N-CSRS 1 kmf-ncsrs.htm KELLNER MERGER FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT 6-30-20


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, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)


Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer
Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)



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



Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2020



Date of reporting period: June 30, 2020


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.









 



 
Kellner Merger Fund
 

 

 

 
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 2020
 

 

 
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund (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 Fund or your financial intermediary electronically through the Fund’s website.
 
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund 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 within the fund complex and may apply to all funds held through your financial intermediary.
 

Table of Contents

Expense Example
3
Sector Allocation of Portfolio Assets
5
Schedule of Investments
6
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
9
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
10
Statement of Operations
12
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
14
Statement of Cash Flows
16
Financial Highlights
17
Notes to Financial Statements
19
Householding
33
Notice to Shareholders
34
Privacy Notice
35







KELLNER MERGER FUND

EXPENSE EXAMPLE at June 30, 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 Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (1/1/20 – 6/30/20).
 
Actual Expenses
 
The first set of lines of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses.  Although the Fund charges no transaction fees, you will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks, and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Fund’s 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 the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
 
The second set of lines of the table 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

KELLNER MERGER FUND

EXPENSE EXAMPLE at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period(1)
 
1/1/20
6/30/20
1/1/20 – 6/30/20
Actual(2)
     
  Investor Class
$1,000.00
$   962.90
$11.96
  Institutional Class
$1,000.00
$   964.80
$10.75
       
Hypothetical (5% return
     
  before expenses)(3)
     
  Investor Class
$1,000.00
$1,012.68
$12.26
  Institutional Class
$1,000.00
$1,013.92
$11.02

(1)
Expenses are equal to the Investor Class and Institutional Class annualized expense ratios of 2.45% and 2.20%, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (days in the most recent fiscal half-year)/366 days to reflect the one-half year expense.
(2)
Excluding interest expense and dividends on short positions, your actual expenses would be $8.54 and $7.33 for the Investor Class and the Institutional Class, respectively.
(3)
Excluding interest expense and dividends on short positions, your hypothetical expenses would be $8.77 and $7.52 for the Investor Class and the Institutional Class, respectively.



4

KELLNER MERGER FUND

SECTOR ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO ASSETS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)


 

 

Percentages represent market value as a percentage of total long investments.

5

KELLNER MERGER FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS – 68.7%
 
Value
 
   
Accommodation – 4.3%
     
 
391,118
 
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (a)
 
$
4,744,261
 
               
     
Broadcasting (except Internet) – 0.5%
       
 
148,000
 
Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. (a)(b)
   
523,920
 
               
     
Chemical Manufacturing – 0.3%
       
 
21,400
 
Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)
   
384,986
 
               
     
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores – 8.8%
       
 
79,700
 
Tiffany & Co. (c)
   
9,718,618
 
               
     
Computer and Electronic
       
     
  Product Manufacturing – 11.2%
       
 
94,000
 
Fitbit, Inc. – Class A (a)
   
607,240
 
 
163,700
 
Forescout Technologies, Inc. (a)
   
3,470,440
 
 
1
 
Onto Innovation, Inc. (a)
   
34
 
 
57,400
 
Tech Data Corp. (a)
   
8,323,000
 
           
12,400,714
 
     
Construction of Buildings – 0.0%
       
 
1
 
Taylor Morrison Home Corp. (a)
   
19
 
               
     
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities – 8.5%
       
 
172,303
 
IBERIABANK Corp. (c)
   
7,846,679
 
 
1
 
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.
   
59
 
 
51,800
 
Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (a)
   
1,599,066
 
           
9,445,804
 
     
Data Processing, Hosting,
       
     
  and Related Services – 0.2%
       
 
14,300
 
Bitauto Holdings Ltd. – ADR (a)
   
226,655
 
               
     
Forestry and Logging – 0.2%
       
 
21,800
 
Canfor Corp. (a)(b)
   
189,000
 
               
     
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities – 5.0%
       
 
28,115
 
Willis Towers Watson plc (b)
   
5,537,249
 
               
     
Mining (except Oil and Gas) – 0.0%
       
 
2
 
Newmont Goldcorp Corp.
   
123
 
               
     
Miscellaneous Manufacturing – 2.9%
       
 
106,800
 
Wright Medical Group NV (a)(b)
   
3,174,096
 
               
     
Motion Picture and Sound
       
     
  Recording Industries – 0.3%
       
 
49,500
 
Cineplex, Inc. (a)(b)
   
293,150
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6

KELLNER MERGER FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS – 68.7% (Continued)
 
Value
 
   
Publishing Industries (except Internet) – 10.6%
     
 
137,931
 
LogMeIn, Inc. (c)
 
$
11,692,411
 
               
     
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other
       
     
  Financial Investments and Related Activities – 11.9%
       
 
105,242
 
E*TRADE Financial Corp.
   
5,233,685
 
 
0
 
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
   
13
 
 
59,400
 
Gain Capital Holdings, Inc.
   
357,588
 
 
151,000
 
Legg Mason, Inc.
   
7,512,250
 
           
13,103,536
 
     
Telecommunications – 2.0%
       
 
7,900
 
58.Com, Inc. – ADR (a)
   
426,126
 
 
281,300
 
Meet Group, Inc.(a)
   
1,755,312
 
 
1
 
T-Mobile U.S., Inc. (a)
   
104
 
           
2,181,542
 
     
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing – 1.5%
       
 
19,800
 
Delphi Technologies plc (a)(b)
   
281,358
 
 
50,300
 
Navistar International Corp. (a)
   
1,418,460
 
           
1,699,818
 
     
Utilities – 0.0%
       
 
1,800
 
TerraForm Power, Inc. – Class A
   
33,192
 
               
     
Waste Management and Remediation Services – 0.5%
       
 
18,300
 
Advanced Disposal Services, Inc. (a)
   
552,111
 
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
  (Cost $83,068,911)
   
75,901,205
 
               
     
REITs – 3.8%
       
     
Real Estate – 3.8%
       
 
1
 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
   
142
 
 
2
 
Prologis, Inc.
   
187
 
 
110,800
 
Taubman Centers, Inc.
   
4,183,808
 
     
TOTAL REITs
       
     
  (Cost $5,685,710)
   
4,184,137
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
7

KELLNER MERGER FUND

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Shares
 
RIGHTS – 0.0%
 
Value
 
   
Chemical Manufacturing – 0.0%
     
 
9,100
 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (a)
 
$
32,578
 
               
     
Wireless Telecommunications
       
     
  Carriers (except Satellite) – 0.0%
       
 
1
 
T-Mobile U.S., Inc. (a)
   
0
 
     
TOTAL RIGHTS
       
     
  (Cost $19,383)
   
32,578
 
               
     
MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT – 28.2%
       
 
31,115,000
 
U.S. Bank Money Market
       
     
  Deposit Account, 0.09% (d)
   
31,115,000
 
     
TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
       
     
  (Cost $31,115,000)
   
31,115,000
 
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES
       
     
  (Cost $119,889,004) – 100.7%
   
111,232,920
 
     
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (0.7)%
   
(797,152
)
     
NET ASSETS – 100.0%
 
$
110,435,768
 

(a)
Non-income producing security.
(b)
Foreign issued security.
(c)
All or a portion of the security has been segregated for open short positions.
(d)
Rate shown is the 7-day annualized yield as of June 30, 2020.
ADR – American Depository Receipt
REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
8

KELLNER MERGER FUND

SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

Shares
 
COMMON STOCKS – 21.1%
 
Value
 
   
Accommodation – 1.3%
     
 
35,131
 
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (a)
 
$
1,407,348
 
               
     
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities – 9.1%
       
 
789,852
 
First Horizon National Corp.
   
7,866,926
 
 
53,414
 
Independent Bank Group, Inc.
   
2,164,335
 
           
10,031,261
 
               
     
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities – 5.3%
       
 
30,364
 
Aon plc (b)
   
5,848,106
 
               
     
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services – 0.0%
       
 
2
 
The Rubicon Project, Inc. (a)
   
13
 
               
     
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other
       
     
  Financial Investments and Related Activities – 4.8%
       
 
109,788
 
Morgan Stanley
   
5,302,761
 
               
     
Telecommunications – 0.3%
       
 
5,500
 
Acacia Communications, Inc. (a)
   
369,545
 
               
     
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing – 0.3%
       
 
8,822
 
BorgWarner, Inc.
   
311,417
 
               
     
Utilities – 0.0%
       
 
648
 
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (b)
   
31,039
 
     
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
       
     
  (Proceeds $27,614,667)
   
23,301,490
 
     
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
       
     
  (Proceeds $27,614,667)
 
$
23,301,490
 

(a)
Non-income producing security.
(b)
Foreign issued security.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
9

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

ASSETS
     
Investments in securities, at value (identified cost $119,889,004)
 
$
111,232,920
 
Deposit at broker for derivative instruments1
   
24,307,249
 
Receivables
       
Dividends and interest
   
104,642
 
Dividend tax reclaim
   
260,480
 
Fund shares purchased
   
522,732
 
Prepaid expenses
   
32,749
 
Total assets
   
136,460,772
 
         
LIABILITIES
       
Securities sold short (proceeds $27,614,667)
   
23,301,490
 
Payables
       
Securities purchased
   
697,045
 
Due to custodian
   
1,018,950
 
Due to broker
   
713,475
 
Dividends on short positions
   
118,478
 
Due to advisor
   
108,483
 
Administration and fund accounting fees
   
25,773
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
10,487
 
Audit fees
   
12,663
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
2,459
 
Custody fees
   
2,971
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class
   
355
 
Reports to shareholders
   
9,295
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
817
 
Accrued other expenses
   
2,263
 
Total liabilities
   
26,025,004
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
110,435,768
 

1
Deposit at broker serves as collateral for securities sold short.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
10

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
     
Investor Class Shares
     
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
 
$
1,722,094
 
Shares issued and outstanding
       
  [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
169,993
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
10.13
 
Institutional Class Shares
       
Net assets applicable to shares outstanding
 
$
108,713,674
 
Shares issued and outstanding
       
  [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
10,448,153
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
10.41
 
         
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
       
Paid-in capital
 
$
114,064,041
 
Total distributable deficit
   
(3,628,273
)
Net assets
 
$
110,435,768
 

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
11

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME
     
Income
     
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,718)
 
$
635,294
 
Interest
   
259,310
 
Total income
   
894,604
 
Expenses
       
Advisory fees (Note 4)
   
865,772
 
Administration and fund accounting fees (Note 4)
   
85,965
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
28,898
 
Registration fees
   
18,033
 
Audit fees
   
12,664
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
11,811
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee (Note 4)
   
7,458
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
7,273
 
Legal fees
   
5,332
 
Printing and mailing expense
   
4,011
 
Miscellaneous
   
3,693
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
2,313
 
Insurance expense
   
1,815
 
Total expenses before dividends on short positions
   
1,055,038
 
Dividends expense on short positions
   
488,084
 
Total expenses before fee waiver by Advisor
   
1,543,122
 
Advisory fee waiver (Note 4)
   
(13,914
)
Net expenses
   
1,529,208
 
Net investment loss
   
(634,604
)
         
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS,
       
  FOREIGN CURRENCY, OPTIONS AND SECURITIES SOLD SHORT
       
Net realized gain/(loss) on transactions from:
       
Investments
   
(499,944
)
Foreign currency
   
83,365
 
Purchased options
   
(12,106
)
Written options
   
9,712
 
Securities sold short
   
202,277
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
       
Investments
   
(10,601,310
)
Foreign currency
   
111,367
 
Purchased options
   
8,313
 
Written options
   
(473
)
Securities sold short
   
5,224,878
 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments,
       
  foreign currency, options and securities sold short
   
(5,473,921
)
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
 
$
(6,108,525
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
12

KELLNER MERGER FUND







(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 







13

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

   
Six Months Ended
       
   
June 30, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2019
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS
           
Net investment loss
 
$
(634,604
)
 
$
(761,666
)
Net realized gain/(loss) on transactions from:
               
Investments
   
(499,944
)
   
14,263,358
 
Foreign currency
   
83,365
     
(23,260
)
Purchased options
   
(12,106
)
   
(363,919
)
Written options
   
9,712
     
124,204
 
Securities sold short
   
202,277
     
(6,629,746
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
Investments
   
(10,601,310
)
   
5,783,118
 
Foreign currency
   
111,367
     
(103,145
)
Purchased options
   
8,313
     
(8,313
)
Written options
   
(473
)
   
473
 
Securities sold short
   
5,224,878
     
(4,436,508
)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
               
  resulting from operations
   
(6,108,525
)
   
7,844,596
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
               
From net realized gain on investments
               
Investor Class Shares
   
     
(90,788
)
Institutional Class Shares
   
     
(7,212,987
)
Total distributions to shareholders
   
     
(7,303,775
)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
               
Net decrease in net assets derived from net
               
  change in outstanding shares (a)
   
(49,503,228
)
   
(14,370,295
)
Total decrease in net assets
   
(55,611,753
)
   
(13,829,474
)
NET ASSETS
               
Beginning of period
   
166,047,521
     
179,876,995
 
End of period
 
$
110,435,768
   
$
166,047,521
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS, Continued

(a) A summary of share transactions is as follows:
 
   
Six Months Ended
             
   
June 30, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2019
 
Investor Class Shares
 
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
   
5,231
   
$
53,725
     
25,832
   
$
278,537
 
Shares issued on reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
   
     
     
7,745
     
81,249
 
Shares redeemed
   
(24,402
)
   
(249,215
)
   
(29,712
)
   
(319,523
)
Net increase/(decrease)
   
(19,171
)
 
$
(195,490
)
   
3,865
   
$
40,263
 
                                 
   
Six Months Ended
                 
   
June 30, 2020
   
Year Ended
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
December 31, 2019
 
Institutional Class Shares
 
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
   
Shares
   
Paid-in Capital
 
Shares sold
   
1,513,782
   
$
15,802,122
     
2,688,099
   
$
29,729,109
 
Shares issued on reinvestments
                               
  of distributions
   
     
     
660,340
     
7,105,254
 
Shares redeemed
   
(6,269,351
)
   
(65,109,860
)
   
(4,654,842
)
   
(51,244,921
)
Net decrease
   
(4,755,569
)
 
$
(49,307,738
)
   
(1,306,403
)
 
$
(14,410,558
)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
15

KELLNER MERGER FUND

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

Increase/(decrease) in cash—
     
Cash flows from operating activities:
     
Net decrease in net assets from operations
 
$
(6,108,525
)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase/(decrease) in
       
  net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities:
       
Purchases of investment securities
   
(114,726,980
)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities
   
95,290,794
 
Proceeds from short sales
   
37,301,503
 
Closed short sale transactions
   
(35,590,199
)
Proceeds from written options
   
(1,521
)
Sale of short-term investments, net
   
57,166,268
 
Increase in foreign currency
   
(4,759,739
)
Decrease in deposits at broker
   
2,243,753
 
Decrease in dividends and interest receivable
   
191,113
 
Decrease in receivable for securities sold
   
2,885,382
 
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets
   
(23,123
)
Decrease in due to Advisor
   
(68,295
)
Increase in due to custodian
   
1,018,950
 
Decrease in payable for securities purchased
   
(6,274,305
)
Increase in payable for dividends on short positions
   
45,710
 
Decrease in accrued administration fees
   
(7,032
)
Decrease in 12b-1 distribution and service fees
   
(71
)
Decrease in custody fees
   
(1,265
)
Increase in transfer agent fees and expenses
   
474
 
Decrease in other accrued expenses
   
(10,120
)
Net realized loss on investments, purchased options,
       
  written options and securities sold short
   
303,607
 
Unrealized depreciation on securities, purchased options,
       
  written options and securities sold short
   
5,368,592
 
Return of capital dividend
   
68,426
 
Proceeds received through mergers
   
8,218,211
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
42,531,608
 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Proceeds from shares sold
   
15,564,998
 
Payment on shares redeemed
   
(65,508,956
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(49,943,958
)
Net decrease in cash
   
(7,412,350
)
Cash:
       
Beginning balance
   
7,412,350
 
Ending balance
 
$
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16

KELLNER MERGER FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Investor Class Shares
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
June 30,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
10.52
   
$
10.54
   
$
10.53
   
$
10.22
   
$
10.30
   
$
10.43
 
Income from
                                               
  investment operations:
                                               
Net investment loss^
   
(0.06
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.15
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.15
)
Net realized and
                                               
  unrealized gain/(loss)
                                               
  on investments
   
(0.33
)
   
0.55
     
0.19
     
0.46
     
0.13
     
0.38
 
Total from
                                               
  investment operations
   
(0.39
)
   
0.47
     
0.09
     
0.31
     
(0.03
)
   
0.23
 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net
                                               
  investment income
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.02
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
(0.49
)
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.34
)
Total distributions
   
     
(0.49
)
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.36
)
Net asset value,
                                               
  end of period
 
$
10.13
   
$
10.52
   
$
10.54
   
$
10.53
   
$
10.22
   
$
10.30
 
Total return
   
-3.71
%+
   
4.48
%
   
0.88
%
   
3.03
%
   
-0.30
%
   
2.22
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
1,722
   
$
1,990
   
$
1,954
   
$
4,306
   
$
6,370
   
$
10,882
 
Ratio of expenses
                                               
  to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
2.47
%++
   
2.53
%
   
2.28
%
   
2.38
%
   
2.26
%
   
2.51
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment#
   
2.45
%++
   
2.53
%
   
2.31
%
   
2.38
%
   
2.26
%
   
2.44
%
Ratio of net investment loss
                                               
  to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
(1.23
%)++
   
(0.71
%)
   
(0.88
%)
   
(1.51
%)
   
(1.55
%)
   
(1.44
%)
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
(1.21
%)++
   
(0.71
%)
   
(0.91
%)
   
(1.51
%)
   
(1.55
%)
   
(1.37
%)
Portfolio turnover rate
   
100.11
%+
   
297.78
%
   
284.51
%
   
218.34
%
   
223.84
%
   
228.64
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
#
 
Excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 1.75% for all periods shown in the table.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
17

KELLNER MERGER FUND

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a share outstanding throughout each period

Institutional Class Shares
   
Six Months
                               
   
Ended
                               
   
June 30,
                               
   
2020
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
   
2015
 
Net asset value,
                                   
  beginning of period
 
$
10.79
   
$
10.78
   
$
10.74
   
$
10.40
   
$
10.45
   
$
10.55
 
Income from
                                               
  investment operations:
                                               
Net investment loss^
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.14
)
Net realized and
                                               
  unrealized gain/(loss)
                                               
  on investments
   
(0.33
)
   
0.55
     
0.19
     
0.47
     
0.13
     
0.40
 
Total from
                                               
  investment operations
   
(0.38
)
   
0.50
     
0.12
     
0.34
     
     
0.26
 
Less distributions:
                                               
From net
                                               
  investment income
   
     
     
     
     
     
(0.02
)
From net realized
                                               
  gain on investments
   
     
(0.49
)
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.34
)
Total distributions
   
     
(0.49
)
   
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.05
)
   
(0.36
)
Net asset value,
                                               
  end of period
 
$
10.41
   
$
10.79
   
$
10.78
   
$
10.74
   
$
10.40
   
$
10.45
 
Total return
   
-3.52
%+
   
4.66
%
   
1.15
%
   
3.27
%
   
-0.01
%
   
2.48
%
                                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                                               
Net assets, end of
                                               
  period (thousands)
 
$
108,714
   
$
164,058
   
$
177,923
   
$
147,941
   
$
149,800
   
$
118,124
 
Ratio of expenses
                                               
  to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
2.22
%++
   
2.28
%
   
2.06
%
   
2.09
%
   
2.01
%
   
2.38
%
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment#
   
2.20
%++
   
2.28
%
   
2.09
%
   
2.09
%
   
2.01
%
   
2.28
%
Ratio of net investment loss
                                               
  to average net assets:
                                               
Before fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
(0.93
%)++
   
(0.45
%)
   
(0.64
%)
   
(1.21
%)
   
(1.30
%)
   
(1.42
%)
After fee waiver and
                                               
  expense recoupment
   
(0.91
%)++
   
(0.45
%)
   
(0.67
%)
   
(1.21
%)
   
(1.30
%)
   
(1.32
%)
Portfolio turnover rate
   
100.11
%+
   
297.78
%
   
284.51
%
   
218.34
%
   
223.84
%
   
228.64
%

^
 
Based on average shares outstanding.
#
 
Excluding interest expense and dividends on securities sold short, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 1.50% for all periods shown in the table.
+
 
Not annualized.
++
 
Annualized.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The Kellner Merger Fund (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), as amended, as an open-end management investment company.  The Fund follows 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 Fund is to seek to achieve positive risk-adjusted returns with less volatility than in the equity markets.  The Fund commenced operations on June 29, 2012.  The Fund currently offers Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares.
 
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. 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 Fund’s 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 Fund recognizes 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 Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on the Fund’s return filed for open tax years 2017-2019, or expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2020 tax returns.  The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the state of Wisconsin; however, the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
     
 
C.
Securities Transactions, Income and Distributions: Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost.  Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis.  Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.  Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.

19

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
The Fund distributes substantially all net investment income, if any, and net realized capital 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 differs from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  To the extent these book/tax differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax treatment.
     
   
Investment income, expenses (other than those specific to the class of shares), and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are allocated to the separate classes of the Fund shares based upon their relative net assets on the date income is earned or expensed and realized and unrealized gains and losses are incurred.
     
   
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.
     
 
D.
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
     
 
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.
Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund maintains cash balances with high-quality financial institutions.  At various times throughout the year, the amounts may exceed federally insured limits and subject the Fund to credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
     
 
G.
REITs: The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to its shareholders based upon funds available from operations.  It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital.  The Fund intends to

20

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to its shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.
     
 
H.
Foreign Currency:  Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
     
   
The Fund does not isolate those portions of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
     
   
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period-end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
     
 
I.
Leverage and Short Sales: The Fund may use leverage in connection with its investment activities and may affect short sales of securities.  Leverage can increase the investment returns of the Fund if the securities purchased increase in value in an amount exceeding the cost of the borrowing.  However, if the securities decrease in value, the Fund will suffer a greater loss than would have resulted without the use of leverage.
     
   
A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security which it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position.  A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases. However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss. The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction. Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions.
     
   
With a long position, the maximum sustainable loss is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum attainable price of the shorted security.  The Fund would also incur increased transaction costs associated with selling securities short. In

21

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
addition, if the Fund sells securities short, it must maintain a segregated account with its custodian containing cash or high-grade securities equal to (i) the greater of the current market value of the securities sold short or the market value of such securities at the time they were sold short, less (ii) any collateral deposited with the Fund’s broker (not including the proceeds from the short sales). The Fund may be required to add to the segregated account as the market price of a shorted security increases. As a result of maintaining and adding to its segregated account, the Fund may maintain higher levels of cash or liquid assets (for example, U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) for collateral needs thus reducing its overall managed assets available for trading purposes.  In lieu of maintaining cash or high-grade securities in a segregated account to cover the Fund’s short sale obligations, the Fund may earmark cash or high-grade securities on the Fund’s records or hold offsetting positions.
     
 
J.
Derivatives: The Fund has adopted the financial accounting reporting rules as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The Fund is required to include enhanced disclosure that enables investors to understand how and why an entity uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.
     
   
The Fund may utilize options for hedging purposes as well as direct investment. Some options strategies, including buying puts, tend to hedge investments against price fluctuations.  Other strategies, such as writing puts and calls and buying calls, tend to increase market exposure. Options contracts may be combined with each other in order to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the Fund’s overall strategy in a manner deemed appropriate to the Fund’s advisor, Kellner Management, L.P. (the “Advisor”), and consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
     
   
When a call or put option is written, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability. The liability is marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the written option. When a written option expires, a gain is realized in the amount of the premium originally received. If a closing purchase contract is entered into, a gain or loss is realized in the amount of the original premium less the cost of the closing transaction. If a written call option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a written put option is exercised, the amount of the premium originally received reduces the cost of the security which is purchased upon the exercise of the option.

22

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
With options, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since the options are covered or secured, which means that the Fund will own the underlying security or, to the extent the Fund does not hold such a security, will maintain a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian consisting of cash or high-grade securities equal to the market value of the option, marked to market daily.  In lieu of maintaining cash or high-grade securities in a segregated account, the Fund may earmark cash or high-grade securities on the Fund’s records or hold offsetting positions.
     
   
Options purchased are recorded as investments and marked-to-market daily to reflect the current fair value of the option contract. If an option purchased expires, a loss is realized in the amount of the cost of the option contract. If a closing transaction is entered into, a gain or loss is realized to the extent that the proceeds from the sale are greater or less than the cost of the option. If a purchased put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security by adjusting the proceeds from such sale by the amount of the premium originally paid. If a purchased call option is exercised, the cost of the security purchased upon exercise is increased by the premium originally paid.
     
   
The effect of derivative instruments on the statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2020 is as follows:

   
Location of Gain/(Loss)
     
 
Derivative Type
on Derivatives Recognized in Income
 
Value
 
 
Equity Contracts
Realized loss on purchased options
 
$
(12,106
)
 
Equity Contracts
Realized gain on written options
   
9,712
 
 
Equity Contracts
Change in unrealized depreciation
       
    
  on purchased options
   
8,313
 
 
Equity Contracts
Change in unrealized appreciation
       
    
  on written options
   
(473
)

   
The Fund made no purchases of options and had no options written during the six months ended June 30, 2020.
     
   
The Fund is required to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.  The guidance requires retrospective application for all comparative periods presented.
     
   
The Fund may mitigate credit risk with respect to over-the-counter derivative counterparties through credit support annexes included with International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreements or other Master Netting Agreements which are the standard contracts governing most derivative transactions between the Fund and its counterparties.  These

23

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
agreements may allow the Fund and each counterparty to offset certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables against each other and/or with collateral, which is generally held by the Fund’s custodian.  The amount of collateral moved to/from applicable counterparties is based upon minimum transfer amounts specified in the agreement.  To the extent amounts due to the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty non-performance.
     
 
K.
Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Period End:  In preparing the financial statements as of June 30, 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 Fund’s financial statements.
 
NOTE 3 – SECURITIES VALUATION
 
The Fund has adopted authoritative fair value accounting standards which establish an authoritative definition of fair value and set out a hierarchy for measuring fair value.  These standards require additional disclosures about the various inputs and valuation techniques used to develop the measurements of fair value, a discussion in changes in valuation techniques and related inputs during the period and expanded disclosure of valuation levels for major security types.  These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
     
 
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
     
 
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

Following is a description of the valuation techniques applied to the Fund’s major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
 
The 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).
 
24

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

Equity Securities: The Fund’s investments are carried at fair value.  Equity securities, including common stocks, that are primarily traded on a national securities exchange shall be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation or, if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices.  Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”).  If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices.  Over-the-counter securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System shall be valued at the most recent sales price.  To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Options: Exchange-traded options are valued at the composite price, using the National Best Bid and Offer quotes. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded.  If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and the lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded.  Exchange-traded options that are actively traded are categorized in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Options that are valued at the mean of the highest bid price and lowest asked price are categorized in level 2.
 
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.
 
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 has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee of the Trust which is comprised of representatives from the Fund’s 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.
 
25

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

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 fair valuation hierarchy of the Fund’s securities as of June 30, 2020:
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                       
Common Stocks
                       
  Accommodation and
                       
    Food Services
 
$
4,744,261
   
$
   
$
   
$
4,774,261
 
  Administration Support
                               
    and Waste Management
   
552,111
     
     
     
552,111
 
  Agriculture, Forestry,
                               
    Fishing, and Hunting
   
189,000
     
     
     
189,000
 
  Construction
   
19
     
     
     
19
 
  Finance and Insurance
   
28,086,589
     
     
     
28,086,589
 
  Information
   
14,917,678
     
     
     
14,917,678
 
  Manufacturing
   
17,052,374
     
     
     
17,052,374
 
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil
                               
    and Gas Extraction
   
123
     
     
     
123
 
  Retail Trade
   
10,325,858
     
     
     
10,325,858
 
  Utilities
   
33,192
     
     
     
33,192
 
Total Common Stocks
   
75,901,205
     
     
     
75,901,205
 
REITs
   
4,184,137
     
     
     
4,184,137
 
Rights
   
32,578
     
     
     
32,578
 
Money Market
                               
  Deposit Account
   
31,115,000
     
     
     
31,115,000
 
Total Investments
                               
  in Securities
 
$
111,232,920
   
$
   
$
   
$
111,232,920
 
Liabilities:
                               
Securities Sold Short
 
$
23,301,490
   
$
   
$
   
$
23,301,490
 

Refer to the Fund’s schedule of investments for a detailed break-out of common stocks by industry classification.  During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Fund recognized no transfers between levels.
 
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
 
26

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

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. The Fund has adopted all applicable provisions of ASU 2018-13.
 
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 Fund invests 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 Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.
 
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Advisor provides the Fund with investment management services under an investment advisory agreement. The Advisor furnishes all investment advice, office space, facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Fund.  As compensation for its services, the Advisor is entitled to a fee, computed daily and payable monthly. The Fund pays fees calculated at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets up to $2 billion in assets, 1.125% on assets between $2 billion to $4 billion, and 1.00% on assets in excess of $4 billion.  For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Fund incurred $865,772 in advisory fees.
 
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses.  The Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce fees payable to it by the Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, dividends on securities sold short and extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees and any other class-specific expenses) to 1.50% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
 
Any such reductions made by the Advisor in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Fund’s obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Fund to the Advisor, if so requested by the Advisor, in 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
 
27

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

review and approval at the time the reimbursement is made. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Advisor reduced its fees in the amount of $13,914.  The expense limitation will remain in effect through at least April 29, 2021 and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees.  The Advisor may recapture portions of the amount shown below no later than the corresponding date:

Date
Amount
6/30/2023
$13,914

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent.  U.S. Bank N.A. serves as custodian (the “Custodian”) to the Fund.  The Custodian is an affiliate of Fund Services.  Fund Services maintains the Fund’s books and records, calculates the Fund’s 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 Fund for administration and accounting, transfer agency, custody and compliance services for the six months ended June 30, 2020 are disclosed in the statement of operations.
 
Compass Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s shares.
 
NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN
 
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”). The Plan requires the payment of a monthly service fee to the Distributor at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class shares. The expenses covered by the Plan may include the cost in connection with the promotion and distribution of shares and the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature. Payments made by the Distributor pursuant to the Plan will represent compensation for distribution and service activities, not reimbursements for specific expenses incurred. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Fund incurred distribution expenses of $2,313 for the Investor Class shares pursuant to the Plan.
 
NOTE 6 – SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, were $114,725,460 and $95,290,794, respectively.
 
28

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 7 – LINE OF CREDIT
 
The Fund has a credit line in the amount of $15,000,000.  This 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 Fund’s custodian, U.S. Bank N.A.  During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Fund did not draw upon the line of credit.
 
NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows:
 
     
June 30, 2020
   
December 31, 2019
 
 
Ordinary income
 
$
   
$
6,465,164
 
 
Long-term capital gain
   
     
838,611
 

As of December 31, 2019, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
 
 
Cost of investments (a)
 
$
167,277,115
 
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
   
2,570,848
 
 
Gross unrealized depreciation
   
(864,991
)
 
Net unrealized appreciation (a)
   
1,705,857
 
 
Net unrealized depreciation on short sales,
       
 
  written options and foreign currency
   
(1,009,670
)
 
Undistributed ordinary income
   
1,784,065
 
 
Undistributed long-term capital gain
   
 
 
Total distributable earnings
   
1,784,065
 
 
Other accumulated gains/(losses)
   
 
 
Total accumulated earnings/(losses)
 
$
2,480,252
 

(a)
The difference between book basis and tax basis net unrealized appreciation and cost is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sale adjustments.
 
NOTE 9 – PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Below is a summary of some, but not all, of the principal risks of investing in the Fund, each of which may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value and total return.  The Fund’s most recent prospectus provides further descriptions of the 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 the Fund’s performance. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the

29

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
market as a whole. 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. The 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.
     
 
Merger Arbitrage Risk.  Investments in companies that are the subject of a publicly announced transaction carry the risk that the proposed or expected transaction may not be completed or may be completed on less favorable terms than originally expected, which may lower the Fund’s performance.
     
 
Non-Diversification Risk.  To the extent that the Fund invests its assets in fewer securities, it is subject to greater risk of loss if any of those securities become permanently impaired.
     
 
Foreign Securities Risk.  The risks of investing in the securities of foreign issuers can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, foreign currency exchange controls, political and economic instability, differences in securities regulation and trading, and foreign taxation issues.
     
 
Small- and Medium-Sized Company Risk.  Small- and medium-sized companies often have less predictable earnings, more limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or few key people.  The market movements of equity securities of small- and medium-sized companies may be more abrupt and volatile than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general and small-sized companies in particular, are generally less liquid than the equity securities of larger companies.
     
 
Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s use of derivatives (which may include options, futures, swaps and forward foreign currency contracts) may reduce returns and/or increase volatility.  A small investment in derivatives could have a potentially large impact on the Fund’s performance. The use of

30

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

   
derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets, and the Fund’s use of derivatives may result in losses to the Fund. Derivatives in which the Fund may invest can be illiquid and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the Fund will not correlate with the underlying instruments or the Fund’s other investments in the manner intended. Certain types of derivatives, including forward contracts, over-the-counter options and other over-the-counter transactions involve greater risks than the underlying obligations because, in addition to general market risks, they are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and pricing risk. Because many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
     
 
Swap Agreement Risk.  A swap agreement is a form of derivative that provides leverage, allowing the Fund to obtain the right to a return on a specified investment or instrument that exceeds the amount the Fund has invested in that investment or instrument.  Although the Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets to cover its net obligations under a swap agreement, the amount will be limited to the current value of the Fund’s obligations to the counterparty, and will not prevent the Fund from incurring losses greater than the value of those specified investments or instruments.  By using swap agreements, the Fund is exposed to additional risks concerning the counterparty.  The use of swap agreements could cause the Fund to be more volatile, resulting in larger gains or losses in response to changes in the values of the securities underlying the swap agreements than if the Fund had made direct investments.  Use of leverage involves special risks and is speculative.  If the Advisor is incorrect in evaluating long and short exposures, leverage will magnify any losses, and such losses may be significant.
     
 
Leverage Risk.  Leverage can cause the portfolio to lose more than the principal amount invested.  Leverage can magnify the portfolio’s gains and losses and therefore increase its volatility.
     
 
Short Sales Risk.  A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases.  However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss.  The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction.  Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions.

31

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited), Continued

 
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty risk arises upon entering into borrowing arrangements or derivative transactions and is the risk from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
 
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 June 30, 2020, the Fund’s percentage of control ownership positions greater than 25% are as follows:
 
Shareholder
Percent of Shares Held
National Financial Services, LLC
47.95%
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
31.49%




32

KELLNER MERGER FUND

HOUSEHOLDING

In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other similar documents you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household.  Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 855-KELLNER (855-535-5637) to request individual copies of these documents.  Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.  This policy does not apply to account statements.
 





33

KELLNER MERGER FUND

NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS at June 30, 2020 (Unaudited)

How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Policies
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 855-KELLNER (855-535-5637) or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Fund’s Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30
 
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 855-KELLNER (855-535-5637).  Furthermore, you can obtain the Fund’s proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
Quarterly Filings on Form N-PORT
 
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Part F of Form N-PORT.  The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.  Information included in the Fund’s Form N-PORT is also available, upon request, by calling 855-KELLNER (855-535-5637).
 



34

KELLNER MERGER FUND

PRIVACY NOTICE

The Fund collects 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 Fund.  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 Fund 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.
 




35

Investment Advisor
Kellner Management, L.P.
900 Third Avenue, Suite 1401
New York, New York 10022

Distributor
Compass Distributors, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101

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

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

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









This report is intended for shareholders of the Fund and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus.  For a current prospectus please call 855-535-5637.
 

 
KL-SEMI
 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

(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  9/8/20 



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  9/8/20 

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

Date  9/9/20 

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