N-CSRS 1 d859890dncsrs.htm LSV EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY LSV Emerging Markets Equity

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act File Number 811-06400

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

SEI Investments

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

SEI Investments

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 446-3863

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2024

Date of reporting period: April 30, 2024

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

A copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) (17 CFR § 270.30e-1), is attached hereto.


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND

 

LOGO

Emerging Markets Equity Fund

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

April 30, 2024

This information must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing.


LOGO

MANAGER’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FUND PERFORMANCE

(Unaudited)

The average total net of fees return† of the LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the benchmark MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index for the trailing periods ending April 30, 2024 were as follows:

 

    

Trailing

 6-months 

  

One

  Year  

  

Three

  Years  

  

Since

 Inception 

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Institutional Shares*    19.16%    18.25%    4.38%    7.21%

Benchmark:

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

   15.41%    9.88%    -5.69%    3.16%

Value Benchmark:

           

MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index

   14.74%    11.64%    -1.44%    2.76%

Periods longer than one year are annualized.

* Month Ended April 30, 2024.

Institutional Class Shares performance as of 3/31/24: 19.51% (1-year), 5.14% (3 Year) and 7.07% (Since Inception). The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 888-FUND-LSV (888-386-3578). Inception date 1/18/2019.

Despite concerns surrounding higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions, global equities rallied over the past six-month period, thanks to optimism regarding the potential for interest rate cuts from global central banks later in the year. Emerging market equities underperformed their developed market peers in the six months ending April 30th 2024 with The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was up 15.41% (in USD) versus the MSCI World Index gaining 20.30% (in USD). From a style perspective, emerging markets value stocks (as measured by the MSCI Indices) underperformed growth over the period—the MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index was up 14.74% while the MSCI Emerging Markets Growth Index was up 16.05% (both in USD). The LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Institutional Class Shares, was up 19.16% for the period.

The Fund’s deeper value bias contributed positively to relative performance over the over the period despite the underperformance of ‘value’ as a style—as stocks that were cheap on the basis of forecasted earnings and cash flow basis, which we favor, performed well. Performance attribution further indicates that both stock selection and sector allocation contributed positively to portfolio relative returns for the period. Stock selection relative gains were largely the result of the outperformance of deep value names within Financials, Energy, and Materials. Within Financials, holdings in the Specialized Finance and Diversified Banks industries performed particularly well. Within Energy, holdings in Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Integrated Oil & Gas, and Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation also added to relative returns. Within Materials not owning expensive stocks within Commodity Chemicals also added value while holdings in the Aluminum and Diversified Metals & Mining industries outperformed. On the negative side, stock selection detracted within Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary. From a sector perspective, relative gains modest and primarily the result of our overweight to Energy and underweight to Consumer Discretionary stocks.

Top contributors for the past six months included our overweight positions in Power Finance, REC Limited, Oil India, Oracle Financial Services Software, Gail (India), Kia Corp, PetroChina, Canara Bank, Coal India, and Amara Raja Energy & Mobility. Not owning Wuxi Biologics, Meituan, Netease, Yum China Holdings and BYD also added value. The main individual detractors included our overweight positions in Abu Qir Fertilizers & Chemical Industries, Lenovo Group, China Medical System Holdings, Krung Thai Bank Public, Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Origin Property, Vodacom Group, Minerva and Bangkok Bank Public Company. Not owning SK Hynix, Tencent, Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Hyundai Motor and HLB Incorporated also detracted.

 

1


LOGO

MANAGER’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FUND PERFORMANCE

(Unaudited)

 

The Fund continues to trade at a significant discount to the overall market as well as to the value benchmark. The Fund is trading at 8.3x forward earnings compared to 13.0x for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, 1.1x book value compared to 1.7x for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and 6.1x cash flow compared to 10.7x for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Sector weightings are a result of our bottom-up stock selection process, subject to constraints at the sector and industry levels. The Fund is currently overweight Industrials, Energy and Financials while underweight the Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services and Information Technology sectors.

Our organization remains stable and our research team continues to pursue an active research agenda in which we are looking for better ways to measure value and identify signs of positive change. As always, we are focused on delivering the long-term results that our investors have come to expect from LSV and that we have delivered for clients since 1994.

This material represents the manager’s assessment of the portfolio and market environment at a specific point in time and should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. The information provided herein represents the opinion of the manager and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.

Forward earnings is not a forecast of the Fund’s future performance. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a market capitalization weighted index designed to provide a broad measure of equity-market performance throughout the emerging markets.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across the emerging markets.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across the emerging markets.

Index Returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any manage fees, transaction costs or expenses. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

2


  
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

Sector Weightings †:

 

LOGO

†  Percentages are based on total investments.

 

Schedule of Investments

     

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

Foreign Common Stock (95.5%)

     

Brazil (3.1%)

     

Banco do Brasil

     48,600      $ 258  

Camil Alimentos

     44,100        71  

JBS

     35,400        160  

Telefonica Brasil

     5,800        53  

Vale

     16,500        201  

Vibra Energia

     15,100        68  
     

 

 

 
        811  
     

 

 

 

Chile (0.7%)

     

Cencosud

     83,100        142  

Cia Cervecerias Unidas

     6,200        38  
     

 

 

 
           180  
     

 

 

 

China (24.8%)

     

3SBio

     89,000        71  

Alibaba Group Holding

     66,500        622  

Anhui Conch Cement, Cl H

     12,500        29  

AviChina Industry & Technology, Cl H

     195,000        84  

BAIC Motor, Cl H

     305,500        87  

Baidu, Cl A*

     6,240        81  

Bank of China, Cl H

     762,000        342  

Bank of Communications, Cl H

     208,000        150  

Beijing Enterprises Holdings

     22,500        72  

China BlueChemical

     302,000        96  

China CITIC Bank, Cl H

     263,000        154  

China Coal Energy, Cl H

     84,000        85  

China Everbright

     34,000        18  

China Everbright Bank, Cl H

     265,000        80  

China Feihe

     194,000        106  

China Hongqiao Group

     58,000        80  

China Medical System Holdings

     44,000        39  

China Merchants Port Holdings

     52,000        69  

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

China (continued)

     

China Minsheng Banking, Cl H

     254,000      $ 93  

China Nonferrous Mining

     141,000        127  

China Pacific Insurance Group, Cl H

     39,000        85  

China Petroleum & Chemical, Cl H

     268,000           160  

China Reinsurance Group, Cl H

     740,000        53  

China Resources Medical Holdings

     121,000        64  

China Suntien Green Energy, Cl H

     88,000        36  

China Tower, Cl H

     554,000        65  

China XLX Fertiliser

     128,000        58  

China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings

     98,000        27  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group

     134,000        110  

Far East Horizon

     91,000        68  

Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings, Cl H

     22,000        58  

Hengan International Group

     15,000        50  

Horizon Construction Development*

     3,370        1  

JOYY ADR

     289        9  

Kangji Medical Holdings

     64,000        59  

Kunlun Energy

     92,000        89  

Lenovo Group

     224,000        252  

Lonking Holdings

     152,000        28  

NetDragon Websoft Holdings

     32,000        45  

New China Life Insurance, Cl H

     34,700        67  

People’s Insurance Group of China, Cl H

     310,000        102  

PetroChina, Cl H

     454,000        422  

PICC Property & Casualty, Cl H

     164,000        204  

Ping An Insurance Group of China, Cl H

     12,000        54  

Postal Savings Bank of China, Cl H

     146,000        76  

SciClone Pharmaceuticals Holdings

     65,000        149  

Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding, Cl H

     36,000        51  

Shougang Fushan Resources Group

     210,000        80  

Sinopec Engineering Group, Cl H

     124,000        80  

Sinopharm Group, Cl H

     48,000        121  

Sinotrans, Cl H

     215,000        103  

Sinotruk Hong Kong

     56,000        139  

SITC International Holdings

     38,000        82  

TCL Electronics Holdings

     64,000        42  
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

3


Schedule of Investments   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

China (continued)

     

Tencent Music Entertainment Group ADR*

     13,500      $ 169  

Tianneng Power International

     72,000        55  

Vipshop Holdings ADR

     8,700        131  

Want Want China Holdings

     83,000        47  

Weichai Power, Cl H

     85,000        174  

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings

     81,400        104  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure

     98,000        49  

Zhejiang Expressway, Cl H

     68,000        44  

Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group, Cl H

     63,400        104  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings

     43,500        79  
     

 

 

 
           6,530  
     

 

 

 

Egypt (0.4%)

     

Abou Kir Fertilizers & Chemical Industries

     43,900        57  

Eastern SAE

     117,100        54  
     

 

 

 
        111  
     

 

 

 

Greece (0.4%)

     

Motor Oil Hellas Corinth Refineries

     3,600        104  
     

 

 

 

Hong Kong (1.3%)

     

Grand Pharmaceutical Group

     124,500        69  

Kingboard Laminates Holdings

     66,000        57  

Orient Overseas International

     6,000        88  

SSY Group

     224,000        135  
     

 

 

 
        349  
     

 

 

 

Hungary (1.0%)

     

Magyar Telekom Telecommunications

     26,200        66  

MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas

     10,900        89  

OTP Bank Nyrt

     2,400        119  
     

 

 

 
        274  
     

 

 

 

India (16.4%)

     

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility

     12,400        163  

Aurobindo Pharma

     3,500        48  

Bank of Baroda

     40,800        137  

Canara Bank

     31,400        233  

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

India (continued)

     

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals

     15,347      $ 78  

Coal India

     48,300        263  

Firstsource Solutions

     57,100        144  

GAIL India

     88,800        222  

General Insurance Corp of India

     21,600        89  

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals

     11,800        101  

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals

     50,600        149  

HCL Technologies

     5,400        88  

Indian Bank

     29,300        192  

JK Paper

     27,900        127  

Mahanagar Gas

     6,973        121  

Natco Pharma

     2,000        24  

National Aluminium

     26,900        60  

NMDC

     69,700        212  

NMDC Steel*

     44,900        35  

NTPC

     18,400        80  

Oil & Natural Gas

     67,600        228  

Oil India

     31,200        231  

Petronet LNG

     42,400        157  

Power Finance

     44,400        234  

Power Grid Corp of India

     50,266        181  

REC

     41,400        251  

Redington

     64,800        169  

Union Bank of India

     74,100        137  

UPL

     8,200        50  

Vedanta

     24,400        116  
     

 

 

 
           4,320  
     

 

 

 

Indonesia (1.5%)

     

Astra International

     208,300        66  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero

     295,400        95  

Bukit Asam

     279,400        52  

Matahari Department Store

     249,400        24  

Telkom Indonesia Persero

     370,100        72  

United Tractors

     58,800        90  
     

 

 

 
        399  
     

 

 

 

Kuwait (0.4%)

     

Mobile Telecommunications KSCP

     75,000        119  
     

 

 

 

Malaysia (1.5%)

     

AMMB Holdings

     88,000        77  

CIMB Group Holdings

     61,600        85  

RHB Bank

     62,800        72  

Scientex

     64,200        56  
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

4


Schedule of Investments   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

Malaysia (continued)

     

Sime Darby

     199,000      $ 118  
     

 

 

 
        408  
     

 

 

 

Mexico (3.3%)

     

Cemex*

     208,200           165  

Coca-Cola Femsa

     21,182        210  

Fibra Uno Administracion‡

     55,800        80  

Grupo Financiero Banorte, Cl O

     11,500        114  

Grupo Mexico

     22,000        136  

Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, Cl A

     29,657        62  

Megacable Holdings

     32,700        95  
     

 

 

 
        862  
     

 

 

 

Philippines (0.3%)

     

DMCI Holdings

     460,100        88  
     

 

 

 

Poland (1.4%)

     

Asseco Poland

     5,300        104  

ORLEN

     5,226        85  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen

     14,000        177  
     

 

 

 
        366  
     

 

 

 

Russia (–%)

     

Gazprom PJSC(A),(B)*

     11,300         

LUKOIL PJSC(A),(B)

     2,300         

Magnit PJSC(A),(B)

     1,000         

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC(A),(B)

     370         

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC(A),(B)

     13,800         
     

 

 

 
         
     

 

 

 

Saudi Arabia (3.0%)

     

Arab National Bank

     23,500        193  

Banque Saudi Fransi

     10,000        98  

Etihad Etisalat

     12,100        167  

Mobile Telecommunications Saudi Arabia

     26,600        86  

Saudi Awwal Bank

     11,600        126  

Saudi Investment Bank

     24,500        110  
     

 

 

 
        780  
     

 

 

 

South Africa (2.6%)

     

Absa Group

     11,400        88  

African Rainbow Minerals

     4,300        44  

Astral Foods*

     2,435        19  

Exxaro Resources

     5,300        51  

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

South Africa (continued)

     

Foschini Group

     10,400      $ 55  

Impala Platinum Holdings

     11,324        50  

MTN Group

     19,400        93  

Nedbank Group

     5,600        68  

Oceana Group

     16,600        67  

Tiger Brands

     5,029        55  

Vodacom Group

     19,800        95  
     

 

 

 
           685  
     

 

 

 

South Korea (11.5%)

     

BGF retail

     800        75  

DB HiTek

     1,900        56  

DB Insurance

     2,100        147  

DL E&C

     332        9  

Doosan Bobcat

     3,200        120  

Hana Financial Group

     2,900        122  

Hankook & Co

     5,100        60  

Hyundai GF Holdings

     4,572        16  

Hyundai Glovis

     800        105  

Hyundai Green Food

     2,427        21  

Hyundai Home Shopping Network

     1,000        39  

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance

     2,800        63  

Kginicis

     1,700        14  

Kia

     4,000        339  

KT

     4,800        120  

KT&G

     1,300        84  

LG

     2,100        120  

Lotte Chilsung Beverage

     1,000        91  

LX INTERNATIONAL CORP

     2,700        54  

LX Semicon

     1,000        53  

Samsung Electronics

     10,400        579  

Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance

     600        134  

Samsung SDS

     1,000        115  

Shinhan Financial Group

     5,300        178  

Shinsegae

     500        60  

SK Telecom

     2,100        78  

SNT Motiv

     2,000        67  

Value Added Technology

     2,700        57  

Vieworks

     2,300        46  
     

 

 

 
        3,022  
     

 

 

 

Taiwan (16.9%)

     

ASE Technology Holding

     51,000        229  

Cathay Financial Holding

     43,000        66  

Chicony Electronics

     20,000        124  

Chipbond Technology

     22,000        51  

ChipMOS Technologies

     58,000        81  

Compal Electronics

     54,000        59  

Compeq Manufacturing

     58,000        137  

CTBC Financial Holding

     266,000        278  
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

5


Schedule of Investments   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

Taiwan (continued)

     

Foxsemicon Integrated Technology

     16,000      $ 148  

Global Brands Manufacture

     26,000        58  

Global Mixed Mode Technology

     8,000        70  

Hon Hai Precision Industry

     62,000        295  

King Yuan Electronics

     51,000        148  

MediaTek

     10,000        302  

Micro-Star International

     21,000        102  

Novatek Microelectronics

     11,000        208  

Pou Chen

     98,000        108  

Powertech Technology

     34,000        181  

Primax Electronics

     36,000        107  

Radiant Opto-Electronics

     29,000        177  

Sigurd Microelectronics

     41,000        93  

Simplo Technology

     9,000        120  

Sino-American Silicon Products

     22,000        131  

SinoPac Financial Holdings

     46         

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

     15,000        360  

Topco Scientific

     10,288        79  

Tripod Technology

     18,000        108  

United Integrated Services

     14,000        169  

United Microelectronics

     151,000        232  

Yuanta Financial Holding

     162,472        152  

Zyxel Group

     57,000        72  
     

 

 

 
        4,445  
     

 

 

 

Thailand (1.8%)

     

Bangkok Bank

     17,700        65  

Kasikornbank

     24,000        84  

Kiatnakin Phatra Bank

     43,700        61  

Krung Thai Bank

     286,900        131  

Origin Property

     273,000        52  

Quality Houses

     593,800        35  

Supalai

     96,600        51  
     

 

 

 
        479  
     

 

 

 

Turkey (1.8%)

     

BIM Birlesik Magazalar

     11,400        136  

Coca-Cola Icecek

     6,400        143  

Haci Omer Sabanci Holding

     52,200        150  

Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari

     29,600        46  
     

 

 

 
           475  
     

 

 

 

United Arab Emirates (1.4%)

     

Air Arabia PJSC

     130,600        95  

Emaar Properties PJSC

     59,100        132  

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

      Shares        Value (000)   

United Arab Emirates (continued)

 

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

     31,300      $ 145  
     

 

 

 
        372  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL FOREIGN COMMON STOCK
(Cost $22,441)

        25,179  
     

 

 

 

Foreign Preferred Stock (1.7%)

     

Brazil** (1.7%)

     

Banco do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

     36,000        88  

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais

     66,820        125  

Itausa

     59,010        109  

Petroleo Brasileiro

     16,500        133  
     

 

 

 
        455  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL FOREIGN PREFERRED STOCK
(Cost $412)

 

     455  
     

 

 

 

Warrants (0.0%)

     

Thailand (0.0%)

     

Kiatnakin Phatra Bank 01/02/2025 *

     3,642         

Kiatnakin Phatra Bank 01/03/2027*

     3,642         
     

 

 

 
         
     

 

 

 

TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $–)

         
     

 

 

 
     Face
Amount
(000)
        

Repurchase Agreement (2.4%)

     

South Street Securities 5.000%, dated 04/30/2024, to be repurchased on 05/01/2024, repurchase price $639 (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, ranging in par value $0 - $209, 0.625% - 4.625%, 03/15/2025 – 02/15/2033; total market value $651)

   $ 639        639  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
(Cost $639)

        639  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 99.6%
(Cost $23,492)

      $   26,273  
     

 

 

 
 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

6


Schedule of Investments   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

Percentages are based on Net Assets of $26,378 (000).

 

Real Estate Investment Trust.

*

Non-income producing security.

**

No rate available.

(A)

Security is Fair Valued.

(B)

Level 3 security in accordance with fair value hierarchy.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

Cl — Class

PJSC — Public Joint Stock Company

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2024, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at value ($000):

 

 Investments in

   Securities

    Level 1      Level 2      Level 3(1)     Total 

Foreign Common Stock

           

Brazil

   $ 811      $      $      $ 811  

Chile

     180                      180  

China

     310        6,220               6,530  

Egypt

            111               111  

Greece

            104               104  

Hong Kong

            349               349  

Hungary

     89        185               274  

India

            4,320               4,320  

Indonesia

     52        347               399  

Kuwait

            119               119  

Malaysia

            408               408  

Mexico

     862                      862  

Philippines

            88               88  

Poland

            366               366  

Russia‡

                   –^         

Saudi Arabia

            780               780  

South Africa

            685               685  

South Korea

            3,022               3,022  

Taiwan

            4,445               4,445  

Thailand

            479               479  

Turkey

            475               475  

United Arab Emirates

     277        95               372  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Foreign Common Stock

     2,581        22,598               25,179  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign Preferred Stock
Brazil

     455                      455  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Foreign Preferred Stock

     455                      455  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Warrants

                           

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Repurchase Agreement

            639               639  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities    $  3,036      $ 23,237      $    –      $ 26,273  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(1)

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments and disclosures of significant unobservable inputs are presented when the Fund has a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning and/or end of the period in relation to Net Assets. Management has concluded that Level 3 investments are not material in relation to Net Assets.

For the period ended April 30, 2024, there were no significant changes into/ out of Level 3. The transfer into Level 3 investments for the Fund were immaterial, although the unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on these investments was $(473) ($ Thousands). These securities were impacted by the invasion of Ukraine and sanctions on market conditions in Russia. From the start of the conflict in Ukraine until April 30, 2024, Russian-held investments were deemed to be worthless due to sanctions and inaccessibility of the market.

^

Includes Securities in which the fair value is $0 or has been rounded to $0.

Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.

For more information on valuation inputs, see Note 2 — Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

7


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (000)   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

     

LSV Emerging 

Markets Equity 

Fund

Assets:

  

Investments, at Value (Cost $23,492)

   $ 26,273    

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $250)

     248    

Receivable for Investment Securities Sold

     81    

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     67    

Receivable for Capital Shares Sold

     5    

Reclaims Receivable

     2    

Prepaid Expenses

     24    

 

 

Total Assets

     26,700    

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Accrued Foreign Capital Gains Tax

     230    

Payable to Custodian

     53    

Payable for Custody Fees

     21    

Payable for Investment Securities Purchased

     14    

Payable due to Investment Adviser

     2    

Payable due to Administrator

     1    

Payable due to Trustees

     1    

 

 

Total Liabilities

     322    

 

 

Net Assets

   $   26,378    

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

  

Paid-in Capital

   $ 24,132    

Total Distributable Earnings

     2,246    

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 26,378    

 

 

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share —
Institutional Class Shares ($23,905 ÷ 2,063,474 shares)(1)

   $ 11.58    

 

 

Net Asset Value, Offering and Redemption Price Per Share —
Investor Class Shares ($2,473 ÷ 213,772 shares)(1)

   $ 11.57    

 

 

(1) Shares have not been rounded.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

8


Statement of Operations (000)   
For the six months ended April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

     

LSV Emerging 

Markets Equity 

Fund

Investment Income:

  

Dividend Income

   $ 377    

Interest Income

     12    

Foreign Taxes Withheld

     (68)   

 

 

Total Investment Income

     321    

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment Advisory Fees

     120    

Administration Fees

     7    

Distribution Fees - Investor Class

     2    

Trustees’ Fees

     1    

Chief Compliance Officer Fees

     1    

Custodian Fees

     47    

Transfer Agent Fees

     20    

Registration and Filing Fees

     20    

Printing Fees

     3    

Professional Fees

     2    

Insurance and Other Fees

     8    

 

 

Total Expenses

     231    

Less: Waiver of Investment Advisory Fees

     (108)   

Less: Fees Paid Indirectly — (see Note 4)

     (2)   

 

 

Net Expenses

     121    

 

 

Net Investment Income

     200    

 

 

Net Realized Gain on Investments

     469    

Net Realized Loss on Foreign Currency Transactions

     (11)   

Net Realized Loss on Foreign Capital Gains Tax

     (38)   

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Investments

     3,592    

Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Capital Gains Tax on Appreciated Securities

     (140)   

Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Translation

     (1)   

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments

     3,871    

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $   4,071    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

9


Statements of Changes in Net Assets (000)   

For the six months ended April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) and for the year ended October 31, 2023

 

      LSV Emerging Markets Equity 
Fund
 
     

11/1/2023 to

04/30/2024

   

11/1/2022 to

10/31/2023

Operations:

    

Net Investment Income

   $ 200     $ 768    

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     420       (396)   

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation

     3,451       3,162    

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     4,071       3,534    

 

 

Distributions

    

Institutional Class Shares

     (1,027     (589)   

Investor Class Shares

     (79     (31)   

 

 

Total Distributions

     (1,106     (620)   

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Institutional Class Shares:

    

Issued

     2,478       1,782    

Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions

     1,027       588    

Redeemed

     (1,288     (1,961)   

 

 

Net Increase from Institutional Class Shares Transactions

     2,217       409    

 

 

Investor Class Shares:

    

Issued

     1,834       756   

Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions

     79       31    

Redeemed

     (1,004     (415)   

 

 

Net Increase from Investor Class Shares Transactions

     909       372    

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Derived from Capital Share Transactions

     3,126       781    

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

     6,091       3,695    

 

 

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of Period

     20,287       16,592    

 

 

End of Year/Period

   $   26,378     $   20,287    

 

 

Shares Transactions:

    

Institutional Class:

    

Issued

     222       178    

Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions

     93       62    

Redeemed

     (115     (197)   

 

 

Total Institutional Class Share Transactions

     200       43    

 

 

Investor Class:

    

Issued

     166       75    

Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions

     7       3    

Redeemed

     (90     (41)   

 

 

Total Investor Class Share Transactions

     83       37    

 

 

Net Increase in Shares Outstanding

     283       80    

 

 

Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to zero.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

10


Financial Highlights   

For a share outstanding throughout each period.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) and for the years ended October 31

 

    Net
Asset
Value
 Beginning 
of Period
  Net
 Investment 
Income(1)
   Realized and 
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses) on
Investments
  Total from
 Operations 
  Dividends
from Net
 Investment 
Income
  Distributions
 from Realized 
Gains
  Total
Dividends
and
 Distributions 
  Net
 Asset 
Value
End of
Period
  Total
 Return† 
  Net
 Assets End 
of Period
(000)
  Ratio of
Expenses
 to Average 
Net Assets
  Ratio of
Expenses to
Average Net
Assets
(Excluding
Waivers,
 Reimbursements 
and Fees  Paid
Indirectly)
  Ratio of
Net
 Investment 
Income to
Average
Net Assets
  Portfolio
 Turnover 
Rate‡

                                                     

 

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

 

Institutional Class Shares

 

2024*

  $ 10.18     $ 0.09     $ 1.84     $ 1.93     $ (0.53   $ –       $ (0.53   $   11.58       19.16     $23,905       0.99     1.90     1.68     7

2023

    8.67       0.39       1.44       1.83       (0.32     –         (0.32     10.18       21.39       18,960       1.19       1.85       3.87       17  

2022

    12.09       0.45       (2.88     (2.43     (0.36     (0.63     (0.99     8.67       (21.97     15,780       1.19       2.45       4.33       38  

2021

    9.11       0.37       2.91       3.28       (0.21     (0.09     (0.30     12.09       36.38       13,451       1.19       2.68       3.18       19  

2020

    10.28       0.26       (1.11     (0.85     (0.31     (0.01     (0.32     9.11       (8.67     6,384       1.19       3.20       2.85       19  

2019**

    10.00       0.27       0.01       0.28       –         –         –         10.28       2.80       6,416       1.20       4.20       3.38       5  

Investor Class Shares

 

2024*

  $ 10.15     $ 0.08     $ 1.85     $ 1.93     $ (0.51   $ –       $ (0.51   $   11.57       19.22     $2,473       1.24     2.15     1.45     7

2023

    8.65       0.37       1.43       1.80       (0.30     –         (0.30     10.15       21.02       1,327       1.45       2.09       3.65       17  

2022

    12.07       0.43       (2.89     (2.46     (0.33     (0.63     (0.96     8.65       (22.18     812       1.45       2.63       4.04       38  

2021

    9.10       0.37       2.88       3.25       (0.19     (0.09     (0.28     12.07       36.06       1,031       1.45       2.95       3.15       19  

2020

    10.28       0.25       (1.12     (0.87     (0.30     (0.01     (0.31     9.10       (8.83     350       1.45       3.50       2.79       19  

2019**

    10.00       0.15       0.13       0.28       –         –         –         10.28       2.80       184       1.48 (2)      3.89       1.92       5  

 

*

For the six-month period ended April 30, 2024. All ratios for the period have been annualized.

 

**

Commenced operations on January 17, 2019. All ratios for the period have been annualized

 

Total return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized. Total return would have been lower had the Adviser not waived a portion of its fee. Total returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period indicated and has not been annualized.

(1)  Per share calculations were performed using average shares for the period.

(2)  Ratio reflects the impact of the low level of average Net Assets. Under normal asset levels, the ratio of expenses to Average Net Assets would have been 1.45%.

Amounts designated as “—” are $0 or have been rounded to $0.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

 

 

11


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

1.

Organization:

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust under an Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 18, 1997. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company with 26 funds. The financial statements herein are those of the LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund, a diversified Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in undervalued stocks which are out of favor in the market. The Fund commenced operations on January 17, 2019, offering Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares. The financial statements of the remaining funds of the Trust are not presented herein, but are presented separately. The assets of each fund are segregated, and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the fund in which shares are held.

 

2.

Significant Accounting Policies:

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are presented in U.S. dollars which is the functional currency of the Fund. The Fund is an investment company and therefore applies the accounting and reporting guidance issued by the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services — Investment Companies. The following are significant accounting policies which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material.

Security Valuation — Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on an exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 pm ET if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at

the most recent quoted bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates.

Securities for which market prices are not “readily available” are valued in accordance with fair value procedures (the “Fair Value Procedures”) established by the Adviser and approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee” to determine the fair value of securities and other instruments for which no readily available market quotations are available. The Fair Value Procedures are implemented through a Fair Value Committee (the “Committee”) of the Adviser.

Some of the more common reasons that may necessitate that a security be valued using Fair Value Procedures include: the security’s trading has been halted or suspended; the security has been de-listed from a national exchange; the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open; the security has not been traded for an extended period of time; the security’s primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price; or trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions. When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Committee. As of April 30, 2024, the total market value of securities that were fair valued by the Committee were $0 (000) or 0.0% of Net Assets.

For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security’s last trade and the time at which the Fund calculates its net asset value. The closing prices of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time the Fund calculates net asset value if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a “Significant Event”) has occurred between the time of the security’s last close and the time that the Fund calculates net asset value. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector. If the adviser of the Fund becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which the Fund calculates net asset value, it may request that a Committee meeting be called. In addition, the Fund’s administrator monitors price movements among certain selected indices, securities and/or baskets of securities that may be

 

 

 

12


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

an indicator that the closing prices received earlier from foreign exchanges or markets may not reflect market value at the time the Fund calculates net asset value. If price movements in a monitored index or security exceed levels established by the administrator, the administrator notifies the adviser that such limits have been exceeded. In such event, the adviser makes the determination whether a Committee meeting should be called based on the information provided.

The Fund uses Intercontinental Exchange Data Pricing & Reference Data, LLC (“ICE”) as a third party fair valuation vendor when the fair value trigger is met. ICE provides a fair value for foreign securities in the Fund based on certain factors and methodologies (involving, generally, tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each non-U.S. security) applied by ICE in the event that there is a movement in the U.S. market that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Committee. The Committee establishes a “confidence interval” which is used to determine the level of correlation between the value of a foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security is fair valued when the threshold is exceeded. In the event that the threshold established by the Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Fund values its non-U.S. securities that exceed the applicable “confidence interval” based upon the fair values provided by ICE. In such event, it is not necessary to hold a Committee meeting. In the event that the Adviser believes that the fair values provided by ICE are not reliable, the Adviser contacts SEI Investments Global Fund Services (the “Administrator”) and may request that a meeting of the Committee be held. As of April 30, 2024, the total market value of securities were valued based on the fair value prices provided by ICE were $226,798 (000) or 86.0% of Net Assets. If a local market in which the Fund owns securities is closed for one or more days, the Fund shall value all securities held in that corresponding currency based on the fair value prices provided by ICE using the predetermined confidence interval discussed above.

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosure under U.S. GAAP, the Fund discloses fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of

the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date;

Level 2 — Other significant observable inputs (includes quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, referenced indices, quoted prices in inactive markets, adjusted quoted prices in active markets, adjusted quoted prices on foreign equity securities that were adjusted in accordance with The Adviser’s pricing procedures, etc.); and

Level 3 — Prices, inputs or proprietary modeling techniques which are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (supported by little or no market activity).

Investments are classified within the level of the lowest significant input considered in determining fair value. Investments classified within Level 3 whose fair value measurement considers several inputs may include Level 1 or Level 2 inputs as components of the overall fair value measurement.

Federal Income Taxes — It is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes by complying with the appropriate provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and to distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income taxes has been made in the financial statements.

The Fund evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether it is “more-likely- than-not” (i.e., greater than 50-percent) that each tax position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. The Fund did not record any tax provision in the current period. However, management’s conclusions regarding tax positions taken may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, examination by tax authorities on open tax years (i.e. the last three open tax year ends, as applicable), on-going analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.

As of and during the Six months ended April 30, 2024, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax

 

 

 

13


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the Six month ended April 30, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.

Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ under-standing of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. The Funds or their agent files withholding tax reclaims in certain jurisdictions to recover certain amounts previously withheld. The Funds may record a reclaim receivable based on collectability, which includes factors such as the jurisdiction’s applicable laws, payment history and market convention. Professional fees paid to those that provide assistance in receiving the tax reclaims, which generally are contingent upon successful receipt of reclaimed amounts, are recorded in Professional Fees on the Statements of Operations once the amounts are due. The professional fees related to pursuing these tax reclaims are not subject to the Adviser’s expense limitation agreement.

Security Transactions and Investment Income— Security transactions are accounted for on trade date for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in determining realized gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis from settlement date.

Investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — With respect to the Fund, dividend income is recorded based on the income included in distributions received from the REIT investments using published REIT reclassifications including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income, return of capital, and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts.

Repurchase Agreements — In connection with transactions involving repurchase agreements, a third party custodian bank takes possession of the underlying securities (“collateral”), the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. Such collateral will be cash, debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, securities that at the time the repurchase agreement is entered into are rated in the highest category by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), as determined by the Adviser.

Provisions of the repurchase agreements and procedures adopted by the Board require that the market value of the collateral, including accrued interest thereon, is sufficient in the event of default by the counterparty. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty to the agreement, realization and/or retention of the collateral or proceeds may be subject to legal proceedings.

Repurchase agreements are entered into by the Fund under Master Repurchase Agreements (“MRA”) which permit the Fund, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset payables and/or receivables under the MRA with collateral held and/ or posted to the counterparty and create one single net payment due to or from the Fund.

At April 30, 2024, the open repurchase agreement by counterparty which is subject to a MRA on a net payment basis is as follows (000):

 

Counterparty  

Repurchase

Agreement

   

Fair

Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral

Received(1)

   

Cash

Collateral

Received(1)

    Net Amount(2)  

South Street Securities

  $     639       $     639       $     —       $     —    

(1) The amount of collateral reflected in the table does not include any over-collateralization received by the Fund.

(2) Net amount represents the net amount receivable due from the counterparty in the event of default.

Foreign Currency Translation— The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars on the date of valuation. The Fund does not isolate that portion of realized or unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rate from fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of the securities. These gains and losses are included in net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments on the Statement of Operations. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amount of the investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid.

Expenses— Expenses that are directly related to the Fund are charged to the Fund. Other operating expenses of the Trust are prorated to the Fund

 

 

 

14


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

based on the number of funds and/or average daily net assets

Classes— Class specific expenses are borne by that class of shares. Income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and non-class specific expenses are allocated to the respective class on the basis of average daily net assets.

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders— Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid to shareholders annually. Any net realized capital gains are distributed to shareholders at least annually.

 

3.

Transactions with Affiliates:

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of SEI Investments Global Funds Services (the “Administrator”), a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company and/or SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the “Distributor”). Such officers are paid no fees by the Trust for serving as officers of the Trust other than the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as described below.

A portion of the services provided by the CCO and his staff, whom are employees of the Administrator, are paid for by the Trust as incurred. The services include regulatory oversight of the Trust’s Advisors and service providers as required by SEC regulations. The CCO’s services have been approved by and reviewed by the Board.

 

4.

Administration, Distribution, Transfer Agency and Custodian Agreements:

The Fund, along with other series of the Trust advised by LSV Asset Management (the “Adviser”), and the Administrator are parties to an Administration Agreement, under which the Administrator provides administrative services to the Fund. For these services, the Administrator is paid an asset based fee, subject to certain minimums, which will vary depending on the number of share classes and the average daily net assets of the Fund. For the six month ended April 30, 2024, the Fund incurred $7,217 for these services.

The Trust and Distributor are parties to a Distribution Agreement dated November 14, 1991, as Amended and Restated November 14, 2005. The Distributor receives no fees for its distribution services under this agreement.

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan under the Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for Investor Class Shares that allows the Fund to pay distribution and service fees for the sale and distribution of its shares, and for services provided to shareholders. The maximum annual distribution fee for Investor Class Shares of the Fund is 0.25% annually of the average daily net assets. For

the six month ended April 30, 2024, the Fund incurred $2,488 of distribution fees.

SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc. serves as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund under the transfer agency agreement with the Trust. During the six month ended April 30, 2024, the Fund earned $1652 in cash management credits which were used to offset transfer agent expenses.

U.S. Bank, N.A. acts as custodian (the “Custodian”) for the Fund. The Custodian plays no role in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund.

 

5.

Investment Advisory Agreement:

The Trust and the Adviser are parties to an Investment Advisory Agreement, under which the Adviser receives an annual fee equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fee (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses) in order to limit the Fund’s total operating expenses after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements to a maximum of 1.20% and 1.45% of the Fund’s Institutional Class and Investor Class Shares’ average daily net assets, respectively, through February 28, 2025. Refer to waiver of investment advisory fees on the Statement of Operations for fees waived for the six month ended April 30, 2024.

 

6.

Investment Transactions:

The cost of security purchases and the proceeds from security sales, other than short-term investments, for the six month ended April 30, 2024, were as follows (000):

 

Purchases

   $   3,540  

Sales

   $ 1,745  

 

7.

Federal Tax Information:

The amount and character of income and capital gain distributions to be paid, if any, are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. These book/ tax differences may be temporary or permanent. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, they are charged or credited to distributable earnings or paid-in capital, as appropriate, in the period that the differences arise.

The permanent differences primarily consist of foreign currency translations, reclassification of long term capital gain distribution on REITs and foreign capital gains tax.

 

 

 

15


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

There are no permanent differences that are credited or charged to Paid-in Capital and Distributable Earnings (Accumulated Losses) as of October 31, 2023.

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the years ended October 31, 2023 and 2022 was as follows (000):

 

   

  Ordinary  

Income

   

Long-Term

 Capital Gain 

      Total    

2023

   $ 620     $     $ 620  

2022

    718       632       1,350  

As of October 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a tax basis were as follows (000):

 

Undistributed Ordinary Income

    $ 986   

Capital Loss Carryforward

     (388)  

Other Temporary Differences

     2   

Unrealized Depreciation

        (1,319)  
  

 

 

 

Total Accumulated Losses

    $ (719)  
  

 

 

 

As of October 31, 2023, the Fund has short-term and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $2 (000) and $386 (000), respectively.

During the year ended October 31, 2023, no capital loss carryforwards were utilized to offset capital gains.

The total cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments held by the Fund at April 30, 2024, were as follows (000):

 

Federal
 Tax Cost 
   Aggregated
Gross
Unrealized
 Appreciation 
     Aggregated
Gross
Unrealized
  Depreciation  
     Net
Unrealized
  Appreciation  
 
$   23,492     $ 5,329        $ (2,548)        $ 2,781   

For Federal income tax purposes, the difference between Federal tax cost and book cost primarily relates to wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies (PFICs).

 

8.

Concentration of Risks:

Since the Fund purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate drastically from day-to-day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is the principal risk of investing in the Fund.

Investing in foreign companies, including direct investments and through Depositary Receipts, poses additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These risks will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign companies are generally denominated in a foreign currency, the value of which may be influenced by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. Changes in the value of a currency compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of the Fund’s investments. These currency movements may occur separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer’s home country. Securities of foreign companies may not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and foreign companies are generally not subject to the regulatory controls imposed on U.S. issuers and, as a consequence, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign securities than is available about domestic securities. Income from foreign securities owned by the Fund may be reduced by a withholding tax at the source, which tax would reduce income received from the securities comprising the portfolio. Foreign securities may also be more difficult to value than securities of U.S. issuers. While Depositary Receipts provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in Depositary Receipts continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

Investments in emerging markets securities are considered speculative and subject to heightened risks in addition to the general risks of investing in foreign securities. Unlike more established markets, emerging markets may have governments that are less stable, markets that are less liquid and economies that are less developed. In addition, the securities markets of emerging market countries may consist of companies with smaller market capitalizations and may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; and possible restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital. Furthermore, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales, and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the resulting responses by the United States and other countries, and the potential for wider conflict have had, and could continue to have, severe adverse effects

 

 

 

16


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

on regional and global economies and could further increase volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets. The United States and other countries have imposed broad-ranging economic sanctions on Russia and certain Russian individuals, banking entities and corporations as a response to its invasion of Ukraine. The United States and other countries have also imposed economic sanctions on Belarus and may impose sanctions on other countries that provide military or economic support to Russia. These sanctions, as well as any other economic consequences related to the invasion, such as additional sanctions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences or cyberattacks on governments, companies or individuals, may further decrease the value and liquidity of certain Russian securities and securities of issuers in other countries that are subject to economic sanctions related to the invasion. To the extent that a Fund has exposure to Russian investments or investments in countries affected by the invasion, the Fund’s ability to price, buy, sell, receive or deliver such investments may be impaired. In addition, any exposure that a Fund may have to counterparties in Russia or in countries affected by the invasion could negatively impact the Fund’s investments. The extent and duration of military actions and the repercussions of such actions (including any retaliatory actions or countermeasures that may be taken by those subject to sanctions) are impossible to predict. These events have resulted in, and could continue to result in, significant market disruptions, including in certain industries or sectors such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may further strain global supply chains and negatively affect inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact a Fund’s performance and the value of an investment in a Fund beyond any direct exposure a Fund may have to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.

As a result of the Fund’s investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, in which case, the dollar value of an investment in the Fund would be adversely affected.

Markets for securities in which the Fund invests may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Similarly, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic or natural disaster, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively affect the

global economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your investment in the Fund.

The medium- and smaller-capitalization companies in which the Fund may invest may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, investments in these medium- and small-sized companies may pose additional risks, including liquidity risk, because these companies tend to have limited product lines, markets and financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, medium- and small-capitalization stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. These securities may be traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange.

Preferred stocks in which the Fund may invest are sensitive to interest rate changes, and are also subject to equity risk, which is the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. The rights of preferred stocks on the distribution of a company’s assets in the event of a liquidation are generally subordinate to the rights associated with a company’s debt securities.

 

9.

Concentration of Shareholders:

At April 30, 2024, 79% of total shares outstanding for the Institutional Class Shares were held by four record shareholders each owning 10% or greater of the aggregate total shares outstanding. At April 30, 2024, 95% of total shares outstanding for the Investor Class Shares were held by two record shareholders owning 10% or greater of the aggregate total shares outstanding. These were comprised mostly of omnibus accounts which were held on behalf of various individual shareholders.

 

10.

Indemnifications:

In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

11.

Subsequent Events:

The Fund has evaluated the need for additional disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial

 

 

 

17


Notes to Financial Statements   
April 30, 2024    (Unaudited)

 

statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no additional disclosures or adjustments were required to the financial statements.

 

 

 

18


Disclosure of Fund Expenses (Unaudited)

 

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a mutual fund, your investment is affected by these ongoing costs, which include (among others) costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports like this one. It is important for you to understand the impact of these costs on your investment returns.

Operating expenses such as these are deducted from the mutual fund’s gross income and directly reduce your final investment return. These expenses are expressed as a percentage of the mutual fund’s average net assets; this percentage is known as the mutual fund’s expense ratio.

The following examples use the expense ratio and are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from November 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024.

The table below illustrates your Fund’s costs in two ways:

Actual fund return. This section helps you to estimate the actual expenses after fee waivers that your Fund incurred over the period. The “Expenses Paid During Period” column shows the actual dollar expense incurred by a $1,000 investment in the Fund, and the “Ending Account Value” number is derived from deducting that expense from the Fund’s gross investment return.

You can use this information, together with the actual amount you invested in the Fund, to estimate the expenses you paid over that period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 to arrive at a ratio (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = $8.6), then multiply that ratio by the number shown for your Fund under “Expenses Paid During Period.”

Hypothetical 5% return. This section helps you compare your Fund’s costs with those of other mutual funds. It assumes that the Fund had an annual 5% return before expenses during the period, but that the expense ratio (Column 3) is unchanged. This example is useful in making comparisons because the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all mutual funds to make this 5% calculation. You can assess your Fund’s comparative cost by comparing the hypothetical result for your Fund in the “Expense Paid During Period” column with those that appear in the same charts in the shareholder reports for other mutual funds.

NOTE: Because the hypothetical return is set at 5% for comparison purposes — NOT your Fund’s actual return —the account values shown do not apply to your specific investment.

 

     

Beginning

Account

Value

11/01/23

      

Ending

Account

Value

04/30/24

      

Annualized

Expense

Ratios

      

Expenses

Paid

During

Period*

      

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

                                             

Actual Fund Return

                   

Institutional Class Shares

   $ 1,000.00        $ 1,191.60          0.99%          $5.40    

Investor Class Shares

     1,000.00          1,192.20          1.24            6.76    

Hypothetical 5% Return

                   

Institutional Class Shares

   $ 1,000.00        $ 1,019.94          0.99%          $4.97    

Investor Class Shares

     1,000.00          1,018.70          1.24            6.22      

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one half year period).

 

19


Board Consideration in Re-Approving the Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to Section 15 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), the Fund’s advisory agreement (the “Agreement”) must be renewed at least annually after its initial two-year term: (i) by the vote of the Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) or by a vote of a majority of the shareholders of the Fund; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or “interested persons” of any party thereto, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such renewal.

A Board meeting was held on February 27–28, 2024 to decide whether to renew the Agreement for an additional one-year term. In preparation for the meeting, the Trustees requested that the Adviser furnish information necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreement. Prior to the meeting, the Independent Trustees of the Fund met to review and discuss the information provided and submitted a request for additional information to the Adviser, and information was provided in response to this request. The Trustees used this information, as well as other information that the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund presented or submitted to the Board at the meeting and other meetings held during the prior year, to help them decide whether to renew the Agreement for an additional year.

Specifically, the Board requested and received written materials from the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund regarding: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s services; (ii) the Adviser’s investment management personnel; (iii) the Adviser’s operations and financial condition; (iv) the Adviser’s brokerage practices (including any soft dollar arrangements) and investment strategies; (v) the Fund’s advisory fee paid to the Adviser and overall fees and operating expenses compared with a peer group of mutual funds; (vi) the level of the Adviser’s profitability from its relationship with the Fund, including both direct and indirect benefits accruing to the Adviser and its affiliates; (vii) the Adviser’s potential economies of scale; (viii) the Adviser’s compliance program, including a description of material compliance matters and material compliance violations; (ix) the Adviser’s policies on and compliance procedures for personal securities transactions; and (x) the Fund’s performance compared with a peer group of mutual funds and the Fund’s benchmark index.

Representatives from the Adviser, along with other Fund service providers, presented additional information and participated in question and answer sessions at the Board meeting to help the Trustees evaluate the Adviser’s services, fee and other aspects of the Agreement. The Independent Trustees received advice from independent counsel and met in executive sessions outside the presence of Fund management and the Adviser.

At the Board meeting, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, based on their evaluation of the information provided by the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund, renewed the Agreement. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser; (ii) the investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser; (iii) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, including both direct and indirect benefits accruing to the Adviser and its affiliates; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale are being realized by the Adviser; and (v) whether fee levels reflect such economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors, as discussed in further detail below.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board reviewed the portfolio management services provided by the Adviser to the Fund, including the quality and continuity of the Adviser’s portfolio management personnel, the resources of the Adviser, and the Adviser’s compliance history and compliance program. The Trustees reviewed the terms of the Agreement. The Trustees also reviewed the Adviser’s investment and risk management approaches for the Fund. The most recent investment adviser registration form (“Form ADV”) for the Adviser was available to the Board, as was the response of the Adviser to a detailed series of questions which included, among other things, information about the investment advisory services provided by the Adviser to the Fund.

The Trustees also considered other services provided to the Fund by the Adviser such as selecting broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions, monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions, and monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities laws and regulations. Based on the factors above, as well as those discussed below, the Board concluded, within the context of its full deliberations, that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser were sufficient to support renewal of the Agreement.

 

20


Board Consideration in Re-Approving the Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

 

Investment Performance of the Fund and the Adviser

The Board was provided with regular reports regarding the Fund’s performance over various time periods. The Trustees also reviewed reports prepared by the Fund’s administrator comparing the Fund’s performance to its benchmark index and a peer group of mutual funds as classified by Lipper, an independent provider of investment company data, over various periods of time. Representatives from the Adviser provided information regarding and led discussions of factors impacting the performance of the Fund, outlining current market conditions and explaining their expectations and strategies for the future. The Trustees determined that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory, or, where the Fund’s performance was materially below its benchmark and/ or peer group, the Trustees were satisfied by the reasons for the underperformance and/or the steps taken by the Adviser in an effort to improve the performance of the Fund. Based on this information, the Board concluded, within the context of its full deliberations, that the investment results that the Adviser had been able to achieve for the Fund were sufficient to support renewal of the Agreement.

Costs of Advisory Services, Profitability and Economies of Scale

In considering the advisory fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser, the Trustees reviewed, among other things, a report of the advisory fee paid to the Adviser. The Trustees also reviewed reports prepared by the Fund’s administrator comparing the Fund’s net and gross expense ratios and advisory fee to those paid by a peer group of mutual funds as classified by Lipper. The Trustees reviewed the management fees charged by the Adviser to other clients with comparable mandates. The Trustees considered any differences in management fees and took into account the respective demands, resources and complexity associated with the Fund and other client accounts as well as the extensive regulatory, compliance and tax regimes to which the Fund is subject. The Board concluded, within the context of its full deliberations, that the advisory fee was reasonable in light of the nature and quality of the services rendered by the Adviser.

The Trustees reviewed the costs of services provided by and the profits realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund, including both direct benefits and indirect benefits, such as research and brokerage services received under soft dollar arrangements, accruing to the Adviser and its affiliates. The Trustees considered how the Adviser’s profitability was affected by factors such as its organizational structure and method for allocating expenses. The Trustees concluded that the profit margins of the Adviser with respect to the management of the Fund were not unreasonable. The Board also considered the Adviser’s commitment to managing the Fund and its willingness to continue its expense limitation and fee waiver arrangement with the Fund.

The Trustees considered the Adviser’s views relating to economies of scale in connection with the Fund as Fund assets grow and the extent to which the benefits of any such economies of scale are shared with the Fund and Fund shareholders. The Board considered the existence of any economies of scale and whether those were passed along to the Fund’s shareholders through a graduated advisory fee schedule or other means, including fee waivers. The Trustees recognized that economies of scale are difficult to identify and quantify and are rarely identifiable on a fund-by-fund basis. Based on this evaluation, the Board concluded that the advisory fee was reasonable in light of the information that was provided to the Trustees by the Adviser with respect to economies of scale.

Renewal of the Agreement

Based on the Board’s deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above and other factors and information it believed relevant in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, the Board, including all of the Independent Trustees, with the assistance of Fund counsel and Independent Trustees’ counsel, unanimously concluded that the terms of the Agreement, including the fees payable thereunder, were fair and reasonable and agreed to renew the Agreement for another year. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any absence of information as material to its decision, or any particular factor (or conclusion with respect thereto) or single piece of information that was all-important, controlling or determinative of its decision, but considered all of the factors together, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors (and conclusions with respect thereto) and information.

 

21


 

 

Trust:

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

Fund:

LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund

Adviser:

LSV Asset Management

Distributor:

SEI Investments Distribution Co.

Administrator:

SEI Investments Global Fund Services

Legal Counsel:

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm:

Ernst & Young LLP

The Fund files its complete schedule of investments with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to Fund securities, as well as information relating to how a Fund voted proxies relating to fund securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-386-3578; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

LSV-SA-010-0600


(b)

Not applicable.

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual report.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees during the period covered by this report.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act (17 CFR § 270.30a-3(c)), as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report, are effective based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR § 270.30a-3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or Rule 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR § 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).


(b) There has been no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR § 270.30a-3(d)) 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 management investment companies.

Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

Item 19. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

(a)(2) Not applicable.

(a)(3) A separate certification for the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer of the Registrant, as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR §270.30a-2(a)), are filed herewith.

(b) Officer certifications, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR § 270.30a-2(b)), also accompany this filing as exhibits.


 

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)    The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Michael Beattie
   Michael Beattie
   Principal Executive Officer
Date: July 8, 2024   

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/ Michael Beattie
   Michael Beattie
   Principal Executive Officer
Date: July 8, 2024   
By (Signature and Title)    /s/ Andrew Metzger
   Andrew Metzger
   Principal Financial Officer
Date: July 8, 2024