     
2,005,564
 
  Series 2010-6R, Class 2A6B, 6.250%, 7/26/37 (c)
   
26,131,161
     
28,127,095
 


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

9

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-AFC1, Class B2, 5.535%, 7/25/49 (a)(c)
 
$
2,366,448
   
$
1,879,756
 
  Series 2020-AFC1, Class B1, 3.445%, 2/25/50 (a)(c)
   
4,228,000
     
3,650,869
 
  Series 2020-AFC1, Class B2, 4.416%, 2/25/50 (a)(c)
   
5,459,650
     
3,474,990
 
  Series 2019-NQM1, Class B2, 5.250%, 10/25/59 (a)(c)
   
7,247,550
     
5,795,139
 
Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2017-1A, Class B1, 6.250%, 12/26/46 (a)(c)
   
8,500,000
     
8,599,623
 
  Series 2017-3A, Class B1, 4.814%, 10/25/47 (a)(c)
   
3,500,000
     
3,231,710
 
  Series 2018-2A, Class B1, 4.776%, 4/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,500,000
     
1,459,569
 
  Series 2018-3A, Class B1, 5.007%, 8/25/58 (a)(c)
   
6,151,000
     
5,858,433
 
  Series 2019-1A, Class B1, 5.252%, 1/25/59 (a)(c)
   
5,250,000
     
5,178,143
 
  Series 2019-3A, Class B1, 4.258%, 7/25/59 (a)(c)
   
1,500,000
     
1,456,780
 
  Series 2020-1, Class B2, 4.539%, 1/25/60 (a)(c)
   
2,667,000
     
2,195,928
 
Fieldstone Mortgage Investment Trust
               
  Series 2007-1, Class 2A2, 0.438%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.270%), 4/25/47 (h)
   
3,933,033
     
3,098,848
 
First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-FF11, Class 2A3, 0.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.150%), 8/25/36 (h)
   
9,196,962
     
7,921,500
 
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust
               
  Series 2005-FA6, Class A8, 0.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 9/25/35 (h)
   
678,622
     
406,306
 
First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust
               
  Series 2006-AR2, Class 1A1, 2.750%, 7/25/36 (a)
   
57,059
     
47,873
 
GMACM Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-GH2, Class A4, 5.500%, 10/25/33 (k)
   
173,540
     
177,343
 
GreenPoint Mortgage Funding Trust
               
  Series 2005-AR4, Class 4A1A, 0.788%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.620%), 10/25/45 (h)
   
22,525,636
     
19,699,879
 
GS Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust
               
  Series 2019-SL1, Class M2,  3.625%, 1/25/59 (a)(c)
   
20,939,000
     
19,712,902
 
GSAA Home Equity Trust
               
  Series 2006-5, Class 2A1, 0.238%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.070%), 3/25/36 (h)
   
31,926
     
14,825
 
Homeward Opportunities Fund Trust
               
  Series 2018-1, Class B1, 5.295%, 6/25/48 (a)(c)
   
1,250,000
     
1,080,352
 
  Series 2019-1, Class B1, 4.800%, 1/25/59 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,886,862
 
IndyMac Residential Asset-Backed Trust
               
  Series 2007-A, Class 2A2, 0.358%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.190%), 4/25/37 (h)
   
337,244
     
236,898
 
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2006-S4, Class A8, 0.548%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.380%), 1/25/37 (h)
   
6,877,196
     
2,169,407
 


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

10

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2014-IVR6, Class B4, 2.561%, 7/25/44 (a)(c)
 
$
500,500
   
$
464,077
 
  Series 2014-IVR3, Class B4, 3.026%, 9/25/44 (a)(c)
   
2,524,476
     
2,304,166
 
  Series 2018-7FRB, Class B3, 2.347%, 4/25/46 (a)(c)
   
1,070,685
     
969,999
 
  Series 2017-2, Class AX3, 0.500%, 5/25/47 (a)(c)(g)
   
16,765,768
     
180,552
 
  Series 2017-3, Class 1AX1, 0.418%, 8/25/47 (a)(c)(g)
   
103,554,886
     
837,101
 
  Series 2018-1, Class AX1, 0.233%, 6/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
269,020,190
     
910,445
 
  Series 2018-3, Class AX1, 0.257%, 9/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
52,790,129
     
203,126
 
  Series 2018-4, Class AX1, 0.267%, 10/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
58,978,802
     
183,684
 
  Series 2017-5, Class B3, 3.137%, 10/26/48 (a)(c)
   
3,677,789
     
3,261,264
 
  Series 2017-6, Class AX1, 0.318%, 12/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
108,036,720
     
979,196
 
  Series 2018-6, Class 1AX1, 0.501%, 12/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
39,444,089
     
374,999
 
  Series 2018-8, Class AX1, 0.202%, 1/25/49 (a)(c)(g)
   
49,460,207
     
107,541
 
  Series 2019-1, Class AX1, 0.211%, 5/25/49 (a)(c)(g)
   
98,330,470
     
223,721
 
  Series 2019-3, Class B6, 4.354%, 9/25/49 (a)(c)
   
1,936,702
     
1,017,279
 
  Series 2019-3, Class B4, 4.747%, 9/25/49 (a)(c)
   
3,227,929
     
2,704,089
 
  Series 2019-3, Class B5, 4.747%, 9/25/49 (a)(c)
   
775,000
     
482,582
 
  Series 2019-5, Class B6, 4.358%, 11/25/49 (a)(c)
   
4,136,930
     
2,137,592
 
  Series 2019-5, Class B4, 4.480%, 11/25/49 (a)(c)
   
4,378,960
     
3,778,809
 
  Series 2019-5, Class B5, 4.480%, 11/25/49 (a)(c)
   
1,251,272
     
894,095
 
  Series 2019-6, Class AX1, 0.254%, 12/25/49 (a)(c)(g)
   
94,286,320
     
336,102
 
  Series 2020-2, Class B3A, 3.670%, 7/25/50 (a)(c)
   
8,947,724
     
8,092,596
 
  Series 2020-2, Class B4, 3.870%, 7/25/50 (a)(c)
   
5,056,977
     
4,042,587
 
  Series 2020-2, Class B5, 3.870%, 7/25/50 (a)(c)
   
2,334,448
     
1,636,276
 
  Series 2020-2, Class B6Z, 7.308%, 7/25/50 (a)(c)
   
4,300,560
     
2,698,603
 
Lehman Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2005-2, Class 2A1, 0.848%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.680%), 12/25/35 (h)
   
1,837,043
     
1,242,769
 
  Series 2008-4, Class A1, 0.548%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.380%), 1/25/37 (h)
   
39,671,416
     
14,009,587
 
  Series 2006-9, Class 1A5, 0.768%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.600%), 1/25/37 (h)
   
4,964,140
     
3,116,580
 
Lehman XS Trust
               
  Series 2007-6, Class 3A1, 0.328%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.160%), 5/25/37 (h)
   
1,727,561
     
1,699,132
 
  Series 2007-6, Class 3A2, 4.632%, 5/25/37 (l)
   
4,276,127
     
4,240,558
 
  Series 2007-6, Class 3A5, 4.632%, 5/25/37 (l)
   
119,627
     
116,776
 
Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-8, Class 1A, 0.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.150%), 9/25/36 (h)
   
3,743,410
     
2,525,446
 
LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-3, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 4/1/24 (c)(h)
   
5,945,000
     
5,750,462
 


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

11

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd. (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-4, Class A2, 2.870%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 5/1/24 (c)(h)
 
$
13,200,000
   
$
12,638,179
 
  Series 2019-5, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 11/1/24 (c)(h)
   
32,436,050
     
31,469,008
 
LSTAR Securities Investment Trust
               
  Series 2019-1, Class A2, 2.970%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.600%), 3/1/24 (c)(h)
   
17,000,000
     
15,814,624
 
  Series 2019-2, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 4/1/24 (c)(h)
   
12,300,000
     
8,343,477
 
MASTR Asset Backed Securities Trust
               
  Series 2003-WMC2, Class M5, 4.665%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 6.000%), 8/25/33 (h)
   
218,383
     
197,515
 
  Series 2005-WF1, Class M7, 1.893%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.725%), 6/25/35 (h)
   
917,217
     
862,903
 
  Series 2006-HE2, Class A3, 0.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.150%), 6/25/36 (h)
   
7,580,594
     
4,031,311
 
  Series 2006-NC2, Class A5, 0.408%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.240%), 8/25/36 (h)
   
1,888,413
     
981,048
 
MASTR Reperforming Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-2, Class 1A1, 4.349%, 5/25/36 (a)(c)
   
8,389,246
     
7,780,818
 
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
               
  Series 2005-AR1, Class M2, 1.173%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.005%), 6/25/36 (h)
   
2,553,884
     
2,030,176
 
Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2019-1, Class B1, 3.500%, 10/25/69 (a)(c)
   
2,245,863
     
2,047,843
 
Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust
               
  Series 2007-NC1, Class A2B, 0.268%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.100%), 11/25/36 (h)
   
3,060,829
     
1,844,701
 
New Century Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-2, Class A2C, 0.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.250%), 8/25/36 (h)
   
8,092,000
     
6,476,486
 
New Residential Mortgage LLC
               
  Series 2018-FNT1, Class E, 4.890%, 5/25/23 (c)
   
958,919
     
955,841
 
  Series 2018-FNT2, Class E, 5.120%, 7/25/54 (c)
   
2,812,711
     
2,592,633
 
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2014-1A, Class B1IO, 1.070%, 1/25/54 (a)(c)(g)
   
350,552
     
10,223
 
  Series 2017-5A, Class B3, 3.962%, 6/25/57 (a)(c)
   
1,827,915
     
1,692,565
 
Nomura Asset Acceptance Corp. Alternative Loan Trust
               
  Series 2005-AP3, Class A3, 5.318%, 8/25/35 (a)
   
368,421
     
224,861
 
Oaktown Re III Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-1A, Class M2, 2.718%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.550%), 7/25/29 (c)(h)
   
1,750,000
     
1,408,625
 


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

12

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Option One Mortgage Loan Trust
           
  Series 2007-HL1, Class 2A2, 0.418%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.250%), 2/25/38 (h)
 
$
514,950
   
$
425,412
 
Preston Ridge Partners Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2018-1A, Class A1, 3.750%, 4/25/23 (a)(c)
   
53,326
     
51,617
 
  Series 2018-1A, Class A2, 5.000%, 4/25/23 (a)(c)
   
1,000,000
     
932,266
 
  Series 2019-3A, Class A2, 4.458%, 7/25/24 (c)(k)
   
10,000,000
     
8,816,243
 
  Series 2019-GS1, Class A2, 4.750%, 10/25/24 (a)(c)
   
566,998
     
526,499
 
Pretium Mortgage Credit Partners I, LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL3, Class A2, 4.581%, 7/27/59 (c)(k)
   
4,000,000
     
3,436,117
 
  Series 2020-CFL1, Class A2, 4.213%, 2/27/60 (c)(k)
   
7,258,247
     
6,822,745
 
Progress Residential Trust
               
  Series 2019-SFR1, Class F, 5.061%, 8/17/35 (c)
   
7,004,000
     
6,822,365
 
  Series 2018-SFR3, Class G, 5.618%, 10/18/35
   
3,000,000
     
2,917,628
 
RAAC Series Trust
               
  Series 2004-SP1, Class AI3, 6.118%, 3/25/34 (l)
   
8,262
     
8,412
 
RALI Series Trust
               
  Series 2006-QS6, Class 1AV, 0.757%, 6/25/36 (a)(g)
   
8,876,511
     
207,173
 
  Series 2006-QS6, Class 1A11, 0.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.700%), 6/25/36 (h)
   
3,918,914
     
2,965,853
 
  Series 2007-QS1, Class 1A5, 0.718%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.550%), 1/25/37 (h)
   
6,511,553
     
4,809,886
 
RAMP Series Trust
               
  Series 2005-EFC6, Class M4, 1.053%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.885%), 11/25/35 (h)
   
3,000,000
     
2,314,501
 
  Series 2007-RS1, Class A3, 0.338%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.170%), 2/25/37 (h)
   
12,847,772
     
6,863,219
 
  Series 2007-RS1, Class A4, 0.448%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.280%), 2/25/37 (h)
   
10,547,597
     
2,332,002
 
RBSSP Resecuritization Trust
               
  Series 2009-7, Class 9A3, 5.000%, 9/26/36 (a)(c)
   
1,374,557
     
1,018,303
 
  Series 2009-7, Class 6A2, 6.500%, 10/26/36 (a)(c)
   
684,609
     
647,980
 
RCO V Mortgage LLC
               
  Series 2018-2, Class A2, 5.926%, 10/25/23 (c)(k)
   
1,292,000
     
1,097,343
 
Reperforming Loan REMIC Trust
               
  Series 2005-R1, Class 1AF1, 0.528%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.360%), 3/25/35 (c)(h)
   
2,975,828
     
2,701,020
 
  Series 2006-R1, Class AF1, 0.508%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.340%), 1/25/36 (c)(h)
   
3,843,982
     
3,641,978
 
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Series Trust
               
  Series 2005-QS13, Class 2A1, 0.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.700%), 9/25/35 (h)
   
5,236,968
     
4,169,097
 


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

13

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. Series Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2006-QS6, Class 1A9, 0.768%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.600%), 6/25/36 (h)
 
$
4,794,503
   
$
3,601,851
 
  Series 2008-QR1, Class 2A1, 0.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 9/25/36 (h)
   
2,633,905
     
2,013,673
 
  Series 2006-QS18, Class 1A1, 0.768%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.600%), 12/25/36 (h)
   
4,780,416
     
3,660,319
 
Residential Funding Securities Corp.
               
  Series 2002-RP1, Class A1, 1.028%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.860%), 3/25/33 (c)(h)
   
718,729
     
600,298
 
Residential Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2020-1, Class B2, 4.665%, 2/25/24 (a)(c)
   
2,129,000
     
1,762,557
 
Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust
               
  Series 2018-1, Class BX, 1.563%, 5/25/57 (a)
   
3,922,275
     
1,774,108
 
  Series 2018-1, Class M, 4.750%, 5/25/57 (a)
   
6,225,000
     
6,587,139
 
  Series 2018-2, Class XSIO, 0.065%, 11/25/57 (a)(g)
   
614,424,726
     
1,977,096
 
  Series 2018-2, Class BX, 1.736%, 11/25/57 (a)
   
8,192,297
     
3,466,960
 
  Series 2018-2, Class M, 4.750%, 11/25/57
   
7,475,000
     
7,275,627
 
  Series 2019-2, Class M, 4.750%, 8/25/58 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,872,558
 
  Series 2020-1, Class BXS, 1.732%, 8/25/59 (a)(c)
   
7,500,000
     
5,026,515
 
Sequoia Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2016-1, Class AIO1, 0.307%, 6/25/46 (a)(c)(g)
   
85,161,837
     
418,145
 
  Series 2017-1, Class AIO3, 0.500%, 2/25/47 (a)(c)(g)
   
12,970,460
     
146,601
 
  Series 2018-7, Class AIO1, 0.221%, 9/25/48 (a)(c)(g)
   
117,888,631
     
340,474
 
  Series 2019-3, Class B3, 4.095%, 9/25/49 (a)(c)
   
1,493,226
     
1,321,908
 
  Series 2019-4, Class B3, 3.796%, 11/25/49 (a)(c)
   
1,773,387
     
1,614,555
 
Shellpoint Co-Originator Trust
               
  Series 2017-1, Class AX1, 0.166%, 4/25/47 (a)(c)(g)
   
167,732,478
     
1,034,255
 
Sofi Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2016-1, Class B2, 3.157%, 11/25/46 (a)(c)
   
1,499,806
     
1,452,812
 
Soundview Home Loan Trust
               
  Series 2006-WF1, Class A4, 0.448%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.280%), 10/25/36 (h)
   
1,340,050
     
1,287,872
 
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2005-21, Class 3A1, 3.564%, 11/25/35 (a)
   
60,393
     
52,825
 
Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-BC9, Class M1, 1.218%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 8/25/33 (h)
   
543,013
     
522,009
 
Terwin Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2004-4SL, Class B3, 8.000%, 3/25/34 (a)(c)
   
154,367
     
143,684
 
Towd Point Asset Funding, LLC
               
  Series 2019-HE1, Class M1, 1.268%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.100%), 4/25/48 (c)(h)
   
6,411,064
     
6,247,582
 


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

14

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Towd Point Asset Funding, LLC (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-HE1, Class M2, 1.918%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.750%), 4/25/48 (c)(h)
 
$
4,461,000
   
$
4,261,593
 
Towd Point Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2019-HY1, Class B1, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 10/25/48 (c)(h)
   
3,350,000
     
2,926,371
 
  Series 2019-HY1, Class B2, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 10/25/48 (c)(h)
   
11,339,000
     
8,047,609
 
  Series 2019-HY1, Class B3, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 10/25/48 (c)(h)
   
6,170,000
     
5,015,071
 
  Series 2019-HY1, Class B4, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 10/25/48 (c)(h)
   
6,170,000
     
4,829,336
 
  Series 2019-HY1, Class XA, 5.000%, 10/25/48 (a)(c)
   
6,305,846
     
6,328,619
 
  Series 2015-3, Class B3, 4.263%, 3/25/54 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,928,397
 
  Series 2016-1, Class B3, 2.521%, 2/25/55 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
2,026,164
 
  Series 2015-5, Class B3, 4.041%, 5/25/55 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,649,904
 
  Series 2016-2, Class B3, 0.792%, 8/25/55 (a)(c)
   
4,000,000
     
3,034,561
 
  Series 2016-3, Class B3, 4.139%, 4/25/56 (a)(c)
   
5,000,000
     
4,463,281
 
  Series 2016-5, Class B3, 3.784%, 10/25/56 (a)(c)
   
11,671,000
     
9,055,540
 
  Series 2017-1, Class B3, 3.952%, 10/25/56 (a)(c)
   
8,750,000
     
6,854,676
 
  Series 2017-5, Class B2, 2.268%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.100%), 2/25/57 (c)(h)
   
6,641,000
     
5,650,463
 
  Series 2017-5, Class B3, 2.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 2/25/57 (c)(h)
   
5,415,000
     
4,643,233
 
  Series 2017-2, Class B3, 4.180%, 4/25/57 (a)(c)
   
5,000,000
     
4,817,431
 
  Series 2017-3, Class B3, 4.007%, 7/25/57 (a)(c)
   
8,750,000
     
6,920,788
 
  Series 2019-1, Class B2, 3.880%, 3/25/58 (a)(c)
   
4,000,000
     
3,873,476
 
  Series 2018-6, Class B2, 3.895%, 3/25/58 (a)(c)
   
2,750,000
     
2,444,810
 
  Series 2018-3, Class B1,0.508%, 5/25/58 (a)(c)
   
9,000,000
     
7,336,021
 
  Series 2019-HY2, Class M2, 2.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.900%), 5/25/58 (c)(h)
   
6,851,000
     
5,165,255
 
  Series 2019-HY2, Class B1, 2.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.250%), 5/25/58 (c)(h)
   
9,851,000
     
7,326,944
 
  Series 2019-HY2, Class B2, 2.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.250%), 5/25/58 (c)(h)
   
8,639,000
     
6,089,493
 
  Series 2019-HY2, Class B3, 2.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.250%), 5/25/58 (c)(h)
   
2,294,000
     
1,859,739
 
  Series 2019-HY2, Class B4, 2.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.250%), 5/25/58 (c)(h)
   
1,836,000
     
1,448,211
 
  Series 2018-3, Class B2, 3.975%, 5/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,750,000
     
1,339,832
 
  Series 2018-4, Class B2, 3.344%, 6/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,750,000
     
1,228,566
 
  Series 2018-5, Class B1, 3.514%, 7/25/58 (a)(c)
   
9,000,000
     
7,173,389
 
  Series 2018-5, Class B2, 3.514%, 7/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,750,000
     
1,313,399
 


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

15

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Towd Point Mortgage Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2018-SJ1, Class M1, 4.500%, 10/25/58 (a)(c)
 
$
4,810,500
   
$
4,916,013
 
  Series 2018-SJ1, Class M2, 4.750%, 10/25/58 (a)(c)
   
10,000,000
     
9,952,277
 
  Series 2018-SJ1, Class B1, 5.250%, 10/25/58 (a)(c)
   
10,000,000
     
9,052,380
 
  Series 2019-SJ1, Class M1, 4.400%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
5,606,000
     
5,615,651
 
  Series 2019-SJ1, Class M2, 4.750%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
10,438,000
     
10,313,616
 
  Series 2019-SJ2, Class M2, 4.750%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
12,000,000
     
12,043,260
 
  Series 2019-SJ1, Class A2, 5.000%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
12,276,766
     
12,238,389
 
  Series 2019-SJ2, Class B1, 5.000%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
13,052,000
     
11,688,493
 
  Series 2019-SJ2, Class XA, 5.000%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
22,520,542
     
22,949,363
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class M1, 1.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
9,495,000
     
8,200,732
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class M2, 1.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.700%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
10,115,000
     
8,795,981
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class B1, 2.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.000%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
5,514,000
     
4,581,387
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class B2, 2.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.000%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
4,130,000
     
3,251,439
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class B3, 2.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.000%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
1,106,000
     
832,083
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class B4, 2.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.000%), 10/25/59 (c)(h)
   
1,105,000
     
791,386
 
  Series 2015-2, Class 1B3, 1.433%, 11/25/60 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,875,498
 
Vericrest Opportunity Loan Trust
               
  Series 2019-NPL2, Class A2, 6.292%, 2/25/49 (c)(k)
   
1,500,000
     
1,216,318
 
  Series 2019-NPL4, Class A1B, 4.150%, 8/25/49 (c)(k)
   
4,000,000
     
4,176,456
 
  Series 2019-NPL4, Class A2, 5.438%, 8/25/49 (c)(k)
   
2,000,000
     
1,964,992
 
  Series 2019-NPL5, Class A2, 5.194%, 9/25/49 (c)(k)
   
1,800,000
     
1,354,726
 
  Series 2020-NPL2, Class A1B, 3.672%, 2/25/50 (c)(k)
   
18,000,000
     
16,088,958
 
  Series 2020-NPL2, Class A2, 4.336%, 2/25/50 (c)(k)
   
12,000,000
     
12,029,868
 
  Series 2020-NPL5, Class A1B, 3.475%, 3/25/50 (c)(k)
   
1,375,000
     
1,277,462
 
  Series 2020-NPL5, Class A2, 3.967%, 3/25/50 (c)(k)
   
3,745,000
     
2,606,649
 
Verus Securitization Trust
               
  Series 2019-1, Class B1, 5.311%, 2/25/59 (a)(c)
   
214,000
     
176,208
 
  Series 2019-INV2, Class B1, 4.452%, 7/25/59 (a)(c)(k)
   
500,000
     
423,165
 
  Series 2019-INV3, Class B2, 4.791%, 11/25/59 (a)(c)(k)
   
650,000
     
472,191
 
  Series 2020-1, Class B1, 3.624%, 1/25/60 (a)(c)
   
1,700,000
     
1,508,927
 
VOLT LXXX LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL6, Class A1A, 3.228%, 10/25/49 (c)(k)
   
2,006,635
     
1,932,421
 
VOLT LXXXIII LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL9, Class A2, 4.949%, 11/26/49 (c)(k)
   
4,500,000
     
4,324,356
 
VOLT LXXXIV LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL10, Class A2, 4.704%, 12/27/49 (c)(k)
   
4,500,000
     
3,294,028
 
VOLT LXXXV LLC
               
  Series 2020-NPL1, Class A2,  4.458%, 1/25/50 (c)(k)
   
9,150,000
     
6,322,099
 


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

16

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
VOLT LXXXVII LLC
           
  Series 2020-NPL3, Class A2, 4.336%, 2/25/50 (c)(k)
 
$
22,969,000
   
$
16,322,695
 
VOLT LXXXVIII LLC
               
  Series 2020-NPL4, Class A2,  4.090%, 3/25/50 (c)(k)
   
2,308,000
     
2,034,306
 
WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series Trust
               
  Series 2007-HE2, Class 2A1, 0.268%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.100%), 2/25/37 (h)
   
21,600,593
     
8,402,054
 
WaMu Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
               
  Series 2006-AR18, Class 1A1, 3.079%, 1/25/37 (a)
   
1,340,720
     
1,192,749
 
  Series 2005-AR1, Class B1, 0.993%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.825%), 1/25/45 (h)
   
7,766,131
     
7,427,481
 
  Series 2005-AR6, Class B1, 1.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 4/25/45 (h)
   
4,332,025
     
2,938,020
 
  Series 2005-AR13, Class B1, 0.768%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.600%), 10/25/45 (h)
   
8,025,225
     
5,497,183
 
  Series 2005-AR17, Class A1B3, 0.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.350%), 12/25/45 (h)
   
2,109,233
     
1,905,774
 
  Series 2005-AR17, Class A1B2, 0.578%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.410%), 12/25/45 (h)
   
640,534
     
582,879
 
  Series 2006-AR5, Class A1A, 2.681%
               
  (12 Month US Treasury Average + 0.990%), 6/25/46 (h)
   
1,423,648
     
1,314,997
 
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
               
  Series 2007-4, Class 1A5, 7.000%, 6/25/37
   
6,094,183
     
3,783,646
 
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through
               
  Certificates Series Trust
               
  Series 2006-AR9, Class 2A, 2.531%
               
  (12 Month US Treasury Average + 0.840%), 11/25/46 (h)
   
4,145,535
     
3,502,311
 
  Series 2007-OA1, Class A1, 2.401%
               
  (12 Month US Treasury Average + 0.710%), 12/25/46 (h)
   
3,978,154
     
3,397,659
 
Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities
               
  Series 2018-1, Class AIO1, 0.189%, 7/25/47 (a)(c)(g)
   
116,031,470
     
725,464
 
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities –
               
  Non-Agency (cost $1,049,784,037)
           
903,201,904
 
                 
PRIVATE PLACEMENT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS – 0.6%
               
BasePoint – BP SLL Trust, Series SPL-III
               
  10.500%, 12/31/20 (d)(e)
   
6,178,924
     
6,178,924
 
CCTC Acquisition Partners LLC,
               
  Convertible Promissory Note
               
  12.000%, 2/8/21 (e)(f)(i)
   
749,058
     
449,435
 
Total Private Placement Participation Agreements
               
  (cost $6,927,982)
           
6,628,359
 


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

17

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Shares
   
Value
 
MONEY MARKET FUND – 2.8%
           
First American Government
           
  Obligations Fund – Class Z, 0.060% (b)
   
30,164,810
   
$
30,164,810
 
Total Money Market Fund (cost $30,164,810)
           
30,164,810
 
Total Investments (cost $1,273,578,783) – 99.6%
           
1,057,613,458
 
Other Assets less Liabilities – 0.4%
           
3,932,170
 
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%
         
$
1,061,545,628
 

(a)
Variable rate security. The coupon is based on an underlying pool of loans and represents the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2020.
(c)
Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in the program or other “qualified institutional buyers.” As of May 31, 2020, the value of these investments was $768,978,860 or 72.4% of total net assets.
(d)
Security is restricted. The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of Basepoint – BP SLL Trust, Series SPL-III. As of May 31, 2020, the value of this investment was $6,178,924 or 0.6% of total net assets. The security was acquired from October 2017 to January 2020 at a cost of $6,178,924.
(e)
Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust. Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. As of  May 31, 2020, the total value of fair valued securities was $6,628,359 or 0.6% of total net assets.
(f)
Non-income producing.
(g)
Interest only security.
(h)
Variable or floating rate security based on a reference index and spread. The rate reported is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(i)
Security is restricted. The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of CCTC Acquisition Partners LLC. As of May 31, 2020, the value of this investment was $449,435 or 0.0% of total net assets. The security was acquired in February 2018 at a cost of $749,058.
(j)
Inverse floating rate security whose interest rate moves in the opposite direction of reference interest rates. Reference interest rates are typically based on a negative multiplier or slope. Interest rate may also be subject to a cap or floor.
(k)
Step-up bond. The interest rate will step up if the issuer does not redeem the bond by an expected redemption date. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(l)
Step-up bond. The interest rate may step up conditioned upon the aggregate remaining principal balance of the underlying mortgage loans being reduced below a targeted percentage of the aggregate original principal balance of the mortgage loans. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
FNMA – Federal National Mortgage Association
GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
REMIC – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit



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

18

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – AGENCY – 0.0%
           
Small Business Administration Participation Certificates
           
  Series 2012-10E, Class 1, 0.980%, 9/1/22
 
$
62
   
$
62
 
Total Asset-Backed Securities – Agency (cost $61)
           
62
 
                 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 20.7%
               
American Credit Acceptance Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2016-4, Class D, 4.110%, 4/12/23 (c)
   
190,564
     
190,994
 
  Series 2017-1, Class E, 5.440%, 3/13/24 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,519,834
 
  Series 2018-3, Class E, 5.170%, 10/15/24 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
2,985,444
 
  Series 2017-4, Class E, 5.020%, 12/10/24 (c)
   
1,650,000
     
1,680,506
 
American Express Credit Account Master Trust
               
  Series 2017-5, Class A, 0.564%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.380%), 2/18/25 (f)
   
1,250,000
     
1,253,647
 
Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust
               
  Series 2017-2, Class A, 0.484%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.300%), 5/15/23 (f)
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,059
 
  Series 2018-1, Class A, 0.514%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.330%), 7/15/24 (f)
   
1,000,000
     
994,839
 
Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust
               
  Series 2018-A2, Class A2, 0.534%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.350%), 3/16/26 (f)
   
670,000
     
664,598
 
Carvana Auto Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2019-3A, Class D, 3.040%, 4/15/25 (c)
   
1,500,000
     
1,444,778
 
  Series 2019-4A, Class D, 3.070%, 7/15/25 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
2,959,808
 
Cazenovia Creek Funding II LLC
               
  Series 2018-1A, Class A, 3.561%, 7/15/30 (c)
   
924,745
     
916,785
 
CPS Auto Trust
               
  Series 2016-D, Class D, 4.530%, 1/17/23 (c)
   
925,000
     
926,100
 
Drive Auto Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2017-1, Class D, 3.840%, 3/15/23
   
1,359,924
     
1,377,107
 
  Series 2016-CA, Class D, 4.180%, 3/15/24 (c)
   
1,420,981
     
1,441,919
 
  Series 2018-1, Class D, 3.810%, 5/15/24
   
2,000,000
     
2,021,089
 
  Series 2017-BA, Class E, 5.300%, 7/15/24 (c)
   
2,000,000
     
2,047,345
 
  Series 2018-2, Class D, 4.140%, 8/15/24
   
2,000,000
     
2,042,538
 
  Series 2018-3, Class C, 3.720%, 9/16/24
   
1,862,121
     
1,877,767
 
  Series 2019-2, Class D, 3.690%, 8/17/26
   
1,000,000
     
960,293
 
  Series 2019-4, Class D, 2.700%, 2/16/27
   
1,000,000
     
967,626
 
  Series 2020-1, Class D, 2.700%, 5/17/27
   
1,300,000
     
1,217,135
 
DT Auto Owner Trust
               
  Series 2018-2A, Class C, 3.670%, 3/15/24 (c)
   
423,529
     
428,170
 
  Series 2017-4A, Class E, 5.150%, 11/15/24 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,512,421
 


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

19

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
DT Auto Owner Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-2A, Class D, 3.480%, 2/18/25 (c)
 
$
500,000
   
$
496,463
 
  Series 2019-4A, Class D, 2.850%, 7/15/25 (c)
   
3,655,000
     
3,564,233
 
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2017-1A, Class D, 6.200%, 11/15/23 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
2,975,825
 
First Investors Auto Owner Trust
               
  Series 2016-2A, Class D, 3.350%, 11/15/22 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,483,427
 
  Series 2019-1A, Class D, 3.550%, 4/15/25 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
2,782,705
 
Flagship Credit Auto Trust
               
  Series 2015-3, Class D, 7.120%, 11/15/22 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,526,547
 
  Series 2017-3, Class D, 3.730%, 9/15/23 (c)
   
1,000,000
     
994,745
 
  Series 2016-4, Class E, 6.440%, 1/16/24 (c)
   
3,490,000
     
3,584,363
 
  Series 2018-3, Class D, 4.150%, 12/16/24 (c)
   
2,707,000
     
2,579,210
 
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust
               
  Series 2018-1, Class A2, 0.464%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.280%), 5/15/23 (f)
   
1,250,000
     
1,229,342
 
  Series 2018-3, Class A2, 0.584%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.400%), 10/15/23 (f)
   
1,250,000
     
1,252,194
 
GLS Auto Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2017-1A, Class B, 2.980%, 12/15/21 (c)
   
30,643
     
30,755
 
  Series 2018-1A, Class A, 2.820%, 7/15/22 (c)
   
35,288
     
35,244
 
  Series 2019-2A, Class C, 3.540%, 2/18/25 (c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,918,168
 
GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust
               
  Series 2018-4, Class A2, 0.594%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.410%), 9/15/23 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
1,001,755
 
Gracechurch Card Funding Plc
               
  Series 2018-1A, Class A, 0.584%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.400%), 7/15/22 (c)(f)
   
1,600,000
     
1,599,162
 
NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust
               
  Series 2018-2A, Class A1, 0.784%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.600%), 10/15/23 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
960,006
 
Prestige Auto Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2016-2A, Class D, 3.910%, 11/15/22 (c)
   
1,085,000
     
1,087,737
 
  Series 2017-1A, Class D, 3.610%, 10/16/23 (c)
   
2,055,000
     
2,070,126
 
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2018-2, Class C, 3.350%, 7/17/23
   
1,205,000
     
1,214,038
 
  Series 2017-3, Class E, 4.970%, 1/15/25
   
2,000,000
     
2,033,071
 
SLM Private Credit Student Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-C, Class A5, 2.930%
               
  (28 Day Auction Rate + 0.000%), 9/15/32 (f)
   
400,000
     
371,356
 
SoFi Professional Loan Program, LLC
               
  Series 2016-B, Class A1, 1.368%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.200%), 6/25/33 (c)(f)
   
194,085
     
194,102
 


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

20

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
SoFi Professional Loan Program, LLC (Continued)
           
  Series 2016-C, Class A1, 1.268%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.100%), 10/27/36 (c)(f)
 
$
307,558
   
$
301,808
 
  Series 2015-D, Class A1, 1.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 10/27/36 (c)(f)
   
156,885
     
157,665
 
South Carolina Student Loan Corp.
               
  Series 2013-1, Class A, 0.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 1/25/41 (f)
   
130,032
     
122,589
 
United Auto Credit Securitization Trust
               
  Series 2018-1, Class D, 3.520%, 11/10/22 (c)
   
188,726
     
189,136
 
  Series 2018-2, Class E, 5.260%, 5/10/23 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
3,009,493
 
  Series 2019-1, Class D, 3.470%, 8/12/24 (c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,999,095
 
Volvo Financial Equipment Master Owner Trust
               
  Series 2017-A, Class A, 0.684%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 11/15/22 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
997,421
 
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust
               
  Series 2018-2A, Class D, 4.000%, 1/16/24 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,532,518
 
  Series 2019-1A, Class D, 3.670%, 3/15/24 (c)
   
2,000,000
     
2,046,152
 
  Series 2019-3A, Class D, 2.720%, 11/15/24 (c)
   
2,500,000
     
2,435,622
 
Total Asset-Backed Securities – Non-Agency
               
  (cost $86,693,130)
           
85,206,875
 
                 
COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS – 21.0%
               
ACIS CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-4A, Class A, 2.107%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.420%), 5/1/26 (c)(f)
   
646,916
     
642,987
 
  Series 2014-5A, Class A1, 2.197%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.510%), 11/1/26 (c)(f)
   
872,369
     
870,957
 
  Series 2017-7A, Class A1, 2.037%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.350%), 5/1/27 (c)(f)
   
1,414,799
     
1,395,961
 
  Series 2015-6A, Class A1, 2.277%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.590%), 5/1/27 (c)(f)
   
214,649
     
214,732
 
AMMC CLO XIV Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-14R, Class A1LR, 2.241%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 7/25/29 (c)(f)
   
1,155,000
     
1,129,746
 
Anchorage Capital CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-4RA, Class A, 1.937%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 1/28/31 (c)(f)
   
2,500,000
     
2,476,515
 
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-9A, Class A, 2.005%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.870%), 4/20/28 (c)(f)
   
3,973,823
     
3,888,144
 


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

21

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Atlas Senior Loan Fund V Ltd.
           
  Series 2014-1A, Class AR2, 2.436%
           
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.260%), 7/16/29 (c)(f)
 
$
2,750,916
   
$
2,709,443
 
Battalion CLO VII Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-7A, Class A1RR, 2.175%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.040%), 7/17/28 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,951,400
 
Benefit Street Partners CLO VII Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-VIIA, Class A1AR, 1.915%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.780%), 7/18/27 (c)(f)
   
2,485,104
     
2,477,698
 
California Street CLO XII Ltd.
               
  Series 2013-12A, Class AR, 2.249%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.030%), 10/15/25 (c)(f)
   
2,409,653
     
2,383,735
 
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-3A, Class A1R, 1.887%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.000%), 7/28/28 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
991,660
 
Catamaran CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-2A, Class A1R, 2.535%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.400%), 10/18/26 (c)(f)
   
809,609
     
807,133
 
  Series 2013-1A, Class AR, 1.841%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.850%), 1/27/28 (c)(f)
   
2,788,428
     
2,727,757
 
Cent CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2013-19A, Class A1A, 2.171%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.330%), 10/29/25 (c)(f)
   
307,723
     
306,805
 
CIFC Funding Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-2A, Class AR2, 2.229%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.010%), 4/15/30 (c)(f)
   
2,500,000
     
2,457,060
 
  Series 2019-2A, Class A, 2.385%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 4/17/30 (c)(f)
   
3,250,000
     
3,205,527
 
  Series 2014-2RA, Class A1, 2.070%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 4/24/30 (c)(f)
   
1,760,000
     
1,728,712
 
Crown Point CLO III Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-3A, Class A1AR, 2.129%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.910%), 12/31/27
   
2,300,947
     
2,283,690
 
Cutwater Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-1A, Class A1AR, 2.469%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 7/15/26 (c)(f)
   
1,075,542
     
1,067,801
 
Ellington CLO IV Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-1A, Class A, 3.059%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.840%), 4/15/29 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,984,244
 
Flagship VII Ltd.
               
  Series 2013-7A, Class BR, 2.685%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.550%), 1/20/26 (c)(f)
   
153,203
     
153,337
 


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

22

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Gallatin CLO VIII Ltd.
           
  Series 2017-1A, Class A, 2.269%
           
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 7/15/27 (c)(f)
 
$
641,683
   
$
633,950
 
Golub Capital Partners CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-39A, Class A1, 2.285%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.150%), 10/20/28 (c)(f)
   
280,000
     
275,894
 
Halcyon Loan Advisors Funding Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-3A, Class AR, 2.198%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.100%), 10/22/25 (c)(f)
   
55,030
     
54,710
 
  Series 2014-1A, Class A1R, 2.265%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.130%), 4/18/26 (c)(f)
   
126,151
     
125,520
 
  Series 2015-1A, Class AR, 2.055%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.920%), 4/20/27 (c)(f)
   
369,400
     
365,142
 
Hull Street CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-1A, Class AR, 2.355%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.220%), 10/18/26 (c)(f)
   
952,321
     
944,521
 
KKR Financial CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2013-1A, Class A1R, 2.509%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.290%), 4/15/29 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,957,866
 
LCM XXV Ltd.
               
  Series 2017-25, Class A, 2.345%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.210%), 7/20/30 (c)(f)
   
791,000
     
777,334
 
Madison Park Funding Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-30A, Class A, 1.969%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.750%), 4/15/29 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,940,000
 
  Series 2013-11A, Class AR, 2.203%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.160%), 7/23/29 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,953,086
 
Mountain Hawk II CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2013-2A, Class BR, 2.735%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.600%), 7/20/24 (c)(f)
   
232,744
     
232,167
 
Mountain Hawk III CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-3A, Class AR, 2.335%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.200%), 4/18/25 (c)(f)
   
711,517
     
709,090
 
Mountain View CLO LLC
               
  Series 2017-2A, Class X, 1.826%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.650%), 1/16/31 (c)(f)
   
45,000
     
44,799
 
Mountain View CLO X Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-1A, Class ARR, 2.019%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.800%), 10/15/26 (c)(f)
   
1,733,059
     
1,719,476
 
  Series 2015-10A, Class AR, 2.131%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.820%), 10/13/27 (c)(f)
   
2,591,539
     
2,559,253
 
MP CLO VII Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-1A, Class ARR, 2.215%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.080%), 10/18/28 (c)(f)
   
1,800,000
     
1,756,369
 


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

23

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Nassau II Ltd.
           
  Series 2017-IIA, Class AL, 2.469%
           
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 1/15/30 (c)(f)
 
$
800,000
   
$
783,281
 
Newfleet CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-1A, Class A1R, 2.085%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.950%), 4/20/28 (c)(f)
   
500,000
     
490,011
 
OCP CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-10A, Class A1R, 1.811%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.820%), 10/26/27 (c)(f)
   
2,576,185
     
2,546,247
 
OZLM XII Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-12A, Class A1R, 1.810%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 4/30/27 (c)(f)
   
1,300,000
     
1,288,832
 
Regatta VI Funding Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-1A, Class AR, 2.215%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.080%), 7/20/28 (c)(f)
   
500,000
     
492,893
 
Saranac CLO III Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-3A, Class ALR, 2.295%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.100%), 6/22/30 (c)(f)
   
1,800,000
     
1,782,058
 
Telos CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-6A, Class A1R, 2.405%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.270%), 1/17/27 (c)(f)
   
1,276,787
     
1,271,799
 
  Series 2013-4A, Class AR, 2.375%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.240%), 1/17/30 (c)(f)
   
248,878
     
244,686
 
TICP CLO I Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-1A, Class AR, 1.935%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.800%), 7/20/27 (c)(f)
   
180,968
     
179,033
 
Tralee CLO V Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-5A, Class A1, 2.245%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.110%), 10/20/28 (c)(f)
   
2,250,000
     
2,217,069
 
Trinitas CLO IV Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-4A, Class XR, 1.885%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.750%), 10/18/31 (c)(f)
   
275,000
     
275,021
 
Venture 38 CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-38, 1.910%, 7/30/32
   
2,850,000
     
2,821,500
 
Venture XVII CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-17A, Class ARR, 2.099%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.880%), 4/15/27 (c)(f)
   
1,949,893
     
1,911,788
 
Venture XXIV CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-24A, Class AR, 2.315%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.180%), 10/20/28 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,957,578
 
Venture XXVI CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2017-26A, Class A, 2.585%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.450%), 1/20/29 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,966,692
 


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

24

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Venture XXVII CLO Ltd.
           
  Series 2017-27A, Class A, 2.435%
           
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.300%), 7/20/30 (c)(f)
 
$
100,000
   
$
98,093
 
Vibrant CLO VI Ltd.
               
  Series 2017-6A, Class A, 2.356%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.240%), 6/20/29 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,924,668
 
WhiteHorse IX Ltd.
               
  Series 2014-9A, Class AR, 2.295%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.160%), 7/17/26 (c)(f)
   
1,650,495
     
1,640,004
 
Wind River CLO Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-1A, Class AR, 2.269%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 7/15/28 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
985,573
 
Zais CLO 5 Ltd.
               
  Series 2016-2A, Class A1, 2.749%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 1.530%), 10/15/28 (c)(f)
   
2,421,624
     
2,392,489
 
Zais CLO 8 Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-8, Class A, 2.169%
               
  (3 Month LIBOR USD + 0.950%), 4/15/29 (c)(f)
   
2,274,816
     
2,228,709
 
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations
               
  (cost $87,452,026)
           
86,402,245
 
                 
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – AGENCY – 0.0%
               
GNMA
               
  Series 2009-4, Class IO, 0.390%, 1/16/49 (a)(i)
   
342,628
     
2,402
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – Agency
               
  (cost $1,723)
           
2,402
 
                 
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 8.2%
               
Bayview Commercial Asset Trust
               
  Series 2007-2A, Class A1, 0.438%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.270%), 7/25/37 (c)(f)
   
330,466
     
290,892
 
  Series 2007-6A, Class A3A, 1.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 12/25/37 (c)(f)
   
198,726
     
198,089
 
BX Trust
               
  Series 2018-BILT, Class A, 0.984%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.800%), 5/15/30 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,808,552
 
  Series 2019-MMP, Class A, 1.184%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.000%), 8/15/36 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,917,006
 
BXMT Ltd.
               
  Series 2017-FL1, Class A, 1.054%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.870%), 6/15/35 (c)(f)
   
1,402,429
     
1,389,991
 


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

25

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
BXMT Ltd. (Continued)
           
  Series 2017-FL1, Class B, 1.684%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 6/15/35 (c)(f)
 
$
750,000
   
$
716,553
 
  Series 2017-FL1, Class C, 2.134%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.950%), 6/15/35 (c)(f)
   
500,000
     
481,688
 
Cherrywood SB Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2016-1A, Class AFL, 2.818%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.650%), 3/25/49 (c)(f)
   
72,244
     
72,795
 
CNL Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-1A, Class A1, 0.684%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.500%), 5/15/31 (c)(f)
   
95,045
     
85,773
 
DBCG Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2017-BBG, Class C, 1.184%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.000%), 6/15/34 (c)(f)
   
350,000
     
322,086
 
FREMF Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2020-KI05, Class B, 2.468%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.300%), 7/25/24 (c)(f)
   
2,250,000
     
2,089,265
 
  Series 2019-KF68, Class B, 2.530%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.200%), 7/25/26 (c)(f)
   
1,999,604
     
1,771,139
 
GE Business Loan Trust
               
  Series 2007-1A, Class A, 0.354%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.170%), 4/15/35 (c)(f)
   
197,335
     
181,705
 
GPMT Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-FL1, Class A, 1.071%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 11/21/35 (c)(f)
   
131,198
     
129,892
 
  Series 2019-FL2, Class A, 1.484%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.300%), 2/22/36 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,893,572
 
Great Wolf Trust
               
  Series 2019-WOLF, Class A, 1.218%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.034%), 12/15/36 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,836,897
 
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. Trust
               
  Series 2017-500K, Class E, 1.750%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 7/15/32 (c)(f)
   
500,000
     
479,380
 
Hunt CRE Ltd.
               
  Series 2017-FL1, Class A, 1.184%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.000%), 8/15/34 (c)(f)
   
957,466
     
926,440
 
IMT Trust
               
  Series 2017-APTS, Class DFL, 1.734%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.550%), 6/15/34 (c)(f)
   
451,874
     
430,168
 
J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust
               
  Series 2019-MFP, Class A, 1.144%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.960%), 7/15/36 (c)(f)
   
3,000,000
     
2,842,452
 


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

26

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Lehman Brothers Small Balance Commercial Mortgage Trust
           
  Series 2007-3A, Class AJ, 3.997%, 10/25/37 (a)(c)
 
$
1,514,000
   
$
1,535,118
 
Motel 6 Trust
               
  Series 2017-MTL6, Class A, 1.104%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.920%), 8/15/34 (c)(f)
   
835,197
     
781,885
 
Multi-family Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust
               
  Series 2020-01, Class M7, 2.118%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.950%), 3/25/50 (c)(f)
   
4,296,065
     
3,823,430
 
Silver Hill Trust
               
  Series 2019-SBC1, Class A1, 3.102%, 11/25/49 (a)(c)
   
2,780,749
     
2,767,339
 
Velocity Commercial Capital Loan Trust
               
  Series 2017-1, Class AFL, 1.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 5/25/47 (c)(f)
   
135,698
     
134,795
 
  Series 2017-2, Class AFL, 1.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 11/25/47 (c)(f)
   
289,070
     
281,623
 
  Series 2019-2, Class M3, 3.480%, 7/25/49 (a)(c)
   
597,964
     
549,630
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed
               
  Securities – Non-Agency (cost $35,303,451)
           
33,738,155
 
                 
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – AGENCY – 22.5%
               
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities
               
  Series 2014-C02, Class 1M2, 2.768%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.600%), 5/25/24 (f)
   
1,717,436
     
1,369,413
 
  Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2, 5.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.000%), 11/25/24 (f)
   
1,480,557
     
1,491,360
 
  Series 2016-C03, Class 1M2, 5.468%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.300%), 10/25/28 (f)
   
2,281,874
     
2,405,494
 
  Series 2016-C03, Class 2M2, 6.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 5.900%), 10/25/28 (f)
   
2,689,099
     
2,868,675
 
  Series 2017-C01, Class 1ED1, 1.418%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.250%), 7/25/29 (f)
   
895,570
     
892,164
 
  Series 2017-C02, Class 2ED3, 1.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.350%), 9/25/29 (f)
   
3,259,694
     
2,922,201
 
  Series 2017-C07, Class 1M2A, 2.568%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.400%), 5/25/30 (f)
   
654,588
     
598,985
 
  Series 2017-C07, Class 2M2A, 2.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 5/25/30 (f)
   
681,138
     
679,936
 
  Series 2018-C04, Class 2M2, 2.718%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.550%), 12/25/30 (f)
   
4,547,234
     
4,382,561
 
  Series 2019-R01, Class 2M2, 2.618%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.450%), 7/25/31 (c)(f)
   
4,380,463
     
4,308,920
 


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

27

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-R02, Class 1M2, 2.468%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.300%), 8/25/31 (c)(f)
 
$
2,287,776
   
$
2,258,420
 
  Series 2019-R03, Class 1M2, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 9/25/31 (c)(f)
   
2,439,504
     
2,406,560
 
Fannie Mae REMICS
               
  Series 2010-16, Class FA, 1.218%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.050%), 3/25/40 (f)
   
5,367,885
     
5,494,216
 
  Series 2011-5, Class NF, 1.168%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.000%), 9/25/40 (f)
   
4,742,665
     
4,843,289
 
FHLMC REMIC Trust
               
  Series 3823, Class GA, 3.500%, 1/15/26
   
4,049
     
4,171
 
  Series 3834, Class GA, 3.500%, 3/15/26
   
6,421
     
6,629
 
  Series 4911, 0.635%, 9/25/49
   
2,025,023
     
2,026,130
 
FHLMC SERIES
               
  Series 4979, 0.635%, 6/25/48
   
1,807,311
     
1,809,005
 
FNMA REMIC TRUST
               
  Series 2010-1, 1.385%, 2/25/40
   
5,235,966
     
5,422,291
 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency
               
  Series 2013-DN1, Class M2, 7.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 7.150%), 7/25/23 (f)
   
1,371,942
     
1,216,453
 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk
               
  Series 2014-HQ2, Class M3, 3.918%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.750%), 9/25/24 (f)
   
550,000
     
555,616
 
  Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3, 4.818%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 4.650%), 10/25/28 (f)
   
1,456,181
     
1,536,136
 
  Series 2017-HQA1, Class M2, 3.718%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 3.550%), 8/25/29 (f)
   
3,659,035
     
3,704,989
 
  Series 2017-DNA3, Class M2, 2.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 3/25/30 (f)
   
5,040,000
     
5,046,300
 
  Series 2017-HQA3, Class M2, 2.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.350%), 4/25/30 (f)
   
3,944,973
     
3,930,156
 
  Series 2017-HQA3, Class M2B, 2.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.350%), 4/25/30 (f)
   
1,500,000
     
1,314,178
 
  Series 2018-HQA1, Class M2, 2.468%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.300%), 9/25/30 (f)
   
2,617,481
     
2,463,124
 
  Series 2018-HRP1, Class M2, 1.818%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.650%), 4/25/43 (c)(f)
   
2,124,162
     
2,040,605
 
  Series 2017-SPI1, Class M1, 3.978%, 9/25/47 (a)(c)
   
18,434
     
18,410
 
  Series 2018-SPI2, Class M1, 3.810%, 5/25/48 (a)(c)
   
220,063
     
219,891
 
  Series 2019-FTR2, Class M1, 1.118%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.950%), 11/25/48 (c)(f)
   
1,932,969
     
1,902,659
 
  Series 2018-SPI4, Class M2A, 4.464%, 11/25/48 (a)(c)
   
3,645,339
     
3,589,000
 


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

28

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-DNA3, Class M2, 2.218%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.050%), 7/25/49 (c)(f)
 
$
6,151,958
   
$
5,924,275
 
  Series 2019-HQA4, Class M2AS, 1.018%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.850%), 11/25/49 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,916,718
 
  Series 2019-HQA4, Class M2SB, 3.737%, 11/25/49 (c)
   
4,000,000
     
3,523,809
 
Freddie Mac Whole Loan Securities Trust
               
  Series 2015-SC02, Class M2, 3.666%, 9/25/45 (a)
   
1,997,773
     
1,965,130
 
  Series 2016-SC01, Class M1, 3.835%, 7/25/46 (a)
   
538,898
     
535,129
 
  Series 2016-SC02, Class M1, 3.591%, 10/25/46 (a)
   
341,731
     
339,275
 
  Series 2017-SC01, Class M1, 3.585%, 12/25/46 (a)(c)
   
627,852
     
623,447
 
GNMA
               
  Series 2004-70, Class FH, 0.571%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.400%), 7/20/34 (f)
   
4,095,470
     
4,098,839
 
  Series 2008-55, Class WT, 5.348%, 6/20/37 (a)
   
11,964
     
13,357
 
  Series 2010-144, Class DK, 3.500%, 9/16/39
   
50,262
     
53,024
 
  Series 2010-150, Class GD, 2.500%, 9/20/39
   
16,945
     
17,211
 
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities – Agency
               
  (cost $96,173,789)
           
92,738,151
 
                 
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – NON-AGENCY – 24.5%
               
American Homes 4 Rent Trust
               
  Series 2015-SFR2, Class D, 5.036%, 10/17/52 (c)
   
1,250,000
     
1,245,806
 
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2017-1, Class A1, 2.810%, 1/25/47 (a)(c)
   
96,530
     
96,570
 
  Series 2017-3, Class A2, 2.883%, 11/25/47 (a)(c)
   
16,843
     
16,837
 
Bear Stearns Mortgage Securities, Inc.
               
  Series 1997-6, Class 1A, 6.294%, 3/25/31 (a)
   
28,949
     
28,920
 
Bellemeade Re Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-2A, Class M1B, 1.518%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.350%), 8/25/28 (c)(f)
   
125,190
     
122,673
 
  Series 2019-1A, Class M1A, 1.468%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.300%), 3/25/29 (c)(f)
   
41,209
     
41,123
 
  Series 2019-1A, Class M1B, 1.918%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.750%), 3/25/29 (c)(f)
   
1,000,000
     
936,235
 
Bombardier Capital Mortgage Securitization Corp.
               
  Series 1999-B, Class A3, 7.180%, 12/15/29 (a)
   
86,567
     
23,298
 
CDC Mortgage Capital Trust
               
  Series 2003-HE4, Class A1, 0.788%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.620%), 3/25/34 (f)
   
465,452
     
343,076
 


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

29

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Centex Home Equity Loan Trust
           
  Series 2003-A, Class AF4, 4.250%, 12/25/31 (g)
 
$
27,797
   
$
28,072
 
Colony American Finance Ltd.
               
  Series 2015-1, Class C, 4.833%, 10/15/47 (c)
   
555,000
     
558,590
 
ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 1997-1, Class M1, 7.420%, 3/15/28
   
249,725
     
251,120
 
Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates
               
  Series 2004-11, Class M3, 1.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 1/25/35 (f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,934,594
 
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2020-AFC1, Class M1, 2.841%, 2/25/50 (a)(c)
   
3,408,500
     
2,472,841
 
Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization
               
  Series 2003-CB1, Class AF, 3.950%, 1/25/33 (g)
   
6
     
6
 
Deephaven Residential Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2017-1A, Class A3, 3.485%, 12/26/46 (a)(c)
   
11,391
     
11,385
 
  Series 2017-1A, Class B1, 6.250%, 12/26/46 (a)(c)
   
743,000
     
751,708
 
  Series 2019-3A, Class B1, 4.258%, 7/25/59 (a)(c)
   
500,000
     
485,593
 
Eagle RE Ltd.
               
  Series 2018-1, Class M1, 1.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.700%), 11/25/28 (c)(f)
   
103,239
     
101,477
 
  Series 2019-1, Class M1B, 1.968%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.800%), 4/25/29 (c)(f)
   
1,203,129
     
1,175,652
 
Flagstar Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2018-6RR, Class 1A2, 0.868%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.700%), 10/25/48 (c)(f)
   
1,914,087
     
1,882,829
 
Galton Funding Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2020-H1, Class A1, 2.310%, 1/25/60 (a)(c)
   
3,185,039
     
3,158,782
 
GMACM Mortgage Loan Trust
               
  Series 2003-GH2, Class A4, 5.500%, 10/25/33 (h)
   
80,773
     
82,544
 
GSAA Trust
               
  Series 2004-3, Class M1, 6.220%, 4/25/34 (g)
   
33,824
     
34,863
 
Home RE Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-1, Class M1, 1.818%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.650%), 5/25/29 (c)(f)
   
551,741
     
542,164
 
Imc Home Equity Loan Trust
               
  Series 1993-3, Class A8, 5.432%, 8/20/29 (h)
   
5,220
     
5,165
 
JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust
               
  Series 2005-A2, Class 1A1, 0.688%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.520%), 1/25/36 (f)
   
140,607
     
138,176
 
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2014-IVR6, Class B2, 2.561%, 7/25/44 (a)(c)
   
1,312,236
     
1,313,588
 
  Series 2014-IVR6, Class B3, 2.561%, 7/25/44 (a)(c)
   
1,772,705
     
1,708,580
 


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

30

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust (Continued)
           
  Series 2019-3, Class A11, 1.118%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.950%), 9/25/49 (c)(f)
 
$
648,908
   
$
638,635
 
  Series 2019-INV1, Class A11, 1.118%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.950%), 10/25/49 (c)(f)
   
3,512,836
     
3,494,867
 
  Series 2019-HYB1, Class A5A, 3.000%, 10/25/49 (a)(c)
   
778,906
     
765,477
 
  Series 2019-5, Class A11, 1.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 11/25/49 (c)(f)
   
1,718,058
     
1,675,428
 
  Series 2019-6, Class B3, 4.254%, 12/25/49 (a)(c)(d)
   
4,425,493
     
4,211,732
 
Lehman Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2008-4, Class A1, 0.548%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.380%), 1/25/37 (f)
   
913,173
     
322,479
 
LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd.
               
  Series 2019-3, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 4/1/24 (c)(f)
   
2,500,000
     
2,418,193
 
  Series 2019-4, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 5/1/24 (c)(f)
   
2,130,000
     
2,039,343
 
  Series 2019-5, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 11/1/24 (c)(f)
   
4,500,000
     
4,365,838
 
LSTAR Securities Investment Trust
               
  Series 2019-1, Class A2, 2.970%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.600%), 3/1/24 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,860,544
 
  Series 2019-2, Class A2, 2.870%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.500%), 4/1/24 (c)(f)
   
2,000,000
     
1,356,663
 
Onslow Bay Financial LLC
               
  Series 2019-EXP3, Class 2A1B, 1.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 10/25/59 (c)(f)
   
4,241,000
     
4,106,727
 
Preston Ridge Partners Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2019-3A, Class A2, 4.458%, 7/25/24 (c)(h)
   
1,500,000
     
1,322,436
 
Progress Residential Trust
               
  Series 2017-SFR1, Class E, 4.261%, 8/17/34 (c)
   
1,000,000
     
988,633
 
  Series 2017-SFR2, Class E, 4.142%, 12/17/34 (c)
   
1,000,000
     
984,406
 
  Series 2019-SFR1, Class E, 4.466%, 8/17/35 (c)
   
1,000,000
     
992,613
 
  Series 2018-SFR2, Class E, 4.656%, 8/17/35 (c)
   
3,000,000
     
2,987,226
 
  Series 2018-SFR3, Class E, 4.873%, 10/17/35 (c)
   
500,000
     
501,046
 
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc.
               
  Series 2004-RS8, Class MII1, 1.068%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 0.900%), 8/25/34 (f)
   
84,097
     
80,001
 
Sequoia Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2013-1, Class 2A1, 1.855%, 2/25/43 (a)
   
50,245
     
50,515
 
Structured Asset Securities Corp.
               
  Series 2003-31A, Class 2A1, 3.648%, 10/25/33 (a)
   
200,566
     
193,533
 


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

31

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount
   
Value
 
Towd Point Asset Funding, LLC
           
  Series 2019-HE1, Class M1, 1.268%
           
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.100%), 4/25/48 (c)(f)
 
$
1,266,070
   
$
1,233,786
 
Towd Point Mortgage Trust
               
  Series 2019-HY1, Class B1, 2.318%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 2.150%), 10/25/48 (c)(f)
   
2,600,000
     
2,271,213
 
  Series 2019-HY1, Class XA, 5.000%, 10/25/48 (a)(c)
   
857,105
     
860,201
 
  Series 2018-SJ1, Class B1, 5.250%, 10/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,000,000
     
905,238
 
  Series 2019-SJ1, Class M2, 4.750%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,976,167
 
  Series 2019-SJ1, Class A2, 5.000%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
1,390,347
     
1,386,001
 
  Series 2019-SJ2, Class XA, 5.000%, 11/25/58 (a)(c)
   
4,459,513
     
4,544,428
 
  Series 2019-HY3, Class M1, 1.668%
               
  (1 Month LIBOR USD + 1.500%), 10/25/59 (c)(f)
   
8,176,000
     
7,061,526
 
Tricon American Homes Trust
               
  Series 2016-SFR1, Class D, 3.886%, 11/17/33 (c)
   
500,000
     
500,865
 
  Series 2016-SFR1, Class F, 5.769%, 11/17/33 (c)
   
2,000,000
     
1,992,004
 
Vericrest Opportunity Loan Trust
               
  Series 2019-NPL2, Class A2, 6.292%, 2/25/49 (c)(h)
   
500,000
     
405,439
 
  Series 2019-NPL4, Class A1A, 3.352%, 8/25/49 (c)(h)
   
2,056,945
     
2,003,027
 
  Series 2019-NPL5, Class A2, 5.194%, 9/25/49 (c)(h)
   
325,000
     
244,603
 
  Series 2019-NPL7, Class A2, 5.193%, 10/25/49 (c)(h)
   
2,000,000
     
1,378,670
 
  Series 2019-NPL8, Class A1B, 4.090%, 11/25/49 (c)(h)
   
2,000,000
     
1,601,615
 
  Series 2020-NPL2, Class A1B, 3.672%, 2/25/50 (c)(h)
   
6,000,000
     
5,362,986
 
  Series 2020-NPL5, Class A1B, 3.475%, 3/25/50 (c)(h)
   
2,062,500
     
1,916,192
 
Verus Securitization Trust
               
  Series 2019-INV2, Class B1, 4.452%, 7/25/59 (a)(c)(h)
   
500,000
     
423,166
 
  Series 2019-4, Class B1, 3.860%, 11/25/59 (a)(c)(h)
   
947,000
     
747,670
 
VOLT LXXXIII LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL9, Class A1B, 4.090%, 11/26/49 (c)(h)
   
3,000,000
     
2,453,331
 
VOLT LXXXIV LLC
               
  Series 2019-NPL10, Class A1B, 3.967%, 12/27/49 (c)(h)
   
1,900,000
     
1,513,097
 
VOLT LXXXV LLC
               
  Series 2020-NPL1, Class A1B, 3.721%, 1/25/50 (c)(h)
   
3,000,000
     
2,380,674
 
VOLT LXXXVII LLC
               
  Series 2020-NPL3, Class A1B, 3.672%, 2/25/50 (c)(h)
   
4,000,000
     
3,121,978
 
Washington Mutual MSC Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates
               
  Series 2003-MS2, Class 5A1, 5.750%, 2/25/33
   
71,527
     
72,628
 
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed
               
  Securities – Non-Agency (cost $111,007,961)
           
101,205,107
 


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

32

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Principal
       
   
Amount/Shares
   
Value
 
PRIVATE PLACEMENT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT – 0.2%
           
BasePoint – BP SLL Trust, Series SPL-III
           
  10.500%, 12/31/20 (d)(e)
 
$
738,027
   
$
738,027
 
Total Private Placement Participation
               
  Agreement (cost $738,027)
           
738,027
 
                 
MONEY MARKET FUND – 5.7%
               
First American Government Obligations Fund –
               
  Class Z, 0.060% (b)
   
23,564,202
     
23,564,202
 
Total Money Market Fund (cost $23,564,202)
           
23,564,202
 
Total Investments (cost $440,934,370) – 102.8%
           
423,595,226
 
Liabilities less Other Assets – (2.8)%
           
(11,671,795
)
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%
         
$
411,923,431
 

(a)
Variable rate security. The coupon is based on an underlying pool of loans and represents the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(b)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of May 31, 2020.
(c)
Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in the program or other “qualified institutional buyers.” As of May 31, 2020, the value of these investments was $305,991,628 or 74.3% of total net assets.
(d)
Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust. Value determined using significant unobservable inputs.  As of May 31, 2020, the total value of fair valued securities was $738,027 or 0.2% of total net assets.
(e)
Security is restricted. The Fund cannot sell or otherwise transfer this agreement without prior written approval of BasePoint – BP SLL Trust, Series SPL-III. As of May 31, 2020, the value of this investment was $738,027 or 0.2% of total net assets. The security was acquired from December 2016 to December 2019 at a cost of $738,027.
(f)
Variable or floating rate security based on a reference index and spread. The rate reported is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(g)
Step-up bond. The interest rate may step up conditioned upon the aggregate remaining principal balance of the underlying mortgage loans being reduced below a targeted percentage of the aggregate original principal balance of the mortgage loans. The interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(h)
Step-up bond. The interest rate will step up if the issuer does not redeem the bond by an expected redemption date. The interest rate shown is in effect as of May 31, 2020.
(i)
Interest only security.
FHLMC – Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
FNMA – Federal National Mortgage Association
FREMF – Freddi Mac K Series
GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association
LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate
REMIC – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit



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

33

SEMPER FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
ASSETS
           
Investments in securities, at value
           
  (identified cost $1,273,578,783
           
  and $440,934,370, respectively)
 
$
1,057,613,458
   
$
423,595,226
 
Cash
   
     
1,181,743
 
Receivables
               
Fund shares issued
   
12,612,544
     
1,512,360
 
Interest
   
2,626,218
     
683,171
 
Prepaid expenses
   
245,619
     
77,787
 
Total assets
   
1,073,097,839
     
427,050,287
 
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Payables
               
Dividends
   
1,477,634
     
55,731
 
Investments purchased
   
4,874,086
     
14,367,761
 
Fund shares redeemed
   
2,032,232
     
317,841
 
Due to Custodian
   
1,692,332
     
 
Due to Adviser
   
532,736
     
92,711
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
402,966
     
80,722
 
Administration and fund accounting fees
   
383,645
     
140,577
 
12b-1 distribution fees
   
42,679
     
36,249
 
Custody fees
   
39,089
     
5,496
 
Audit fees
   
13,293
     
12,494
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
4,232
     
4,232
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
1,435
     
431
 
Accrued expenses
   
55,852
     
12,611
 
Total liabilities
   
11,552,211
     
15,126,856
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
1,061,545,628
   
$
411,923,431
 


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

34

SEMPER FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET
           
  VALUE PER SHARE
           
Class A
           
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
 
$
13,594,376
       
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
             
  number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
1,652,869
       
Net asset value and
             
  redemption price per share
 
$
8.22
       
Maximum offering price per share (Net asset
             
  value per share divided by 98.00%)
 
$
8.39
       
Investor Class
             
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
 
$
67,547,678
   
$
83,446,889
 
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
               
  number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
8,218,979
     
9,102,810
 
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
 
$
8.22
   
$
9.17
 
Institutional Class
               
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
 
$
980,403,574
   
$
328,476,542
 
Shares issued and outstanding [unlimited
               
  number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
119,509,096
     
35,842,062
 
Net asset value, offering and
               
  redemption price per share
 
$
8.20
   
$
9.16
 
                 
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
               
Paid-in capital
 
$
1,587,330,616
   
$
454,663,927
 
Total distributable earnings
   
(525,784,988
)
   
(42,740,496
)
Net assets
 
$
1,061,545,628
   
$
411,923,431
 


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

35

SEMPER FUNDS











(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 












36

SEMPER FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

   
Semper MBS Total
   
Semper Short
 
   
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
INVESTMENT INCOME
           
Income
           
Interest
 
$
49,399,180
   
$
7,260,113
 
Total income
   
49,399,180
     
7,260,113
 
 
               
Expenses
               
Advisory fees (Note 4)
   
5,658,936
     
842,204
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
1,081,522
     
236,463
 
Administration and fund
               
  accounting fees (Note 4)
   
657,688
     
252,114
 
Interest expense (Note 7)
   
495,273
     
30,363
 
12b-1 fees – Class A (Note 5)
   
33,858
     
 
12b-1 fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
182,007
     
138,433
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
130,112
     
28,283
 
Registration fees
   
90,290
     
54,382
 
Shareholder reporting
   
47,742
     
11,398
 
Trustees fees and expenses
   
17,365
     
8,768
 
Audit fees
   
13,336
     
12,533
 
Miscellaneous
   
12,409
     
4,703
 
Insurance expense
   
9,675
     
1,560
 
Legal fees (Note 4)
   
8,414
     
4,873
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 4)
   
6,170
     
6,170
 
Total expenses
   
8,444,797
     
1,632,247
 
Advisory fee waiver (Note 4)
   
     
(50,036
)
Net expenses
   
8,444,797
     
1,582,211
 
Net investment income
   
40,954,383
     
5,677,902
 
                 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
               
  LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
               
Net realized loss on investments
   
(273,403,365
)
   
(22,692,421
)
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
   
(192,097,654
)
   
(18,380,430
)
Net realized and unrealized
               
  loss on investments
   
(465,501,019
)
   
(41,072,851
)
Net Decrease in Net Assets
               
  Resulting from Operations
 
$
(424,546,636
)
 
$
(35,394,949
)

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

37

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE)
           
  IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
 
$
40,954,383
   
$
95,495,228
 
Net realized loss from investments
   
(273,403,365
)
   
(6,918,122
)
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
   
(192,097,654
)
   
355,485
 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
   
(424,546,636
)
   
88,932,591
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
Class A
   
(604,332
)
   
(1,377,909
)
Investor Class
   
(3,231,842
)
   
(10,225,757
)
Institutional Class
   
(41,654,705
)
   
(91,707,560
)
Total distributions to shareholders
   
(45,490,879
)
   
(103,311,226
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets derived
               
  from net change in outstanding shares (a)
   
(796,674,344
)
   
399,344,574
 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
   
(1,266,711,859
)
   
384,965,939
 
                 
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
   
2,328,257,487
     
1,943,291,548
 
End of period
 
$
1,061,545,628
   
$
2,328,257,487
 


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

38

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

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

 
Class A
                       
     
Six Months Ended
             
     
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
     
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
     
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
 
Shares sold
   
167,978
   
$
1,725,524
     
1,632,245
   
$
17,098,194
 
 
Shares issued on
                               
 
  reinvestments of
                               
 
  distributions
   
47,371
     
446,321
     
108,138
     
1,132,374
 
 
Shares redeemed
   
(1,801,571
)
   
(16,158,839
)
   
(832,280
)
   
(8,717,157
)
 
Net increase/(decrease)
   
(1,586,222
)
 
$
(13,986,994
)
   
908,103
   
$
9,513,411
 
                                   
 
Investor Class
                               
     
Six Months Ended
                 
     
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
     
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
     
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
 
Shares sold
   
3,411,872
   
$
34,336,054
     
15,617,016
   
$
163,500,951
 
 
Shares issued on
                               
 
  reinvestments of
                               
 
  distributions
   
288,034
     
2,729,142
     
860,544
     
9,009,002
 
 
Shares redeemed
   
(15,204,518
)
   
(142,753,531
)
   
(18,185,924
)
   
(190,377,334
)
 
Net decrease
   
(11,504,612
)
 
$
(105,688,335
)
   
(1,708,364
)
 
$
(17,867,381
)
                                   
 
Institutional Class
                               
     
Six Months Ended
                 
     
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
     
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
     
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
 
Shares sold
   
72,183,642
   
$
698,713,007
     
116,851,754
   
$
1,223,867,106
 
 
Shares issued on
                               
 
  reinvestments of
                               
 
  distributions
   
3,029,792
     
28,450,395
     
5,962,548
     
62,458,672
 
 
Shares redeemed
   
(155,801,388
)
   
(1,404,162,417
)
   
(83,907,665
)
   
(878,627,234
)
 
Net increase/(decrease)
   
(80,587,954
)
 
$
(676,999,015
)
   
38,906,637
   
$
407,698,544
 


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

39

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE)
           
  IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment income
 
$
5,677,902
   
$
8,478,787
 
Net realized loss from investments
   
(22,692,421
)
   
(158,652
)
Net change in unrealized
               
  appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
   
(18,380,430
)
   
1,131,083
 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
   
(35,394,949
)
   
9,451,218
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
Investor Class
   
(1,303,231
)
   
(2,203,039
)
Institutional Class
   
(4,803,151
)
   
(6,632,085
)
Total distributions to shareholders
   
(6,106,382
)
   
(8,835,124
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net increase in net assets derived from
               
  net change in outstanding shares (a)
   
3,217,835
     
282,140,860
 
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets
   
(38,283,496
)
   
282,756,954
 
                 
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
   
450,206,927
     
167,449,973
 
End of period
 
$
411,923,431
   
$
450,206,927
 

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

40

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

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

 
Investor Class
                       
     
Six Months Ended
             
     
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
     
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
     
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
 
Shares sold
   
9,491,064
   
$
93,686,327
     
11,680,001
   
$
115,355,794
 
 
Shares issued on
                               
 
  reinvestments of
                               
 
  distributions
   
121,673
     
1,153,393
     
203,480
     
2,009,738
 
 
Shares redeemed
   
(9,456,256
)
   
(88,707,647
)
   
(9,231,596
)
   
(91,161,995
)
 
Net increase
   
156,481
   
$
6,132,073
     
2,651,885
   
$
26,203,537
 
                                   
 
Institutional Class
                               
     
Six Months Ended
                 
     
May 31, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
     
(Unaudited)
   
November 30, 2019
 
     
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
 
Shares sold
   
26,038,517
   
$
250,451,817
     
35,732,900
   
$
353,134,407
 
 
Shares issued on
                               
 
  reinvestments of
                               
 
  distributions
   
435,370
     
4,128,023
     
576,073
     
5,694,228
 
 
Shares redeemed
   
(27,185,938
)
   
(257,494,078
)
   
(10,411,376
)
   
(102,891,312
)
 
Net increase/(decrease)
   
(712,051
)
 
$
(2,914,238
)
   
25,897,597
   
$
255,937,323
 


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

41

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Class A
   
Six Months
                     
December 18,
 
   
Ended
                     
2015*

   
May 31,
                     
through
 
   
2020
   
Year Ended November 30,
   
November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Net asset value,
                               
  beginning of period
 
$
10.43
   
$
10.50
   
$
10.69
   
$
10.56
   
$
10.92
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income^
   
0.20
     
0.46
     
0.53
     
0.44
     
0.56
 
Net realized and unrealized
                                       
  gain/(loss) on investments
   
(2.19
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.12
)
   
0.21
     
(0.28
)
Total from investment operations
   
(1.99
)
   
0.43
     
0.41
     
0.65
     
0.28
 
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
From net investment income
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.50
)
   
(0.60
)
   
(0.52
)
   
(0.64
)
Total distributions
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.50
)
   
(0.60
)
   
(0.52
)
   
(0.64
)
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
8.22
   
$
10.43
   
$
10.50
   
$
10.69
   
$
10.56
 
                                         
Total return
   
-19.18
%+
   
4.19
%
   
3.91
%
   
6.34
%
   
2.66
%+
                                         
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                       
Net assets, end of
                                       
  period (thousands)
 
$
13,594
   
$
33,799
   
$
24,483
   
$
20,873
   
$
6,582
 
Ratio of expenses to
                                       
  average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver
                                       
  and recoupment
   
1.10
%++
   
1.02
%
   
1.00
%
   
0.94
%**
   
1.01
%++
After fee waiver
                                       
  and recoupment
   
1.10
%++
   
1.02
%
   
1.00
%
   
0.95
%**
   
1.00
%++
Ratio of net investment
                                       
  income to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waiver
                                       
  and recoupment
   
3.99
%++
   
4.38
%
   
4.97
%
   
4.15
%
   
5.58
%++
After fee waiver
                                       
  and recoupment
   
3.99
%++
   
4.38
%
   
4.97
%
   
4.14
%
   
5.59
%++
Portfolio turnover rate
   
53
%+
   
118
%
   
137
%
   
238
%
   
135
%+

*
 
Commencement of operations.
^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.
 
Portfolio turnover rate calculated for the year ended November 30, 2016.
**
 
Includes extraordinary expenses of 0.01% that occurred during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.


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

42

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Investor Class
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
May 31,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
10.43
   
$
10.50
   
$
10.69
   
$
10.56
   
$
10.91
   
$
11.08
 
                                                 
Income from investment operations:
                                               
Net investment income^
   
0.20
     
0.46
     
0.51
     
0.45
     
0.58
     
0.51
 
Net realized and unrealized
                                               
  gain/(loss) on investments
   
(2.19
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.10
)
   
0.20
     
(0.30
)
   
(0.05
)
Total from investment operations
   
(1.99
)
   
0.43
     
0.41
     
0.65
     
0.28
     
0.46
 
                                                 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net investment income
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.50
)
   
(0.60
)
   
(0.52
)
   
(0.63
)
   
(0.56
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.07
)
Total distributions
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.50
)
   
(0.60
)
   
(0.52
)
   
(0.63
)
   
(0.63
)
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
8.22
   
$
10.43
   
$
10.50
   
$
10.69
   
$
10.56
   
$
10.91
 
                                                 
Total return
   
-19.28
%+
   
4.19
%
   
3.92
%
   
6.34
%
   
2.67
%
   
4.26
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
67,548
   
$
205,755
     
225,054
   
$
97,089
   
$
79,614
   
$
67,073
 
Ratio of expenses to
                                               
  average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
1.10
%++
   
1.02
%
   
1.01
%
   
0.94
%**
   
0.97
%
   
0.99
%
After fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
1.10
%++
   
1.02
%
   
1.01
%
   
0.95
%**
   
1.00
%
   
1.00
%
Ratio of net investment
                                               
  income to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
3.99
%++
   
4.38
%
   
4.77
%
   
4.20
%
   
5.45
%
   
4.65
%
After fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
3.99
%++
   
4.38
%
   
4.77
%
   
4.19
%
   
5.42
%
   
4.64
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
53
%+
   
118
%
   
137
%
   
238
%
   
135
%
   
166
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.
**
 
Includes extraordinary expenses of 0.01% that occurred during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.


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

43

SEMPER MBS TOTAL RETURN FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Institutional Class
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
May 31,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
10.44
   
$
10.51
   
$
10.70
   
$
10.57
   
$
10.92
   
$
11.09
 
                                                 
Income from investment operations:
                                               
Net investment income^
   
0.21
     
0.48
     
0.55
     
0.47
     
0.60
     
0.54
 
Net realized and unrealized
                                               
  gain/(loss) on investments
   
(2.22
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.11
)
   
0.21
     
(0.30
)
   
(0.05
)
Total from investment operations
   
(2.01
)
   
0.46
     
0.44
     
0.68
     
0.30
     
0.49
 
                                                 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net investment income
   
(0.23
)
   
(0.53
)
   
(0.63
)
   
(0.55
)
   
(0.65
)
   
(0.59
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.07
)
Total distributions
   
(0.23
)
   
(0.53
)
   
(0.63
)
   
(0.55
)
   
(0.65
)
   
(0.66
)
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
8.20
   
$
10.44
   
$
10.51
   
$
10.70
   
$
10.57
   
$
10.92
 
                                                 
Total return
   
-19.44
%+
   
4.45
%
   
4.20
%
   
6.59
%
   
2.92
%
   
4.51
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
980,404
   
$
2,088,703
   
$
1,693,755
   
$
1,008,263
   
$
466,344
   
$
360,443
 
Ratio of expenses to
                                               
  average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
0.85
%++
   
0.77
%
   
0.76
%
   
0.70
%**
   
0.73
%
   
0.74
%
After fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
0.85
%++
   
0.77
%
   
0.76
%
   
0.70
%**
   
0.75
%
   
0.75
%
Ratio of net investment
                                               
  income to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
4.26
%++
   
4.63
%
   
5.13
%
   
4.37
%
   
5.68
%
   
4.88
%
After fee waiver
                                               
  and recoupment
   
4.26
%++
   
4.63
%
   
5.13
%
   
4.37
%
   
5.66
%
   
4.87
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
53
%+
   
118
%
   
137
%
   
238
%
   
135
%
   
166
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.
**
 
Includes extraordinary expenses of 0.01% that occurred during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.


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

44

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Investor Class
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
May 31,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
9.89
   
$
9.87
   
$
9.92
   
$
9.92
   
$
10.00
   
$
10.19
 
                                                 
Income from investment operations:
                                               
Net investment income^
   
0.10
     
0.28
     
0.26
     
0.20
     
0.24
     
0.29
 
Net realized and unrealized
                                               
  gain/(loss) on investments
   
(0.71
)
   
0.03
     
(0.05
)
   
0.08
     
(0.07
)
   
(0.16
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.61
)
   
0.31
     
0.21
     
0.28
     
0.17
     
0.13
 
                                                 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net investment income
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.26
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.25
)
   
(0.31
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.01
)
Total distributions
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.26
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.25
)
   
(0.32
)
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.17
   
$
9.89
   
$
9.87
   
$
9.92
   
$
9.92
   
$
10.00
 
                                                 
Total return
   
-6.18
%+
   
3.20
%
   
2.17
%
   
2.90
%
   
1.77
%
   
1.23
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
83,447
   
$
88,502
   
$
62,155
   
$
14,088
   
$
405
   
$
1,591
 
Ratio of expenses to
                                               
  average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
0.87
%++
   
0.90
%
   
1.07
%
   
1.22
%*
   
1.21
%
   
1.35
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
0.85
%++
   
0.85
%
   
0.85
%
   
0.88
%*
   
0.85
%
   
1.02
%#
Ratio of net investment
                                               
  income to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
2.15
%++
   
2.77
%
   
2.37
%
   
1.69
%
   
2.07
%
   
2.59
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
2.17
%++
   
2.82
%
   
2.59
%
   
2.03
%
   
2.43
%
   
2.92
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
71
%+
   
131
%
   
158
%
   
141
%
   
108
%
   
56
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.
#
 
Excluding interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.85% for the year ended November 30, 2015.
*
 
Includes extraordinary expenses of 0.03% that occurred during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.


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

45

SEMPER SHORT DURATION FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Institutional Class
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
May 31,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended November 30,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
9.90
   
$
9.88
   
$
9.93
   
$
9.93
   
$
10.01
   
$
10.20
 
                                                 
Income from investment operations:
                                               
Net investment income^
   
0.12
     
0.30
     
0.28
     
0.24
     
0.25
     
0.32
 
Net realized and unrealized
                                               
  gain/(loss) on investments
   
(0.73
)
   
0.03
     
(0.04
)
   
0.07
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.17
)
Total from investment operations
   
(0.61
)
   
0.33
     
0.24
     
0.31
     
0.20
     
0.15
 
                                                 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net investment income
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.31
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.31
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.33
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.01
)
Total distributions
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.31
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.31
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.34
)
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.16
   
$
9.90
   
$
9.88
   
$
9.93
   
$
9.93
   
$
10.01
 
                                                 
Total return
   
-6.16
%+
   
3.38
%
   
2.45
%
   
3.16
%
   
2.04
%
   
1.48
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
328,477
   
$
361,705
   
$
105,295
   
$
42,704
   
$
41,946
   
$
43,016
 
Ratio of expenses to
                                               
  average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
0.62
%++
   
0.65
%
   
0.82
%
   
0.97
%*
   
0.98
%
   
1.14
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
0.60
%++
   
0.60
%
   
0.60
%
   
0.61
%*
   
0.60
%
   
0.81
%#
Ratio of net investment
                                               
  income to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
2.39
%++
   
2.96
%
   
2.57
%
   
2.08
%
   
2.11
%
   
2.82
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense reimbursement
   
2.41
%++
   
3.01
%
   
2.79
%
   
2.44
%
   
2.49
%
   
3.15
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
71
%+
   
131
%
   
158
%
   
141
%
   
108
%
   
56
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.
#
 
Excluding interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.60% for the year ended November 30, 2015.
*
 
Includes extraordinary expenses of 0.01% that occurred during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2017.


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

46

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The Semper MBS Total Return Fund and the Semper Short Duration Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are each a diversified series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company.  The Funds follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies”.
 
The investment objective of the Semper MBS Total Return Fund (“Total Return Fund”) is to seek a high level of risk-adjusted current income and capital appreciation.  The investment objective of the Semper Short Duration Fund (“Short Duration Fund”) is to seek a high level of current income that is consistent with preservation of capital.  Each Fund currently offers Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares and the Total Return Fund offers Class A shares.  The Total Return Fund Class A shares may be subject to a 2.00% front-end sales load.  The Total Return Fund’s Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares commenced operations on July 22, 2013 and the Class A shares commenced operations on December 18, 2015.  The Short Duration Fund’s Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares commenced operations on December 23, 2010.
 
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
 
A.
Security Valuation:  All investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value, as described in note 3.
     
 
B.
Federal Income Taxes:  It is the Funds’ policy to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income or excise tax provision is required.
     
   
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities.  Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years 2017-2019, or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2020 tax returns. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the state of Wisconsin; however the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

 
47

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

 
C.
Security Transactions, Income and Distributions: Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are calculated on the basis of high amortized cost.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.  Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted/amortized using the effective interest method.  Non-cash interest income included in interest income, if any, is recorded at the fair market value of additional par received.  Paydown gains and losses on mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are recorded as components of interest income on the statement of operations.  Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
     
   
Investment income, expenses (other than those specific to the class of shares), and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are allocated to the separate classes of each Fund based upon their relative net assets on the date income is earned or expensed and realized and unrealized gains and losses are incurred.
     
   
Each Fund is charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to the Fund, such as investment advisory, custody and transfer agent fees.  Expenses that are not attributable to a Fund are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets.  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.
     
   
The Funds declare dividends from net investment income daily and distribute the dividends to shareholders monthly.  The Funds distribute any realized gains, if any, annually.  Distributions from net realized gains for book purposes may include short-term capital gains.  All short-term capital gains are included in ordinary income for tax purposes.
     
   
The amount of dividends and distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations which differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  To the extent these book/tax differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax treatment.
     
 
D.
Restricted Securities:  The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (“restricted securities”).  Restricted securities may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Federal securities laws.  The sale or other disposition of these securities may involve additional expenses and the prompt sale of these securities at an acceptable price may be difficult.  At May 31, 2020, the Funds held securities issued pursuant to Rule 144a under the Securities Act of 1933.  All Rule 144a securities have been classified as liquid under the

 

 
48

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
Funds’ liquidity risk management program.  Other restricted investments held by the Funds at May 31, 2020 are disclosed in the notes to the schedules of investments.
     
 
E.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts:  Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting.  These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share.
     
 
F.
Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
     
 
G.
Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End:  In preparing the financial statements as of May 31, 2020, management considered the impact of subsequent events for 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 each Fund has the ability to access.
     
 
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
     
 
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing each Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 
 
49

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

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).
 
Market values for fixed income securities are normally determined on the basis of valuations provided by independent pricing services.  Each independent pricing service typically values securities based on one or more inputs as described below.  Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described below are categorized as level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  To the extent the significant inputs are unobservable, the values are generally categorized as level 3.
 
Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities:  Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are securities issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal.  These securities are normally valued by independent pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models.  The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, current market data and incorporate deal collateral performance, as available.
 
U.S. Government Securities:  U.S. Government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data.  Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.
 
U.S. Government Agency Securities:  U.S. Government agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs.  Agency issued debt securities are generally valued in a manner similar to U.S. Government securities.  Mortgage pass-throughs include to-be-announced (“TBAs”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates.  TBA securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally valued using dealer quotations.
 
Other Debt Securities:  Other debt securities, including corporate and municipal bonds, are valued at their mean prices furnished by an independent pricing service provider using valuation methods that are designed to represent fair value. These valuation methods can include matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models, market transactions, and dealer-supplied valuations. The pricing service may consider yields or recently executed transactions of investments with comparable quality, type of issue, coupon maturity and rating, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer.
 
Investment Companies: Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market funds, are generally priced at their net asset value per share provided by the service agent of the Funds and will be classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
 
50

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Short-Term Securities:  Short-term debt securities, including those securities having a maturity of 60 days or less, are valued at the evaluated mean between the bid and asked prices.  To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, these securities would be classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee of the Trust which is comprised of representatives from the Funds’ administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”).  The function of the Valuation Committee is to value securities where current and reliable market quotations are not readily available or the closing price does not represent fair value by following procedures approved by the Board.  These procedures consider many factors, including the type of security, size of holding, trading volume and news events.  All actions taken by the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed and ratified by the Board.
 
Depending on the relative significance of the valuation inputs, fair valued securities may be classified in either level 2 or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.  The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ securities as of May 31, 2020:
 
Total Return Fund
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Fixed Income
                       
Commercial
                       
  Mortgage-Backed
                       
  Securities – Agency
 
$
   
$
45,386
   
$
   
$
45,386
 
Commercial
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities –
                               
  Non-Agency
   
     
43,361,281
     
     
43,361,281
 
Residential
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
   
     
74,211,718
     
     
74,211,718
 
Residential Mortgage-
                               
  Backed Securities –
                               
  Non-Agency
   
     
903,201,904
     
     
903,201,904
 
Total Fixed Income
   
     
1,020,820,289
     
     
1,020,820,289
 
Private Placement
                               
  Participation
                               
  Agreements
   
     
     
6,628,359
     
6,628,359
 
Money Market Fund
   
30,164,810
     
     
     
30,164,810
 
Total Investments
 
$
30,164,810
   
$
1,020,820,289
   
$
6,628,359
   
$
1,057,613,458
 

 

 
51

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Short Duration Fund
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Fixed Income
                       
Asset-Backed
                       
  Securities – Agency
 
$
   
$
62
   
$
   
$
62
 
Asset-Backed
                               
  Securities – Non-Agency
   
     
85,206,875
     
     
85,206,875
 
Collateralized
                               
  Loan Obligations
   
     
86,402,245
     
     
86,402,245
 
Commercial
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
   
     
2,402
     
     
2,402
 
Commercial
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Non-Agency
   
     
33,738,155
     
     
33,738,155
 
Residential
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Agency
   
     
92,738,151
     
     
92,738,151
 
Residential
                               
  Mortgage-Backed
                               
  Securities – Non-Agency
   
     
101,205,107
     
     
101,205,107
 
Total Fixed Income
   
     
399,292,997
     
     
399,292,997
 
Private Placement
                               
  Participation
                               
  Agreements
   
     
     
738,027
     
738,027
 
Money Market Fund
   
23,564,202
     
     
     
23,564,202
 
Total Investments
 
$
23,564,202
   
$
399,292,997
   
$
738,027
   
$
423,595,226
 

Refer to each Fund’s schedule of investments for a detailed break-out of securities by type.  Transfers between levels are recognized at May 31, 2020, the end of the reporting period.  The Funds recognized no transfers to/from level 1 or level 2.

 

 
52

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

The following is a reconciliation of the Total Return Fund’s level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining value.
 
Total Return Fund
   
Investments in Securities, at Value
 
               
Private
 
   
Residential
   
Residential
   
Placement
 
   
MBS –
   
MBS –
   
Participation
 
   
Agency
   
Non-Agency
   
Agreements
 
Balance as of November 30, 2019
 
$
9,186,667
   
$
31,733,679
   
$
6,905,525
 
Accrued discounts/premiums
   
(30,547
)
   
1,675
     
 
Realized gain/(loss)
   
(1,477,492
)
   
(879
)
   
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
   
1,700
     
(400,706
)
   
(378,874
)
Purchases
   
7,425,730
     
7,804,465
     
201,816
 
Sales
   
(15,106,058
)
   
(156,881
)
   
(100,108
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
     
(38,981,353
)
   
 
Balance as of May 31, 2020
 
$
   
$
   
$
6,628,359
 

The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 securities still held at May 31, 2020, and still classified as level 3 was $(378,874).
 
The following is a reconciliation of the Short Duration Fund’s level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining value.
 
Short Duration Fund
   
Investments in Securities, at Value
 
   
Collateralized
   
Commercial
   
Residential
 
   
Loan
   
MBS –
   
MBS –
 
   
Obligations
   
Non-Agency
   
Agency
 
Balance as of November 30, 2019
 
$
496,260
   
$
6,320,117
   
$
3,000,000
 
Accrued discounts/premiums
   
     
(1,553
)
   
 
Realized gain/(loss)
   
     
(322,709
)
   
3,750
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
   
     
(65
)
   
 
Purchases
   
     
     
 
Sales
   
(6,249
)
   
(5,995,790
)
   
(3,003,750
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
   
(490,011
)
   
     
 
Balance as of May 31, 2020
 
$
   
$
   
$
 
                         
                   
Private
 
           
Residential
   
Placement
 
           
MBS –
   
Participation
 
           
Non-Agency
   
Agreements
 
Balance as of November 30, 2019
         
$
3,000,000
   
$
712,527
 
Accrued discounts/premiums
           
920
     
 
Realized gain/(loss)
           
     
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)
           
124,283
     
 
Purchases
           
1,240,635
     
37,473
 
Sales
           
     
(11,973
)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3
           
(4,365,838
)
   
 
Balance as of May 31, 2020
         
$
   
$
738,027
 


 
53

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

The change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for level 3 securities still held at May 31, 2020, and still classified as level 3 was $0.
 
The following is a summary of quantitative information about level 3 valued measurements:
 
Total Return Fund
 
 
Value at
Valuation
Unobservable
 
 
5/31/20
Technique
Input
Input/Range
Private
$6,628,359
Market
Recent
$60.00 – $100.00
Placement
 
Transaction
Transaction
(weighted avg. $97.29)
Participation
 
Method
   
Agreements
       
         
Short Duration Fund
       
 
Value at
Valuation
Unobservable
 
 
5/31/20
Technique
Input
Input/Range
Private
$738,027
Market
Recent
$100.00
Placement
 
Transaction
Transaction
 
Participation
 
Method
   
Agreements
       

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.
 
The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain.  The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known.  The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 
54

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
Semper Capital Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) provides the Funds with investment management services under an investment advisory agreement. The Adviser furnishes all investment advice, office space, facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds. As compensation for its services, each Fund pays the Adviser a monthly management fee.  For the Total Return Fund, the fees are calculated at an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the first $1.5 billion of assets, 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the next $1 billion of assets, and 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.  For the Short Duration Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.35% based upon the Fund’s average daily net assets.  For the six months ended May 31, 2020, the advisory fees incurred by the Funds are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 
Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses.  During the six months ended May 31, 2020, the Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund incurred $3,545 and $0, respectively, in extraordinary expenses which are reflected in the Funds’ legal fees in the statements of operations.  The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce fees payable to it by each Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest expense, dividends on securities sold short, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses).  The Total Return Fund expenses are limited to 0.90% of the average daily net assets of the Fund and the Short Duration Fund expenses are limited to 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.  Any such reductions made by the Adviser in its fees or payment of expenses which are a Fund’s obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Fund to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund 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 time the reimbursement is made.  Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to each Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses.
 
During the six months ended May 31, 2020, the Adviser waived fees of $90,714 and recouped previously waived fees of $40,678.  Any amount due from the Adviser is paid monthly to the Fund.  The expense limitation will remain in effect through at least March 29, 2021, and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 
55

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

The Advisor may recapture portions of the amounts shown below no later than the corresponding dates:
 
 
Short Duration Fund
   
 
Expiration
 
Amount
   
 
11/30/20
 
$
78,156
   
 
11/30/21
   
180,291
   
 
11/30/22
   
133,406
   
 
5/31/23
   
90,714
   
     
$
482,567
   

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. U.S. Bank N.A. serves as custodian (the “Custodian”) to the Funds.  The Custodian is an affiliate of Fund Services.  Fund Services maintains the Funds’ books and records, calculates the Funds’ NAV, prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, coordinates the payment of fund expenses, reviews expense accruals and prepares materials supplied to the Board of Trustees.  The officers of the Trust, including the Chief Compliance Officer, are employees of Fund Services.  Fees paid by the Funds for administration and accounting, transfer agency, custody and compliance services for the six months ended May 31, 2020 are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 
Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar” or the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares.  Effective March 31, 2020, Foreside Financial Group, LLC (“Foreside”) acquired Quasar from U.S. Bancorp.  As a result of the acquisition, Quasar became a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside and is no longer affiliated with U.S. Bancorp.  The Board of Trustees of the Funds has approved a new distribution agreement to enable Quasar to continue serving as the Funds’ Distributor.
 
The Funds have entered into agreements with various brokers, dealers and financial intermediaries to compensate them for transfer agent services that would otherwise be executed by Fund Services.  These sub-transfer agent services include pre-processing and quality control of new accounts, maintaining detailed shareholder account records, shareholder correspondence, answering customer inquiries regarding account status, and facilitating shareholder telephone transactions. The Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund expensed $814,580 and $174,777, respectively, of sub-transfer agent fees during the six months ended May 31, 2020. These fees are included in the transfer agent fees and expenses amount disclosed in the statements of operations.
 

 
56

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN
 
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”).  The Plan permits the Funds to pay the Distributor for distribution and related expenses at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Investor Class and the Total Return Fund’s Class A.  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 six months ended May 31, 2020, the 12b-1 distribution fees incurred by the Funds are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 
NOTE 6 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
For the six months ended May 31, 2020, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, were as follows.
 
   
Non-Government
   
Government
 
   
Purchases
   
Sales
   
Purchases
   
Sales
 
Total Return Fund
 
$
994,951,659
   
$
1,800,320,738
   
$
1,137
   
$
73,648
 
Short Duration Fund
 
$
289,995,099
   
$
317,968,753
   
$
43,250,866
   
$
8,620,894
 
 
NOTE 7 – LINES OF CREDIT
 
The Total Return Fund and the Short Duration Fund have an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $350,000,000.  The line of credit is intended to provide short-term financing, if necessary, subject to certain restrictions, in connection with shareholder redemptions.  The credit facility is with the Funds’ custodian, U.S. Bank N.A.  During the six months ended May 31, 2020, the Funds drew upon their line of credit. The Total Return Fund had an average daily outstanding balance of $47,161,104, a weighted average interest rate of 2.75%, paid interest expense of $495,273 and had a maximum amount outstanding of $303,750,000.  The Short Duration Fund had an average daily outstanding balance of $2,172,027, a weighted average interest rate of 2.75%, paid interest expense of $30,363 and had a maximum amount outstanding of $47,905,000. At May 31, 2020, the Funds had no outstanding loan amounts.
 

 

 
57

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gains/(losses) can differ for financial statement and tax purposes due to differing treatments of paydowns.
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended May 31, 2020 and the year ended November 30, 2019 was as follows:
 
     
Total Return Fund
   
Short Duration Fund
 
     
May 31, 2020
   
Nov. 30, 2019
   
May 31, 2020
   
Nov. 30, 2019
 
 
Ordinary income
 
$
45,490,879
   
$
103,311,226
   
$
6,106,382
   
$
8,835,124
 

As of November 30, 2019, the Funds’ most recently completed fiscal year end, the components of capital on a tax basis were as follows:
 
     
Total
   
Short
 
     
Return Fund
   
Duration Fund
 
 
Cost of investments (a)
 
$
2,350,700,197
   
$
445,725,256
 
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
   
31,503,144
     
1,812,685
 
 
Gross unrealized depreciation
   
(55,725,426
)
   
(789,879
)
 
Net unrealized
               
 
  appreciation/(depreciation) (a)
   
(24,222,282
)
   
1,022,806
 
 
Undistributed ordinary income
   
3,122,636
     
202,754
 
 
Undistributed long-term capital gains
   
     
 
 
Total distributable earnings
   
3,122,636
     
202,754
 
 
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
   
(34,647,827
)
   
(2,464,725
)
 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
 
$
(55,747,473
)
 
$
(1,239,165
)

 
(a)
The difference between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and cost is attributable primarily to wash sales. The difference between book basis and tax basis distributable earnings are primarily due to losses disallowed and recognized on wash sales, capital loss carryforwards, and tax adjustments to dividends payable.

The Funds had tax capital losses which may be carried over to offset future gains.  Such losses expire as follows:
 
   
Short-Term Indefinite
 
Long-Term Indefinite
 
Total Return Fund
 
$
21,645,150
     
$
10,746,901
 
 
Short Duration Fund
   
1,695,545
       
674,148
 

 

 
58

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 9 – 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.
 
 
Market and Regulatory Risk – Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and adversely impact a Fund’s performance. Traditionally, liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. A Fund’s investments may decline in value due to factors affecting individual issuers (such as the results of supply and demand), or sectors within the securities markets. The value of a security or other investment also may go up or down due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in interest rates or exchange rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, unexpected events and their aftermaths, such as the spread of deadly diseases; natural, environmental or man-made disasters; financial, political or social disruptions; terrorism and war; and other tragedies or catastrophes, can cause investor fear and panic, which can adversely affect the economies of many companies, sectors, nations, regions and the market in general, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen.
     
 
Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities – In addition to the risks associated with other fixed income securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are subject to certain other risks. The value of these securities will be influenced by the factors affecting the housing market or the other assets underlying such securities. As a result, during periods of declining asset values, difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid. The liquidity of these assets may change over time.
     
 
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – RMBS are subject to the risks generally associated with mortgage-backed securities. RMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages. RMBS issued by nongovernment entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be subject to greater volatility than government issues. Delinquencies

 
59

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
and defaults by borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgages, and the related losses, are affected by general economic conditions, the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the borrower’s financial circumstances.
     
 
Privately Issued Mortgage-Related Securities Risk – MBS issued or guaranteed by private issuers is also known as “non-agency MBS”. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities generally offer a higher rate of interest (but greater credit risk) than securities issued by U.S. Government issuers, as there are no direct or indirect governmental guarantees of payment. The degree of risks will depend significantly on the ability of borrowers to make payments on the underlying mortgages and the seniority of the security held by a Fund with respect to such payments. The market for privately-issued mortgage-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government issuers.
     
 
Sub-Prime Mortgage Risk – The risk that an issuer of a sub-prime mortgage security will default on its payments of interest or principal on a security when due is more pronounced in the case of sub-prime mortgage instruments than more highly ranked securities. Because of this increased risk, these securities may also be less liquid and subject to more pronounced declines in value than more highly rated instruments in times of market stress.
     
 
Rule 144A Securities Risk – The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for a Fund to sell these securities.
     
 
High Yield Risk – Fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade (i.e., “junk bonds”) are subject to additional risk factors due to the speculative nature of the securities, such as increased possibility of default liquidation of the security, and changes in value based on public perception of the issuer.
     
 
Liquidity Risk – Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. A Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be difficult to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price or achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector. Liquidity risk may be the result of, among other things, the reduced number and capacity of traditional market participants to make a market in fixed-income securities or the lack of an active market. Liquid investments may become illiquid or less liquid after purchase by a Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Illiquid and relatively less liquid investments may be harder to value, especially in changing markets.

 
60

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 10 – 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. As of May 31, 2020, each Fund’s percentage of control ownership positions greater than 25% are as follows:
 
Fund
Shareholder
Percent of Shares Held
Total Return Fund
National Financial Services LLC
27.0%
Short Duration Fund
UBS Wealth Management
26.7%






61

SEMPER FUNDS

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at May 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Policies
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-736-7799 or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30
 
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-736-7799.  Furthermore, you can obtain the Funds’ proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
Quarterly Filings on Form N-PORT
 
The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Part F of Form N-PORT.  The Funds’ Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information included in the Funds’ Form N-PORT is also available, upon request, by calling 1-855-736-7799.
 






62

SEMPER FUNDS

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Each Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Trust’s Board has designated Semper Capital Management, L.P. (“Semper”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of Semper conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by the Semper’s Risk Committee.
 
Under the program, Semper manages each Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of each Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of each Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to each Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. Semper’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
 
The Trust’s Board reviewed a report prepared by Semper regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019. No significant liquidity events impacting any of the Funds were noted in the report. In addition, Semper provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing each Fund’s liquidity risk.
 






63

SEMPER FUNDS

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

Semper Short Duration Fund
Semper MBS Total Return Fund
Semper Absolute Return Bond Fund
 
At meetings held on October 23-24 and December 4-5, 2019, the Board (which was at the time comprised of five persons, all of whom were 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 Semper Capital Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) on behalf of the Semper Short Duration Fund (the “Short Duration Fund”) and the Semper MBS Total Return Fund (the “MBS Fund”) and also approved, for another annual term, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Semper Absolute Return Bond Fund (the “Absolute Return Fund” and, together with the Short Duration Fund and MBS Fund, the “Funds”), which had not commenced operations at the time of this meeting.  At both meetings, the Board received and reviewed substantial information regarding the Funds, the Adviser, and the services provided by the Adviser 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 ADVISER UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT.  The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’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 Adviser involved in the day-to-day activities of the Funds.  The Board also considered the resources and compliance structure of the Adviser, including information regarding its compliance program, its chief compliance officer and the Adviser’s compliance record, as well as the Adviser’s cybersecurity program and business continuity plan, and risk management process.  The Board also considered the prior relationship between the Adviser and the Trust, as well as the Board’s knowledge of the Adviser’s operations, and noted that during the course of the prior year they had met with certain personnel of the Adviser in person to discuss the Funds’ performance and investment outlook as well as various marketing and compliance topics.  The Board concluded that the Adviser had the quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment processes, and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement and that they were satisfied with the nature, overall quality and extent of such management services.

 

 
64

SEMPER FUNDS

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

2.
THE FUNDS’ HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE AND THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ADVISER.  In assessing the quality of the portfolio management delivered by the Adviser, the Board reviewed the performance of each of the Short Duration Fund and MBS Fund as of June 30, 2019 on both an absolute basis and in comparison to its peer funds utilizing Morningstar classifications and appropriate securities market benchmarks.  While the Board considered both short-term and long-term performance, it placed greater emphasis on longer term performance.  When reviewing each Fund’s performance against the comparative peer group universe, the Board took into account that the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, as well as its level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in the peer universe.
   
 
Short Duration Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed the peer group median of its Morningstar comparative universe for the one-year, three-year, and five-year periods. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark, noting that it had underperformed both its primary and secondary benchmark indices over the one-year period and outperformed over the three- and five-year periods.
   
   
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund slightly underperformed the similarly managed account composite for the one-year, three-year, and five-year periods.
   
 
MBS Fund: The Board noted that the Fund underperformed the peer group median of its Morningstar comparative universe for the one-year period and outperformed for the three- and five-year periods.  The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark, noting that it had underperformed both its primary and secondary benchmark indices for the one-year period and outperformed for the three- and five-year periods.
   
 
The Board also considered any differences in performance between the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts and the performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund slightly outperformed its similarly managed account composite for the one-, three-, and five-year periods.
   
3.
THE COSTS OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISER AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE ADVISER’S FEE UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT.  In considering the advisory fee and the total fees and expenses of the Funds, the Board reviewed comparisons to the peer funds and the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts for other types of clients, as well as all expense waivers and reimbursements.  When reviewing fees charged to other separately 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.

 
65

SEMPER FUNDS

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

 
Short Duration Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 0.85% for Investor Class shares and 0.60% 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 above both 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, with regard to the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were above both the peer group median and average. The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee was above its peer group median and average and also above its peer group median and average when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes.  The Board also considered that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the advisory fees received by the Adviser were above the peer group median and average as of the year ended June 30, 2019. The Board also took into consideration the services the Adviser 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 higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed separate account clients, primarily as a reflection of the nature of the separate account client and the greater costs to the Adviser of managing the Fund.
   
 
MBS Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.15% for Class A shares, 1.15% for Investor Class shares and 0.90% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s total expense ratios for the Class A shares, Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were all above 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, with regard to the Class A shares, Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were all above the peer group median and average. The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee was slightly below its peer group median and below its average and also slightly below its peer group median and average when the Fund’s peer group was adjusted to include only funds with similar asset sizes.  The Board also took into consideration the services the Adviser 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 higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed separate account clients, primarily as a reflection of the nature of the separate account client and the greater costs to the Adviser of managing the Fund.

 
66

SEMPER FUNDS

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

 
Absolute Return Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.55% for Investor Class shares and 1.30% for Institutional Class shares (the “Expense Caps”).  The Board noted that the Fund’s estimated total expense ratios for the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares were both above the peer group median and average.  The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual advisory fee was above its peer group median and average.  The Board also took into consideration the services the Adviser provides to its similarly managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees to be charged to the 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 Adviser were fair and reasonable.
   
4.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE.  The Board also considered whether economies of scale were being realized by the Adviser that should be shared with shareholders.  The Board further noted that the Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses so that the Funds do not exceed the specified Expense Caps, but noted that for the MBS Fund, expenses are currently running below its Expense Caps.  The Board additionally noted that the Adviser has represented that it continues to reinvest free cash into growing its resources.  The Board noted that at current asset levels, it did not appear that there were additional significant economies of scale being realized by the Adviser 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 ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FROM THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FUNDS.  The Board reviewed the Adviser’s financial information and took into account both the direct benefits and the indirect benefits to the Adviser from advising the Funds.  The Board considered the profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds and considered any additional benefits derived by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds, such as Rule 12b-1 fees.  The Board also considered that the Funds do not generate “soft dollar” benefits that may be used by the Adviser in exchange for Fund brokerage.  The Board also reviewed information regarding fee offsets for separate accounts invested in the Funds and determined that the Adviser was not receiving an advisory fee both at the separate account and at the Fund level for these accounts, and as a result was not receiving additional fall-out benefits from these relationships.  After such review, the Board determined that the profitability to the Adviser with respect to the Advisory Agreement was not excessive, and that the Adviser had maintained adequate profit levels to support the services it provides to the Funds.

 
67

SEMPER FUNDS

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited), Continued

No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the MBS Fund, the Short Duration Fund and the Absolute Return Fund, but rather the Trustees based their determination on the total mix of information available to them.  Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Trustees determined that the advisory arrangements with the Adviser, including the advisory fees, were fair and reasonable to the Funds.  The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, therefore determined that the continuance of the Advisory Agreement for the Funds would be in the best interest of the Funds and their shareholders.
 







68

SEMPER FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

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







69


Investment Adviser
Semper Capital Management, L.P.
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 401
New York, New York 10017


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


Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019


Custodian
U.S. Bank N.A.
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212


Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-855-736-7799 (855-SEM-PRXX)


Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202


This report is intended for shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.  For a current prospectus, please call 1-855-736-7799 (855-SEM-PRXX).  Statements and other information herein are dated and are subject to change.
 


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

(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 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. Not Applicable.


(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.


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   8/6/20 



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   8/6/20 

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

Date   8/6/20 

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