1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
xPreliminary Proxy Statement.
oConfidential, for use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
oDefinitive Proxy Statement.
oDefinitive Additional Materials.
oSoliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12.
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
xNo fee required.
oFee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
(2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
(3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
(4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
(5)Total fee paid: |
oFee paid previously with preliminary materials:
oCheck box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1)Amount Previously Paid: |
(2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
(3)Filing Party: |
(4)Date Filed: |
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Poplar Forest Partners Fund
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund
each a series of Advisors Series Trust
615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
[February 28], 2025
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to inform you about an upcoming special meeting (the “Special Meeting”) of the shareholders of the
Poplar Forest Partners Fund and Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), each a series
of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”). The Special Meeting is being held to seek shareholder approval of the proposal (the
“Proposal”) discussed below and in the accompanying Proxy Statement:
(i)To approve an Investment Advisory Agreement between Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. and the
Trust, on behalf of each Fund. J. Dale Harvey, portfolio manager, and Derek Derman, co-portfolio
manager, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund. No increase
in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.
(ii)To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments
thereof.
Enclosed you will find a notice of the Special Meeting, a Proxy Statement with additional information about the
Proposal, and a proxy card with instructions for voting. Following this letter, you will find questions and answers regarding
the Proxy Statement that are designed to help you understand the Proxy Statement and how to cast your votes. These
questions and answers are being provided as a supplement to, not a substitute for, the Proxy Statement, which we urge you to
review carefully.
The Board of Trustees of the Trust believes the Proposal is in the best interest of each Fund and its shareholders and
recommends that you vote “FOR” the Proposal. Importantly, approval of the Proposal will not result in any increase in
shareholder fees.
The Special Meeting is scheduled to be held at 12:00 p.m. Central time on April 2, 2025, at the offices of U.S. Bank
Global Fund Services, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. If you are a shareholder of
record as of the close of business on February 14, 2025, you are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and at any
adjournment thereof. Your vote is extremely important. While you are welcome to join us at the Special Meeting, most
shareholders will cast their votes by filling out, signing, and returning the enclosed proxy card, voting by telephone, or voting
using the internet. By responding promptly, you will save the expense of additional follow-up mailings and solicitations.
Please vote today.
If you have any questions regarding the Proposal or Proxy Statement, please do not hesitate to call toll-free
1-800-676-7437. Representatives will be available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these important proposal and for your continuing investment in the Funds.
Sincerely,
____________________________
J. Dale Harvey
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
Poplar Forest Capital LLC
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Poplar Forest Partners Fund
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund
each a series of Advisors Series Trust
615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
TO BE HELD APRIL 2, 2025
A special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund and Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), each a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), will be
held on April 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Central time, at the offices of the Funds’ administrator, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services,
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. At the Special Meeting, or any adjournments thereof,
shareholders of each Fund will be asked to act upon the following Proposal:
PROPOSAL 1:To approve an Investment Advisory Agreement between Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. and the
Trust, on behalf of each Fund. J. Dale Harvey, portfolio manager, and Derek Derman, co-portfolio
manager, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund. No increase
in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.
PROPOSAL 2:To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments
thereof.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, INCLUDING ALL OF THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES,
UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL.
The Trust’s Board of Trustees has fixed the close of business on February 14, 2025, as the record date for the
determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting and any adjournments thereof. In
addition to the proposal above, shareholders may also consider any other business as may be properly brought before the
Special Meeting.
Please read the accompanying Proxy Statement. Your vote is very important to us regardless of the number of votes
you hold. Shareholders who do not expect to attend the Special Meeting are requested to complete, sign, and promptly return
the enclosed proxy card so that a quorum will be present and a maximum number of shares may be voted for the Funds. In
the alternative, please call the toll-free number on your proxy card to vote by telephone or go to the website shown on your
proxy card to vote over the internet. Proxies may be revoked prior to the Special Meeting by giving written notice of such
revocation to the Secretary of the Trust prior to the Special Meeting, delivering a subsequently dated proxy card by any of the
methods described above, or by voting in person at the Special Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
___________________________
Elaine E. Richards
Assistant Secretary
Advisors Series Trust
[February 28], 2025
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE PROPOSAL
Below is a brief overview of the matters being submitted to a shareholder vote. Your vote is important, no matter how large
or small your holdings may be. Please read the full text of the proxy statement (“Proxy Statement”), which contains
additional information about the proposal (the “Proposal”), and keep it for future reference.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question 1:Why are you sending me this information?
Answer:You are receiving these proxy materials because you have the right to vote on an important Proposal
concerning your investment in the Poplar Forest Partners Fund and/or Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund
(each, a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”).
Question 2:What is the Proposal being considered at the Meeting?
Answer:You are being asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement between Tocqueville Asset
Management, L.P. (“TAM”) and the Trust, on behalf of each Fund (the “New Investment Advisory
Agreement”).
Poplar Forest Capital LLC, (“Poplar Forest”), the current investment adviser to the Funds, and TAM have
entered into an agreement, whereby, upon obtaining relevant client approvals, TAM would (1) hire certain
employees of Poplar Forest and (2) transition all investment and support functions to TAM (the
“Transition”). In connection with the Transition, there will be a revenue sharing agreement between TAM
and Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Poplar Forest and
a portfolio manager of each Fund. The Transition is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2025.
Simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Transition, Poplar Forest intends to terminate the investment
advisory agreements with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (“Prior Investment Advisory Agreements”).
To provide for continuity in the operation of the Funds and upon the recommendation of Poplar Forest, the
Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined under
the 1940 Act, at a meeting held on February 10, 2025, determined that it would be in the best interests of
each Fund and its shareholders to approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement, subject to shareholder
approval. Accordingly, shareholders of each Fund must approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement
in order to replace the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements, which will allow TAM to serve as each
Fund’s investment adviser. Mr. J. Dale Harvey, who has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since each
Fund’s inception, and Derek Derman, who has been a portfolio manager of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund
since March 2022 and of the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund since its inception, will become an employee
of TAM and will continue to be the portfolio managers responsible for day-to-day investment management
of each Fund.
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The terms of the New Investment Advisory Agreement are substantially identical to the terms of the Prior
Investment Advisory Agreements, except for the investment adviser, dates of execution, and effectiveness.
As shown in the table below, the New Investment Advisory Agreement will have the same investment
management fee schedule for each Fund as under the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements. Additionally,
the expense limitation that is currently in place for each Fund’s total operating expenses will remain
unchanged for at least two years from the effective date of the New Investment Advisory Agreement.
Fund | Management Fee | Expense Cap |
Poplar Forest Partners Fund | 0.85% of average daily net assets for the first $250 million of assets, 0.775% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the next $750 million of assets, and 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for assets in excess of $1 billion | 0.95% (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class- specific expenses) |
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund | 0.80% of the average daily net assets for the first $250 million of assets; 0.70% of the average daily net assets for the next $750 million of assets; and 0.60% of the average daily net assets for assets in excess of $1 billion. | 0.90% (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class- specific expenses) |
If the Proposal is not approved by the Funds’ shareholders, the Board will consider alternatives for the
Funds and take such action as it deems necessary and in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders,
which may include further solicitation of a Fund’s shareholders or liquidation of the Fund.
Question 3:Will the Proposal result in any change in the fees or expenses payable by the Funds?
Answer:No. Approval of the Proposal by Fund shareholders will not affect the fees or expenses payable by the
Funds.
Question 4:Why am I being asked to approve a New Investment Advisory Agreement?
Answer:At a meeting of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) held on February 10, 2025, the Board approved
the New Investment Advisory Agreement. Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”), the approval of a new Investment Advisory Agreement for the Funds also requires the
affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of each Fund. Accordingly, you are
being asked to approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement.
If the Funds’ shareholders approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement, TAM will assume the
responsibilities of being the Funds’ investment adviser and will replace Poplar Forest as investment adviser
to the Funds. Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Poplar
Forest, who has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since each Fund’s inception, and Derek Derman,
who has been a portfolio manager of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund since March 2022 and of the Poplar
Forest Cornerstone Fund since its inception, will become employees of TAM and will continue to be the
portfolio managers responsible for day-to-day investment management of each Fund. Before the New
Investment Advisory Agreement can take effect, each Fund’s shareholders must vote to approve the New
Investment Advisory Agreement.
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Question 5:What are the reasons for the proposed change in Investment Adviser to the Fund?
Answer:As stated above, Poplar Forest and TAM have entered into an agreement, whereby, upon obtaining
relevant client approvals, TAM would (1) hire certain employees of Poplar Forest and (2) transition all
investment and support functions to TAM (the “Transition”). The Transition is expected to take effect in
the second quarter of 2025. Simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Transition, Poplar Forest intends
to terminate the investment advisory agreements with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (“Prior Investment
Advisory Agreements”). The Board weighed a number of other factors in reaching its decision to approve
the New Investment Advisory Agreement for TAM to serve as the investment adviser for the Funds,
including the history, reputation, qualifications and resources of TAM and the fact that Poplar Forest’s
current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer and the portfolio managers of each Fund
would continue to provide the day-to-day management of the Funds at TAM. The Board also considered
that, as a result of the proposal, the Funds’advisory fees would not increase and that all costs incurred by
the Funds as a result of the Transition would be borne by Poplar Forest and TAM, not the Funds’
shareholders. The Board additionally considered that Poplar Forest believes that TAM has access to broader
investment and technological resources, which may help to better serve shareholders’ needs. Please see
“Board Recommendation of Approval” in the Proxy Statement for a full discussion of the Board’s
considerations.
Question 6:Will there be any changes in the services provided by the Investment Adviser to the Funds?
Answer:No. Under the proposed arrangements, TAM will provide substantially the same day-to-day portfolio
management services to the Funds as Poplar Forest currently provides.
Question 7:Will there be any changes to the portfolio management team for my Fund?
Answer:No. Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Poplar Forest,
who has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since each Fund’s inception, and Derek Derman, who has
been a portfolio manager of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund since March 2022 and of the Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund since its inception, will become employees of TAM and will continue to be the portfolio
managers responsible for day-to-day investment management of each Fund.
Question 8:Will there be any changes to the Funds’ investment policies, strategies or risks in connection with the
New Investment Advisory Agreement?
Answer:No. None of the Funds’investment policies, strategies, or risks will change as a result of the Proposal.
Question 9:What will happen if Fund shareholders do not approve the Proposal?
Answer:Each Fund will vote separately on the Proposal and the approvals are not contingent on one another. It is
possible that the Proposal may be approved by shareholders of one Fund but not by shareholders of the
other Fund. If that were the case, management expects that the shareholder meeting would be adjourned for
the particular Fund to give more time to solicit shareholder votes in favor of the Proposal that did not
receive shareholder approval. The Proposal will be implemented with respect to the Fund that approved it.
If the Proposal is not approved by the Funds’ shareholders, the Board will consider alternatives for the
Funds and take such action as it deems necessary and in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders,
which may include further solicitation of a Fund’s shareholders or liquidation of the Fund.
Question 10:How does the Board recommend that I vote in connection with the Proposal?
Answer:The Board unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the approval of the Proposal described in the
Proxy Statement.
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OTHER MATTERS
Question 11:How much will this proxy solicitation cost?
Answer:The expenses connected with the Proposal, the Special Meeting and the solicitation of proxies are estimated
to be $[ ].
Question 12:Will my Fund pay for this proxy solicitation?
Answer:No. Poplar Forest is bearing the costs of this proxy solicitation, including the printing and mailing of the
Proxy Statement and related materials, a portion of which may be reimbursed by TAM.
Question 13:How can I vote my shares?
Answer:For your convenience, there are several ways you can vote:
By Mail: Vote, sign and return the enclosed proxy card(s) in the enclosed self-addressed, postage-paid
envelope;
By Telephone: Call the number printed on the enclosed proxy card(s);
By Internet: Access the website address printed on the enclosed proxy card(s); or
In Person: Attend the Meeting as described in the Proxy Statement.
Question 14:How may I revoke my proxy?
Answer:Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its use by written notification received by the Trust’s
Secretary, by the execution and delivery of a later-dated proxy, or by attending the Meeting and voting in
person. Shareholders whose shares are held in “street name” through their broker will need to obtain a legal
proxy from their broker and present it at the Meeting in order to vote in person. Any letter of revocation or
later-dated proxy must be received by the appropriate Fund prior to the Meeting and must indicate your
name and account number to be effective. Proxies voted by telephone or Internet may be revoked at any
time before they are voted at the Meeting in the same manner that proxies voted by mail may be revoked.
Question 15:Where can I obtain additional information about this Proxy Statement?
Answer:If you need any assistance, or have any questions regarding the Proposal or how to vote your shares, please
call our proxy solicitor, Equiniti (the “Proxy Solicitor”), at 1-800-676-7437. Representatives are available
to assist you Monday through Friday, [ ] a.m. to [ ] p.m. Eastern Time.
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Poplar Forest Partners Fund
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund
each a series of Advisors Series Trust
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
PROXY STATEMENT
[February 28], 2025
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the shareholders of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund and the Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund (each a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”), each a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”), an
open-end management investment company, on behalf of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) in connection with each
Fund’s solicitation of its shareholders’proxies for use at a special meeting of shareholders of the Funds (the “Special
Meeting”) to be held on April 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Central time, at the offices of the Fund’s administrator, U.S. Bank
Global Fund Services, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, for the purposes set forth below
and in the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on the record date, established as February 14, 2025 (the “Record
Date”), are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting. The approximate mailing date of this Proxy Statement to
shareholders is March 7, 2025. The Special Meeting will be held to obtain shareholder approval for the following proposal
(the “Proposal”):
PROPOSAL 1:To approve an Investment Advisory Agreement between Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. (“TAM”)
and the Trust, on behalf of each Fund. J. Dale Harvey, portfolio manager, and Derek Derman, co-
portfolio manager, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund. No
increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed.
PROPOSAL 2:To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments
thereof.
At your request, the Trust will send you a free copy of the most recent audited annual report for the Funds or the
Funds’ current prospectus and statement of additional information (“SAI”). Please call the Funds at [ ] or write to the
Funds, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, to request an annual report,
prospectus, or SAI, or with any questions you may have relating to this Proxy Statement.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting.
This Proxy Statement is available on the internet at [vote.proxyonline.com/poplarforest/docs/2025mtg.pdf]. You may
request a copy by mail (Poplar Forest c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701)
or by telephone at 1-800-676-7437. Representatives will be available Monday through Friday, [ ] a.m. to [ ] p.m.
Eastern time. You may also call for information on how to obtain directions to be able to attend the Special Meeting
and vote in person.
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Background. Poplar Forest Capital LLC (“Poplar Forest”), the Funds’ investment adviser, is an investment adviser
registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and has provided investment advisory services to the
Funds since their inceptions—December 2009 for the Poplar Forest Partners Fund, and December 2014 for the Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund. Poplar Forest manages the Poplar Forest Partners Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement
dated March 3, 2017, which agreement was approved by a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities at a
shareholder meeting held March 3, 2017. The purpose of the shareholder meeting was to seek shareholder approval to amend
the investment advisory agreement for the Fund. Poplar Forest manages the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund pursuant to an
investment advisory agreement dated December 29, 2009, as amended September 11, 2014 to add the Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund, which agreement was approved by the initial shareholder of the Fund. The Board most recently renewed
the investment advisory agreements with Poplar Forest (“Prior Investment Advisory Agreements”) for an additional year at a
meeting held December 12-13, 2024.
Poplar Forest, the current investment adviser to the Funds, and TAM have entered into an agreement, whereby, upon
obtaining relevant client approvals, TAM would (1) hire certain employees of Poplar Forest and (2) transition all investment
and support functions to TAM (the “Transition”). In connection with the Transition, there will be a revenue sharing
agreement between TAM and Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Poplar
Forest and a portfolio manager of each Fund. The Transition is expected to take effect in the second quarter of 2025.
Simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Transition, Poplar Forest intends to terminate the investment advisory
agreements with the Trust, on behalf of the Funds (“Prior Investment Advisory Agreements”). Accordingly, shareholders of
each Fund must approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement to be effective simultaneously with the Transition.
To provide for continuity in the operation of the Funds and upon the recommendation of Poplar Forest, the Board,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as defined under the 1940 Act, at a meeting
held on February 10, 2025, determined that it would be in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders to approve the
New Investment Advisory Agreement, subject to shareholder approval. Accordingly, shareholders of each Fund must
approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement in order to replace the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements, which will
allow TAM to serve as each Fund’s investment adviser. Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Investment Officer of Poplar Forest, who has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since each Fund’s inception, and Derek
Derman, who has been a portfolio manager of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund since March 2022 and of the Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund since its inception, will become an employee of TAM and will continue to be the portfolio managers
responsible for day-to-day investment management of each Fund.
The terms of the New Investment Advisory Agreement are substantially identical to the terms of the Prior
Investment Advisory Agreements, except for the investment adviser, dates of execution, and effectiveness. The New
Investment Advisory Agreement will have the same investment management fee schedule for each Fund as under the Prior
Investment Advisory Agreements. Additionally, the expense limitation that is currently in place for each Fund’s total
operating expenses will remain unchanged for at least two years from the effective date of the New Investment Advisory
Agreement.
The New Investment Advisory Agreement cannot become effective until approved by a majority vote of the
outstanding shares of each Fund. Poplar Forest will continue to advise the Funds pursuant to the Prior Investment Advisory
Agreements until shareholders approve the New Investment Advisory Agreement. None of the Funds’ investment policies,
strategies, or risks will change as a result of the Proposal.
Other Fund fees and expenses will not increase as a result of the approval of the New Investment Advisory
Agreement. The New Investment Advisory Agreement is expected to become effective soon after its approval at the Special
Meeting upon closing of the Transition. If the Proposal is not approved by the Funds’ shareholders, the Board will consider
alternatives for the Funds and take such action as it deems necessary and in the best interests of each Fund and its
shareholders, which may include further solicitation of a Fund’s shareholders or liquidation of the Fund.
The Board believes the Proposal is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders and recommends that you
vote “FOR” the Proposal. Importantly, approval of the Proposal will not result in any increase in shareholder fees, nor
will it change the number of shares you own of the Funds.
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PROPOSAL: APPROVAL OF NEW INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The proposed new investment adviser, Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., located at 40 West 57th Street, New
York, NY 10019, is an investment management firm which is registered with the SEC. TAM has been providing investment
management services to high net worth, institutional, and retail investors since 1990. As of December 31, 2024, TAM
managed $8.1 billion in assets under management. Robert Kleinschmidt is the control person of TAM. The Board approved
the New Investment Advisory Agreement with TAM at a meeting held February 10, 2025. For its services, each Fund will
pay TAM monthly management fees identical to the monthly management fees currently paid to Poplar Forest under the Prior
Investment Advisory Agreements, as shown in the table below.
Fund | Management Fee | Expense Cap |
Poplar Forest Partners Fund | 0.85% of average daily net assets for the first $250 million of assets, 0.775% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the next $750 million of assets, and 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for assets in excess of $1 billion | 0.95% (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class- specific expenses) |
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund | 0.80% of the average daily net assets for the first $250 million of assets; 0.70% of the average daily net assets for the next $750 million of assets; and 0.60% of the average daily net assets for assets in excess of $1 billion. | 0.90% (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class- specific expenses) |
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, Poplar Forest received a management fee of 0.72% of the Poplar
Forest Partners Fund’s average daily net assets, after any waivers, and received a management fee of 0.27% of the Poplar
Forest Cornerstone Fund’s average daily net assets, after any waivers.
Summary of the New Investment Advisory Agreement. A copy of the form of the New Investment Advisory
Agreement is attached to this Proxy Statement as Exhibit A. The following description of the material terms of the New
Investment Advisory Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Exhibit A.
Duration and Termination. Similar to the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements, the New Investment Advisory
Agreement provides that it will become effective upon the latter of approval by a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”) and, if required, by a vote of the majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. As with the Prior
Investment Advisory Agreements, the New Investment Advisory Agreement provides that it shall remain in effect
for each Fund for two years from the effective date and thereafter for successive periods of one year, subject to annual Board
approval as required by the 1940 Act. Like the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements, the New Investment Advisory
Agreement provides for the termination of the agreement with respect to each Fund at any time (1) by the vote of the majority
of the Board or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of the Fund on at least 60 days’written notice to the
investment adviser; or (2) by the investment adviser on not less than 60 days’written notice to the Fund.
Management Fee. The New Investment Advisory Agreement and Prior Investment Advisory Agreements contain
identical fee structures as outlined above.
Brokerage Policies. Both the New Investment Advisory Agreement and the Prior Investment Advisory Agreements
provide that the respective investment adviser shall be responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds, for
broker-dealer selection and for negotiation of brokerage commission rates, provided that the investment adviser shall not
direct orders to an affiliated person of the investment adviser without general prior authorization to use such affiliated broker
or dealer from the Board. Similar to Poplar Forest, TAM’s primary consideration in effecting a securities transaction will be
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execution at the most favorable price. In selecting a broker-dealer to execute each particular transaction, TAM may take the
following into consideration: the best net price available; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer;
the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer to the
investment performance of the Funds on a continuing basis. The price to the Funds in any transaction may be less favorable
than that available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio
execution services offered.
Payment of Expenses. Under the New Investment Advisory Agreement, TAM is responsible for providing the
personnel, office space and equipment reasonably necessary for the operation of the Funds, the expenses of printing and
distributing copies of the Funds’ prospectus, statement of additional information, and sales and advertising materials to
prospective investors (to the extent such expenses are not covered by any applicable plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act), the costs of any special Board meetings or shareholder meetings convened for the primary benefit of
TAM, and any costs of liquidating or reorganizing the Funds. The New Investment Advisory Agreement also provides that
TAM shall be responsible on a monthly basis for any operating expenses that exceed the agreed upon expense limit, subject
to the terms of such agreement. Identical terms currently apply to Poplar Forest under the Prior Investment Advisory
Agreements.
Other Provisions. The New Investment Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties imposed on TAM by the agreement, TAM will not be subject
to liability to the Trust or the Funds for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services under the
agreement or for any losses sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security or other asset by the Funds. Identical
terms concerning limits on liability and indemnification apply to Poplar Forest under the Prior Investment Advisory
Agreements.
Portfolio Managers. Mr. J. Dale Harvey, current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Poplar
Forest, who has been a portfolio manager of each Fund since each Fund’s inception, and Derek Derman, who has been a
portfolio manager of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund since March 2022 and of the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund since its
inception, will become employees of TAM and will continue to be the portfolio managers responsible for day-to-day
investment management of each Fund.
Executive Officers and Directors of TAM. Information regarding the principal executive officers and directors of
TAM is set forth below. The address of TAM and its executive officers and directors is 40 West 57th Street, New York, NY
10019.
Name | Position with TAM | |
Robert Kleinschmidt | Executive Chairman and Chief Investment Officer | |
Paul Kleinschmidt | Chief Executive Officer and President | |
Kelsey Graham | Chief Compliance Officer | |
Scott Schlesinger | Chief Operating Officer | |
Jeffrey Zatkowsky | Chief Financial Officer |
No Trustee or officer of the Trust currently holds any position with TAM or its affiliated persons.
Recommendation of the Board of Trustees. The Board believes that the terms and conditions of the New
Investment Advisory Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, each Fund and its shareholders. The Board was
presented with information demonstrating that the New Investment Advisory Agreement would enable each Fund’s
shareholders to continue to obtain quality services at a cost that was fair and reasonable.
In considering the New Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board took into consideration (1) the nature, extent,
and quality of the services to be provided by TAM; (2) the historical performance of the Funds; (3) the estimated cost of the
services to be provided by TAM and the fact that the management fees will be identical to the existing management fees of
the Funds; (4) any fall-out benefits that may be enjoyed by TAM or its affiliates; (5) the Funds’ portfolio management team
will remain intact; and (6) other factors the Board deemed to be relevant.
5
In connection with the Board’s review of the New Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees considered a
variety of matters, including, among others, the following:
•At this time, both Poplar Forest and TAM believe that the most efficient way to manage the Funds is to transition
them onto TAM’s platform, whereby TAM would become the investment adviser to the Funds.
•The current portfolio managers of each Fund, one of whom is the CEO and CIO of Poplar, will continue to manage
the Funds and be responsible for day to day management.
•That key members of Poplar Forest’s research team will also transition to TAM and that additionally TAM’s
existing research team will be resources for the Funds.
•TAM has more technological resources than Poplar Forest and has automated more of their processes, which
reduces risks to the Funds.
•There will be no changes to the Funds’ management fees or to their current expense limitation agreements for at
least two years.
•TAM has more staffing which mitigates business continuity risks.
•That Poplar Forest was subject to certain conflicts of interest in recommending the approval of TAM as the new
investment adviser to the Funds because Poplar will no longer be responsible for reimbursing fund expenses under
each Fund’s expense limitation agreement. Additionally, the Board noted that in connection with the Transition,
there will be a revenue sharing agreement between TAM and Mr. J. Dale Harvey.
Prior to and during the Meeting held February 10, 2025, representatives from TAM, presented oral and written
information to help the Board evaluate the investment adviser’s fees and other aspects of the New Investment Advisory
Agreement. Among other things, representatives from TAM provided an overview of their advisory business, including key
personnel, the firm’s compliance infrastructure, and the firm’s investment research process. TAM provided the Board with
prior performance data of a private fund that invests in structured fixed income securities, which the Board found to be
acceptable. The Board then discussed the materials and oral presentation that it had received and any other information that
the Board received at the Meeting, and deliberated on the approval of the New Investment Advisory Agreement in light of
this information. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single piece of information discussed below that was all-
important or controlling.
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services Provided. The Board noted the responsibilities that TAM would have under
the New Investment Advisory Agreement. The Board noted that Poplar Forest believed that the engagement of TAM should
enhance the quality of research services that are being provided to the Funds. The Board also noted that TAM would be
hiring Mr. Harvey, who has managed each Fund since inception, as an employee and that he would continue to be one of the
portfolio managers responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund.
In considering the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by TAM, the Board considered the
quality of TAM’s compliance infrastructure and the determination that TAM has appropriate compliance policies and
procedures in place. The Board noted that it had previously received a copy of the TAM’s registration form (Form ADV), as
well as the response of TAM to a detailed series of questions which included, among other things, information about the
background and experience of the team members. The Board also considered TAM’s resources and capacity with respect to
portfolio management, compliance, and operations.
After discussion, the Independent Trustees concluded that TAM has the appropriate personnel and compliance
policies and procedures to perform its duties under the TAM and that the nature, overall quality, cost, and extent of such
services was expected to be satisfactory.
The Funds’ historical performance and the overall performance of TAM. The Board reviewed the performance of
the Funds, noting that TAM was not the investment adviser of the Funds for the period of the Funds’ performance being
reviewed, but that the portfolio managers who have been managing each Fund will continue to be the portfolio managers for
each Fund. The Board reviewed the performance of the Poplar Forest Partners Fund and Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund as
of December 31, 2024, on both an absolute basis and a relative basis in comparison to its peer funds utilizing Morningstar
classifications, appropriate securities market benchmarks, 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
6
reviewing each Fund’s performance against the comparative peer group universe, the Board took into account that the
investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, as well as its level of risk tolerance, may differ significantly from funds in
the peer universe. 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.
For the Poplar Forest Partners Fund, the Board noted that the Fund underperformed the Morningstar peer group
average for the one-, three- and ten-year periods and outperformed for the five-year period ended December 31, 2024. The
Board also noted that the Fund underperformed the average of its Cohort for the one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods ended
December 31, 2024.
For the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund, the Board noted that the Fund underperformed the Morningstar peer group
for the one- and ten-year periods and outperformed for the three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2024. The Board
also noted that the Fund underperformed the Cohort average for the one-year period and outperformed for the three-, five-
and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2024.
Costs of Services Provided and the Structure of the Advisory Fees under the New Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Board reviewed the advisory fees to be paid by to TAM for its services to the Funds under the New Investment Advisory
Agreement.
For the Poplar Forest Partners Fund, the Board noted that TAM had contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of
its management fees and pay Fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”), interest expense, taxes,
extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class-specific expenses) in order to limit the
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to 0.95% of average daily net assets of the Fund (the “Expense Cap”). The Board
noted that the Fund’s management fee of 0.83% is in the first quartile of the Morningstar peer group, while the net expense
ratio is at the Morningstar peer group average.
For the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund, the Board noted that TAM had contractually agreed to waive a portion or
all of its management fees and pay Fund expenses (excluding AFFE, interest expense, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule
12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and other class-specific expenses) in order to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses to 0.90% of average daily net assets of the Fund (the “Expense Cap”). The Board noted that the Fund’s
management fee of 0.80% is in the first quartile of the Morningstar peer group, while the Fund’s net expense ratio is above its
Morningstar peer group average.
The Board also considered TAM’s representation that none of its separate accounts are managed identically to the
Funds.
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 TAM, as investment adviser were fair and reasonable.
Economies of Scale. The Board also considered whether economies of scale would be realized by TAM that should
be shared with shareholders. The Board further noted that TAM has contractually agreed to reduce its advisory fees or
reimburse Fund expenses so that the Funds do not exceed the specified Expense Caps for at least a two-year period. The
Board recognized that TAM is likely to realize economies of scale in managing the Funds as assets grow in size. The Board
determined that it would monitor fees as the Funds grow to determine whether economies of scale were being effectively
shared with the Funds and their shareholders.
The Profits to be realized by TAM and its affiliates from their relationship with the Funds. The Board reviewed
TAM’s financial information and took into account both the potential direct benefits and the indirect benefits to TAM from
advising the Funds. The Board considered the estimated profitability to TAM from its new relationship with the Funds and
considered any potential additional material benefits likely to be derived by TAM from its relationship with the Funds, such
as Rule 12b-1 fees. The Board also considered that the Funds historically do not generate “soft dollar” benefits that may be
7
used by TAM in exchange for Fund brokerage. After such review, the Board determined that the estimated profitability to
TAM with respect to the New Investment Advisory Agreement was not excessive.
Conclusion. No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the New Investment Advisory
Agreement; rather, the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it. Based on a consideration
of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the New
Investment Advisory Agreement, including the compensation payable under the agreement, was fair and reasonable to the
Funds. The Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, therefore determined that the approval of the New
Investment Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
The Board unanimously recommends that shareholders of the Funds vote “FOR” approval of the New Investment
Advisory Agreement.
Expenses Related to the Proposal. Poplar Forest is bearing the costs of this proxy solicitation, including the
printing and mailing of the Proxy Statement and related materials, a portion of which may be reimbursed by TAM. The Funds
are not bearing any costs related to this proxy solicitation. See below for more information about the total estimated costs.
Required Vote. Approval of the Proposal with respect to each Fund, requires the affirmative vote of a “majority of
the outstanding voting securities” of the respective Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a “majority of the outstanding voting
securities” means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund present or represented by
proxy at the Special Meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy at
the Special Meeting, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. If the Proposal is not approved by the Funds’
shareholders, the Board will consider alternatives for the Funds and take such action as it deems necessary and in the best
interests of each Fund and its shareholders, which may include further solicitation of a Fund’s shareholders or liquidation of
the Fund.
OTHER BUSINESS
Additional Information about the Trust. No Trustee or officer of the Trust currently holds any position with any
investment adviser or sub-adviser to the Trust.
Record Date/Shareholders Entitled to Vote. Each Fund is a separate series, or portfolio, of the Trust, a Delaware
statutory trust and registered investment company under the 1940 Act. The record holders of outstanding shares of the Funds
are entitled to vote one vote per share (and a fractional vote per fractional share) on all matters presented at the Special
Meeting with respect to the Funds, including the Proposal. No class of either Fund has different or separate voting rights with
respect to the Proposal.
Shareholders of the Trust at the close of business on February 14, 2025, the Record Date, will be entitled to be
present and vote at the Special Meeting. As of the close of business on the Record Date there were [ ] common shares of
the Poplar Forest Partners Fund and [ ] common shares of the Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund issued and outstanding.
Voting Proxies. You should read the entire Proxy Statement before voting. If you have any questions regarding the
Proxy Statement, please call toll-free 1-800-676-7437. If you sign and return the accompanying proxy card, you may revoke
it by giving written notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Trust prior to the Special Meeting or by delivering a
subsequently dated proxy card or by attending and voting at the Special Meeting in person. Proxies voted by telephone or
internet may be revoked at any time before they are voted by proxy voting again through the website or toll-free number
listed in the enclosed proxy card. Properly executed proxies will be voted, as you instruct, by the persons named in the
accompanying proxy card. In the absence of such direction, however, the persons named in the accompanying proxy card
intend to vote “FOR” the Proposal and may vote at their discretion with respect to other matters not now known to the Board
that may be presented at the Special Meeting. Attendance by a shareholder at the Special Meeting does not, in itself, revoke a
proxy.
If sufficient votes are not received by the date of the Special Meeting, the Special Meeting may be adjourned, once
or more, by either the chairman of the Special Meeting or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund shares present
at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy to permit further solicitation of proxies. If there is a vote to adjourn, persons
8
named as proxies will vote all proxies in favor of adjournment that voted in favor of the Proposal and vote against
adjournment all proxies that voted against the Proposal.
Quorum Required. Each Fund must have a quorum of shares represented at the Special Meeting, in person or by
proxy, to take action on any matter relating to that Fund. Under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended,
a quorum is constituted by the presence in person or by proxy of at least 40% of the outstanding shares of the Fund entitled to
vote at the Special Meeting.
Abstentions do not represent votes cast for a proposal but will be counted for purposes of determining whether a
quorum is present. “Broker non-votes” are shares held by a broker or nominee as to which instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote, and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting
power but for which a broker or nominee returns the proxy card or otherwise votes without actually voting on a proposal.
However, it is the Trust’s understanding that because broker-dealers, in the absence of specific authorization from their
customers, will not have discretionary authority to vote any shares held beneficially by their customers on the matters
expected to be presented at the Special Meeting, there are unlikely to be any “broker non-votes” at the Special Meeting.
If a quorum is not present at the Special Meeting, or a quorum is present at the Special Meeting but sufficient votes
to approve a proposal are not received, the chairman of the Special Meeting or the holders of a majority of the Fund shares
present at the Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, may adjourn the Special Meeting with respect to such proposal and
such fund or funds, as necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies.
Method and Cost of Proxy Solicitation. Proxies will be solicited by the Trust primarily by mail. The solicitation
may also include telephone, facsimile, electronic or oral communications by certain officers or employees of the Trust or
Poplar Forest or TAM, none of whom will be paid for these services, or by a third-party proxy solicitation firm. Poplar Forest
and TAM or its affiliates are bearing the costs of this proxy solicitation, including the printing and mailing of the Proxy
Statement and related materials. The expenses connected with the Proposal, the Special Meeting and the solicitation of
proxies are estimated to be $[ ]. The Trust may also request broker-dealer firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries
to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the shares of a Fund held of record by such persons. Poplar Forest may
reimburse such broker-dealer firms, custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with such proxy solicitation, including reasonable expenses in communicating with persons for whom they hold
shares of a Fund.
Other Information. The Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter is Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 E. Kilbourn
Ave., Suite 2200, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global
Fund Services, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the Funds’transfer agent and
administrator.
Share Ownership. To the knowledge of the Trust’s management, as of the close of business on February 14, 2025
(the Record Date), the officers and Trustees of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than one percent of each Fund’s
outstanding shares and less than one percent of the Trust’s outstanding shares. To the knowledge of the Trust’s management,
as of the close of business on [ ], 2025, persons owning of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of each Fund are
as listed in the table below. The Trust believes that most of the shares referred to below were held by the persons indicated in
accounts for their fiduciary, agency or custodial customers. Any shareholder listed below as owning 25% or more of the
outstanding shares of a Fund may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the Fund. Shareholders
controlling a Fund could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the Fund on any matter requiring the approval of
the Fund’s shareholders.
9
Poplar Forest Partners Fund – Class A Principal Shareholders
Name and Address | Number of Shares Held | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
Poplar Forest Partners Fund – Institutional Class Principal Shareholders
Name and Address | Number of Shares Held | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund – Investor Class Principal Shareholders
Name and Address | Number of Shares Held | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
[ ] | [ ] | [ ]% | [ ] |
Reports to Shareholders. Copies of the Funds’ most recent annual and semi-annual reports may be requested
without charge by writing to the Funds, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202 or by calling toll-free [ ].
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Matters to Come Before the Special Meeting. The Trust’s management does not know of any matters to be
presented at the Special Meeting other than the proposals described above. If other business should properly come before the
Special Meeting, the proxy holders will vote thereon in accordance with their best judgment.
Shareholder Proposals. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended, and the Amended and Restated By-
laws of the Trust do not provide for annual meetings of shareholders, and the Trust does not currently intend to hold such
meetings in the future. Shareholder proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for any subsequent meeting of the Trust’s
shareholders must be received by the Trust a reasonable period of time prior to any such meeting.
Householding. If possible, depending on shareholder registration and address information, and unless you have
otherwise opted out, only one copy of this Proxy Statement will be sent to shareholders at the same address. However, each
shareholder will receive separate proxy cards. If you would like to receive a separate copy of the Proxy Statement, please call
10
[ ]. If you currently receive multiple copies of Proxy Statements or shareholder reports and would like to request to
receive a single copy of documents in the future, please call [ ] or write to the Funds, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund
Services at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.
Exhibit A
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
with
Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P.
THIS INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT is made as of the [ ] day of [ ], 2025, by and
between Advisors Series Trust, a Delaware business trust (hereinafter called the “Trust”), on behalf of the series
of the Trust indicated on Schedule A, which may be amended from time to time, (each a “Fund,” and together the
“Funds”) and Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter called the
“Adviser”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company, registered as such under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Fund is a series of the Trust having separate assets and liabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 (the “Advisers Act”) and is engaged in the business of supplying investment advice as an independent
contractor; and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to render advice and services to the Fund pursuant to
the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Adviser desires to furnish said advice and services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth,
the parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1.APPOINTMENT OF ADVISER. The Trust hereby employs the Adviser and the Adviser
hereby accepts such employment, to render investment advice and related services with respect to the assets of the
Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement, subject to the supervision and direction of the
Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board of Trustees” or ‘‘Board”).
2.DUTIES OF ADVISER.
(a)GENERAL DUTIES. The Adviser shall act as investment adviser to the Fund and shall
supervise investments of the Fund on behalf of the Fund in accordance with the investment objectives, policies
and restrictions of the Fund as set forth in the Fund’s and Trust’s governing documents, including, without
limitation, the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated By-Laws; the Fund’s
prospectus, statement of additional information and undertakings; and such other limitations, policies and
procedures as the Trustees may impose from time to time in writing to the Adviser (collectively, the “Investment
Policies”). In providing such services, the Adviser shall at all times adhere to the provisions and restrictions
contained in the federal securities laws, applicable state securities laws, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the
Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable law.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Adviser shall: (i) furnish the Fund with advice and
recommendations with respect to the investment of the Fund’s assets and the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities for the Fund, including the taking of such steps as may be necessary to implement such advice and
recommendations (i.e., placing the orders); (ii) manage and oversee the investments of the Fund, subject to the
ultimate supervision and direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees; (iii) vote proxies for the Fund, file ownership
reports under Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) for the Fund, and take other
actions on behalf of the Fund; (iv) maintain the books and records required to be maintained by the Fund except to
the extent arrangements have been made for such books and records to be maintained by the administrator or
another agent of the Fund; (v) furnish reports, statements and other data on securities, economic conditions and
other matters related to the investment of the Fund’s assets which the Fund’s administrator or distributor or the
officers of the Trust may reasonably request; and (vi) render to the Trust’s Board of Trustees such periodic and
special reports with respect to each Fund’s investment activities as the Board may reasonably request, including
at least one in-person appearance annually before the Board of Trustees.
(b)BROKERAGE. The Adviser shall be responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities
for the Fund, for broker-dealer selection, and for negotiation of brokerage commission rates, provided that the
Adviser shall not direct orders to an affiliated person of the Adviser without general prior authorization to use
such affiliated broker or dealer from the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Adviser’s primary consideration in
effecting a securities transaction will be execution at the most favorable price. In selecting a broker-dealer to
execute each particular transaction, the Adviser may take the following into consideration: the best net price
available; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and difficulty in
executing the order; and the value of the expected contribution of the broker-dealer to the investment performance
of the Fund on a continuing basis. The price to the Fund in any transaction may be less favorable than that
available from another broker-dealer if the difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the portfolio
execution services offered.
Subject to such policies as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may determine and consistent with Section
28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser shall not be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty
created by this Agreement or otherwise solely by reason of its having caused the Fund to pay a broker or dealer
that provides (directly or indirectly) brokerage or research services to the Adviser an amount of commission for
effecting a portfolio transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have
charged for effecting that transaction, if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission was
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer,
viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the
Trust. Subject to the same policies and legal provisions, the Adviser is further authorized to allocate the orders
placed by it on behalf of the Fund to such brokers or dealers who also provide research or statistical material, or
other services, to the Trust, the Adviser, or any affiliate of either. Such allocation shall be in such amounts and
proportions as the Adviser shall determine, and the Adviser shall report on such allocations regularly to the Trust,
indicating the broker-dealers to whom such allocations have been made and the basis therefor.
On occasions when the Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the
Fund as well as of other clients, the Adviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may
aggregate the securities to be so purchased or sold in order to obtain the most favorable price or lower brokerage
commissions and the most efficient execution. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as
well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Adviser in the manner it considers to be the
most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Fund and to such other clients.
3.REPRESENTATIONS OF THE ADVISER.
(a)The Adviser shall use its best judgment and efforts in rendering the advice and services to
the Fund as contemplated by this Agreement.
(b)The Adviser shall maintain all licenses and registrations necessary to perform its duties
hereunder in good order.
(c)The Adviser shall conduct its operations at all times in conformance with the Advisers
Act, the Investment Company Act, and any other applicable state and/or self-regulatory organization regulations.
(d)The Adviser shall maintain errors and omissions insurance in an amount at least equal to
that disclosed to the Board of Trustees in connection with their approval of this Agreement.
4.INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Adviser shall, for all purposes herein, be deemed to be
an independent contractor, and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided and authorized to do so, have no
authority to act for or represent the Trust or the Fund in any way, or in any way be deemed an agent for the Trust
or for the Fund. It is expressly understood and agreed that the services to be rendered by the Adviser to the Fund
under the provisions of this Agreement are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Adviser shall be free to render
similar or different services to others so long as its ability to render the services provided for in this Agreement
shall not be impaired thereby.
5.ADVISER’S PERSONNEL. The Adviser shall, at its own expense, maintain such staff and
employ or retain such personnel and consult with such other persons as it shall from time to time determine to be
necessary to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the staff and personnel of the Adviser shall be deemed to include persons employed or retained by the
Adviser to furnish statistical information, research, and other factual information, advice regarding economic
factors and trends, information with respect to technical and scientific developments, and such other information,
advice and assistance as the Adviser or the Trust’s Board of Trustees may desire and reasonably request and any
compliance staff and personnel required by the Adviser.
6.EXPENSES.
(a)With respect to the operation of the Fund, the Adviser shall be responsible for the Fund’s
organizational expenses; (ii) providing the personnel, office space and equipment reasonably necessary for the
operation of the Fund, (iii) the expenses of printing and distributing extra copies of the Fund’s prospectus,
statement of additional information, and sales and advertising materials (but not the legal, auditing or accounting
fees attendant thereto) to prospective investors (but not to existing shareholders) to the extent such expenses are
not covered by any applicable plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (each, a
“12b-1 Plan’’); (iv) the costs of any special Board of Trustees meetings or shareholder meetings convened for the
primary benefit of the Adviser; and (v) any costs of liquidating or reorganizing the Fund (unless such cost is
otherwise allocated by the Board of Trustees). If the Adviser has agreed to limit the operating expenses of the
Fund, the Adviser also shall be responsible on a monthly basis for any operating expenses that exceed the agreed
upon expense limit.
(b)The Fund is responsible for and has assumed the obligation for payment of all of its
expenses, other than as stated in Subparagraph 6(a) above, including but not limited to: fees and expenses
incurred in connection with the issuance, registration and transfer of its shares; brokerage and commission
expenses; all expenses of transfer, receipt, safekeeping, servicing and accounting for the cash, securities and other
property of the Trust for the benefit of the Fund including all fees and expenses of its custodian, shareholder
services agent and accounting services agent; interest charges on any borrowings; costs and expenses of pricing
and calculating its daily net asset value and of maintaining its books of account required under the Investment
Company Act; taxes, if any; a pro rata portion of expenditures in connection with meetings of the Fund’s
shareholders and the Trust’s Board of Trustees that are properly payable by the Fund; salaries and expenses of
officers of the Trust, including without limitation the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, and fees and expenses of
members of the Trust’s Board of Trustees or members of any advisory board or committee who are not members
of, affiliated with or interested persons of the Adviser; insurance premiums on property or personnel of each Fund
which inure to its benefit, including liability and fidelity bond insurance; the cost of preparing and printing
reports, proxy statements, prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Fund or other
communications for distribution to existing shareholders which are covered by any 12b-1 Plan; legal, auditing and
accounting fees; all or any portion of trade association dues or educational program expenses determined
appropriate by the Board of Trustees; fees and expenses (including legal fees) of registering and maintaining
registration of its shares for sale under federal and applicable state and foreign securities laws; all expenses of
maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including all charges for transfer, shareholder recordkeeping,
dividend disbursing, redemption, and other agents for the benefit of the Fund, if any; and all other charges and
costs of its operation plus any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses, except as herein otherwise prescribed.
(c)The Adviser may voluntarily or contractually absorb certain Fund expenses.
(d)To the extent the Adviser incurs any costs by assuming expenses which are an obligation
of the Fund as set forth herein, the Fund shall promptly reimburse the Adviser for such costs and expenses, except
to the extent the Adviser has otherwise agreed to bear such expenses. To the extent the services for which a Fund
is obligated to pay are performed by the Adviser, the Adviser shall be entitled to recover from such Fund to the
extent of the Adviser’s actual costs for providing such services. In determining the Adviser’s actual costs, the
Adviser may take into account an allocated portion of the salaries and overhead of personnel performing such
services.
(e)The Adviser may not pay fees in addition to any Fund distribution or servicing fees to
financial intermediaries, including without limitation banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors, or pension
administrators, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency or any other shareholder servicing or distribution
services associated with shareholders whose shares are held in omnibus or other group accounts, except with the
prior authorization of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. Where such arrangements are authorized by the Trust’s
Board of Trustees, the Adviser shall report regularly to the Trust on the amounts paid and the relevant financial
institutions.
7.INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT FEE.
(a)The Fund shall pay to the Adviser, and the Adviser agrees to accept, as full compensation
for all services furnished or provided to such Fund pursuant to this Agreement, an annual management fee at the
rate set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement.
(b)The management fee shall be accrued daily by the Fund and paid to the Adviser on the
first business day of the succeeding month.
(c)The initial fee under this Agreement shall be payable on the first business day of the first
month following the effective date of this Agreement and shall be prorated as set forth below. If this Agreement
is terminated prior to the end of any month, the fee to the Adviser shall be prorated for the portion of any month in
which this Agreement is in effect which is not a complete month according to the proportion which the number of
calendar days in the month during which the Agreement is in effect bears to the number of calendar days in the
month, and shall be payable within ten (10) days after the date of termination.
(d)The fee payable to the Adviser under this Agreement will be reduced to the extent of any
receivable owed by the Adviser to the Fund and as required under any expense limitation applicable to a Fund.
(e)The Adviser voluntarily may reduce any portion of the compensation or reimbursement
of expenses due to it pursuant to this Agreement and may agree to make payments to limit the expenses which are
the responsibility of a Fund under this Agreement. Any such reduction or payment shall be applicable only to
such specific reduction or payment and shall not constitute an agreement to reduce any future compensation or
reimbursement due to the Adviser hereunder or to continue future payments. Any such reduction will be agreed
to prior to accrual of the related expense or fee and will be estimated daily and reconciled and paid on a monthly
basis.
(f)Any such reductions made by the Adviser in its fees or payment of expenses which are the
Fund’s obligation are subject to reimbursement by the Fund to the Adviser, if so requested by the Adviser, in any
subsequent month in the three year period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the
aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the
reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the
management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the
reimbursement. Any such reimbursement is also contingent upon Board of Trustees review and approval at time the
reimbursement is made. Such reimbursement may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary
operating expenses.
(g)The Adviser may agree not to require payment of any portion of the compensation or
reimbursement of expenses otherwise due to it pursuant to this Agreement. Any such agreement shall be
applicable only with respect to the specific items covered thereby and shall not constitute an agreement not to
require payment of any future compensation or reimbursement due to the Adviser hereunder.
8.NO SHORTING; NO BORROWING. The Adviser agrees that neither it nor any of its officers
or employees shall take any short position in the shares of the Fund. This prohibition shall not prevent the
purchase of such shares by any of the officers or employees of the Adviser or any trust, pension, profit-sharing or
other benefit plan for such persons or affiliates thereof, at a price not less than the net asset value thereof at the
time of purchase, as allowed pursuant to rules promulgated under the Investment Company Act. The Adviser
agrees that neither it nor any of its officers or employees shall borrow from the Fund or pledge or use the Fund’s
assets in connection with any borrowing not directly for the Fund’s benefit. For this purpose, failure to pay
any amount due and payable to the Fund for a period of more than thirty (30) days shall constitute a borrowing.
9.CONFLICTS WITH TRUST’S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND APPLICABLE LAWS.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or the Fund to take any action contrary to the
Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Amended and Restated By-Laws, or any applicable statute or
regulation, or to relieve or deprive the Board of Trustees of the Trust of its responsibility for and control of the
conduct of the affairs of the Trust and Fund. In this connection, the Adviser acknowledges that the Trustees retain
ultimate plenary authority over the Fund and may take any and all actions necessary and reasonable to protect the
interests of shareholders.
10.REPORTS AND ACCESS. The Adviser agrees to supply such information to the Fund’s
administrator and to permit such compliance inspections by the Fund’s administrator as shall be reasonably
necessary to permit the administrator to satisfy its obligations and respond to the reasonable requests of the Board
of Trustees.
11.ADVISER’S LIABILITIES AND INDEMNIFICATION.
(a)The Adviser shall have responsibility for the accuracy and completeness (and liability for
the lack thereof) of the statements in the Fund’s offering materials (including the prospectus, the statement of
additional information, advertising and sales materials), except for information supplied by the administrator or
the Trust or another third party for inclusion therein.
(b)The Adviser shall be liable to the Fund for any loss (including brokerage charges)
incurred by the Fund as a result of any improper investment made by the Adviser in contradiction of the
Investment Policies.
(c)In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, negligence, or reckless disregard of the
obligations or duties hereunder on the part of the Adviser, the Adviser shall not be subject to liability to the Trust or
the Fund or to any shareholder of the Fund for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering
services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security by the
Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, federal securities laws and certain state laws impose liabilities under certain
circumstances on persons who have acted in good faith, and therefore nothing herein shall in any way constitute a
waiver or limitation of any rights which the Trust, the Fund or any shareholder of the Fund may have under any
federal securities law or state law.
(d)Each party to this Agreement shall indemnify and hold harmless the other party and the
shareholders, directors, officers and employees of the other party (any such person, an “Indemnified Party”)
against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating and defending
any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expenses and reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection
therewith) arising out of the Indemnified Party’s performance or non-performance of any duties under this
Agreement provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect any Indemnified Party against any
liability to which such Indemnified Party would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith
or negligence in the performance of duties hereunder or by reason of reckless disregard of obligations and duties
under this Agreement.
(e)No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to protect any Trustee or officer of the
Trust, or officer of the Adviser, from liability in violation of Sections 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company
Act.
12.NON-EXCLUSIVITY; TRADING FOR ADVISER’S OWN ACCOUNT. The Trust’s
employment of the Adviser is not an exclusive arrangement. The Trust may from time to time employ other
individuals or entities to furnish it with the services provided for herein. Likewise, the Adviser may act as
investment adviser for any other person, and shall not in any way be limited or restricted from buying, selling or
trading any securities for its or their own accounts or the accounts of others for whom it or they may be acting,
provided, however, that the Adviser expressly represents that it will undertake no activities which will adversely
affect the performance of its obligations to the Fund under this Agreement; and provided further that the
Adviser will adhere to a code of ethics governing employee trading and trading for proprietary accounts that
conforms to the requirements of the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act and has been approved by the
Trust’s Board of Trustees.
13.TRANSACTIONS WITH OTHER INVESTMENT ADVISERS. The Adviser is not an
affiliated person of any investment adviser responsible for providing advice with respect to any other series of the
Trust, or of any promoter, underwriter, officer, director, member of an advisory board or employee of any other
series of the Trust. The Adviser shall not consult with the investment adviser of any other series of the Trust
concerning transactions for the Fund or any other series of the Trust.
14.TERM.
This Agreement shall become effective at the time the Fund commences operations pursuant to an effective
amendment to the Trust’s Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and shall remain
in effect for a period of two (2) years, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. This Agreement shall
continue in effect thereafter for additional periods not exceeding one (l) year so long as such continuation is
approved at least annually by (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of each Fund and (ii) the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this
Agreement nor interested persons thereof, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. The terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities” and “interested persons” shall have the
meanings as set forth in the Investment Company Act.
15.RIGHT TO USE NAME
The Adviser warrants that each Fund’s name is not deceptive or misleading and that the Adviser has rights to any
distinctive name used by a Fund. Any concern regarding copyright, trademark, or patent infringement with respect
to the name used by an Adviser Fund shall be resolved by the Adviser. Each Fund acknowledges that its use of
any distinctive name is derivative of its relationship with the Adviser. Each Fund may use the name connected
with the Adviser or any name derived from or using the name of the Adviser Funds only for so long as this
Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment hereof remains in effect. Within sixty (60) days from such
time as this Agreement shall no longer be in effect, each Fund shall cease to use such a name or any other name
connected with the Adviser.
It is understood and hereby agreed that the name “Advisors Series Trust” or “AST” is the property of the Trust for
copyright and all other purposes. The Adviser undertakes and agrees that, in the event that the Adviser shall
cease to act as investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser shall promptly take all necessary and appropriate
action to discontinue use of the Trust’s name and will further refrain from using the Trust’s name; provided,
however, that the Adviser may continue to use the Trust’s name for the sole purpose of identifying the Trust as an
account formerly managed by the Adviser or as otherwise consented to by the Trust in writing prior to such use.
16.TERMINATION; NO ASSIGNMENT.
(a)This Agreement may be terminated by the Trust on behalf of the Fund at any time
without payment of any penalty, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of a Fund, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice to the Adviser, and by the Adviser upon sixty (60)
days’ written notice to the Fund. In the event of a termination, the Adviser shall cooperate in the orderly transfer
of the Fund’s affairs and, at the request of the Board of Trustees, transfer any and all books and records of the
Fund maintained by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund.
(b)This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of any transfer or assignment
thereof, as defined in the Investment Company Act.
17.NONPUBLIC PERSONAL INFORMATION. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the
contrary, the Adviser agrees on behalf of itself and its managers, members, officers, and employees to treat
confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust (a) all records and other information relative to the
Fund’s prior, present, or potential shareholders (and clients of said shareholders) and (b) any Nonpublic Personal
Information, as defined under Section 248.3(t) of Regulation S-P (“Regulation S-P”), promulgated under the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “G-L-B Act”); and (2) except after prior notification to and approval in writing by
the Trust, not to use such records and information for any purpose other than the performance of its
responsibilities and duties hereunder, or as otherwise permitted by Regulation S-P or the G-L-B Act, and if in
compliance therewith, the privacy policies adopted by the Trust and communicated in writing to the Adviser.
Such written approval shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Trust and may not be withheld where the Adviser
may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt or other proceedings for failure to comply after being requested to
divulge such information by duly constituted authorities.
18.ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE. The Adviser acknowledges that, in
compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended, the USA PATRIOT Act, and any implementing regulations
thereunder (together, “AML Laws’’), the Trust has adopted an Anti-Money Laundering Policy. The Adviser
agrees to comply with the Trust’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy and the AML Laws, as the same may apply to
the Adviser, now and in the future. The Adviser further agrees to provide to the Trust and/or the administrator
such reports, certifications and contractual assurances as may be reasonably requested by the Trust. The Trust
may disclose information regarding the Adviser to governmental and/or regulatory or self-regulatory authorities to
the extent required by applicable law or regulation and may file reports with such authorities as may be required
by applicable law or regulation.
19.CERTIFICATIONS; DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. The Adviser
acknowledges that, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), and the
implementing regulations promulgated thereunder, the Trust and the Fund are required to make certain
certifications and have adopted disclosure controls and procedures. To the extent reasonably requested by the
Trust, the Adviser agrees to use its best efforts to assist the Trust and the Fund in complying with the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act and implementing the Trust’s disclosure controls and procedures. The Adviser agrees to inform the
Trust of any material development related to the Fund that the Adviser reasonably believes is relevant to the
Fund’s certification obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
20.SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court
decision, statute .or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be
affected thereby.
21.CAPTIONS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and
in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
22.GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that
nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any federal law, regulation or rule,
including the Investment Company Act and the Advisers Act and any rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their
duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
ADVISORS SERIES TRUSTTOCQUEVILLE ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.
(on behalf of each series of the Trust
listed on Schedule A)
By: _____________________________By:___________________________
Name: ___________________________Name:_________________________
Title: ____________________________Title:__________________________
SCHEDULE A
Series or Fund of Advisors Series Trust | Annual Fee Rate as a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
Poplar Forest Partners Fund | 0.85% for the first $250 million of assets, 0.775% for the next $750 million of assets, and 0.70% for assets in excess of $1 billion. |
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund | 0.80% for the first $250 million of assets, 0.70% for the next $750 million of assets, and 0.60% for assets in excess of $1 billion. |
Poplar Forest Partners Fund
A Series of the Advisors Series Trust
PROXY FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 2, 2025
The undersigned, revoking prior proxies, hereby appoints Jeffrey T. Rauman, Kevin J. Hayden, and Elaine E. Richards, and each of them, as
attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, granted in connection with the voting of the shares subject hereto with full power of
substitution, to vote shares held in the name of the undersigned on the record date at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Poplar Forest
Partners Fund (the “Fund”) to be held at the offices of U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, at 12:00 p.m., Central time, or at any adjournment thereof, upon the Proposal described in the Notice of Meeting and
accompanying Proxy Statement, which have been received by the undersigned.
Do you have questions? If you have any questions about how to vote your proxy or about the meeting in
general, please call toll-free 1-800-676-7437. Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April
2, 2025. The Proxy Statement for this meeting is available at:
[vote.proxyonline.com/poplarforest/docs/2025mtg.pdf]
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE]
Poplar Forest Partners Fund | PROXY CARD |
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. The signer(s) acknowledges receipt with this Proxy Statement of the Board of Trustees. Your signature(s) on this should be exactly as your name(s) appear on this Proxy (reverse side). If the shares are held jointly, each holder should sign this Proxy. Attorneys-in-fact, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians should indicate the full title and capacity in which they are signing. | _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (AND TITLE IF APPLICABLE) DATE _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY) DATE |
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Proposal has been unanimously approved by
the Board of Trustees and recommended for approval by shareholders. When properly executed, this proxy will be
voted as indicated or “FOR” the proposal if no choice is indicated. The proxy will be voted in accordance with the
proxy holders’ best judgment as to any other matters that may arise at the Special Meeting.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL.
TO VOTE, MARK CIRCLES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example: ●
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||||
1. | To approve an Investment Advisory Agreement between Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund. J. Dale Harvey, portfolio manager, and Derek Derman, co-portfolio manager, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund. No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||
2. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments thereof. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE]
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund
A Series of the Advisors Series Trust
PROXY FOR A SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON APRIL 2, 2025
The undersigned, revoking prior proxies, hereby appoints Jeffrey T. Rauman, Kevin J. Hayden, and Elaine E. Richards, and each of them, as
attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, granted in connection with the voting of the shares subject hereto with full power of
substitution, to vote shares held in the name of the undersigned on the record date at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of Poplar Forest
Cornerstone Fund (the “Fund”) to be held at the offices of U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, at 12:00 p.m., Central time, or at any adjournment thereof, upon the Proposal described in the Notice of Meeting and
accompanying Proxy Statement, which have been received by the undersigned.
Do you have questions? If you have any questions about how to vote your proxy or about the meeting in
general, please call toll-free 1-800-676-7437. Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
Important Notice Regarding Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April
2, 2025. The Proxy Statement for this meeting is available at:
[vote.proxyonline.com/poplarforest/docs/2025mtg.pdf]
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE]
Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund | PROXY CARD |
YOUR SIGNATURE IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VOTE TO BE COUNTED. The signer(s) acknowledges receipt with this Proxy Statement of the Board of Trustees. Your signature(s) on this should be exactly as your name(s) appear on this Proxy (reverse side). If the shares are held jointly, each holder should sign this Proxy. Attorneys-in-fact, executors, administrators, trustees or guardians should indicate the full title and capacity in which they are signing. | _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (AND TITLE IF APPLICABLE) DATE _______________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (IF HELD JOINTLY) DATE |
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and the Proposal has been unanimously approved by
the Board of Trustees and recommended for approval by shareholders. When properly executed, this proxy will be
voted as indicated or “FOR” the proposal if no choice is indicated. The proxy will be voted in accordance with the
proxy holders’ best judgment as to any other matters that may arise at the Special Meeting.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE PROPOSAL.
TO VOTE, MARK CIRCLES BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS. Example: ●
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | |||||||
1. | To approve an Investment Advisory Agreement between Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund. J. Dale Harvey, portfolio manager, and Derek Derman, co-portfolio manager, will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund. No increase in shareholder fees or expenses is being proposed. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||
2. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Special Meeting and any adjournments thereof. | ○ | ○ | ○ | |||||
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
[PROXY ID NUMBER HERE] [BAR CODE HERE] [CUSIP HERE]