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, 4th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)



(626) 914-7235
Registrant's telephone number, including area code



Date of fiscal year end: February 29, 2024



Date of reporting period:  February 29, 2024



Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

(a)







Pzena Funds
Annual Report
FEBRUARY 29, 2024


PZENA MID CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVMX
Institutional Class PZIMX
 
PZENA EMERGING MARKETS VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVEX
Institutional Class PZIEX
 
PZENA SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVSX
Institutional Class PZISX
 
PZENA INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVIX
Institutional Class PZIIX
 
PZENA INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
Investor Class PZVNX
Institutional Class PZINX

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



Table of Contents


Letter to Shareholders
 
1
     
Pzena Funds Commentary
   
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
 
2
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
4
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
 
6
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
 
8
Pzena International Value Fund
 
10
     
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
   
Portfolio Allocation
 
12
Schedule of Investments
 
13
     
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
Portfolio Allocation
 
14
Schedule of Investments
 
15
Portfolio Diversification
 
17
     
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
   
Portfolio Allocation
 
18
Schedule of Investments
 
19
     
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
   
Portfolio Allocation
 
21
Schedule of Investments
 
22
Portfolio Diversification
 
24
     
Pzena International Value Fund
   
Portfolio Allocation
 
25
Schedule of Investments
 
26
Portfolio Diversification
 
28
     
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
 
30
     
Statements of Operations
 
32
     
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
   
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
 
34
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
35
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
 
36
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
 
37
Pzena International Value Fund
 
38
     
Financial Highlights
   
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
 
39
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
41
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
 
43
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
 
45
Pzena International Value Fund
 
47
     
Notes to Financial Statements
 
49
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
59
     
Expense Example
 
60
     
Information about Trustees and Officers
 
62
     
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
 
65
     
Notice to Shareholders
 
68
     
Liquidity Risk Management Program
 
69
     
Privacy Notice
 
70



Dear Shareholder:
 
Markets moved higher towards the end of 2022 and into 2023. Strong economic data, tentative signs of easing inflationary pressures, an improving energy outlook in Europe, and China’s exit from its zero-COVID regime bolstered investor sentiment.
 
After the U.S. regional banking turmoil in March, investors began to anticipate a more benign interest rate environment, and rushed out of financials and into growth stocks, which also surged amid artificial intelligence (AI) enthusiasm. A continuation of strong economic data in the U.S. perpetuated the rally in domestic markets, which shifted into overdrive, as mega-cap growth stocks powered forward due to extreme AI hype.
 
Investors’ moods soured in the third quarter on recession and rate concerns, only to abruptly reverse course in the last few weeks of the year, as signs of easing inflation and a potential end to the rate hike cycle boosted confidence in a soft landing. Meanwhile, Chinese equities declined throughout 2023 due to a tepid post-lockdown rebound in consumer spending, soft exports, and manufacturing data – partially stemming from weakness in Europe – as well as the nation’s well-documented property malaise, all of which contributed to Chinese equities posting a double-digit percentage decline, the MSCI China Index was down -14.12% during the 12-months ended February 29th, 2024.
 
Against this backdrop, value stocks were up during the 12-months ended February 29th, 2024, but growth stocks led value in most markets throughout the period.
 
2023 was certainly a strong year for equities across most styles, market caps, and geographies. However, when we look at the bellwether large-cap U.S. and global indices, most of the gains were attributed to the performance of a handful of mega-cap glamour names, including the Magnificent Seven: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla. In fact, the market’s (Russell 1000 Index) 26.53% rally in 2023 was particularly narrow. Remarkably, 62% of the market’s performance came from just 10 stocks, versus a 42% historic average contribution from the top 10 contributors. Furthermore, slightly more than half of the returns of the top 10 index contributors were generated by multiple expansion historically; in 2023, it was over 70%. It’s important to remember that extreme multiple expansion has never been a reliable and sustainable contributor to long-term performance, accounting for less than 10% of historical market gains.
 
With our extensive history as disciplined, patient value investors, we are once again comfortable eschewing the mega-cap growth darlings due to their frothy valuations. Instead, we have found good companies among the cheapest quintile, which have delivered significantly better returns over the long term and are trading at a slight discount to their long-term average price-to-earnings ratio. Less cheap stocks are trading at a slight premium, while the median quintile is trading at a 20+% premium.
 
Please take a few minutes to read the fund commentaries on the following pages, where our portfolio management teams review investment decisions and current positioning, providing insight into recent performance.
 
If you have questions about your Pzena Fund’s portfolio, please get in touch with your advisor or a member of our team of registered representatives.
 
We thank you for investing with us. As always, we are committed to our philosophy of value investing with a long-term outlook.
 
Best regards,
 
Pzena Investment Management, LLC
 

 
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Index performance is not indicative of fund performance. One cannot invest directly in an index.
 
Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.
 
The Russell 1000 Index is a stock market index that tracks the highest-ranking 1,000 stocks in the Russell 3000 Index, which represent about 93% of the total market capitalization of that index. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 
The MSCI China Index captures large and mid cap representation across China A shares, H shares, B shares, Red chips, P chips and foreign listings (e.g. ADRs). With 704 constituents, the index covers about 85% of this China equity universe.  The index cannot be invested in directly.
 
Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
 


1

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2024

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT

 
 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024.
 
           
Since
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Five
Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
Years
(3/31/2014)
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVMX)
  9.64%
11.57%
10.95%
  9.96%
12.20%
8.86%
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZIMX)
  9.73%
11.77%
11.37%
10.39%
12.63%
9.22%
Russell Midcap® Value Index
10.92%
  9.49%
10.87%
  6.80%
  8.94%
8.09%

(1)
Not annualized.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996).
 
PZIMX Expense Ratio: Gross: 0.98%, Net: 0.90%*
PZVMX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.33%, Net: 1.25%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s prospectus dated June 28, 2023.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least 6/28/2024. Therefore, the effective fee to investors will be reduced versus the actual fee for the Fund.


After a strong start to the year, uncertainty around the failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) led to a pullback in the market and a flight to the perceived safety of tech stocks in March. During the second quarter, a continuation of strong economic data in the U.S. perpetuated the rally in domestic markets, which went into overdrive as mega-cap growth stocks powered forward amid extreme AI hype.
 
In the latter half of 2023, equity markets vacillated as the focus was on the path of interest rates, inflation, and the likelihood of a domestic recession. Ultimately, markets were markedly higher for the year, as investor sentiment grew positive at the end of the year, with markets expecting rate cuts and a soft landing for the U.S. economy in 2024.
 
Amidst this backdrop, the Fund rose alongside the Russell Midcap Value Index during the 12 months ended February 29, 2024, and U.S. value stocks generally posted strong returns for the period.
 
Industrials and consumer discretionary were the two main contributing sectors. Gap Inc., owner of Old Navy, Athleta,
 

2

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2024

Banana Republic, and Gap, rose markedly on a string of strong earnings reports. Additionally, Old Navy comparable sales turned positive for the first time in over two years, while margins expanded on lower commodity costs and less promotional activity. Shares of PVH, owner of Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, were strong during the period. The company demonstrated tangible progress on its self-help plan, as evidenced by strong margin performance in North America – historically its most challenging region. Door and window manufacturer JELD-WEN was up, as margins came in ahead of expectations – a reflection of self-help initiatives bearing fruit.
 
Only consumer discretionary and information technology holdings detracted as a group from absolute performance. Consumer products company Newell Brands was the largest individual detractor, with shares falling on weaker results, which led to reduced guidance and a dividend cut. More specifically, the company has been suffering from foreign exchange headwinds, elevated inflation, and inventory destocking at its end customers. We anticipate continued cost cutting and brand rationalization to bolster margins as Newell’s end markets come back into balance. Financial services holding KeyCorp was one of the largest detractors given the broad-based decline of financials in March 2023. Although we did not own any of the failed banks, fear of contagion impacted our investments in financials broadly – specifically in regional banks. We viewed KeyCorp as different than its failed peers, with its smaller securities portfolio, broader lending base, and more than half of its deposits Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured and well-diversified. However, to further diversify our risk, we trimmed the position and reallocated the proceeds into Comerica, a U.S. commercial bank. Oil servicer NOV gave up some ground on moderating oil prices and concerns over economic growth during the year.
 
Among the new positions added to the Fund were Baxter (BAX), a global medical products company, hospital group Universal Health Services, and Acuity Brands, a supplier of lighting fixtures. BAX has seen an outsized impact from higher commodity prices and supply chain disruptions, given the nature of the products it manufactures. We believe that the margin pressure should abate as inflation normalizes and the company is able to exert its pricing power when it renegotiates major contracts starting in 2024. Universal Health Services is the owner and operator of inpatient behavioral health facilities in the U.S. The company’s margins have suffered from rising costs due to post-COVID labor shortages and increased physician group subsidies from the No Surprises Act. We expect margin headwinds to improve as reimbursement rates reset to reflect the labor cost inflation. Acuity stock has underperformed, as lighting shipments have been challenged due to chip shortages, while management’s outlook dimmed on weak nonresidential construction spending data. We believe the company is well-positioned for the easing of supply tightness and the recovery of demand.
 
We exited a number of positions during the period, including aerial work platform manufacturer Terex, and footwear company Skechers, both on valuation.
 
Despite the year’s solid performance, valuations remain attractive in the Fund, which is most exposed to the financials and consumer discretionary sectors.
 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in mid-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund emphasizes a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that valuations never improve or that returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
The Pzena Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The Russell Midcap® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell Mid Cap® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


3

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Commentary
February 2024

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT

 
 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024.
 
           
Since
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Five
Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
Years
(3/31/2014)
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund –
           
  Investor Class (PZVEX)
3.50%
3.33%
15.92%
 3.96%
5.76%
3.97%
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund –
           
  Institutional Class (PZIEX)
3.56%
3.56%
16.32%
 4.32%
6.12%
4.30%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
3.80%
4.93%
  8.73%
-6.30%
1.89%
2.72%
MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index
5.65%
7.23%
12.90%
-1.08%
1.90%
2.06%

(1)
Not annualized.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996).
 
PZIEX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.16%, Net: 1.09%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 1.08%*
PZVEX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.51%, Net: 1.44%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 1.43%*
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least 6/28/2024. Therefore, the effective fee to investors will be reduced versus the actual fee for the Fund. The Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) expense ratio listed above reflects the effective reduced net fee ratio through at least 6/28/2024.


After moving higher at the beginning of 2023 on the back of China’s reopening, emerging markets spent much of the trailing 12 months moving up and down and, ultimately, ended the period higher. Emerging markets were largely unscathed by the banking turmoil which reverberated through equity markets in the U.S. and Europe in March. Chinese equities declined throughout 2023 due to a tepid post-lockdown rebound in consumer spending, soft exports, and manufacturing data – partially stemming from weakness in Europe – as well as the nation’s well-documented property malaise, all of which contributed to China posting a double digit-percentage decline during the period, the MSCI China Index was down -14.12%. While concerns over the Chinese economy are certainly at the forefront of investors’ minds, many other emerging markets, across Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, posted strong returns. In this environment, value stocks have managed to outperform their growth peers.
 

4

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2024

The Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund rose and outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index significantly for the 12-month period ended February 29, 2024. The largest contributing sectors were information technology, financials, and health care while real estate, communication services, and materials were the only sectors to detract from performance. By country, Taiwan, Korea, and Brazil were the largest contributors, while China, South Africa, and Hong Kong detracted the most.
 
Among individual names, Shriram Finance, Aurobindo Pharma, and Lite-On Technology were the strongest Fund performers.
 
Shares in Indian non-bank financial company Shriram Finance re-rated after the closure of a merger and the lifting of an overhang from two selling private equity shareholders. Indian generic drug manufacturer Aurobindo was higher after posting a strong earnings report and continued growth in its U.S. oral solids business. Taiwanese electronics maker Lite-On rose along with the wider tech sector on AI enthusiasm.
 
The Fund’s largest detractors were China Overseas Land & Investment, Sasol, and Alibaba Group.
 
Shares of China Overseas Land & Investment, the large partially state-owned homebuilder, declined on continued Chinese macro weakness and tepid home sales. South African energy and chemical company Sasol’s shares declined as oil prices moderated during the period, and the company managed through coal quality issues in their mining operations. Chinese tech giant Alibaba recently reported earnings that beat expectations. However, shares have been weak on macro sentiment and the cancelation of the anticipated spinoff of its cloud business due to the impact of the U.S. chip ban.
 
We added a number of names to the portfolio, including Haier Smart Home, China Merchants Bank, and WH Group. Haier Smart Home is one of the big 3 home appliance manufacturers in China with leading positions in air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. While there are concerns around the property market in China, demand for Haier is primarily driven by appliance replacement and should therefore be more stable; the company is also set-up well to take share in North America after acquiring and turning around the GE brand. China Merchants Bank is a retail bank in China with a solid deposit franchise due to its strong wealth management and asset management businesses. Shares were cheap given weaker Chinese macro depressing loan demand. WH Group is the world’s largest pork company with leading market share in both China and the U.S. The pork industry is experiencing its worst year ever due to industry overcapacity and while it may take a few years, we anticipate WH Group’s Packaged Meats segment will sustain strong performance, particularly in China where WH Group is larger than its next ten competitors combined.
 
We exited several positions during the year, including recent outperformer Lite-On, along with Elite Material, a Taiwanese producer of copper clad laminate (CCL), as both rose rapidly on AI-driven enthusiasm. We also sold out of Korean metals company POSCO, on recent strength.
 
Recessionary fears, concerns over interest rates and inflation, and dispersion among countries and sectors all continue to create attractive investment opportunities for the Fund. We have found cheap company valuations when assessed against fundamentals and are excited by the opportunity set in emerging markets.
 
Our largest exposures are in financials and information technology. Asia constitutes the bulk of our portfolio with the largest weights in China and South Korea. We have a relative overweight to Brazil and China and a relative underweight to India.
 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The Fund emphasizes a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that valuations never improve or that returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
The Pzena Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets, and provides equity returns including dividends net of withholding tax rates as calculated by MSCI. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 
The MSCI Emerging Markets Value Index is based on a traditional market cap weighted parent index, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, 12-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


5

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2024

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT

 
 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024.
 
           
Since
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Five
Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
Years
(4/27/2016)
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVSX)
12.07%
11.99%
13.38%
  9.88%
10.03%
9.07%
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZISX)
12.10%
12.10%
13.74%
10.16%
10.30%
9.37%
Russell 2000® Value Index
10.85%
  7.70%
  5.61%
  2.49%
  6.62%
8.27%

(1)
Not annualized.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996).
 
PZISX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.18%, Net: 1.00%*
PZVSX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.53%, Net: 1.35%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s prospectus dated June 28, 2023.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least 6/28/2024. Therefore, the effective fee to investors will be reduced versus the actual fee for the Fund.


Small cap equities declined at the beginning of the period, as concerns over regional banks, and consequently broader economic fears, weighed on markets. Small caps continued their decline until June, when the cohort rebounded on continued strong U.S. economic data along with moderating inflation. In the latter half of the year, equity markets vacillated as the focus was on the path of interest rates, inflation, and the likelihood of a domestic recession. Ultimately, markets rose over the year, as investor sentiment grew positive at the end of 2023, with markets expecting rate cuts and a soft landing for the U.S. economy in 2024.
 
Large caps outperformed small caps and growth outperformed value during the period. Against this backdrop, the Fund rose significantly during the 12 months ended February 29, 2024, and handily outperformed the value benchmark.
 
Industrials and information technology holdings contributed to absolute performance and outperformance of the benchmark, while consumer discretionary holdings were also strong on an absolute basis. Financials, energy, and health care weighed on the Fund’s performance.
 
Individually, the Fund’s largest contributors were Steelcase, Celestica, and American Woodmark. Office furniture manufacturer
 

6

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2024

Steelcase was the top contributor as margins expanded despite end demand remaining weak. The office furniture market has consolidated, and the industry leaders have been responsible in increasing prices to offset cost inflation. Outsourced electronics manufacturer Celestica reported strong earnings during the period. Additionally, the company provided further disclosure which sheds light on the size of its AI-driven business. While not a high percentage of the company’s sales, this AI exposure drove the stock higher and created an opportunity for us to exit the position on strength. American Woodmark, the cabinetry manufacturer and distributor, reported strong earnings and guidance which was better than expected as the company manages through de-stocking by retailers. The company benefited from better mix and productivity improvements.
 
The largest detractors from Fund performance were TrueBlue, TriMas, and Univest Financial Corporation. Shares of staffing company TrueBlue fell after the company reported disappointing results and cut guidance. Revenue and earnings were weaker than expected given the slowdown in demand for U.S. industrial staffing. We continue to like the company’s strong balance sheet and flexible cost structure and believe the stock price overly discounts cyclical earnings pressures. Packaging, aerospace component, and specialty product manufacturer TriMas reported weaker than expected 2Q23 results. Continued softness in the Packaging segment more than offset strong growth in the other two businesses. Destocking at retailers has caused declining demand at consumer goods companies so these companies are reducing their inventory of packaging components, especially as lead times improve. Shares of Pennsylvania bank Univest Financial declined amid concerns over regional bank stability early in the period.
 
Two positions that were added to the Fund during the past year were Resideo Technologies and Korn Ferry. Resideo Technologies is a manufacturer and distributor of thermal, water, security, and energy products for residential end markets. After having spun out from Honeywell in 2018, Resideo remains a leading manufacturer of thermostats, along with other products, and has deep relationships with the contractors who control much of the market. Korn Ferry is an executive search firm with a strong consulting business. The company uses its strong C-suite and board relationships to cross-sell services and maintain tight relationships with companies. The stock has traded down on concerns that parts of the business were performing above-trend, but the company has a strong net-cash balance sheet to work through any weakness, and the stock more than discounts these concerns, in our view.
 
We exited Terex, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms, and outsourced electronics manufacturer Celestica, both on recent strength.
 
Overall positioning remains focused on holdings of strong businesses with healthy balance sheets that are executing on their individual business strategies to deliver value to their shareholders. The Fund remains positioned toward more economically sensitive and cyclical names, as valuations remain quite attractive.
 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in small-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The Fund emphasizes a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
The Pzena Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


7

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary
February 2024

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT


 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024.
 
           
Since
 
Three
Six
One
Three
Five
Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
Years
Years
(7/2/2018)
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund –
           
  Investor Class (PZVIX)
3.86%
4.72%
7.87%
 8.43%
6.58%
4.35%
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund –
           
  Institutional Class (PZIIX)
3.89%
4.83%
8.18%
 8.74%
6.87%
4.63%
MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap Index
5.63%
4.17%
5.72%
-1.53%
4.54%
2.81%
MSCI World ex-USA Small Cap Value Index
4.77%
4.40%
6.21%
 1.65%
4.64%
3.08%

(1)
Not annualized.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996).
 
PZIIX Expense Ratio: Gross: 2.52%, Net: 1.18%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 1.17%*
PZVIX Expense Ratio: Gross: 2.87%, Net: 1.53%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 1.52%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s prospectus dated June 28, 2023.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least 6/28/2024. Therefore, the effective fee to investors will be reduced versus the actual fee for the Fund. The Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) expense ratio listed above reflects the effective reduced net fee ratio through at least 6/28/2024.


Equity markets outside the U.S. were up, as Europe continued its recovery from 2022’s extreme recession scenario that did not materialize. International small cap stocks surged at the end of 2023, as global inflation fears abated. The Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund rose significantly and outperformed the MSCI World ex U.S.A. Small Cap Index during the 12 months ended February 29, 2024, as expectations for a global recession in 2024 reversed and leading economic indicators improved in Europe.
 
The Fund’s financials, industrials, and information technology holdings contributed most to performance. The top individual performers in the period were Sabre Insurance Group, Elite
 

8

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2024

Material, and BPER Banca. UK specialty auto insurer Sabre Insurance Group led the gains as the turnaround in the UK motor market continued apace, with further evidence of policy pricing catching up to historic claims inflation. Elite Material, the Taiwanese producer of copper clad laminate (CCL) which is used in the manufacture of circuit boards, rose along with the wider tech sector on AI enthusiasm. The company also reported a strong earnings beat driven mainly by AI server CCLs. These CCLs generate a much higher gross margin than traditional server CCLs. Italian lender BPER Banca was higher on rate increases during the year, and robust net interest margin forecasts.
 
On the other side of the ledger, consumer staples was the only sector to detract from performance. The largest detractors from the Fund’s performance in the period were ams-OSRAM, Origin Enterprises, and Duerr AG. German sensor and light manufacturer ams-OSRAM cut guidance after cancelling a major microLED project after a large prospective customer withdrawal. The project involved a large amount of capital expenditure, but was also a significant potential future growth driver for the company. We are evaluating the implications of the project cancellation before deciding what to do with the position. Irish agriculture services business Origin Enterprises was negatively impacted by unfavorable weather in the UK and Ireland. Duerr, industrial equipment and engineering & construction company primarily serving auto manufacturers with painting, assembly, and inspection systems, and wood product fabricators, declined as margins within the auto segment declined. One-time employee inflation payments impacted margins, as did startup costs for new projects.
 
New positions included Ibstock Plc, and Signify NV. Ibstock is one of three companies that control the UK brick market. The controversy is linked to deteriorating housing market fundamentals, pulling housing starts down dramatically in a country that remains structurally undersupplied. We added Signify, a global lighting solutions provider, on weakness stemming from a slowdown in construction activity. We believe Signify’s acquisition of Cooper Lighting should materially enhance its competitive position in North America while realizing cost synergies.
 
Among the positions exited this year were Korean tire producer Hankook, and Korean insurer DB Insurance, both on recent strength.
 
The Fund remains a collection of idiosyncratic investment opportunities trading at what we believe are extremely large discounts to intrinsic value. While macroeconomic expectations may be changing, we believe that the Fund’s holdings are mostly a function of company-specific factors and not broad market forces.
 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in small-cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund may invest in securities which are less liquid and more difficult to sell than more liquid securities. The Fund emphasizes a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that valuations never improve or that returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
The Pzena Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information.
 
The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
The MSCI World ex-U.S.A. Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries* (excluding the United States). The index covers approximately 14% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. *DM countries in this index include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


9

Pzena International Value Fund
Commentary
February 2024

CHANGE IN VALUE OF $1,000,000 INVESTMENT


 
Average Annual Total Returns for the Fiscal Year Ended February 29, 2024.

       
Since
 
Three
Six
One
Inception
 
Months(1)
Months(1)
Year
(6/28/2021)
Pzena International Value Fund – Investor Class (PZVNX)
3.02%
-0.17%
  5.41%
0.79%
Pzena International Value Fund – Institutional Class (PZINX)
3.14%
-0.05%
  5.75%
1.04%
MSCI EAFE Index
7.86%
 9.23%
14.41%
1.78%
MSCI EAFE Value Index
5.00%
 7.42%
12.12%
4.08%

(1)
Not annualized.

Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 844.PZN.1996 (844.796.1996).
 
PZINX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.49%, Net: 0.75%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 0.74%*
PZVNX Expense Ratio: Gross: 1.84%, Net: 1.10%, Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses): 1.09%*
 
Expense ratios shown are as of the Fund’s prospectus dated June 28, 2023.
 
*
Pzena Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least 6/28/2024. Therefore, the effective fee to investors will be reduced versus the actual fee for the Fund. The Net (ex-Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) expense ratio listed above reflects the effective reduced net fee ratio through at least 6/28/2024.


Markets moved higher in the first quarter of 2023, following a powerful recovery in the fourth quarter of 2022, as investors reacted positively to tentative signs of easing inflationary pressures, an improving energy outlook in Europe, and China’s exit from the zero-COVID regime. After the banking turmoil in March, investors began to anticipate a more benign interest rate environment and rushed out of financials and into growth stocks. In the aftermath, equity markets outside the U.S. vacillated, as Europe continued its recovery from the high energy costs experienced in 2022 but weaker economic data persisted. More recently, markets rose as investors considered falling inflation indicators and the potential for interest rates to decline sooner than previously expected. Ultimately, equities rose markedly during the period. Against this backdrop, value stocks slightly outperformed growth stocks over the trailing 12 months.
 
The Fund rose during the period but lagged the MSCI EAFE Value Index and MSCI EAFE Index. Health care, real estate,
 

10

Pzena International Value Fund
Commentary (Continued)
February 2024

and communication services names detracted while holdings in industrials, financials, and consumer discretionary added most to performance.
 
German pharmaceutical and crop science company Bayer AG fell as a result of losing a number of glyphosate lawsuits. We believe these negative developments are more than priced into the stock and that Bayer has conservatively provisioned for potential glyphosate litigation payouts. Shares of Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment gave up some ground amid concerns over Chinese macroeconomic weakness, having previously surged as Macau fully reopened for tourism. Swiss private bank Julius Baer declined after booking provisions related to its loan book exposure to troubled real estate group Signa.
 
German commercial truck manufacturer Daimler Truck rose towards the end of the period along with other cyclical stocks on improving interest rate cut expectations and their strong truck orders. German chemical producer Covestro was strong on news of a potential acquisition. Swiss wealth manager and lender UBS Group rose because of further clarity surrounding the Credit Suisse integration along with a solid earnings report. UBS voluntarily terminated the loss protection agreement and liquidity backstop it had with the Swiss government, signaling confidence in the health of the Credit Suisse assets.
 
During the year, we initiated several positions, including Teleperformance, Medtronic and Olympus Corp. Teleperformance is a leading outsourced customer experience provider based in Europe. The market is worried about normalization of the COVID benefit and the emergence of generative AI. We believe that the normalization of COVID-driven volumes is largely complete, and the market is overestimating the threat of AI to an already complex customer experience landscape. Medtronic is the largest standalone medical devices company in the world with leading positions across several high barriers-to-entry categories. COVID-related supply chain issues and missteps in its diabetes franchise have weighed down shares. Olympus is the largest manufacturer of gastrointestinal scopes in the world in a relatively consolidated market. The company needs to address FDA warning letters regarding its testing and documentation deficiencies and presents a significant cost reduction opportunity.
 
We exited a number of positions – among them were online travel agency Trip.com, advertising agency Publicis, and Samsung Electronics, all on valuation.
 
The Fund is still exposed to businesses in recovery mode, albeit now less tilted toward energy. We remain overweight in financials and consumer discretionary, overweight in Europe and the UK, and underweight in Japan and Australia. Though the Fund remains heavily exposed to the more cyclical end of the market, the diversity of exposure by sector is at the high end compared to the last few years.
 


Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund may have emphasis on a specific sector which could adversely affect a fund to a greater extent than if its emphasis was less. The Fund emphasizes a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that valuations never improve or that returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
The Pzena Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.
 
Fund holdings, exposures and characteristics are as of the date shown and are subject to change at any time. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for more information. The opinions expressed in this letter are those of the Fund manager, are subject to change, are not guaranteed, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
 
MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. & Canada, and provides equity returns including dividends net of withholding tax rates as calculated by MSCI. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 
MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada, and provides equity returns including dividends net of withholding tax rates as calculated by MSCI. The index targets 50% coverage of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of the MSCI EAFE Index. The index cannot be invested in directly.
 


11

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

          

 

 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 29, 2024.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 




12

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 99.0%
           
             
Basic Materials – 7.0%
           
Dow, Inc.
   
108,414
   
$
6,058,175
 
Olin Corp.
   
78,294
     
4,212,217
 
             
10,270,392
 
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 19.0%
               
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
   
47,816
     
3,229,493
 
Dollar General Corp.
   
26,968
     
3,918,720
 
Gap, Inc.
   
131,195
     
2,484,833
 
Gildan Activewear, Inc.
   
92,471
     
3,220,765
 
Lear Corp.
   
38,836
     
5,334,125
 
Magna International, Inc.
   
70,178
     
3,868,211
 
Newell Brands, Inc.
   
266,306
     
1,997,295
 
PVH Corp.
   
28,968
     
3,959,056
 
             
28,012,498
 
                 
Consumer Staples – 2.6%
               
Tyson Foods, Inc. – Class A
   
69,462
     
3,767,619
 
                 
Energy – 1.7%
               
NOV, Inc.
   
146,001
     
2,467,417
 
                 
Financials – 25.5% (a)
               
Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd.
   
44,448
     
2,781,111
 
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
   
163,645
     
4,367,685
 
Comerica, Inc.
   
27,060
     
1,336,223
 
Corebridge Financial, Inc.
   
100,893
     
2,505,173
 
Equitable Holdings, Inc.
   
125,021
     
4,280,719
 
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
   
59,978
     
3,033,687
 
Fifth Third Bancorp
   
99,320
     
3,410,649
 
Globe Life, Inc.
   
27,233
     
3,456,685
 
Invesco, Ltd.
   
95,290
     
1,468,419
 
KeyCorp
   
130,835
     
1,867,016
 
MetLife, Inc.
   
31,649
     
2,207,201
 
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.
   
20,456
     
3,617,644
 
Voya Financial, Inc.
   
47,312
     
3,234,248
 
             
37,566,460
 
                 
Health Care – 12.0%
               
Baxter International, Inc.
   
144,363
     
5,907,334
 
Fresenius Medical
               
  Care AG & Co. KGaA – ADR
   
178,797
     
3,434,690
 
Henry Schein, Inc. (b)
   
47,888
     
3,661,995
 
Universal Health Services, Inc. – Class B
   
27,781
     
4,641,094
 
             
17,645,113
 
                 
Industrials – 14.3%
               
Acuity Brands, Inc.
   
22,378
     
5,622,249
 
Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd. (b)
   
83,054
     
2,718,357
 
Capital One Financial Corp.
   
22,624
     
3,113,289
 
Global Payments, Inc.
   
25,146
     
3,261,436
 
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (b)
   
199,405
     
3,629,171
 
Mohawk Industries, Inc. (b)
   
22,587
     
2,679,270
 
             
21,023,772
 
                 
Technology – 14.5%
               
Avnet, Inc.
   
78,704
     
3,666,819
 
Cognizant Technology Solutions
               
  Corp. – Class A
   
46,993
     
3,713,387
 
Concentrix Corp.
   
32,707
     
2,369,622
 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
   
13,155
     
1,681,998
 
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
   
25,428
     
2,667,906
 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.
   
68,168
     
4,346,392
 
TE Connectivity, Ltd.
   
19,843
     
2,848,661
 
             
21,294,785
 
                 
Utilities – 2.4%
               
Edison International
   
51,193
     
3,482,148
 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $121,040,220)
           
145,530,204
 
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 0.0%
               
                 
Money Market Fund – 0.0%
               
Fidelity Institutional
               
  Government Portfolio –
               
  Institutional Class, 5.20% (c)
   
476
     
476
 
Total Short-Term Investment
               
  (Cost $476)
           
476
 
Total Investments – 99.0%
               
  (Cost $121,040,696)
           
145,530,680
 
Other Assets in
               
  Excess of Liabilities – 1.0%
           
1,495,307
 
Total Net Assets – 100.00%
         
$
147,025,987
 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR
 
American Depositary Receipt
AG
 
Aktiengesellschaft
KGaA
 
Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
(a)
 
To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in a particular industry or sector of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those industries or sectors.
(b)
 
Non-income producing security.
(c)
 
The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized yield as of February 29, 2024.


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

13

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

             
 

 
 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 29, 2024.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 




14

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 88.7%
           
             
Brazil – 7.9%
           
Ambev S.A.
   
17,385,000
   
$
44,169,811
 
Banco do Brasil S.A.
   
2,566,300
     
29,926,658
 
Natura & Co. Holding S.A. (a)
   
4,483,300
     
14,664,452
 
Neoenergia S.A.
   
3,659,350
     
15,966,547
 
Vale S.A.
   
1,708,900
     
23,049,576
 
             
127,777,044
 
                 
China – 23.8%
               
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.
   
4,995,000
     
46,508,142
 
Baidu, Inc. – Class A (a)
   
1,211,650
     
15,405,806
 
Baidu, Inc. – Class A, ADR (a)
   
134,228
     
13,601,323
 
Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof
               
  Technology Co., Ltd. – Class A
   
5,874,966
     
14,104,982
 
Brilliance China Automotive
               
  Holdings, Ltd.
   
12,636,000
     
7,343,228
 
China Merchants
               
  Bank Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
6,940,000
     
27,079,252
 
China Overseas Land &
               
  Investment, Ltd.
   
26,925,118
     
40,029,168
 
CIMC Enric Holdings, Ltd.
   
11,310,000
     
9,129,472
 
GF Securities Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
15,409,400
     
16,610,938
 
Haier Smart
               
  Home Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
12,370,600
     
37,761,969
 
Lenovo Group, Ltd.
   
11,068,000
     
12,256,154
 
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of
               
  China, Ltd. – A Shares
   
625,800
     
3,732,224
 
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of
               
  China, Ltd. – H Shares
   
3,981,000
     
17,847,002
 
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.
   
800,100
     
28,327,188
 
Trip.com Group, Ltd. – ADR (a)
   
596,019
     
26,504,965
 
Weichai Power Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
21,396,000
     
42,084,220
 
Zhejiang Longsheng
               
  Group Co., Ltd. – A Shares
   
18,744,605
     
22,306,165
 
ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. – ADR
   
252,960
     
4,854,302
 
             
385,486,500
 
                 
Hong Kong – 7.4%
               
Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.
   
5,208,000
     
28,436,299
 
Man Wah Holdings, Ltd.
   
26,254,245
     
17,068,026
 
Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd.
   
116,037,000
     
33,938,914
 
WH Group, Ltd.
   
53,486,700
     
32,244,361
 
Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings), Ltd.
   
7,769,500
     
8,147,084
 
             
119,834,684
 
                 
Hungary – 1.9%
               
OTP Bank PLC
   
642,186
     
30,789,811
 
                 
India – 5.8%
               
Aurobindo Pharma, Ltd.
   
1,093,712
     
13,561,218
 
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
   
649,925
     
7,251,240
 
HDFC Bank, Ltd.
   
1,710,161
     
28,945,351
 
ICICI Bank, Ltd.
   
270,321
     
3,430,350
 
Shriram Finance, Ltd.
   
1,371,222
     
40,328,186
 
             
93,516,345
 
                 
Indonesia – 1.8%
               
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk
   
75,877,000
     
29,573,441
 
                 
Peru – 2.0%
               
Credicorp, Ltd.
   
191,362
     
32,699,939
 
                 
Republic of Korea – 12.5%
               
DB Insurance Co., Ltd.
   
451,126
     
33,471,950
 
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.
   
1,155,837
     
47,045,934
 
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
   
83,805
     
15,261,875
 
KB Financial Group, Inc.
   
345,550
     
16,478,240
 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
   
975,412
     
53,766,327
 
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.
   
692,900
     
22,661,306
 
WONIK IPS Co., Ltd.
   
609,114
     
15,003,709
 
             
203,689,341
 
                 
Romania – 0.5%
               
Banca Transilvania S.A.
   
1,422,694
     
8,044,024
 
                 
Russian Federation – 0.0%
               
Sberbank of Russia
               
  PJSC – ADR (a)(b)
   
408,511
     
4,085
 
                 
Singapore – 1.8%
               
Wilmar International, Ltd.
   
11,731,900
     
28,947,202
 
                 
South Africa – 1.6%
               
Sasol, Ltd.
   
3,451,936
     
26,047,899
 
                 
Taiwan – 9.0%
               
Compal Electronics, Inc.
   
8,441,161
     
9,747,145
 
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
   
16,304,132
     
53,127,243
 
Taiwan Semiconductor
               
  Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
   
2,632,000
     
57,453,614
 
Taiwan Semiconductor
               
  Manufacturing Co., Ltd. – ADR
   
22,033
     
2,834,986
 
United Integrated Services Co., Ltd.
   
2,454,000
     
22,785,840
 
             
145,948,828
 


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

15

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 88.6% (Continued)
           
             
Thailand – 4.6%
           
Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd.
   
5,942,700
   
$
23,528,883
 
Bangkok Bank
               
  Public Co., Ltd. – NVDR
   
1,690,200
     
6,739,122
 
Indorama Ventures PCL – NVDR
   
22,325,900
     
14,504,209
 
SCB X PCL – NVDR
   
9,438,800
     
30,594,187
 
             
75,366,401
 
                 
Turkey – 0.9%
               
Akbank T.A.S.
   
11,686,689
     
15,559,052
 
                 
United Arab Emirates – 1.6%
               
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC
   
11,089,806
     
25,875,560
 
                 
United Kingdom – 1.0%
               
Standard Chartered PLC
   
1,887,322
     
15,904,774
 
                 
United States – 2.7%
               
Cognizant Technology
               
 Solutions Corp. – Class A
   
486,536
     
38,446,075
 
Flex, Ltd. (a)
   
198,130
     
5,577,359
 
             
44,023,434
 
                 
Vietnam – 1.9%
               
Vietnam Dairy Products JSC
   
10,363,300
     
30,270,085
 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $1,361,791,880)
           
1,439,358,449
 
                 
PREFERRED STOCKS – 4.3%
               
                 
Brazil – 4.3%
               
Cia Energetica de
               
  Minas Gerais, 10.88%
   
13,263,310
     
31,830,236
 
Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., 6.84%
   
2,406,043
     
16,412,649
 
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., 7.85%
   
2,683,200
     
21,622,778
 
Total Preferred Stocks
               
  (Cost $52,536,735)
           
69,865,663
 
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 3.8%
               
                 
Money Market Fund – 3.8%
               
Fidelity Institutional
               
  Government Portfolio –
               
  Institutional Class, 5.20% (c)
   
61,456,925
     
61,456,925
 
Total Short-Term Investment
               
  (Cost $61,456,925)
           
61,456,925
 
Total Investments – 96.8%
               
  (Cost $1,475,785,540)
           
1,570,681,037
 
Other Assets in
               
  Excess of Liabilities – 3.2%
           
51,387,263
 
Total Net Assets – 100.00%
         
$
1,622,068,300
 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

ADR
 
American Depositary Receipt
JSC
 
Joint Stock Company
NVDR
 
Non-Voting Depositary Receipt
PJSC
 
Private Joint Stock Company
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
S.A.
 
Société Anonyme
T.A.S.
 
Turk Anonim Şirketi
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established by and under the supervision of the Adviser, acting as Valuation Designee. These securities represented $4,085 or 0.0% of net assets as of February 29, 2024.
(c)
 
The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized yield as of February 29, 2024.


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

16

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Portfolio Diversification
February 29, 2024

   
Fair
   
% of
   
Value
   
Net Assets
COMMON STOCKS
               
Communication Services
 
$
57,334,317
     
3.5
%
 
Consumer Discretionary
   
234,077,522
     
14.4
%
 
Consumer Staples
   
150,295,911
     
9.3
%
 
Financials
   
459,824,335
     
28.3
%
 
Health Care
   
20,812,458
     
1.3
%
 
Industrials
   
112,792,748
     
6.9
%
 
Information Technology
   
248,212,612
     
15.3
%
 
Materials
   
100,012,831
     
6.2
%
 
Real Estate
   
40,029,168
     
2.5
%
 
Utilities
   
15,966,547
     
1.0
%
 
Total Common Stocks
   
1,439,358,449
     
88.7
%
 
                   
PREFERRED STOCKS
                 
Energy
   
21,622,778
     
1.3
%
 
Financials
   
16,412,649
     
1.0
%
 
Utilities
   
31,830,236
     
2.0
%
 
Total Preferred Stocks
   
69,865,663
     
4.3
%
 
Short-Term Investment
   
61,456,925
     
3.8
%
 
Total Investments
   
1,570,681,037
     
96.8
%
 
Other Assets in
                 
  Excess of Liabilities
   
51,387,263
     
3.2
%
 
Total Net Assets
 
$
1,622,068,300
     
100.0
%
 

Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by Pzena Investment Management, LLC.
 


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

17

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

           
 

 
 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 29, 2024.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 




18

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 96.4%
           
             
Basic Materials – 7.2%
           
Koppers Holdings, Inc.
   
12,243
   
$
693,199
 
Olin Corp.
   
29,778
     
1,602,056
 
Orion S.A.
   
58,566
     
1,320,078
 
             
3,615,333
 
                 
Consumer Discretionary – 19.4%
               
Adient PLC (a)
   
36,711
     
1,245,971
 
Advance Auto Parts, Inc.
   
12,125
     
818,922
 
Dana, Inc.
   
73,035
     
912,937
 
Gap, Inc.
   
45,770
     
866,884
 
Genesco, Inc. (a)
   
14,584
     
465,521
 
Hooker Furnishings Corp.
   
23,915
     
586,157
 
Interface, Inc.
   
70,280
     
1,104,801
 
Newell Brands, Inc.
   
86,731
     
650,483
 
PVH Corp.
   
9,671
     
1,321,736
 
Steelcase, Inc. – Class A
   
122,328
     
1,680,787
 
             
9,654,199
 
                 
Consumer Staples – 5.9%
               
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
   
13,241
     
1,064,841
 
Universal Corp.
   
22,839
     
1,096,500
 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (a)
   
16,607
     
801,454
 
             
2,962,795
 
                 
Energy – 5.7%
               
MRC Global, Inc. (a)
   
157,449
     
1,815,387
 
NOV, Inc.
   
61,483
     
1,039,063
 
             
2,854,450
 
                 
Financials – 20.4%
               
Associated Banc-Corp.
   
57,537
     
1,199,071
 
Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd.
   
23,923
     
1,496,862
 
CNO Financial Group, Inc.
   
69,462
     
1,853,941
 
Columbia Banking System, Inc.
   
44,857
     
811,912
 
Old National Bancorp of Indiana
   
77,010
     
1,265,274
 
Synovus Financial Corp.
   
18,040
     
684,437
 
Univest Financial Corp.
   
33,930
     
679,279
 
Webster Financial Corp.
   
25,762
     
1,227,302
 
WSFS Financial Corp.
   
22,040
     
934,275
 
             
10,152,353
 
                 
Health Care – 1.7%
               
Phibro Animal Health Corp. – Class A
   
34,533
     
446,512
 
Varex Imaging Corp. (a)
   
23,184
     
398,765
 
             
845,277
 
                 
Industrials – 30.2% (b)
               
American Woodmark Corp. (a)
   
10,560
     
1,058,534
 
Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd. (a)
   
29,079
     
951,756
 
Belden, Inc.
   
16,238
     
1,383,153
 
Bread Financial Holdings, Inc.
   
15,549
     
595,216
 
GMS, Inc. (a)
   
12,721
     
1,136,112
 
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (a)
   
72,571
     
1,320,792
 
Korn Ferry
   
23,845
     
1,517,973
 
Masonite International Corp. (a)
   
14,282
     
1,860,088
 
Masterbrand, Inc. (a)
   
49,865
     
863,163
 
Resideo Technologies, Inc. (a)
   
79,427
     
1,773,605
 
REV Group, Inc.
   
25,489
     
526,093
 
TriMas Corp.
   
54,823
     
1,288,340
 
TrueBlue, Inc. (a)
   
67,333
     
791,163
 
             
15,065,988
 
                 
Real Estate – 0.4%
               
Marcus & Millichap, Inc.
   
4,800
     
176,112
 
                 
Technology – 5.5%
               
Avnet, Inc.
   
23,376
     
1,089,088
 
ScanSource, Inc. (a)
   
37,958
     
1,640,924
 
             
2,730,012
 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $43,038,889)
           
48,056,519
 
                 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST – 1.2%
               
                 
Real Estate – 1.2%
               
DiamondRock Hospitality Co.
   
66,333
     
623,530
 
Total Real Estate Investment Trust
               
  (Cost $594,493)
           
623,530
 


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

19

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 2.0%
           
             
Money Market Fund – 2.0%
           
Fidelity Institutional
           
  Government Portfolio –
           
  Institutional Class, 5.20% (c)
   
973,936
   
$
973,936
 
Total Short-Term Investment
               
  (Cost $973,936)
           
973,936
 
Total Investments – 99.6%
               
  (Cost $44,607,318)
           
49,653,985
 
Other Assets in
               
  Excess of Liabilities – 0.4%
           
191,989
 
Total Net Assets – 100.00%
         
$
49,845,974
 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

PLC
 
Public Limited Company
S.A.
 
Société Anonyme
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in a particular industry or sector of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those industries or sectors.
(c)
 
The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized yield as of February 29, 2024.



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

20

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

                 


 
 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 29, 2024.
 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 




21

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 94.9%
           
             
Australia – 2.5%
           
Elders, Ltd.
   
109,970
   
$
650,473
 
                 
Austria – 1.6%
               
ams-OSRAM AG (a)
   
277,632
     
422,876
 
                 
Canada – 5.3%
               
Linamar Corp.
   
11,814
     
578,187
 
Transcontinental, Inc. – Class A
   
77,823
     
822,298
 
             
1,400,485
 
                 
Finland – 2.5%
               
Nokian Renkaat Oyj
   
72,411
     
660,217
 
                 
France – 6.0%
               
Rexel S.A.
   
40,904
     
1,047,755
 
Societe BIC S.A.
   
7,340
     
529,930
 
             
1,577,685
 
                 
Germany – 1.6%
               
Deutz AG
   
42,968
     
266,797
 
Duerr AG
   
7,192
     
158,882
 
             
425,679
 
                 
Hong Kong – 5.8%
               
Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd.
   
1,716,000
     
501,902
 
VTech Holdings, Ltd.
   
98,300
     
568,117
 
Yue Yuen Industrial (Holdings), Ltd.
   
422,500
     
443,033
 
             
1,513,052
 
                 
Ireland – 9.9%
               
Bank of Ireland Group PLC
   
46,389
     
403,806
 
C&C Group PLC
   
430,216
     
778,755
 
Origin Enterprises PLC
   
269,375
     
921,460
 
Permanent TSB Group
               
  Holdings PLC (a)
   
290,557
     
493,034
 
             
2,597,055
 
                 
Israel – 1.7%
               
Ituran Location and Control, Ltd.
   
17,093
     
446,469
 
                 
Italy – 9.3%
               
Anima Holding S.p.A.
   
177,882
     
801,319
 
BPER Banca
   
198,755
     
796,102
 
Danieli & C Officine
               
  Meccaniche S.p.A.
   
33,826
     
835,377
 
             
2,432,798
 
                 
Japan – 23.2%
               
DIC Corp.
   
27,700
     
533,417
 
Foster Electric Co., Ltd.
   
90,534
     
724,658
 
Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.
   
25,600
     
663,223
 
Hokkoku Financial Holdings, Inc.
   
6,900
     
222,529
 
Kanto Denka Kogyo Co., Ltd.
   
115,100
     
697,110
 
Open House Group Co., Ltd.
   
7,200
     
226,777
 
Sankyu, Inc.
   
13,700
     
483,503
 
Sawai Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
   
17,100
     
655,165
 
Teijin, Ltd.
   
63,200
     
535,379
 
Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
   
18,400
     
598,933
 
Ube Industries, Ltd.
   
15,100
     
252,859
 
Zeon Corp.
   
57,000
     
482,857
 
             
6,076,410
 
                 
Netherlands – 4.1%
               
Flow Traders, Ltd.
   
11,063
     
198,843
 
Koninklijke BAM Groep N.V.
   
74,692
     
266,561
 
Signify N.V.
   
22,724
     
608,600
 
             
1,074,004
 
                 
Republic of Korea – 1.9%
               
WONIK IPS Co., Ltd.
   
20,096
     
495,005
 
                 
Spain – 4.5%
               
Cia de Distribucion Integral
               
  Logista Holdings S.A.
   
17,214
     
462,146
 
Unicaja Banco S.A.
   
689,508
     
703,861
 
             
1,166,007
 
                 
United Kingdom – 15.0%
               
Balfour Beatty PLC
   
92,508
     
396,329
 
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (a)
   
185,862
     
473,922
 
Ibstock PLC
   
382,704
     
780,190
 
Pennon Group PLC
   
53,621
     
447,744
 
Sabre Insurance Group PLC
   
387,675
     
770,261
 
Senior PLC
   
284,177
     
566,776
 
Travis Perkins PLC (a)
   
19,470
     
181,183
 
Wizz Air Holdings PLC (a)
   
11,774
     
317,610
 
             
3,934,015
 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $24,163,198)
           
24,872,230
 


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

22

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 5.0%
           
             
Money Market Fund – 5.0%
           
Fidelity Institutional
           
  Government Portfolio –
           
  Institutional Class, 5.20% (b)
   
1,318,091
   
$
1,318,091
 
Total Short-Term Investment
               
  (Cost $1,318,091)
           
1,318,091
 
Total Investments – 99.9%
               
  (Cost $25,481,289)
           
26,190,321
 
Other Assets in Excess
               
  of Liabilities – 0.1%
           
16,426
 
Total Net Assets – 100.00%
         
$
26,206,747
 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

AG
 
Aktiengesellschaft
N.V.
 
Naamloze Vennootschap
Oyj
 
Julkinen osakeyhtiö
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
S.A.
 
Société Anonyme
S.p.A
 
Società per Azioni
(a)
 
Non-income producing security.
(b)
 
The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized yield as of February 29, 2024.



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

23

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Portfolio Diversification
February 29, 2024

   
Fair
   
% of
   
Value
   
Net Assets
COMMON STOCKS
               
Consumer Discretionary
 
$
2,632,872
     
10.0
%
 
Consumer Staples
   
2,350,688
     
9.0
%
 
Financials
   
5,526,900
     
21.1
%
 
Health Care
   
655,165
     
2.5
%
 
Industrials
   
7,222,284
     
27.5
%
 
Information Technology
   
1,932,467
     
7.4
%
 
Materials
   
4,104,110
     
15.7
%
 
Utilities
   
447,744
     
1.7
%
 
Total Common Stocks
   
24,872,230
     
94.9
%
 
Short-Term Investment
   
1,318,091
     
5.0
%
 
Total Investments
   
26,190,321
     
99.9
%
 
Liabilities in Excess
                 
  of Other Assets
   
16,426
     
0.1
%
 
Total Net Assets
 
$
26,206,747
     
100.0
%
 

 
Note: For presentation purposes, the Fund has grouped some of the industry categories. For purposes of categorizing securities for compliance with Section 8(b)(1) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund uses more specific industry classifications.
 
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by Pzena Investment Management, LLC.
 



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

24

Pzena International Value Fund
Portfolio Allocation
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

             



 
The portfolio’s holdings and allocations are subject to change. The percentages are of total investments as of February 29, 2024.
 
(a)
To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in a particular industry or sector of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those industries or sectors.




25

Pzena International Value Fund
Schedule of Investments
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 95.3%
           
             
Brazil – 2.0%
           
Ambev S.A.
   
415,600
   
$
1,055,909
 
Ambev S.A. – ADR
   
13,543
     
33,722
 
Banco do Brasil S.A.
   
35,000
     
408,149
 
             
1,497,780
 
                 
Canada – 1.9%
               
Magna International, Inc.
   
22,903
     
1,261,973
 
Magna International, Inc. – ADR
   
3,230
     
178,037
 
             
1,440,010
 
                 
China – 4.4%
               
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.
   
162,400
     
1,512,096
 
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. – ADR
   
563
     
41,679
 
China Merchants
               
  Bank Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
103,000
     
401,897
 
China Overseas Land & Investment, Ltd.
   
368,500
     
547,843
 
Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. – H Shares
   
266,600
     
813,812
 
             
3,317,327
 
                 
Denmark – 1.5%
               
Danske Bank A/S
   
39,976
     
1,173,804
 
                 
Finland – 2.3%
               
Nokia Oyj
   
107,014
     
376,997
 
Nokia Oyj – ADR
   
380,376
     
1,342,727
 
             
1,719,724
 
                 
France – 15.7%
               
Accor S.A.
   
27,838
     
1,206,201
 
Amundi S.A. (a)
   
30,040
     
1,975,632
 
Bouygues S.A.
   
19,188
     
758,403
 
Cie Generale des Etablissements
               
  Michelin SCA
   
64,180
     
2,371,616
 
Rexel S.A.
   
72,737
     
1,863,157
 
Sanofi
   
22,762
     
2,162,198
 
Teleperformance SE
   
13,287
     
1,645,007
 
             
11,982,214
 
                 
Germany – 12.1%
               
BASF SE
   
42,139
     
2,143,977
 
Bayer AG
   
34,610
     
1,050,749
 
Covestro AG (a)(b)
   
20,450
     
1,111,749
 
Daimler Truck Holding AG
   
59,868
     
2,444,569
 
Evonik Industries AG
   
40,351
     
744,010
 
Fresenius Medical
               
  Care AG & Co. KGaA
   
33,577
     
1,283,942
 
Siemens AG
   
2,303
     
455,353
 
             
9,234,349
 
                 
Hong Kong – 1.5%
               
Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.
   
216,000
     
1,179,386
 
                 
Hungary – 0.6%
               
OTP Bank PLC
   
9,105
     
436,542
 
                 
Ireland – 2.6%
               
Bank of Ireland Group PLC
   
123,681
     
1,076,614
 
Medtronic PLC
   
10,810
     
901,122
 
             
1,977,736
 
                 
Italy – 2.0%
               
Enel S.p.A.
   
238,917
     
1,519,118
 
                 
Japan – 14.0%
               
Bridgestone Corp.
   
9,500
     
408,464
 
Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.
   
24,000
     
621,772
 
Iida Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
   
25,000
     
322,088
 
Isuzu Motors, Ltd.
   
27,300
     
388,231
 
Komatsu, Ltd.
   
54,400
     
1,576,990
 
Minebea Mitsumi, Inc.
   
60,100
     
1,240,725
 
MS&AD Insurance
               
  Group Holdings, Inc.
   
8,900
     
439,895
 
Olympus Corp.
   
63,300
     
900,184
 
Resona Holdings, Inc.
   
209,000
     
1,137,567
 
Subaru Corp.
   
18,500
     
420,051
 
Sumitomo Mitsui
               
  Financial Group, Inc.
   
7,400
     
411,857
 
T&D Holdings, Inc.
   
18,000
     
312,527
 
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
   
28,200
     
825,196
 
TDK Corp.
   
13,100
     
680,340
 
Toray Industries, Inc.
   
214,200
     
986,560
 
             
10,672,447
 
                 
Luxembourg – 2.0%
               
ArcelorMittal S.A.
   
57,723
     
1,504,776
 
                 
Netherlands – 5.8%
               
ING Groep N.V.
   
111,878
     
1,534,447
 
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
   
48,124
     
962,334
 
Randstad N.V.
   
34,841
     
1,918,206
 
             
4,414,987
 
                 
Republic of Korea – 0.5%
               
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.
   
8,620
     
281,917
 
Shinhan Financial
               
  Group Co., Ltd. – ADR
   
3,710
     
120,872
 
             
402,789
 


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

26

Pzena International Value Fund
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
February 29, 2024

   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
COMMON STOCKS – 95.3% (Continued)
           
             
Spain – 2.1%
           
CaixaBank S.A.
   
350,085
   
$
1,577,812
 
                 
Switzerland – 5.9%
               
Julius Baer Group, Ltd.
   
23,772
     
1,270,922
 
Roche Holding AG
   
7,382
     
1,936,174
 
UBS Group AG
   
46,041
     
1,312,482
 
             
4,519,578
 
                 
Taiwan – 2.7%
               
Hon Hai Precision
               
  Industry Co., Ltd. – GDR
   
215,500
     
1,379,200
 
Taiwan Semiconductor
               
  Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
   
28,000
     
611,209
 
Taiwan Semiconductor
               
  Manufacturing Co., Ltd. – ADR
   
556
     
71,540
 
             
2,061,949
 
                 
United Kingdom – 15.7%
               
Aviva PLC – Class B
   
129,292
     
728,390
 
Barclays PLC
   
401,950
     
834,444
 
HSBC Holdings PLC
   
191,169
     
1,482,875
 
J Sainsbury PLC
   
420,217
     
1,323,986
 
NatWest Group PLC
   
313,612
     
946,537
 
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC
   
23,488
     
1,481,861
 
Shell PLC – Class A
   
67,636
     
2,125,778
 
Standard Chartered PLC
   
123,046
     
1,036,929
 
Tesco PLC
   
388,666
     
1,367,837
 
Travis Perkins PLC
   
40,169
     
373,802
 
Vodafone Group PLC
   
345,988
     
301,877
 
             
12,004,316
 
Total Common Stocks
               
  (Cost $68,810,363)
           
72,636,644
 
                 
PREFERRED STOCK – 0.9%
               
                 
Germany – 0.9%
               
Volkswagen AG, 6.96%
   
5,091
     
689,665
 
Total Preferred Stock
               
  (Cost $912,354)
           
689,665
 
                 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT – 3.8%
               
                 
Money Market Fund – 3.8%
               
Fidelity Institutional
               
  Government Portfolio –
               
  Institutional Class, 5.20% (c)
   
2,905,245
     
2,905,245
 
Total Short-Term Investment
               
  (Cost $2,905,245)
           
2,905,245
 
Total Investments – 100.0%
               
  (Cost $72,627,962)
           
76,231,554
 
Other Assets in
               
  Excess of Liabilities – 0.0%
           
12,557
 
Total Net Assets – 100.00%
         
$
76,244,111
 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

A/S
 
Aksjeselskap
ADR
 
American Depositary Receipt
AG
 
Aktiengesellschaft
GDR
 
Global Depository Receipt
KGaA
 
Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
N.V.
 
Naamloze Vennootschap
Oyj
 
Julkinen osakeyhtiö
PLC
 
Public Limited Company
S.A.
 
Société Anonyme
S.p.A
 
Società per Azioni
SCA
 
Société en Commandite par Actions
SE
 
Societas Europea
(a)
 
Security is exempt from registration pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional investors. As of February 29, 2024, the value of these securities total $3,087,382 or 4.0% of the Fund’s net assets.
(b)
 
Non-income producing security.
(c)
 
The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized yield as of February 29, 2024.


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

27

Pzena International Value Fund
Portfolio Diversification
February 29, 2024

   
Fair
   
% of
   
Value
   
Net Assets
COMMON STOCKS
               
Communication Services
 
$
301,877
     
0.4
%
 
Consumer Discretionary
   
10,103,634
     
13.3
%
 
Consumer Staples
   
5,263,315
     
6.9
%
 
Energy
   
2,125,778
     
2.8
%
 
Financials
   
19,523,883
     
25.6
%
 
Health Care
   
10,021,899
     
13.1
%
 
Industrials
   
12,276,212
     
16.1
%
 
Information Technology
   
4,462,013
     
5.9
%
 
Materials
   
6,491,072
     
8.5
%
 
Real Estate
   
547,843
     
0.7
%
 
Utilities
   
1,519,118
     
2.0
%
 
Total Common Stocks
   
72,636,644
     
95.3
%
 
                   
PREFERRED STOCK
                 
Consumer Discretionary
   
689,665
     
0.9
%
 
Total Preferred Stock
   
689,665
     
0.9
%
 
Short-Term Investment
   
2,905,245
     
3.8
%
 
Total Investments
   
76,231,554
     
100.0
%
 
Other Assets in
                 
  Excess of Liabilities
   
12,557
     
0.0
%
 
Total Net Assets
 
$
76,244,111
     
100.0
%
 

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



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

28










(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)
 









29

Pzena Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024

         
PZENA
       
   
PZENA
   
EMERGING
   
PZENA
 
   
MID CAP
   
MARKETS
   
SMALL CAP
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
ASSETS:
                 
Investments in securities, at value
                 
  (cost $121,040,696, $1,475,785,540, and $44,607,318, respectively)
 
$
145,530,680
   
$
1,570,681,037
   
$
49,653,985
 
Foreign currency, at value (cost $0, $3,395,and $0, respectively)
   
     
3,273
     
 
Receivables:
                       
Fund shares sold
   
76,655
     
56,619,052
     
116,041
 
Securities sold
   
1,272,776
     
836,181
     
93,413
 
Dividends and interest
   
368,460
     
6,357,498
     
60,000
 
Dividend tax reclaim
   
28,247
     
24,588
     
 
Prepaid expenses
   
25,602
     
88,041
     
21,352
 
Total assets
   
147,302,420
     
1,634,609,670
     
49,944,791
 
LIABILITIES:
                       
Payables:
                       
Non-U.S. Taxes
   
     
2,614,934
     
 
Fund shares redeemed
   
22,188
     
520,313
     
10,200
 
Securities purchased
   
     
7,927,515
     
 
Loans Payable (Note 9)
   
97,000
     
     
 
Due to Adviser (Note 4)
   
82,754
     
1,061,339
     
16,050
 
Audit fees
   
22,500
     
22,500
     
22,500
 
Administration fees
   
19,981
     
145,342
     
19,984
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
7,513
     
17,516
     
7,916
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class
   
7,181
     
46,259
     
5,843
 
Shareholder reporting
   
4,228
     
4,744
     
3,604
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
2,969
     
2,970
     
3,234
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
2,750
     
2,750
     
2,750
 
Legal fees
   
1,644
     
1,448
     
1,449
 
Custody fees
   
1,139
     
169,470
     
948
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class
   
595
     
3,520
     
259
 
Fund accounting fees
   
344
     
750
     
392
 
Miscellaneous
   
3,647
     
     
3,688
 
  Total liabilities
   
276,433
     
12,541,370
     
98,817
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
147,025,987
   
$
1,622,068,300
   
$
49,845,974
 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
                       
Paid-in capital
 
$
116,046,221
   
$
1,512,991,397
   
$
44,629,603
 
Total distributable earnings
   
30,979,766
     
109,076,903
     
5,216,371
 
Net assets
 
$
147,025,987
   
$
1,622,068,300
   
$
49,845,974
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
                       
Investor Class:
                       
Net assets
 
$
7,645,432
   
$
42,249,813
   
$
4,204,244
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
525,053
     
3,499,877
     
288,793
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
14.56
   
$
12.07
   
$
14.56
 
Institutional Class:
                       
Net assets
 
$
139,380,555
   
$
1,579,818,487
   
$
45,641,730
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
9,718,946
     
130,332,871
     
3,109,065
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
14.34
   
$
12.12
   
$
14.68
 


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

30

Pzena Funds
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
February 29, 2024

   
PZENA
       
   
INTERNATIONAL
   
PZENA
 
   
SMALL CAP
   
INTERNATIONAL
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
ASSETS:
           
Investments in securities, at value (cost $25,481,289 and $76,627,962, respectively)
 
$
26,190,321
   
$
76,231,554
 
Foreign currency, at value (cost $3,609 and $5,333, respectively)
   
3,600
     
5,333
 
Receivables:
               
Fund shares sold
   
30,544
     
1,471
 
Dividends and interest
   
31,128
     
80,732
 
Dividend tax reclaim
   
20,855
     
104,318
 
Prepaid expenses
   
6,257
     
17,649
 
Total assets
   
26,282,705
     
76,441,057
 
LIABILITIES:
               
Payables:
               
Securities purchased
   
     
104,286
 
Due to Adviser (Note 4)
   
3,984
     
21,545
 
Audit fees
   
22,500
     
22,500
 
Administration fees
   
20,420
     
20,384
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses
   
6,875
     
6,603
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class
   
2,427
     
747
 
Shareholder reporting
   
372
     
533
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
2,970
     
2,970
 
Chief Compliance Officer fee
   
2,750
     
2,750
 
Legal fees
   
1,644
     
1,644
 
Custody fees
   
5,812
     
7,624
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class
   
164
     
17
 
Fund accounting fees
   
2,396
     
790
 
Miscellaneous
   
3,644
     
4,553
 
  Total liabilities
   
75,958
     
196,946
 
NET ASSETS
 
$
26,206,747
   
$
76,244,111
 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
               
Paid-in capital
 
$
24,903,453
   
$
72,688,020
 
Total distributable earnings
   
1,303,294
     
3,556,091
 
Net assets
 
$
26,206,747
   
$
76,244,111
 
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
               
Investor Class:
               
Net assets
 
$
3,447,510
   
$
1,101,011
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
313,661
     
112,081
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
10.99
   
$
9.82
 
Institutional Class:
               
Net assets
 
$
22,759,237
   
$
75,143,100
 
Shares outstanding [unlimited number of shares (par value $0.01) authorized]
   
2,065,076
     
7,642,757
 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
 
$
11.02
   
$
9.83
 


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

31

Pzena Funds
Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended February 29, 2024

         
PZENA
       
   
PZENA
   
EMERGING
   
PZENA
 
   
MID CAP
   
MARKETS
   
SMALL CAP
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
                 
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld and
                 
  issuance fees of $55,374, $5,213,127, and $1,047, respectively)
 
$
2,959,348
   
$
45,410,499
   
$
1,050,667
 
Interest income
   
155,316
     
2,376,815
     
43,421
 
Total investment income
   
3,114,664
     
47,787,314
     
1,094,088
 
EXPENSES:
                       
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
1,055,594
     
12,929,450
     
504,177
 
Administration fees (Note 4)
   
87,148
     
513,520
     
85,091
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
33,799
     
118,503
     
35,798
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
29,651
     
72,683
     
31,718
 
Audit fees
   
22,499
     
22,499
     
22,499
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
18,003
     
18,003
     
18,268
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
16,239
     
106,688
     
10,153
 
Reports to shareholders
   
13,190
     
59,100
     
18,364
 
Chief Compliance Officer fees (Note 4)
   
11,167
     
11,166
     
11,167
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
10,777
     
929,356
     
9,825
 
Legal fees
   
6,170
     
5,975
     
5,975
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class (Note 6)
   
5,835
     
41,174
     
2,354
 
Insurance expense
   
4,516
     
18,224
     
3,874
 
Interest expense (Note 9)
   
1,783
     
63,235
     
19,497
 
Fund accounting fees (Note 4)
   
1,255
     
2,816
     
1,406
 
Other expenses
   
8,000
     
58,063
     
6,943
 
Total expenses before advisory fee waiver
   
1,325,626
     
14,970,455
     
787,109
 
Advisory fee waiver (Note 4)
   
(116,009
)
   
(858,787
)
   
(243,889
)
Net expenses
   
1,209,617
     
14,111,668
     
543,220
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
1,905,047
     
33,675,646
     
550,868
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):
                       
Net realized gain/(loss) on transactions from:
                       
Investments
   
15,791,329
     
91,777,958
     
419,334
 
Foreign currency
   
     
(1,182,556
)
   
 
Non-U.S. taxes
   
     
(1,504,213
)
   
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from:
                       
Investments
   
(2,269,029
)
   
67,360,609
     
(440,245
)
Foreign currency
   
     
41,744
     
 
Deferred non-U.S. taxes
   
     
(2,614,934
)
   
 
Net gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency
   
13,522,300
     
153,878,608
     
(20,911
)
NET INCREASE IN NET
                       
  ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
 
$
15,427,347
   
$
187,554,254
   
$
529,957
 


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

32

Pzena Funds
Statements of Operations (Continued)
For the Year Ended February 29, 2024

   
PZENA
       
   
INTERNATIONAL
   
PZENA
 
   
SMALL CAP
   
INTERNATIONAL
 
   
VALUE FUND
   
VALUE FUND
 
INVESTMENT INCOME:
           
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld and issuance fees of $68,341 and $232,500, respectively)
 
$
670,196
   
$
1,664,026
 
Interest income
   
49,062
     
110,476
 
Total investment income
   
719,258
     
1,774,502
 
EXPENSES:
               
Investment advisory fees (Note 4)
   
224,192
     
361,277
 
Administration fees (Note 4)
   
81,187
     
81,511
 
Federal and state registration fees
   
30,155
     
37,028
 
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note 4)
   
26,963
     
26,213
 
Audit fees
   
22,499
     
22,499
 
Trustee fees and expenses
   
16,974
     
16,974
 
12b-1 distribution fees – Investor Class (Note 5)
   
7,149
     
2,558
 
Reports to shareholders
   
4,200
     
4,321
 
Chief Compliance Officer fees (Note 4)
   
11,167
     
11,167
 
Custody fees (Note 4)
   
28,935
     
38,356
 
Legal fees
   
6,171
     
6,171
 
Shareholder servicing fees – Investor Class (Note 6)
   
1,305
     
17
 
Insurance expense
   
2,898
     
3,280
 
Fund accounting fees (Note 4)
   
2,779
     
2,878
 
Other expenses
   
9,735
     
7,243
 
Total expenses before advisory fee waiver and expense reimbursement
   
476,309
     
621,493
 
Advisory fee waiver and expense reimbursement (Note 4)
   
(205,550
)
   
(207,618
)
Net expenses
   
270,759
     
413,875
 
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
   
448,499
     
1,360,627
 
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS):
               
Net realized gain/(loss) on transactions from:
               
  Investments
   
1,368,772
     
752,574
 
  Foreign currency
   
(18,882
)
   
(17,137
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from:
               
  Investments
   
(5,079
)
   
1,064,564
 
  Foreign currency
   
1,084
     
1,044
 
Net gain on investments and foreign currency
   
1,345,895
     
1,801,045
 
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
 
$
1,794,394
   
$
3,161,672
 


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

33

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
1,905,047
   
$
1,855,741
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
15,791,329
     
15,554,123
 
  Foreign currency
   
     
(33
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
(2,269,029
)
   
(15,205,505
)
  Foreign currency
   
     
(6
)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
15,427,347
     
2,204,320
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(614,598
)
   
(1,082,994
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(12,072,330
)
   
(15,897,427
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(12,686,928
)
   
(16,980,421
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
1,354,953
     
436,447
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
16,401,396
     
25,089,255
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
561,459
     
1,004,419
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
6,725,059
     
8,871,842
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(1,076,830
)
   
(5,535,811
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(14,572,152
)
   
(16,058,473
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
9,393,885
     
13,807,679
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
   
12,134,304
     
(968,422
)
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
134,891,683
     
135,860,105
 
End of year
 
$
147,025,987
   
$
134,891,683
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
96,499
     
30,554
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
1,189,290
     
1,772,714
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
39,017
     
75,920
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
474,933
     
680,878
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(77,468
)
   
(379,887
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(1,058,989
)
   
(1,124,758
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
663,282
     
1,055,421
 


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

34

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
33,675,646
   
$
21,296,514
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
91,777,958
     
(17,883,049
)
  Foreign currency
   
(1,182,556
)
   
(782,073
)
  Non-U.S. taxes
   
(1,504,213
)
   
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
67,360,609
     
(240,049
)
  Foreign currency
   
41,744
     
(159,308
)
  Deferred non-U.S. taxes
   
(2,614,934
)
   
 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
187,554,254
     
2,232,035
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(2,438,970
)
   
(585,945
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(77,933,647
)
   
(18,017,824
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(80,372,617
)
   
(18,603,769
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
18,454,492
     
29,917,010
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
794,909,952
     
692,225,655
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
2,389,161
     
571,987
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
52,784,955
     
12,277,850
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(19,124,629
)
   
(15,068,732
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(385,435,996
)
   
(212,449,963
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
463,977,935
     
507,473,807
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
571,159,572
     
491,102,073
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
1,050,908,728
     
559,806,655
 
End of year
 
$
1,622,068,300
   
$
1,050,908,728
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
1,544,545
     
2,772,130
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
66,111,152
     
64,646,801
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
202,129
     
53,307
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
4,450,671
     
1,140,005
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(1,592,665
)
   
(1,405,801
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(32,096,738
)
   
(20,145,453
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
38,619,094
     
47,060,989
 


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

35

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
550,868
   
$
783,741
 
Net realized gain on investments
   
419,334
     
14,730,376
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
   
(440,245
)
   
(12,359,658
)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
529,957
     
3,154,459
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(20,383
)
   
(553,706
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(218,009
)
   
(11,926,073
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(238,392
)
   
(12,479,779
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
703,790
     
417,112
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
19,322,940
     
39,672,273
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
20,383
     
553,706
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
190,864
     
10,669,139
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(1,164,150
)
   
(199,320
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(65,465,173
)
   
(68,502,989
)
Net decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
(46,391,346
)
   
(17,390,079
)
                 
TOTAL DECREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
(46,099,781
)
   
(26,715,399
)
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
95,945,755
     
122,661,154
 
End of year
 
$
49,845,974
   
$
95,945,755
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
51,124
     
31,976
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
1,513,153
     
2,995,844
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
1,397
     
46,648
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
12,984
     
894,312
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(84,073
)
   
(16,201
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(5,494,761
)
   
(5,143,345
)
Net decrease in shares outstanding
   
(4,000,176
)
   
(1,190,766
)


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

36

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


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
448,499
   
$
310,637
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
1,368,772
     
69,658
 
  Foreign currency
   
(18,882
)
   
(13,509
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
(5,079
)
   
1,324,717
 
  Foreign currency
   
1,084
     
(1,113
)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
1,794,394
     
1,690,390
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(143,599
)
   
(63,740
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(947,546
)
   
(641,563
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(1,091,145
)
   
(705,303
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
2,617,090
     
554,032
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
5,321,085
     
1,150,132
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
103,688
     
63,740
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
940,794
     
641,562
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(921,633
)
   
(642,646
)
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(570,407
)
   
(195,587
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
7,490,617
     
1,571,233
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
8,193,866
     
2,556,320
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
18,012,881
     
15,456,561
 
End of year
 
$
26,206,747
   
$
18,012,881
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
239,760
     
64,477
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
489,123
     
113,891
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
9,443
     
6,674
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
85,527
     
67,109
 
Shares redeemed – Investor Class
   
(85,190
)
   
(74,401
)
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(53,070
)
   
(20,262
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
685,593
     
157,488
 


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

37

Pzena International Value Fund
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
 
   
2024
   
2023
 
INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
           
OPERATIONS:
           
Net investment income
 
$
1,360,627
   
$
850,172
 
Net realized gain/(loss) from:
               
  Investments
   
752,574
     
(786,308
)
  Foreign currency
   
(17,137
)
   
(15,362
)
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
               
  Investments
   
1,064,564
     
2,896,168
 
  Foreign Currency
   
1,044
     
(979
)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
3,161,672
     
2,943,691
 
                 
DISTRIBUTIONS:
               
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Investor Class
   
(18,723
)
   
(16,048
)
Net dividends and distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
   
(1,370,945
)
   
(763,152
)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions paid
   
(1,389,668
)
   
(779,200
)
                 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
               
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Investor Class
   
80,000
     
 
Proceeds from shares subscribed – Institutional Class
   
32,669,745
     
17,013,283
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Investor Class
   
18,724
     
16,048
 
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders
               
  in payment of distributions declared – Institutional Class
   
675,740
     
441,083
 
Payments for shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(2,365,199
)
   
(819,741
)
Net increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions
   
31,079,010
     
16,650,673
 
                 
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   
32,851,014
     
18,815,164
 
                 
NET ASSETS:
               
Beginning of year
   
43,393,097
     
24,577,933
 
End of year
 
$
76,244,111
   
$
43,393,097
 
                 
CHANGES IN SHARES OUTSTANDING:
               
Shares sold – Investor Class
   
7,991
     
 
Shares sold – Institutional Class
   
3,350,080
     
2,068,119
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Investor Class
   
1,884
     
1,817
 
Shares issued in reinvestments of dividends and distributions – Institutional Class
   
67,914
     
49,953
 
Shares redeemed – Institutional Class
   
(248,463
)
   
(99,381
)
Net increase in shares outstanding
   
3,179,406
     
2,020,508
 


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

38

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
14.28
   
$
16.12
   
$
15.05
   
$
10.86
   
$
11.59
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.15
     
0.17
     
0.12
     
0.16
     
0.12
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.40
     
(0.01
)
   
2.44
     
4.32
     
(0.74
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.55
     
0.16
     
2.56
     
4.48
     
(0.62
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.15
)
   
(0.15
)
   
(0.24
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.06
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(1.12
)
   
(1.85
)
   
(1.25
)
   
(0.24
)
   
(0.05
)
Total distributions
   
(1.27
)
   
(2.00
)
   
(1.49
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.11
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
14.56
   
$
14.28
   
$
16.12
   
$
15.05
   
$
10.86
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
10.95
%
   
1.96
%
   
17.52
%
   
41.53
%
   
-5.49
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
7,645
   
$
6,667
   
$
11,934
   
$
8,972
   
$
3,387
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
1.33
%
   
1.32
%
   
1.31
%
   
1.40
%
   
1.56
%
After fee waivers
   
1.24
%
   
1.24
%
   
1.24
%
   
1.24
%
   
1.23
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
1.03
%
   
1.07
%
   
0.63
%
   
1.33
%
   
0.69
%
After fee waivers
   
1.12
%
   
1.15
%
   
0.70
%
   
1.49
%
   
1.02
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
39
%
   
35
%
   
22
%
   
45
%
   
32
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

39

Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
14.07
   
$
15.92
   
$
14.87
   
$
10.72
   
$
11.44
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.20
     
0.22
     
0.17
     
0.20
     
0.16
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.38
     
     
2.42
     
4.27
     
(0.73
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.58
     
0.22
     
2.59
     
4.47
     
(0.57
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.19
)
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.10
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(1.12
)
   
(1.85
)
   
(1.25
)
   
(0.24
)
   
(0.05
)
Total distributions
   
(1.31
)
   
(2.07
)
   
(1.54
)
   
(0.32
)
   
(0.15
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
14.34
   
$
14.07
   
$
15.92
   
$
14.87
   
$
10.72
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
11.37
%
   
2.37
%
   
17.99
%
   
42.06
%
   
-5.17
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
139,381
   
$
128,225
   
$
123,926
   
$
108,895
   
$
51,867
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
0.99
%
   
0.98
%
   
0.97
%
   
1.06
%
   
1.23
%
After fee waivers
   
0.90
%
   
0.90
%
   
0.90
%
   
0.90
%
   
0.90
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
1.37
%
   
1.42
%
   
0.97
%
   
1.67
%
   
1.02
%
After fee waivers
   
1.46
%
   
1.50
%
   
1.04
%
   
1.83
%
   
1.35
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
39
%
   
35
%
   
22
%
   
45
%
   
32
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

40

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
11.00
   
$
11.59
   
$
11.84
   
$
8.96
   
$
10.56
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.27
     
0.29
     
0.20
     
0.14
     
0.16
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.47
     
(0.69
)
   
(0.16
)
   
2.86
     
(1.37
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.74
     
(0.40
)
   
0.04
     
3.00
     
(1.21
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.38
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.21
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(0.14
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.25
)
Total distributions
   
(0.67
)
   
(0.19
)
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.12
)
   
(0.39
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
   
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
12.07
   
$
11.00
   
$
11.59
   
$
11.84
   
$
8.96
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
15.92
%
   
-3.39
%
   
0.31
%
   
33.63
%
   
-11.85
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
42,250
   
$
36,800
   
$
22,332
   
$
17,996
   
$
10,563
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
1.50
%
   
1.50
%
   
1.50
%
   
1.56
%
   
1.58
%
After fee waivers
   
1.43
%
   
1.43
%
   
1.43
%
   
1.43
%
   
1.56
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
2.20
%
   
2.61
%
   
1.57
%
   
1.32
%
   
1.55
%
After fee waivers
   
2.27
%
   
2.68
%
   
1.64
%
   
1.45
%
   
1.57
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
38
%
   
15
%
   
10
%
   
43
%
   
18
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

41

Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
11.04
   
$
11.63
   
$
11.87
   
$
8.98
   
$
10.57
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.31
     
0.33
     
0.24
     
0.17
     
0.20
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.48
     
(0.70
)
   
(0.15
)
   
2.86
     
(1.37
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.79
     
(0.37
)
   
0.09
     
3.03
     
(1.17
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.42
)
   
(0.19
)
   
(0.25
)
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.17
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.29
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.03
)
   
(0.25
)
Total distributions
   
(0.71
)
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.33
)
   
(0.14
)
   
(0.42
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
   
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
12.12
   
$
11.04
   
$
11.63
   
$
11.87
   
$
8.98
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
16.32
%
   
-3.11
%
   
0.74
%
   
33.96
%
   
-11.51
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
1,579,818
   
$
1,014,109
   
$
537,475
   
$
403,412
   
$
299,920
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
1.15
%
   
1.15
%
   
1.15
%
   
1.21
%
   
1.23
%
After fee waivers
   
1.08
%
   
1.08
%
   
1.08
%
   
1.08
%
   
1.21
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers
   
2.55
%
   
2.96
%
   
1.92
%
   
1.67
%
   
1.90
%
After fee waivers
   
2.62
%
   
3.03
%
   
1.99
%
   
1.80
%
   
1.92
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
38
%
   
15
%
   
10
%
   
43
%
   
18
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

42

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
12.90
   
$
14.20
   
$
13.07
   
$
9.57
   
$
10.90
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.10
     
0.06
     
0.01
     
0.11
     
0.06
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.63
     
0.66
     
1.31
     
3.55
     
(1.39
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.73
     
0.72
     
1.32
     
3.66
     
(1.33
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.08
)
   
(0.09
)
   
     
 
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.05
)
   
(1.94
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.16
)
   
 
Total distributions
   
(0.07
)
   
(2.02
)
   
(0.19
)
   
(0.16
)
   
 
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
14.56
   
$
12.90
   
$
14.20
   
$
13.07
   
$
9.57
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
13.38
%
   
6.34
%
   
10.04
%
   
38.46
%
   
-12.20
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
4,204
   
$
4,132
   
$
3,663
   
$
2,409
   
$
1,310
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.77
%
   
1.49
%
   
1.48
%
   
1.69
%
   
2.09
%
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.31
%
   
1.34
%
   
1.41
%
   
1.38
%
   
1.42
%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.29
%
   
0.31
%
   
0.00
%
   
0.90
%
   
(0.13
)%
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.75
%
   
0.46
%
   
0.07
%
   
1.21
%
   
0.54
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
25
%
   
28
%
   
10
%
   
26
%
   
38
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

43

Pzena Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
12.97
   
$
14.28
   
$
13.14
   
$
9.60
   
$
10.99
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.13
     
0.10
     
0.05
     
0.14
     
0.09
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
1.65
     
0.65
     
1.31
     
3.57
     
(1.40
)
Total from investment operations
   
1.78
     
0.75
     
1.36
     
3.71
     
(1.31
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.12
)
   
(0.12
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.08
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.05
)
   
(1.94
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.16
)
   
 
Total distributions
   
(0.07
)
   
(2.06
)
   
(0.22
)
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.08
)
                                         
Redemption fees retained
   
     
     
     
0.00
(1)(2) 
   
0.00
(1)(2) 
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
14.68
   
$
12.97
   
$
14.28
   
$
13.14
   
$
9.60
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
13.74
%
   
6.50
%
   
10.36
%
   
38.87
%
   
-12.07
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
45,642
   
$
91,814
   
$
118,998
   
$
70,012
   
$
30,593
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.46
%
   
1.18
%
   
1.17
%
   
1.41
%
   
1.77
%
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.00
%
   
1.03
%
   
1.10
%
   
1.10
%
   
1.10
%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                                       
Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
0.60
%
   
0.62
%
   
0.31
%
   
1.18
%
   
0.19
%
After fee waivers and expense reimbursement
   
1.06
%
   
0.77
%
   
0.38
%
   
1.49
%
   
0.86
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
25
%
   
28
%
   
10
%
   
26
%
   
38
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

44

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
10.62
   
$
10.05
   
$
9.48
   
$
7.48
   
$
9.07
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.19
     
0.18
     
0.05
     
0.09
     
0.18
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
0.65
     
0.83
     
0.61
     
2.01
     
(1.59
)
Total from investment operations
   
0.84
     
1.01
     
0.66
     
2.10
     
(1.41
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.07
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(0.18
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.30
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.00
)(2)
Total distributions
   
(0.47
)
   
(0.44
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.18
)
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
10.99
   
$
10.62
   
$
10.05
   
$
9.48
   
$
7.48
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
7.87
%
   
10.51
%
   
6.93
%
   
28.19
%
   
-15.83
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
3,448
   
$
1,589
   
$
1,538
   
$
1,254
   
$
819
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
2.38
%
   
2.79
%
   
3.16
%
   
8.18
%
   
13.43
%
After expense reimbursement
   
1.46
%
   
1.45
%
   
1.45
%
   
1.42
%
   
1.42
%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
0.83
%
   
0.53
%
   
(1.25
)%
   
(5.56
)%
   
(9.91
)%
After expense reimbursement
   
1.75
%
   
1.87
%
   
0.46
%
   
1.20
%
   
2.10
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
43
%
   
26
%
   
22
%
   
32
%
   
18
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

45

Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each year

   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 28,
   
February 29,
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
2022
   
2021
   
2020
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                             
Net asset value, beginning of year
 
$
10.64
   
$
10.07
   
$
9.49
   
$
7.49
   
$
9.07
 
                                         
Income from investment operations:
                                       
Net investment income(1)
   
0.22
     
0.20
     
0.08
     
0.10
     
0.20
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
0.65
     
0.83
     
0.61
     
2.01
     
(1.59
)
Total from investment operations
   
0.87
     
1.03
     
0.69
     
2.11
     
(1.39
)
                                         
Less distributions:
                                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.19
)
   
(0.18
)
   
(0.09
)
   
(0.10
)
   
(0.19
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
(0.30
)
   
(0.28
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.00
)(2)
Total distributions
   
(0.49
)
   
(0.46
)
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.11
)
   
(0.19
)
                                         
Net asset value, end of year
 
$
11.02
   
$
10.64
   
$
10.07
   
$
9.49
   
$
7.49
 
                                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
8.18
%
   
10.73
%
   
7.32
%
   
28.40
%
   
-15.55
%
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                                       
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
 
$
22,759
   
$
16,424
   
$
13,919
   
$
2,107
   
$
1,424
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
2.09
%
   
2.51
%
   
2.88
%
   
7.93
%
   
13.18
%
After expense reimbursement
   
1.17
%
   
1.17
%
   
1.17
%
   
1.17
%
   
1.17
%
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.12
%
   
0.81
%
   
(0.97
)%
   
(5.31
)%
   
(9.66
)%
After expense reimbursement
   
2.04
%
   
2.15
%
   
0.74
%
   
1.45
%
   
2.35
%
Portfolio turnover rate(3)
   
43
%
   
26
%
   
22
%
   
32
%
   
18
%

(1)
Based on average shares outstanding.
(2)
Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
(3)
Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole.


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

46

Pzena International Value Fund – Investor Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period

               
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
June 28, 2021(1)
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
through
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
February 28, 2022
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
9.48
   
$
9.62
   
$
10.00
 
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income(2)
   
0.21
     
0.21
     
0.03
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
0.30
     
(0.19
)
   
(0.37
)
Total from investment operations
   
0.51
     
0.02
     
(0.34
)
                         
Less distributions:
                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.04
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
     
(0.00
)(3)
   
 
Total distributions
   
(0.17
)
   
(0.16
)
   
(0.04
)
                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.82
   
$
9.48
   
$
9.62
 
                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
5.41
%
   
0.33
%
   
-3.43
%(4)
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
1,101
   
$
969
   
$
966
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.36
%
   
1.73
%
   
2.83
%(5)
After expense reimbursement
   
0.99
%
   
0.99
%
   
0.99
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.83
%
   
1.69
%
   
(1.34
)%(5)
After expense reimbursement
   
2.20
%
   
2.43
%
   
0.50
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(6)
   
16
%
   
19
%
   
4
%(4)

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


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

47

Pzena International Value Fund – Institutional Class
Financial Highlights


For a share outstanding throughout each period

               
For the Period
 
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
June 28, 2021(1)
 
   
February 29,
   
February 28,
   
through
 
   
2024
   
2023
   
February 28, 2022
 
PER SHARE DATA:
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period
 
$
9.48
   
$
9.62
   
$
10.00
 
                         
Income from investment operations:
                       
Net investment income(2)
   
0.24
     
0.23
     
0.05
 
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
   
0.31
     
(0.19
)
   
(0.38
)
Total from investment operations
   
0.55
     
0.04
     
(0.33
)
                         
Less distributions:
                       
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.20
)
   
(0.18
)
   
(0.05
)
Dividends from net realized gain on investments
   
     
(0.00
)(3)
   
 
Total distributions
   
(0.20
)
   
(0.18
)
   
(0.05
)
                         
Net asset value, end of period
 
$
9.83
   
$
9.48
   
$
9.62
 
                         
TOTAL RETURN
   
5.75
%
   
0.53
%
   
-3.29
%(4)
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS:
                       
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
 
$
75,143
   
$
42,424
   
$
23,612
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
1.11
%
   
1.48
%
   
2.58
%(5)
After expense reimbursement
   
0.74
%
   
0.74
%
   
0.74
%(5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets:
                       
Before expense reimbursement
   
2.08
%
   
1.94
%
   
(1.09
)%(5)
After expense reimbursement
   
2.45
%
   
2.68
%
   
0.75
%(5)
Portfolio turnover rate(6)
   
16
%
   
19
%
   
4
%(4)

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


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

48

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements
February 29, 2024

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
 
The Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Mid Cap Value Fund”), Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund (the “Emerging Markets Value Fund”), Pzena Small Cap Value Fund (the “Small Cap Value Fund”), Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund (the “International Small Cap Value Fund”), and Pzena International Value Fund (the “International Value Fund”) (collectively, the “Funds”), are each a diversified series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. The Funds follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies”.
 
The primary investment objective for each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. Currently, each Fund offers Investor Class and Institutional Class shares. Each class of shares differs principally in its respective distribution and shareholder servicing expenses and sales charges, if any. Each class of shares has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes.
 
The Mid Cap Value Fund and Emerging Markets Value Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2014. The Small Cap Value Fund commenced operations on April 27, 2016, the International Small Cap Value Fund commenced operations on July 2, 2018, and the International Value Fund commenced operations on June 28, 2021.
 
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Security Valuation – All investments in securities are recorded at their estimated fair value, as described in Note 3.
 
Federal Income Taxes – It is the policy of the Funds to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income or excise tax provision is required.
 
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. The tax returns of the Funds’ prior three fiscal years are open for examination. Management has reviewed all open tax years in major jurisdictions and concluded that there is no impact on the Funds’ net assets and no tax liability resulting from unrecognized tax events relating to uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the state of Wisconsin. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
 
Security Transactions, Income and Distributions – Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities sold are determined on the basis of identified cost. Dividend income and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with each Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. The Funds will make distributions of dividends and capital gains, if any, at least annually, typically in December. The amount of dividends and distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations which differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Investment income, expenses (other than those specific to the class of shares), and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments are allocated to the separate classes of each Fund based upon their relative net assets on the date income is earned or expensed and realized and unrealized gains and losses are incurred.
 
Each Fund is charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to the Fund, such as investment advisory, custody and transfer agent fees. Expenses that are not attributable to a Fund are typically allocated among the Funds in proportion to their respective net assets. Common expenses of the Trust are typically allocated among the funds in the Trust based on a fund’s respective net assets, or by other equitable means.
 
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. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the International Value Fund did not
 

49

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

require any permanent tax adjustments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Mid Cap Value Fund, the Emerging Markets Value Fund, the Small Cap Value Fund, and the International Small Cap Value Fund made the following permanent tax adjustments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities:
 
   
Distributable Earnings
 
Paid-in Capital
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
(695,835
)
   
$
695,835
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
$
(9,222,804
)
   
$
9,222,804
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
 
$
(85,084
)
   
$
85,084
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
 
$
(37,962
)
   
$
37,962
 

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operation during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Foreign Currency – Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
 
The Funds do not isolate those portions of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
 
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period-end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
 
REITs – The Funds can make certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon funds available from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Each Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to its shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of each Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.
 
Events Subsequent to the Fiscal Year End – In preparing the financial statements as February 29, 2024, management considered the impact of subsequent events for the potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. Management has determined there were no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Funds’ financial statements.
 
NOTE 3 – SECURITIES VALUATION
 
The Funds have adopted authoritative fair value accounting standards which establish an authoritative definition of fair value and set out a hierarchy for measuring fair value. These standards require additional disclosures about the various inputs and valuation techniques used to develop the measurements of fair value, a discussion in changes in valuation techniques and related inputs during the period and expanded disclosure of valuation levels for major security types. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
 
Level 1 –
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.
   
Level 2 –
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
   
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

50

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

Following is a description of the valuation techniques applied to the Funds’ major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Each Fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (4:00 pm EST).
 
Equity Securities – Equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks, foreign-issued common stocks, exchange-traded funds, closed-end mutual funds and REITs, that are primarily traded on a national securities exchange shall be valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded on the day of valuation or, if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ Global Market System shall be valued at the most recent sales price. The values for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates. Exchange rates are provided daily by a recognized independent pricing agent. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Participatory Notes – Participatory notes are valued with an evaluated price provided by an independent pricing service. These securities will generally be classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Investment Companies – Investments in open-end mutual funds, including money market funds, are valued 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 securities having a maturity of less than 60 days are valued at the evaluated mean between bid and asked price. To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, these securities would be classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Restricted Securities – The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (“restricted securities”). Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, may have contractual restrictions on resale, and may be valued under methods approved by the Board of Trustees (“Board”) as reflecting fair value. Certain restricted securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors, including Rule 144a securities, are not subject to the limitation on the Funds’ investment in illiquid securities if they are determined to be liquid in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Board.
 
Accounting Pronouncements – In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the Funds’ financial statements.
 
In October 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted a final rule relating to Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds; Fee Information in Investment Company Advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an 18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendment.
 
The Trust Rule 18f-4 Compliance Policy (“Trust Policy”) governs the use of derivatives by the Funds. The Trust Policy imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework currently used by a fund to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treats derivatives as senior securities and requires funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. Each Fund is considered a limited derivatives user under the Trust Policy and therefore, is required to limit its derivatives exposure to no more than 10% of the Fund’s net assets. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Funds did not enter into derivatives transactions.
 

51

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has adopted a valuation policy for use by each Fund and its Valuation Designee (as defined below) in calculating each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Fund’s investment adviser, Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Adviser”), as the “Valuation Designee” to perform all of the fair value determinations as well as to perform all of the responsibilities that may be performed by the Valuation Designee in accordance with Rule 2a-5, subject to the Board’s oversight. The Adviser, as Valuation Designee is, authorized to make all necessary determinations of the fair values of portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or if it is deemed that the prices obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services are unreliable.
 
Depending on the relative significance of the valuation inputs, fair valued securities may be classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ securities as of February 29, 2024:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
                       
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
 
$
145,530,204
   
$
   
$
   
$
145,530,204
 
Short-Term Investment
   
476
     
     
     
476
 
Total Assets
 
$
145,530,680
   
$
   
$
   
$
145,530,680
 
                                 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
                               
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
 
$
1,408,760,177
   
$
30,594,187
   
$
4,085
   
$
1,439,358,449
 
Preferred Stocks
   
69,865,663
     
     
     
69,865,663
 
Short-Term Investment
   
61,456,925
     
     
     
61,456,925
 
Total Assets
 
$
1,540,082,765
   
$
30,594,187
   
$
4,085
   
$
1,570,681,037
 
                                 
Small Cap Value Fund
                               
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
 
$
48,056,519
   
$
   
$
   
$
48,056,519
 
Real Estate Investment Trust
   
623,530
     
     
     
623,530
 
Short-Term Investment
   
973,936
     
     
     
973,936
 
Total Assets
 
$
49,653,985
   
$
   
$
   
$
49,653,985
 
                                 
International Small Cap Value Fund
                               
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
 
$
24,872,230
   
$
   
$
   
$
24,872,230
 
Short-Term Investment
   
1,318,091
     
     
     
1,318,091
 
Total Assets
 
$
26,190,321
   
$
   
$
   
$
26,190,321
 
                                 
International Value Fund
                               
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Common Stocks
 
$
72,636,644
   
$
   
$
   
$
72,636,644
 
Preferred Stock
   
689,665
     
     
     
689,665
 
Short-Term Investment
   
2,905,245
     
     
     
2,905,245
 
Total Assets
 
$
76,231,554
   
$
   
$
   
$
76,231,554
 

Refer to the Funds’ schedule of investments for a detailed break-out of securities.
 

52

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
Level 3 Reconciliation Disclosure
 
   
Common Stocks
 
Balance as of February 28, 2023
 
$
4,085
 
Balance as of February 29, 2024
 
$
4,085
 
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) during the period for
       
  Level 3 investments held at February 29, 2024
 
$
 

The Level 3 investments as of February 29, 2024 represented less than 0.01% of net assets and did not warrant a disclosure of significant unobservable valuation inputs.
 
On February 24, 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could result in more widespread conflict and could have a severe adverse effect on the region and the markets. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long such conflict and related events will last and whether it will escalate further cannot be predicted, nor its effect on the Funds.
 
NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Funds have an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser is responsible for providing investment management services to each Fund. The Adviser furnishes all investment advice, office space and facilities, and provides most of the personnel needed by the Funds. As compensation for its services, the Adviser is entitled to a monthly management fee, based upon the average daily net assets of the Funds at the annual rates of:
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
0.80%
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1.00%
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
0.95%
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
1.00%
 
 
International Value Fund
0.65%
 

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Funds incurred the following in advisory fees:
 
     
Advisory Fees
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
1,055,594
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
12,929,450
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
504,177
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
224,192
 
 
International Value Fund
   
361,277
 

The Funds are responsible for their own operating expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of its management fees and pay expenses of the Funds to ensure that the net annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees, interest expense, taxes, dividends on securities sold short, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class-specific expenses) do not exceed the following amounts of the average daily net assets for each class of shares:
 
   
Emerging
 
International
   
 
Mid Cap
Markets
Small Cap
Small Cap
International
 
 
Value Fund
Value Fund
Value Fund
Value Fund
Value Fund
 
 
0.90%
1.08%
1.00%
1.17%
0.74%
 

Any such reduction made by the Adviser in its fees or payment of expenses which are the Funds’ obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Funds to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Funds toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Funds 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
 

53

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

of the reimbursement. Any such reimbursement is also contingent upon Board review and approval. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Funds’ payment of current ordinary operating expenses. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Adviser reduced its fees and reduced other operating expenses in the amount of $116,009 for the Mid Cap Value Fund, $858,787 for the Emerging Markets Value Fund, $243,889 for the Small Cap Value Fund, $205,550 for the International Small Cap Value Fund, and $207,618 for the International Value Fund. The Adviser may recapture portions of the amounts shown below no later than the corresponding dates:
 
     
2/28/2025
   
2/28/2026
   
2/28/2027
   
Total
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
86,609
   
$
98,328
   
$
116,009
   
$
300,946
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
351,524
     
485,364
     
858,787
     
1,695,675
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
68,655
     
159,587
     
243,889
     
472,131
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
209,293
     
195,567
     
205,550
     
610,410
 
 
International Value Fund
   
151,402
     
235,358
     
207,618
     
594,378
 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) serves as the Funds’ administrator, fund accountant, and transfer agent. U.S. Bank N.A. serves as custodian (the “Custodian”) to the Funds. The Custodian is an affiliate of Fund Services. Fund Services maintains the Funds’ books and records, calculates the Funds’ NAV, prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, coordinates the payment of fund expenses, reviews expense accruals and prepares materials supplied to the Board.
 
The officers of the Trust and the Chief Compliance Officer are also employees of Fund Services. Fees paid by the Funds for administration and accounting, transfer agency, custody and compliance services for the year ended February 29, 2024 are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 
Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar” or the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares. Quasar is a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, doing business as ACA Group.
 
NOTE 5 – 12b-1 DISTRIBUTION FEES
 
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”). The Plan permits the Funds to pay for distribution and related expenses at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Funds’ Investor Class shares. The expenses covered by the Plan may include the cost in connection with the promotion and distribution of shares and the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, and the printing and mailing of sales literature. Payments made pursuant to the Plan will represent compensation for distribution and service activities, not reimbursements for specific expenses incurred. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the 12b-1 distribution fees incurred under the Plan by each of the Fund’s Investor Class shares are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 
NOTE 6 – SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEES
 
The Funds have entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Adviser, under which the Adviser will provide, or arrange for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services. As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, the Funds may pay servicing fees at an annual rate of up to 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares. Payments to the Adviser under the Agreement may reimburse the Adviser for payments it makes to selected brokers, dealers and administrators which have entered into service agreements with the Adviser for services provided to shareholders of each Fund. The services provided by such intermediaries are primarily designed to assist shareholders of the Funds and include the furnishing of office space and equipment, telephone facilities, personnel, and assistance to the Funds in servicing such shareholders. Services provided by such intermediaries also include the provision of support services to the Funds and include establishing and maintaining shareholders’ accounts and record processing, purchase and redemption transactions, answering routine client inquiries regarding the Funds, and providing such other personal services to shareholders as the Funds may reasonably request. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the shareholder servicing fees incurred under the Agreement by each of the Fund’s Investor Class shares are disclosed in the statements of operations.
 

54

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

NOTE 7 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
 
For the year ended February 29, 2024, the cost of purchases and the proceeds from sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, were as follows:
 
     
Purchases
   
Sales
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
 
$
52,076,712
   
$
50,244,072
 
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
   
823,254,406
     
477,303,966
 
 
Small Cap Value Fund
   
13,560,024
     
57,014,252
 
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
15,265,665
     
9,140,711
 
 
International Value Fund
   
38,129,116
     
8,584,056
 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.
 
NOTE 8 – CONTROL OWNERSHIP
 
The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund creates a presumption of control of the Fund, under Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. The following table reflects shareholders that maintain accounts of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund as of February 29, 2024:
 
Fund
Shareholder
Percent of Shares Held
Mid Cap Value Fund
Mac & Co.
47%
     
Emerging Markets Value Fund
National Financial Services, LLC
26%
     
Small Cap Value Fund
National Financial Services, LLC
42%
     
International Small Cap Value Fund
J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC
36%
 
ValueQuest Partners, LLC
26%
     
International Value Fund
J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC
35%
 
Legacy Trust Co.
26%
 
NOTE 9 – LINE OF CREDIT
 
The Funds have a secured line of credit in the amount of $50,000,000 or 10% of the market value or 33% of the fair value of the unencumbered assets of each Fund. 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 Funds’ custodian, U.S. Bank N.A. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the International Small Cap Value Fund, and the International Value Fund did not draw upon the line of credit. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the Mid Cap Value Fund had an average daily outstanding balance of $20,893, a weighted average interest rate of 8.50%, incurred interest expense of $1,783 and had a maximum amount outstanding of $4,214,000. The Emerging Value Fund had an average daily outstanding balance of $731,746, a weighted average interest rate of 8.50%, incurred interest expense of $63,235 and had a maximum amount outstanding of $46,664,000. The Small Cap Value Fund had an average daily outstanding balance of $232,951, a weighted average interest rate of 8.23%, incurred interest expense of $19,497 and had a maximum amount outstanding of $7,088,000. At February 29, 2024, the Mid Cap Value Fund had an outstanding loan balance of $97,000.
 

55

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

NOTE 10 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
As of February 29, 2024, the components of accumulated earnings/(losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
 
         
Emerging
         
International
       
   
Mid Cap
   
Markets
   
Small Cap
   
Small Cap
   
International
 
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
   
Value Fund
 
Cost of investments (a)
 
$
122,076,019
   
$
1,499,921,193
   
$
45,023,384
   
$
25,481,981
   
$
72,736,263
 
Gross unrealized appreciation
   
29,671,103
     
216,707,036
     
8,524,954
     
2,924,761
     
8,440,548
 
Gross unrealized depreciation
   
(6,216,442
)
   
(148,562,126
)
   
(3,894,353
)
   
(2,216,421
)
   
(4,945,257
)
Net unrealized appreciation (a)
   
23,454,661
     
68,144,910
     
4,630,601
     
708,340
     
3,495,291
 
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on foreign currency
   
(6
)
   
(69,020
)
   
     
(801
)
   
397
 
Undistributed ordinary income
   
825,393
     
15,402,097
     
585,770
     
296,791
     
74,091
 
Undistributed long-term capital gains
   
6,699,718
     
25,598,916
     
     
298,964
     
—-
 
Total distributable earnings
   
7,525,111
     
41,001,013
     
585,770
     
595,755
     
74,091
 
Other accumulated gain/loss
   
     
     
     
     
(13,688
)
Total accumulated earnings
 
$
30,979,766
   
$
109,076,903
   
$
5,216,371
   
$
1,303,294
   
$
3,556,091
 

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

At February 29, 2024, the Funds had tax basis capital losses to offset future gains as follows:
 
   
Capital Loss Carryover
   
   
Long-Term
Short-Term
Total
Expiration Date
 
Pzena International Value Fund
$   —
$13,688
$13,688
No Expiration

At February 29, 2024, the Funds had no post-October losses.
 
The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 was as follows:
 
     
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
 
     
February 29, 2024
   
February 28, 2023
 
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
           
 
Ordinary income
 
$
2,312,121
   
$
1,738,933
 
 
Long-term capital gains
   
10,374,807
     
15,241,488
 
                   
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
59,979,575
   
$
16,166,313
 
 
Long-term capital gains
   
20,393,042
     
2,437,456
 
                   
 
Small Cap Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
238,392
   
$
1,171,434
 
 
Long-term capital gains
   
     
11,308,345
 
                   
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
420,663
   
$
554,897
 
 
Long-term capital gains
   
670,482
     
150,406
 
                   
 
International Value Fund
               
 
Ordinary income
 
$
1,389,668
   
$
779,200
 

The Funds may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which they invest. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.
 

56

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

NOTE 11 – PRINCIPAL RISKS
 
Below is a summary of some, but not all, of the principal risks of investing in the Funds, each of which may adversely affect a Fund’s net asset value and total return. The Funds’ most recent prospectus provides further descriptions of each Fund’s investment objective, principal investment strategies and principal risks. The following risks apply to all Funds, unless specifically noted.
 
Currency Risk. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of what the Funds own and the Funds’ share price. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and the risk may be higher in emerging markets.
 
Emerging Markets Risk. In addition to the risks of foreign securities in general, investments in emerging markets may be riskier than investments in or exposure to investments in the U.S. and other developed markets for many reasons, including smaller market capitalizations, greater price volatility, less liquidity, a higher degree of political and economic instability (which can freeze, restrict or suspend transactions in those investments, including cash), the impact of economic sanctions, less governmental regulation and supervision of the financial industry and markets, and less stringent financial reporting and accounting standards and controls.
 
Equity Securities Risk. The price of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes or changes in a company’s financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, sectors or industries selected for the Funds’ portfolio or the securities market as a whole, such as changes in economic or political conditions.
 
Foreign Securities Risk. Investing in foreign securities typically involves more risks than investing in U.S. securities, and includes risks associated with: (i) internal and external political and economic developments – e.g., the political, economic and social policies and structures of some foreign countries may be less stable and more volatile than those in the U.S. or some foreign countries may be subject to trading restrictions or economic sanctions; (ii) trading practices – e.g., government supervision and regulation of foreign securities and currency markets, trading systems and brokers may be less than in the U.S.; (iii) availability of information – e.g., foreign issuers may not be subject to the same disclosure, accounting and financial reporting standards and practices as U.S. issuers; (iv) limited markets – e.g., the securities of certain foreign issuers may be less liquid (harder to sell) and more volatile; and (v) currency exchange rate fluctuations and policies.
 
General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors, which has resulted in disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
 
Management Risk. Each Fund is an actively managed investment portfolio and each Fund relies on the Adviser’s ability to pursue the Fund’s goal. The Adviser will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Funds, but there can be no guarantee that its decisions will produce the desired results.
 
Mid Cap Company Risk (Mid Cap Value Fund). A mid cap company may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than stocks of larger companies. These stocks present greater risks than securities of larger, more diversified companies.
 

57

Pzena Funds
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
February 29, 2024

Small Cap Company Risk (Small Cap Value Fund and International Small Cap Value Fund). Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than larger company stocks. Smaller companies may have no or relatively short operating histories, or be newly public companies.
 
Value Style Investing Risk. The Funds emphasize a “value” style of investing, which targets undervalued companies with characteristics for improved valuations. This style of investing is subject to the risk that the valuations never improve or that the returns on “value” securities may not move in tandem with the returns on other styles of investing or the stock market in general.
 
NOTE 12 – TRUSTEES
 
Effective October 18, 2023, Mr. Ray Woolson retired from his service as Trustee and Board Chair to attend to health-related matters. At the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, on October 24, 2023, the Board appointed Mr. David Mertens as the successor Board Chair, and Ms. Michele Rackey was appointed as Governance and Nominating Committee Chair.
 








58

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Trustees of Advisors Series Trust and
Shareholders of Pzena Funds
 
Opinion on the Financial Statements
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund, Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund, Pzena Small Cap Value Fund, Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund, and Pzena International Value Fund (the “Funds”), each a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedules of investments, as of February 29, 2024, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”).  In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of February 29, 2024, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and their financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
Individual Funds
Statement of
Statements of
 
constituting Pzena Funds
operations
changes in net assets
Financial highlights
Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund,
For the year ended
For each of the two years
For each of the five years in the
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund,
February 29, 2024
in the period ended
period ended February 29, 2024
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund,
 
February 29, 2024
 
and Pzena International
     
  Small Cap Value Fund
     
       
Pzena International Value Fund
For the year ended
For each of the two years
For each of the two years in the
 
February 29, 2024
in the period ended
period ended February 29, 2024
   
February 29, 2024
and for the period June 28, 2021
     
(commencement of operations)
     
through February 28, 2022

Basis for Opinion
 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.  We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2003.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.  The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting.  As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
 
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.  Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 29, 2024 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
 
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 29, 2024


59

Pzena Funds
Expense Example
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs including sales charges (loads), if applicable; redemption fees, if applicable; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1 fees); and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
 
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period indicated and held for the entire period (September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024).
 
Actual Expenses
 
The first line of the tables below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. The example below includes, but is not limited to, management fees, fund accounting, custody and transfer agent fees. However, the example below does not include portfolio trading commissions and related expenses. In addition, you will be assessed fees for outgoing wire transfers, returned checks, and stop payment orders at prevailing rates charged by U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, the Funds’ transfer agent. You may use the information in these columns, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the row entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
 
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
 
The second line of the tables below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds, as they may charge transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of each 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
 



60

Pzena Funds
Expense Example (Continued)
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
Expense Ratio
Six Month
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period(1)
During Period
Total Return
Investor Class
9/1/23
2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
Actual
         
Mid Cap Value Fund
$1,000.00  
$1,115.70
$6.52  
1.24%
11.57%
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,033.30
7.18
1.42%
  3.33%
Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,119.90
6.90
1.31%
11.99%
International Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,047.20
7.48
1.47%
  4.72%
International Value Fund
1,000.00
     998.30
4.92
0.99%
 -0.17%
           
Hypothetical
         
  (5% return before expenses)
         
Mid Cap Value Fund
$1,000.00  
$1,018.70
$6.22  
1.24%
  2.49%
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,017.80
7.12
1.42%
  2.49%
Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,018.35
6.57
1.31%
  2.49%
International Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,017.55
7.37
1.47%
  2.49%
International Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,019.94
4.97
0.99%
  2.49%

(1)
Each Fund’s expenses are equal to the expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 days (to reflect the six-month period of operation of the Funds). The ending account values in the table are based on the actual total returns of the Investor Class shares of each Fund.

 
Beginning
Ending
Expenses Paid
Expense Ratio
Six Month
 
Account Value
Account Value
During Period(2)
During Period
Total Return
Institutional Class
9/1/23
2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
9/1/23 – 2/29/24
Actual
         
Mid Cap Value Fund
$1,000.00  
$1,117.70
$4.74  
0.90%
11.77%
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,035.60
5.47
1.08%
  3.56%
Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,121.00
5.27
1.00%
12.10%
International Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,048.30
5.96
1.17%
  4.83%
International Value Fund
1,000.00
     950.00
3.59
0.74%
 -5.00%
           
Hypothetical
         
  (5% return before expenses)
         
Mid Cap Value Fund
$1,000.00  
$1,020.39
$4.52  
0.90%
  2.49%
Emerging Markets Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,019.49
5.42
1.08%
  2.49%
Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,019.89
5.02
1.00%
  2.49%
International Small Cap Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,019.05
5.87
1.17%
  2.49%
International Value Fund
1,000.00
  1,021.18
3.72
0.74%
  2.49%

(2)
Each Fund’s expenses are equal to the expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 days (to reflect the six-month period of operation of the Funds). The ending account values in the table are based on the actual total returns of the Investor Class shares of each Fund.





61

Pzena Funds
Information about Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)


This chart provides information about the Trustees and Officers who oversee the Funds. Officers elected by the Trustees manage the day-to-day operations of the Funds and execute policies formulated by the Trustees.
 
   
Term of
 
Number of
 
   
Office
 
Portfolios
Other
   
and
 
in Fund
Directorships
 
Position
Length
 
Complex
Held During
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
Principal Occupation
Overseen by
Past Five
and Age
the Trust
Served*
During Past Five Years
Trustee(2)
Years(3)
Independent Trustees(1)
         
           
David G. Mertens
Board Chair
Indefinite
Partner and Head of Business
5
Trustee, Advisors Series
YOB: 1960
 
term;
Development, QSV Equity
 
Trust (for series not
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
Investors, LLC, (formerly known
 
affiliated with the
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
October
as Ballast Equity Management,
 
Funds).
   
2023.
LLC) (a privately-held investment
   
     
advisory firm) (February 2019 to
   
 
Trustee
Indefinite
present); Managing Director and
   
   
term;
Vice President, Jensen Investment
   
   
since
Management, Inc. (a privately-
   
   
March 2017.
held investment advisory firm)
   
     
(2002 to 2017).
   
           
Joe D. Redwine
Trustee
Indefinite
Retired; formerly Manager,
5
Trustee, Advisors Series
YOB: 1947
 
term;
President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp
 
Trust (for series not
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
Fund Services, LLC, and
 
affiliated with the
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
September
its predecessors,
 
Funds).
   
2008.
(May 1991 to July 2017).
   
           
Michele Rackey
Trustee
Indefinite
Chief Executive Officer,
5
Trustee, Advisors Series
YOB: 1959
 
term;
Government Employees Benefit
 
Trust (for series not
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
Association (GEBA) (benefits
 
affiliated with the
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
January
and wealth management
 
Funds).
   
2023.
organization) (2004 to 2020);
   
     
Board Member, Association
   
     
Business Services Inc. (ABSI)
   
     
(for-profit subsidiary of the
   
     
American Society of Association
   
     
Executives) (2019 to 2020).
   




62

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


   
Term of
 
   
Office
 
   
and
 
 
Position
Length
 
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
Principal Occupation
and Age
the Trust
Served
During Past Five Years
Officers
     
       
Jeffrey T. Rauman
President,
Indefinite
Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global
YOB: 1969
Chief
term;
Fund Services (February 1996 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
Executive
since
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Officer and
December
 
 
Principal
2018.
 
 
Executive
   
 
Officer
   
       
Kevin J. Hayden
Vice
Indefinite
Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund
YOB: 1971
President,
term;
Services (June 2005 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
Treasurer
since
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
and
January
 
 
Principal
2023.
 
 
Financial
   
 
Officer
   
       
Cheryl L. King
Assistant
Indefinite
Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund
YOB: 1961
Treasurer
term;
Services (October 1998 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
January
 
   
2023.
 
       
Richard R. Conner
Assistant
Indefinite
Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global
YOB: 1982
Treasurer
term;
Fund Services (July 2010 to present).
615 E. Michigan Street
 
since
 
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
December
 
   
2018.
 
       
Joseph R. Kolinsky
Vice
Indefinite
Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (May 2023 to present);
YOB: 1970
President,
term;
Chief Compliance Officer, Chandler Asset Management, Inc. (2020 to 2022);
2020 E. Financial Way,
Chief
since
Director, Corporate Compliance, Pacific Life Insurance Company
Suite 100
Compliance
July
(2018 to 2019).
Glendora, CA 91741
Officer and
2023.
 
 
AML Officer
   




63

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


   
Term of
 
   
Office
 
   
and
 
 
Position
Length
 
Name, Address
Held with
of Time
Principal Occupation
and Age
the Trust
Served
During Past Five Years
Lillian A. Kabakali
Vice
Indefinite
Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (April 2023 to present);
YOB: 1980
President
term;
Vice President, Compliance, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management
2020 E. Financial Way,
and
since
Holdings, LLC (April 2019 to April 2023); Senior Associate, Compliance,
Suite 100
Secretary
March
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC
Glendora, CA 91741
 
2024.
(January 2018 to April 2019).
       
Elaine E. Richards
Assistant
Indefinite
Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present).
YOB: 1968
Secretary
term;
 
2020 E. Financial Way,
 
since
 
Suite 100
 
March
 
Glendora, CA 91741
 
2024.
 

*
The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs (“Retiring Trustee”). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee’s term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine’s term as Trustee was extended for three additional years to expire December 31, 2025.
(1)
The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)
As of February 29, 2024, the Trust was comprised of 34 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisors. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment advisor with any other series.
(3)
“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorship of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Act, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

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





64

Pzena Funds
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)


Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund
Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund
Pzena Small Cap Value Fund
Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund
Pzena International Value Fund
 
At meetings held on October 18, 2023 and December 14-15, 2023, the Board (which is comprised of three persons, all of whom are Independent Trustees as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), considered and approved, for another annual term, the continuance of the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) and Pzena Investment Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) on behalf of the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Mid Cap Value Fund”), Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund (the “Emerging Markets Value Fund”), Pzena Small Cap Value Fund (the “Small Cap Value Fund”), Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund (“International Small Cap Value Fund”) and Pzena International Value Fund (“International Value Fund”) (each, a “Fund,” and together, the “Funds”). At both meetings, the Board received and reviewed substantial information regarding the Funds, the Adviser and the services provided by the Adviser to the Funds under the Advisory Agreement. This information, together with the information provided to the Board throughout the course of the year, formed the primary (but not exclusive) basis for the Board’s determinations. Below is a summary of the factors considered by the Board and the conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the continuance of the Advisory Agreement:
 
 
1.
THE NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED AND TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISER UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the Adviser’s overall services provided to the Funds, as well as its specific responsibilities in all aspects of day-to-day investment management of the Funds. The Board considered the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of the portfolio managers, as well as the responsibilities of other key personnel of the Adviser involved in the day-to-day activities of the Funds, noting that the Adviser currently serves as investment sub-adviser to a number of mutual funds not affiliated with the Trust and previously managed its own family of proprietary mutual funds. The Board also considered the resources and compliance structure of the Adviser, including information regarding its compliance program, its chief compliance officer and the Adviser’s compliance record, as well as the Adviser’s cybersecurity program, liquidity risk management program, valuation procedures, business continuity plan, and risk management process. The Board also noted that the Adviser was working towards implementation of newly adopted Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to the Fund, including the new tailored shareholder reports. The Board further considered its knowledge of the Adviser’s operations and noted that during the course of the prior year they had met with certain personnel of the Adviser to discuss the Funds’ performance and investment outlook as well as various marketing and compliance topics. The Board concluded that the Adviser had the quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment processes and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement and that they were satisfied with the nature, overall quality and extent of such management services.
     
 
2.
THE FUNDS HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE AND THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE ADVISER. In assessing the quality of the portfolio management delivered by the Adviser, the Board reviewed the short-term and long-term performance of the Funds as of June 30, 2023 on both an absolute basis and a relative basis in comparison to their peer funds utilizing Morningstar classifications, appropriate securities market benchmarks, the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts, and a cohort that is comprised of similarly managed funds selected by an independent third-party consulting firm engaged by the Board to assist it in its 15(c) review (the “Cohort”). While the Board considered both short-term and long-term performance, it placed greater emphasis on longer term performance. When reviewing performance against the comparative peer group universe, the Board took into account that the investment objectives and strategies of each Fund, as well as its level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in the peer universe. When reviewing a Fund’s performance against broad market benchmarks, the Board took into account the differences in portfolio construction between the Fund and such benchmarks as well as other differences between actively managed funds and passive benchmarks, such as objectives and risks. In assessing periods of relative underperformance or outperformance, the Board took into account that relative performance can be significantly impacted by performance measurement periods and that some periods of underperformance may be transitory in nature while others may reflect more significant underlying issues.
     
   
Mid Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed the Morningstar peer group and Cohort average for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2023. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark, noting that it had outperformed its primary benchmark index over the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2023.

65

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


   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund outperformed the similarly managed composite for the one- and five-year periods and performed in line with the composite for the three-year period ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
Emerging Markets Value Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed the Morningstar peer group and Cohort average for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2023. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against two broad-based securities market benchmarks, noting that it had outperformed both its primary and secondary benchmark over the one-, three- and five-year periods, all periods ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund outperformed the similarly managed account composite for the one- and three-year periods and underperformed for the five-year period ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
Small Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed each of the Morningstar peer group and Cohort average for the one- and three-year periods and underperformed both for the five-year period, all periods ended June 30, 2023. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against a broad-based securities market benchmark, noting that it had outperformed its primary benchmark index for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
The Adviser represented that it does not manage any other accounts with a similar strategy to that of the Small Cap Value Fund.
     
   
International Small Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed each of the Morningstar peer group and Cohort average for the one- and three-year periods ended June 30, 2023. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against two broad-based securities market benchmarks, noting that it outperformed both its primary and secondary benchmark over the one- and three-year periods ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund outperformed the similarly managed account composite for the one-year period and underperformed for the three-year period ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
International Value Fund: The Board noted that the Fund outperformed each of the Morningstar peer group and Cohort average for the one-year period ended June 30, 2023. The Board also reviewed the performance of the Fund against two broad-based securities market benchmarks, noting that it outperformed both its primary benchmark and secondary benchmark for the one-year period ended June 30, 2023.
     
   
The Board also considered the Fund’s performance compared to the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts, noting that the Fund underperformed the similarly managed account composite for the one-year period ended June 30, 2023.
     
 
3.
THE COSTS OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ADVISER AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE ADVISER’S FEE UNDER THE ADVISORY AGREEMENT. In considering the advisory fee and total fees and expenses of the Funds, the Board reviewed comparisons to the peer funds and the Adviser’s similarly managed accounts for other types of clients, as well as all expense waivers and reimbursements. When reviewing fees charged to other similarly managed accounts, the Board took into account the type of account and the differences in the management of that account that might be germane to the difference, if any, in the fees charged to such accounts.
     
   
Mid Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 0.90%, excluding certain operating expenses and class-level expenses (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual management fee and net expense ratio were above the Cohort median and average. The Board noted that the net expense ratio was below the Morningstar peer group average. The Board also took into consideration the services the Adviser provides to its similarly managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees charged to the Fund. The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were lower than, equal to, or higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed account clients depending on the asset level.
     
   
Emerging Markets Value Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.08%, excluding certain operating expenses and class-level expenses (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the Cohort median and average. The Board noted that the Fund’s net

66

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


   
expense ratio was below the Cohort median and average. The Board also noted that the Fund’s net expense ratio was below the Morningstar peer group average. The Board also took into consideration the services the Adviser provides to its similarly managed account clients, comparing the fees charged for those management services to the management fees charged to the Fund. The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were equal to or higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed account clients depending on the asset level.
     
   
Small Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain annual expense ratios for the Fund of 1.00%, excluding certain operating expenses and class-level expenses (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the contractual advisory fee was above the Cohort median and average. The Board noted that the net expense ratio was above the Cohort median and below the Cohort average. The Board also noted that the Fund’s net expense ratio was below the Morningstar peer group average. The Board also considered that the Adviser does not manage any other accounts with a similar strategy to that of the Small Cap Value Fund.
     
   
International Small Cap Value Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 1.17%, excluding certain operating expenses and class-level expenses (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual management fee and net expense ratio were each above the Cohort median and average. The Board also noted that the Fund’s net expense ratio was above the Morningstar peer group average. The Board took into consideration that after advisory fee waivers and the payment of Fund expenses necessary to maintain the Expense Caps, the Adviser received no advisory fees for the year ended June 30, 2023. The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were equal to or higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed account clients depending on the asset level.
     
   
International Value Fund: The Board noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain an annual expense ratio for the Fund of 0.74%, excluding certain operating expenses and class-level expenses (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the Fund’s contractual management fee was at the median and below the average of the Cohort, and the Fund’s net expense ratio was below the Cohort median and average. The Board also noted that the Fund’s net expense ratio was below the Morningstar peer group average. The Board found that the management fees charged to the Fund were higher than the fees charged to the Adviser’s similarly managed account clients.
     
   
The Board determined that it would continue to monitor the appropriateness of the advisory fees for the Funds and concluded that, at this time, the fees to be paid to the Adviser were fair and reasonable.
     
 
4.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board also considered whether economies of scale were being realized by the Adviser that should be shared with shareholders. The Board further noted that the Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees or reimburse Fund expenses so that the Funds do not exceed the specified Expense Caps. The Board noted that at current asset levels, it did not appear that there were additional significant economies of scale being realized by the Adviser that should be shared with shareholders and concluded that it would continue to monitor economies of scale in the future as circumstances changed and assuming asset levels increase.
     
 
5.
THE PROFITS TO BE REALIZED BY THE ADVISER AND ITS AFFILIATES FROM THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FUNDS. The Board reviewed the Adviser’s financial information and took into account both the direct benefits and the indirect benefits to the Adviser from advising the Funds. The Board considered the profitability to the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds and considered any additional material benefits derived by the Adviser from its relationship with the Funds, such as Rule 12b-1 fees received from the Funds’ Investor Class shares. The Board also considered “soft dollar” benefits that may be received by the Adviser in exchange for Fund brokerage. After such review, the Board determined that the profitability to the Adviser with respect to the Advisory Agreement was not excessive, and that the Adviser had maintained adequate profit levels to support the services it provides to the Funds.

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



67

Pzena Funds
Notice to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

Federal Tax Distribution Information
 
For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Mid Cap Value Fund, Emerging Markets Value Fund, Small Cap Value Fund, International Small Cap Value Fund, and International Value Fund designated $2,312,121, $59,979,575, $238,392, $420,663, and $1,389,668 as ordinary income, respectively, and $10,374,807, $20,393,042, $0, $670,482, and $0 as long-term capital gains, respectively, for purposes of the dividends paid deduction.
 
Certain dividend paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
98.71%
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
26.86%
 
Small Cap Value Fund
89.76%
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
79.83%
 
International Value Fund
100.00%
 

For corporate shareholders in the Funds, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, was as follows:
 
Mid Cap Value Fund
86.97%
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
0.89%
 
Small Cap Value Fund
89.02%
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
0.00%
 
International Value Fund
0.00%
 

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the following Funds designated the following amounts as foreign taxes paid pursuant to section 853 of the Internal Revenue Service Code:
 
   
Creditable
   
Shares
       
   
Foreign Tax
   
Outstanding at
   
Per Share
 
   
Credit Paid
   
2/29/2024
   
Amount
 
Emerging Markets Value Fund
 
$
5,194,997
     
133,832,748
   
$
0.038817
 
International Small Cap Value Fund
   
68,341
     
2,378,737
     
0.028730
 
International Value Fund
   
217,109
     
7,754,838
     
0.027997
 

How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Policies
 
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996) or on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
How to Obtain a Copy of the Funds’ Proxy Voting Records for the 12-Month Period Ended June 30
 
Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996). Furthermore, you can obtain a Fund’s proxy voting records on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
 
Quarterly Filings on Form N-PORT
 
The Funds file their 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 Funds’ Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Information included in the Funds’ Form N-PORT is also available by calling 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996).
 
Householding
 
In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds will reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, supplements, and certain other shareholder documents that you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shown by two or more accounts. Please call the Funds’ transfer agent toll free at 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996) to request individual copies of these documents. The Funds will begin sending individual copies 30 days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
 


68

Pzena Funds
Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program (Unaudited)


Each Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Board has designated a committee at the Adviser to serve as the administrator of the program. The Adviser’s committee conducts the day-to-day operation of the programs pursuant to policies and procedures administered by the committee.
 
Under the program, the Adviser’s committee manages each Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of each Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of each Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to each Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. The committee’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
 
The Board reviewed a report prepared by the committee regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The report noted that each the Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund and the Pzena Small Cap Value Fund made use of its line of credit during the reporting period and that such line was fully repaid in a timely manner. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, the committee provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing each Fund’s liquidity risk.
 








69

Pzena Funds
Privacy Notice


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








70











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


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


Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10020


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


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


Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
3 Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101













This report is intended for the shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus, To obtain a free prospectus, please call 1-844-PZN-1996 (1-844-796-1996).
 



ZP-ANNUAL



(b) Not Applicable.

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

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

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

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s Board of Trustees has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.  Mr. Joe D. Redwine and Ms. Michele Rackey are the “audit committee financial experts” and are considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N‑CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years.  “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years.  “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit.  “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant including the review of federal income tax returns, review of federal excise tax returns, review of state tax returns, if any, and assistance with calculation of required income, capital gain and excise distributions.  There were no “other services” provided by the principal accountant.  The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.

 
FYE 2/29/2024
 FYE 2/28/2023
(a) Audit Fees
$94,500
$94,500
(b) Audit-Related Fees
N/A
N/A
(c) Tax Fees
$18,000
18,000
(d) All Other Fees
N/A
N/A

(e)(1) The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre‑approve all audit and non‑audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.

(e)(2) The percentage of fees billed by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:

 
FYE  2/29/2024
FYE  2/28/2023
Audit-Related Fees
0%
0%
Tax Fees
0%
0%
All Other Fees
0%
0%

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

(g) The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years.

Non-Audit Related Fees
FYE  2/29/2024
FYE  2/28/2023
Registrant
N/A
N/A
Registrant’s Investment Adviser
N/A
N/A

(h) The audit committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.

The registrant has not been identified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as having filed an annual report issued by a registered public accounting firm branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction where the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is unable to inspect or completely investigate because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction.

The registrant is not a foreign issuer.

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)

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Filed herewith.

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c‑1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.  Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

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

(b)



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


(Registrant)  Advisors Series Trust 

By (Signature and Title)      /s/Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer/Principal
Executive Officer

Date    5/8/24


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By (Signature and Title)      /s/Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President/Chief Executive Officer/Principal
Executive Officer

Date    5/8/24

By (Signature and Title)      /s/Kevin J. Hayden
Kevin J. Hayden, Vice President/Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer

Date    5/8/24












ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

CODE OF ETHICS

CERTIFICATION 302

CERTIFICATION 906