N-CSR 1 wz70752-ncsr.htm WEITZ FUNDS




UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-21410
The Weitz Funds
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Suite 200
1125 South 103 Street
Omaha, NE 68124-1071
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
The Weitz Funds
Suite 200
1125 South 103 Street
Omaha, NE 68124-1071
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 402-391-1980
Date of fiscal year end: March 31
Date of reporting period: March 31, 2017
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

Item 1. Report to Stockholders.


THE WEITZ PHILOSOPHY
Value investing the Weitz Way.
There are no shortcuts in value investing. At Weitz, we dig. And dig some more. We look at hundreds of investment ideas. Our goal: find strong, well-managed but undervalued companies and bonds that offer reasonable risk-adjusted returns. It's no easy task. We do the due diligence. Analyze. Ask tough questions and get the answers. We wait for the right opportunity. Then and only then do we invest your money. Welcome to the Weitz Way.
We're in it with you:
Our employees have the majority of their investable assets in our mutual funds. This alignment of goals allows us to guarantee that we're treating clients' money as if it were our own.
We focus on what we know:
Each of our analysts is a generalist with ever-growing, defined circles of competence. They can spot opportunities anywhere and bring them to the team for consideration.
We think for ourselves:
Our philosophy of independent thinking and high-conviction portfolios enables us to take advantage of value-priced equities and bonds that offer reasonable risk-adjusted returns.
Today we are responsible for over $4 billion in investments for our shareholders – individuals, corporations, pension plans, foundations and endowments. And our commitment remains the same: to put our clients first. Always. We do so through our expertise, our flexibility, and our drive to uncover investments that can help them preserve and grow wealth.
 
Wally Weitz, CFA
President, Portfolio Manager
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WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Value Matters
4
   
Performance Summary
7
   
Analyst Corner
8
   
Value Fund
10
   
Partners Value Fund
12
   
Partners III Opportunity Fund
14
   
Research Fund
16
   
Hickory Fund
18
   
Balanced Fund
20
   
Core Plus Income Fund
22
   
Short Duration Income Fund
25
   
Ultra Short Government Fund
28
   
Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund
29
   
Schedule of Investments
31
   
Financial Statements
46
   
Notes to Financial Statements
56
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
66
   
Actual and Hypothetical Expenses for Comparison Purposes
68
   
Other Information
69
   
Information About the Trustees and Officers
70
   
Index Descriptions
74

The management of Weitz Funds has chosen paper for the 76 page report from a paper manufacturer certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative ® standard.

Portfolio composition is subject to change at any time and references to specific securities, industries, and sectors referenced in this report are not recommendations to purchase or sell any particular security. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk. See the Schedules of Investments included in this report for the percent of assets in each of the Funds invested in particular industries or sectors.
3 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


VALUE MATTERS
April 3, 2017
Dear Fellow Investor:
News in the first quarter of 2017 was dominated by the initial activities of the new administration. Since the election in November, investors have been anticipating tax cuts, repatriation of stranded corporate profits, the announcement of massive infrastructure spending projects, and the dismantling of troublesome and expensive environmental and financial service regulations. The "Trump Bump" has propelled stocks higher, and our portfolios have participated.
As the quarter ended, however, a heated showdown between the newcomers and the DC establishment ended with a failure to "repeal and replace" Obamacare. Confidence was further shaken by foreign policy miscues and a widening investigation of Russian meddling in the U.S. election. Parts of the president's agenda will undoubtedly be enacted, but for now, confusion reigns.
Nevertheless, it was a good quarter for our funds. The five stock funds performed well. Our fixed income funds earned positive returns in a turbulent bond market. Core Plus is approaching its third anniversary and maintains its strong performance. Balanced Fund also turned in a strong quarter and continues to be a good alternative for individuals and institutions who want to delegate the stock/bond allocation decision.
The table following this letter shows performance of our funds over various measuring periods since our founding in 1983. We remind investors that we believe the longer measuring periods are more meaningful.
Valuation—the Gravitational Force
In our last letter, we showed a graph of aggregate U.S. stock market value as a percentage of GDP. This ratio offers a very rough proxy for stock valuation levels. At year end, the ratio was near the high end of its historical range, and after a strong first quarter, it is even higher. This does not mean that stock prices must go down tomorrow—as we said, this indicator is a very blunt instrument for making market timing decisions. Nevertheless, knowing that stocks are expensive on a historical basis gives us some perspective on the attractiveness of available opportunities.
Our investment philosophy is based on the idea that a company's business value "reality" is measurable and evolves gradually (hopefully upward) over time, while its stock price may fluctuate widely based on investors' hopes and fears about the future. We believe that in recent years, money creation by the Fed and extremely low interest rates have fostered excess investor enthusiasm. Hence the relatively high level of stock prices.
We like to buy stocks at 60-70% of our estimate of business value, but in today's market, our portfolios are closer to full value in the mid-80% range. We believe that a company's business value exerts a "gravitational pull" on its stock price, so when stocks are expensive, we tend to invest more defensively and hold cash reserves.
Our investment team of ten analysts and portfolio managers continues to read, travel and "kick tires" in search of new investment ideas. Even in a generally expensive market, there are always individual companies undergoing business and/or price changes that offer us opportunity. In the meantime, we will be patient and disciplined about deploying your (along with our) capital.
 
Indexing—Active vs. Passive Investing
Over the past few years, the financial press has been obsessed with the relative merits of active vs. passive investing. As a result, we have been receiving lots of questions about indexing and ETFs (exchange traded funds). So, in this letter we will address some of the pros and cons of passive investing.
To simplify, an active stock fund manager is trying to beat a market index (e.g., S&P 500), while a passive investor is trying to match the index returns. Actively managed funds generally have higher expense ratios than index funds or ETF's, so mathematically, to the extent active and passive managers both, as groups, produce average results, the passive group will outperform the active group over time by the amount of the expense differential. In an extended period of steadily rising stock prices, where cash holdings penalize active managers, index funds and index ETFs tend to show good relative performance and attract investors.
Index funds can be part of a sensible solution for the individual or institutional investor who is not willing or able to select securities or fund managers on their own. Warren Buffett, one of the greatest active managers of all time, has endorsed the S&P 500 index fund as a good alternative to hiring active managers to try to beat the index. In addition to expense savings, buying and holding any fund eliminates the likelihood of reducing returns by "chasing performance." Studies of mutual fund investors consistently show that the tendency to sell last year's "loser" to buy last year's "winner" can seriously detract from long-term results.
As active managers, we acknowledge the paradox of asking our clients to believe we can remain among the minority of managers who have beaten the S&P 500 over the past 30+ year period. In The Super Investors of Graham and Doddsville (available online—15 pages and we highly recommend it), Warren Buffett
4 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
wrote about a group of professional investors who consistently beat the market. Their portfolios were very different from each other, but the common denominator among the group was that each had studied with, or had been heavily influenced by, Benjamin Graham. The idea that a patient investor could do well by buying shares of a business at a significant discount to its value ("margin of safety") to a long-term owner was the basis of their success. We do not claim to belong in the pantheon that Warren wrote about, but the common sense application of Graham's method has served us well for a long time.
As long as human nature does not change, we believe that there will always be opportunities for value investors to buy mispriced securities.
Indexing—Other Observations
In thinking about index funds and ETFs, there are a number of considerations that receive less coverage in the press:
     
 
(1)
The discussion of index funds above focuses on broadly diversified indices, such as the S&P 500, and anticipates that an investor would hold the fund for a period of years. There are sector ETFs that contain a narrowly defined "basket" of stocks from one industry, such as banking, biotech, airlines, home building, etc. Trading among sector ETFs, or even trading in and out of a broader index, is not "passive" investing. It involves active investment decision-making. That is not good or bad, per se, but it is not the subject at hand;
     
 
(2)
To state the obvious, "matching" the index means losing money when the index goes down. A few years ago, the director of research for a large investment firm charged with creating active and passive fund models for his clients lamented to us, "Investors were surprised to find that in the 2008-09 bear market, indexing didn't protect them on the downside." Amazing.
     
 
(3)
The construction of stock index funds and ETFs can also create unintended consequences. The fund is a basket of stocks, and investor capital is allocated among the component securities in a fixed proportion (usually based on the relative market capitalizations of the component stocks). When new funds arrive to be invested, shares of each stock are purchased in those proportions. So the largest companies receive the lion's share of new money, making their market caps even larger. This structural phenomenon caused extreme distortions during the tech stock bubble, which ended in 2000. When mechanical buying and selling exacerbates mispricing of stocks, opportunities are created for active investors.
     
 
(4)
Another structural quirk of index funds or ETFs is that when investor buy or sell orders come to the fund sponsor, it must buy or sell shares of the component companies that day. The parties on the other sides of those trades can "see them coming" and may take advantage of the fund. In less liquid markets, the fund may get poor executions of their trades. This is not good for the index investor but can create opportunities for the active manager.

Index funds are an important part of the investment landscape. They can be useful to investors who understand their virtues and limitations. Nevertheless, we believe there is a case to be made for active management, and we intend to continue to do our best to add some extra value to our clients' long term investment results.
Outlook
These are not normal times (!). The stock market has moved in one direction for the last eight years, with barely a 10% correction. Going forward, we expect more volatility and a market that makes meaningful moves in both directions. This should create buying opportunities for us, but we will be guided by valuation, not news headlines. We appreciate the patience our investors have shown over the past couple of years, and we look forward to rewarding that patience.
Sincerely,

   
Wally Weitz
Brad Hinton
wally@weitzinvestments.com
brad@weitzinvestments.com
Included above is a reference to the term "margin of safety". This term refers to purchasing securities at a price that is less than our estimate of intrinsic value. A potential "margin of safety" may limit downside risk and optimize the potential for growth.
5 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


DISCLOSURES
These performance numbers reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in the most recent prospectus, and expressed as a percentage of each Fund's or Class's net assets, are: Value – Investor Class, 1.23%; Value – Institutional Class, 1.08% (gross); Partners Value – Investor Class, 1.26%; Partners Value – Institutional Class, 1.07% (gross); Partners III Opportunity – Investor Class, 2.33%; Partners III Opportunity – Institutional Class – 1.95%; Research, 1.64% (gross); Hickory, 1.24%; Balanced, 1.11%; Core Plus Income – Investor Class, 2.36% (gross); Core Plus Income – Institutional Class, 1.38% (gross); Short Duration Income – Investor Class, 0.92% (gross); Short Duration Income – Institutional Class, 0.63%; Ultra Short Government, 0.60% (gross); and Nebraska Tax-Free Income, 0.78%. The returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in any of the Funds will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/ funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only. See page 74 for a description of all indices. 

(a) On the last business day of 1993, 2005, 2006 and 2010, the Partners Value, Partners III Opportunity, Nebraska Tax-Free Income and Research Funds (the "Funds") succeeded to substantially all of the assets of Weitz Partners II Limited Partnership, Weitz Partners III Limited Partnership, Weitz Income Partners Limited Partnership and Weitz Research Fund L.P. (the"Partnerships"), respectively. The investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Funds are materially equivalent to those of their respective Partnership and the Partnerships were managed at all times with full investment authority by the investment adviser. The performance information includes performance for the Partnerships. The Partnerships were not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and, therefore, were not subject to certain investment or other restrictions or requirements imposed by the 1940 Act or the Internal Revenue Code. If the Partnerships had been registered under the 1940 Act, the Partnerships' performance might have been adversely affected.

(b) Institutional Class shares of the Value and Partners Value Funds became available for sale on July 31, 2014. For performance prior to that date, these tables include the actual performance of each Fund's Investor Class (and use the actual expenses of each Fund's Investor Class) without adjustment. For any such period of time, the performance of each Fund's Institutional Class would have been similar to the performance of each Fund's Investor Class, because the shares of both classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes bear different expenses. The investment adviser has agreed in writing to limit the total annual fund operating expenses of the Investor and Institutional Class shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 1.30% and 0.99%, respectively, of each Class's average daily net assets through July 31, 2017. 

(c) Investor Class shares of the Partners III Opportunity and Short Duration Income Funds became available for sale on August 1, 2011. For performance prior to that date, these tables include the actual performance of each Fund's Institutional Class (and use the actual expenses of each Fund's Institutional Class) without adjustment. For any such period of time, the performance of each Fund's Investor Class would have been similar to the performance of each Fund's Institutional Class, because the shares of both classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes bear different expenses. The investment adviser has agreed in writing to limit the total annual fund operating expenses of the Short Duration Income Fund's – Investor and Institutional Class shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 0.68% and 0.48%, respectively, of each Class's average daily net assets through July 31, 2018.

(d) Starting January 1, 2011, these tables reflect the deduction of the Research Fund's actual operating expenses. For periods of time prior to January 1, 2011, these tables reflect the deduction of annual pro forma operating expenses of 1.50%. Annual operating expenses for the Research Fund, as stated in the Research Fund's Prospectus, are 1.64% (gross) and 0.92% (net) of the Fund's net assets. The investment adviser has agreed, in writing, to limit the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 0.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets through July 31, 2017.

(e) The investment adviser has agreed in writing to limit the total annual fund operating expenses of the Core Plus Income Fund's Investor and Institutional Class shares (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 0.60% and 0.40%, respectively, of each Class's average daily net assets through July 31, 2018.

(f) The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Effective December 16, 2016, the Fund revised its principal investment strategies and policies to permit the Fund to invest in a diversified portfolio of short-term debt securities and to have a fluctuating net asset value. Prior to December 16, 2016, the Fund operated as a "government money market fund" as defined under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and maintained a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. The Fund's past performance reflects the Fund's prior principal investment strategies and policies. The investment adviser has agreed in writing to limit the total annual fund operating expenses of the Ultra Short Government Fund (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) to 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets through July 31, 2018.

(g) Since inception performance for the Russell 1000 Value, Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit and CPI +1% is from May 31, 1986; December 31, 1988; and December 31, 1988, respectively. The inception date of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year and 5-Year Municipal Bond was December 31, 1992 and January 29, 1988, respectively.
6 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

           
Annualized
         
                                   
Since Invest-
                 
                                   
ment Style
                 
     
Inception    
 
Since
                   
Inception
                 
Fund Name
   
Date    
 
Inception
 
30-year
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
(6/30/08)
 
5-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
Value(b)
   
5/09/86
                                                 
Investor
         
10.18
%
 
10.23
%
 
8.90
%
 
4.00
%
 
8.41
%
 
9.30
%
 
9.81
%
 
6.43
%
Institutional
         
10.20
   
10.25
   
8.93
   
4.06
   
8.48
   
9.42
   
10.06
   
6.47
 
Russell 1000
         
10.20
   
9.76
   
8.09
   
7.58
   
9.63
   
13.26
   
17.43
   
6.03
 
Russell 1000 Value(g)
         
10.30
   
9.96
   
8.37
   
5.93
   
8.77
   
13.13
   
19.22
   
3.27
 
Partners Value(a)(b)
   
6/01/83
                                                 
Investor
         
11.94
   
10.70
   
9.54
   
5.12
   
   
9.09
   
11.06
   
6.37
 
Institutional
         
11.96
   
10.72
   
9.57
   
5.18
   
   
9.22
   
11.39
   
6.48
 
Partners III
                                                       
Opportunity(a)(c)
   
6/01/83
                                                 
Investor
         
12.48
   
11.48
   
10.51
   
6.25
   
   
8.19
   
8.94
   
5.14
 
Institutional
         
12.54
   
11.55
   
10.62
   
6.46
   
   
8.57
   
9.52
   
5.24
 
Research(a)(d)
   
4/01/05
   
7.41
   
   
   
6.45
   
   
8.03
   
10.62
   
5.15
 
Russell 3000
         
   
9.66
   
8.11
   
7.54
   
   
13.18
   
18.07
   
5.74
 
Russell 3000 Value
         
   
9.97
   
8.44
   
5.94
   
   
13.08
   
19.97
   
2.99
 
Hickory
   
4/01/93
   
9.85
   
   
8.40
   
4.95
   
9.73
   
8.39
   
11.60
   
4.24
 
Russell 2500
         
10.47
   
   
9.85
   
7.71
   
10.17
   
12.60
   
21.53
   
3.76
 
Russell 2500 Value
         
11.01
   
   
10.31
   
6.79
   
10.20
   
12.92
   
23.13
   
1.62
 
S&P 500
         
   
9.65
   
7.86
   
7.51
   
9.61
   
13.30
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Balanced
   
10/01/03
   
5.36
   
   
   
4.11
   
   
5.75
   
6.32
   
3.89
 
Blended Index
         
6.94
   
   
   
6.30
   
   
8.74
   
10.25
   
3.94
 
Core Plus Income(e)
   
7/31/14
                                                 
Investor
         
3.41
   
   
   
   
   
   
4.41
   
0.99
 
Institutional
         
3.61
   
   
   
   
   
   
4.61
   
1.04
 
U.S. Aggregate Bond
         
2.34
   
   
   
   
   
   
0.44
   
0.82
 
Short Duration
                                                       
Income(c)
   
12/23/88
                                                 
Investor
         
5.21
   
   
4.41
   
3.37
   
   
1.65
   
2.15
   
0.57
 
Institutional
         
5.26
   
   
4.47
   
3.50
   
   
1.86
   
2.38
   
0.62
 
U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year(g)
         
   
   
3.73
   
2.42
   
   
0.95
   
0.74
   
0.41
 
Intermediate U.S. Govt/Credit(g)
         
5.86
   
   
4.87
   
3.76
   
   
1.88
   
0.42
   
0.78
 
CPI + 1%(g)
         
3.55
   
   
3.15
   
2.75
   
   
2.24
   
3.41
   
1.23
 
Ultra Short
                                                       
Government(f)
   
8/01/91
   
2.43
   
   
1.95
   
0.63
   
   
0.07
   
0.25
   
0.13
 
6 Month Treasury
         
3.03
   
   
2.51
   
1.05
   
   
0.30
   
0.58
   
0.13
 
Nebraska Tax-Free
                                                       
Income(a)
   
10/01/85
   
4.69
   
   
3.58
   
2.47
   
   
1.03
   
(0.54
)
 
0.78
 
5-Year Municipal Bond(g)
         
   
   
4.32
   
3.84
   
   
2.06
   
0.35
   
1.90
 
7 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


ANALYST CORNER
A Perspective on Dollar Tree, Inc.
By Dave Perkins, CFA
Dollar Tree operates a network of approximately 14,400 discount variety stores across the United States and Canada under the Dollar Tree, Dollar Tree Canada and Family Dollar brands. During the summer of 2015, Dollar Tree completed a transformational acquisition of competitor Family Dollar Stores for $8.8 billion and now operates under two distinct banners. The legacy Dollar Tree segment operates 6,400 stores, offering everyday basics, seasonal, closeout and promotional merchandise at a fixed $1 price point ($1.25 CAD in Canada). The Family Dollar segment operates approximately 8,000 general merchandise discount retail stores focused on providing customers basic necessities such as diapers, food and paper products as well as seasonal merchandise at prices between $1 and $10.
Value & Convenience
The dollar store model was born in the 1950s, targeting small ticket (typically less than $10), weekly "fill-in" visits between larger trips to the grocery store (and later, mass merchants like Wal-Mart). Small stores (6,000-10,000 square-feet) with a narrower selection of lower priced goods allowed dollar stores to operate economically in close proximity to customers. This combination of value and convenience resonated with lower- to middle-income American consumers, leading to a doubling in the number of dollar stores across the country since 2003. As their reach expanded, dollar stores generated sales comparable to that of grocers and mass merchants on the 7,000 items stocked, providing the opportunity to buy those same products at similar discounts. At the same time, low-cost, efficient store footprints allowed dollar stores to build local density, lowering logistics costs. As a result, dollar stores offer convenience at equal or lower prices versus their larger grocery and mass store competitors. They also match the relative ease of drug and convenience stores, but with 20-40% lower prices. These twin advantages have proven a durable niche, allowing dollar stores to generate consistent growth, attractive returns on capital and significant excess cash flow.
The Giving Tree
The legacy Dollar Tree banner is the last remaining true dollar store where every item is a dollar. Dollar Tree prides itself on being a 'variety store,' aiming to strike a balance between consumables such as food and toilet paper and more discretionary items such as toys, stationery, party supplies and holiday décor. Dollar Tree describes its core customer as "a woman on the go, with household income of $40,000+ balancing work, home and family". The Dollar Tree concept has proven effective in serving this core customer in communities of all sizes, with remarkably consistent and attractive financial results. Same-store sales have risen in 22 of the past 23 years with store payback periods between two and three years (pre-tax), among the most attractive in retail. Dollar Tree has intentionally shared a meaningful portion of these scale benefits with customers in the form of higher quantity and/or better quality for the customers' dollar. We believe the company should comfortably grow square footage at a 3-5% annual clip over the next 5-10 years, driving solid mid-single-digit profit growth.
Improving Family Dollar
For most of the past decade, Family Dollar's operating performance has lagged that of peers Dollar General and Dollar Tree. Much of that underperformance can be traced to two costly strategic errors. First, in response to burgeoning demand following the '08-09 financial crisis, the company embarked upon an aggressive multi-year store expansion plan by increasing density in existing markets and introducing new Family Dollar stores into middle and upper-middle class suburban markets. The expansion cannibalized its existing store base, raised costs and pressured margins. With same-store sales falling and store productivity declining, Family Dollar made its second mistake–abandoning its everyday low price (EDLP) model in favor of a 'high-low' promotional pricing strategy aimed at reigniting store traffic. Gross margins fell further, leading to unsustainable cost cuts including maintenance deferral and already thin in-store labor. Pressure to sell the company mounted, culminating in activist investor Carl Icahn purchasing a 10% stake in the company and demanding its sale.
Dollar Tree ultimately won the ensuing and well-chronicled battle for Family Dollar. A key question for Dollar Tree investors is whether the problems it inherited at Family Dollar are structural–a combination of a suboptimal real estate footprint, damaged brand and undifferentiated product offering–or the result of a series of strategic missteps that can be gradually undone. Answering this question is nuanced, but we believe Family Dollar should return to historical operating margin levels (roughly 8%) over the next several years under the Dollar Tree leadership team's care. Returning Family Dollar to an EDLP pricing model,
8 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
improving its store merchandise (more private label and $1 price points) and in-stock levels, catching up on deferred maintenance, fixing in-store staffing levels and rebannering underperforming stores should lead to a gradual improvement in profitability. Longer-term, supply chain opportunities could result in Family Dollar closing the margin gap with consumable-heavy peer Dollar General.
Durable Retail?
Retailing is a notoriously difficult business. Creating lasting value requires continual reinvestment, extreme cost consciousness, painful evolution and competitive paranoia. We believe Dollar Tree demonstrates these traits. Discount retail is becoming more competitive with low-margin, hard discounters like Aldi expanding rapidly and Lidl planning a major push into the U.S. over the next five years. Amazon (which we also own in Value Fund and Research Fund) continues to invest significant sums into its already formidable fulfillment network, with an eye toward daily–even hourly–delivery. The combined Dollar Tree is unlikely to be entirely immune to competitive encroachment, but our working thesis is that the company's combination of convenience and low average ticket are underappreciated competitive weapons in serving the low- to middle-income U.S. consumer. In short, we continue to see Dollar Tree as one of the 'disruptors,' with an attractive runway of store growth and self-help opportunities at Family Dollar. We believe Dollar Tree's stock provides long-term investors with a healthy margin of safety in the low $70s. Our base case estimate of intrinsic value falls between $100 and $105 per share.

Included above is a reference to the term "margin of safety". This term refers to purchasing securities at a price that is less than our estimate of intrinsic value. A potential "margin of safety" may limit downside risk and optimize the potential for growth.
As of March 31, 2017: Dollar Tree, Inc. represented 1.6% and 2.0% of the Value and Research Funds' net assets, respectively. Dollar General Corp. represented 1.1% of the Research Fund's net assets. Amazon.com, Inc. represented 1.2% and 2.3% of the Value and Research Funds' net assets, respectively.
David Perkins, CFA®, joined Weitz Investment Management in 2004 as a research analyst and became co-manager of Value Fund in December 2011. Prior to his time with Weitz, Dave was an equity analyst at McCarthy Group Asset Management. Dave has a bachelor's degree in business systems from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He has been a CFA® charterholder since 2009.
9 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


VALUE FUND
Investment Style: Large-Cap Value
Co-Portfolio Managers: Brad Hinton, CFA & Dave Perkins, CFA
Fiscal Year Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. Shares of Charter, and cable companies broadly, have performed well in the wake of the U.S. election. Although much remains to be seen, investors generally believe that regulatory pressures will ease as a result of a presumably more "industry friendly" Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as well as a Justice Department that may look more favorably on further industry consolidation. We have invested in Liberty Broadband because we like the operating strategy at Charter, and while regulatory relief would certainly be a benefit, it's not an explicit part of our investment thesis. Liberty Broadband shares trade at a discount to their underlying Charter investment due to the added complexity of Liberty's involvement. We are confident Liberty Broadband's management will ultimately collapse this discount, thereby making Liberty Broadband a cheaper opportunity to invest in Charter's future.
Liberty SiriusXM is a tracking stock, with its principal asset being Liberty Media's 67% ownership of satellite radio operator SiriusXM. Thanks to the continued strength of new car sales in the U.S., SiriusXM has enjoyed very robust operating results in recent quarters, as 75% of all new cars sold feature a satellite radio built directly into the dashboard. New car buyers are offered a free trial of the service and typically convert to paying subscribers at a healthy rate. Recently, SiriusXM has opened a new channel for customer growth by partnering with used car dealers as well as service providers to offer trial subscriptions. Although we don't anticipate these trials will convert at the same rate as those associated with new car sales, we believe it provides an excellent opportunity to remarket to existing car radios as well as lessen the company's reliance on the cyclical new car market. Shares of Liberty SiriusXM mirrored most of SiriusXM stock price gain of the prior twelve months but still trades at a discount to our intrinsic value of standalone SiriusXM.
Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of business activities. Shares benefited from optimism that a combination of higher interest rates, lower taxes and increased domestic activity would increase earnings at Berkshire's insurance and industrial businesses. We believe Berkshire will compound wealth for its shareholders for the foreseeable future.
Quarterly Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. In late January, rumors broke that Verizon Communications had made an informal acquisition offer to Charter Communications, sending both Charter and Liberty Broadband shares higher. We acknowledge that such a combination makes strategic sense for Verizon as it searches for an efficient means to deploy 5G wireless technology (which will require very dense, wired networks). However, we suspect shareholders can reap greater value from Charter continuing to integrate its Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks acquisitions on a stand-alone basis. That said, we believe management will pursue the right course (stand-alone or M&A) that will maximize long-term shareholder value.
Liberty Global is the largest international cable company, with operations in 14 countries providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Liberty Global's shares were strong in the first calendar quarter and made up some of the ground that had been lost during the prior year. The company's quarterly results were solid, but shares have likely been driven upward as speculation of deals in the media industry has heated up of late, including revived speculation of a potential Vodafone transaction. We view Liberty Global as a standalone provider of broadband and Pay-TV services as an attractive opportunity, and although a potential acquisition by Vodafone may create value for shareholders, our investment thesis is not dependent on such an event.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan's stock rebounded as the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth quarter results following a string of disappointing quarters. The company's initial outlook for 2017 came in ahead of our forecasts, with strong growth across six of its seven therapeutic areas expected to result in high single-digit revenue growth and high teens adjusted cash earnings per share growth. Allergan closed its $2.9 billion acquisition of LifeCell in February and also announced an agreement to acquire body sculpting device manufacturer ZELTIQ Aesthetics for $2.5 billion. If ZELTIQ shareholders approve the merger, Allergan will add two durable assets to its aesthetics portfolio that together should generate roughly $1.0 billion in annual sales with attractive organic growth profiles. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
New Holdings
Dollar Tree
Fiscal Year Detractors
QVC Group is a tracking stock issued by Liberty Interactive which includes subsidiaries QVC, zulily and its interest in HSN. QVC Group operates an American television network and also operates televised and online shopping experiences in other countries. In the third calendar quarter of 2016, shares of QVC Group fell after management indicated that its QVC U.S. business had experienced a significant sales headwind. QVC's U.S. business, which had not seen a decline since the Great Recession, saw sales fall nearly 6% in the third quarter and 7% in the fourth quarter, as several categories simultaneously slowed. Importantly, we don't view these issues as a sign of the QVC model suddenly being broken, and management has indicated sales results have begun to stabilize. QVC's customer retention and loyalty remain strong, as does viewership of their network. Furthermore, the international businesses appear unaffected by the current U.S.-centric slowdown. Although the decline in QVC shares has been disappointing, management has taken advantage by accelerating their share repurchase to foster per share value growth.
Endo International is a specialty healthcare company engaged in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing branded pharmaceutical and generic products  and medical devices. Endo experienced significantly worse-than-anticipated erosion at Qualitest, its legacy generic drug platform. The competitive environment changed quickly, and we were slow to recognize it. After conversations with both management and a couple of the larger drug buying consortiums, we could not gain comfort in the durability of Endo's now lower earnings base. The company's balance sheet and potential legal obligations (liabilities relating to the company's legacy vaginal mesh products) left less room for error given growth challenges on the branded side of Endo's business. Considering the erosion in our investment thesis, questions about management's ability to identify and navigate risk, and a growing list of unknowns surrounding the business, we elected to close our position in the second calendar quarter of 2016 and refocus our capital in more attractive opportunities.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan shares finished 2016 on a higher note, following an otherwise challenging year. While revenues and earnings were shy of expectations and drug price regulation dominated headlines throughout much of the past year, the health of Allergan's core underlying growth drivers gave us confidence to continue buying shares at increasingly attractive discounts during the fourth calendar quarter. Encouragingly, recent operating results have come in ahead of internal forecasts, and the company's initial outlook for 2017 exceeded our expectations. Growth across Allergan's therapeutic segment looks healthy, with the global aesthetics franchise demonstrating notable strength. Headwinds from legislative and regulatory developments continue to bear monitoring, but from today's vantage point, we believe any impact to long-term business value should be manageable. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices. 
Quarterly Detractors
Range Resources is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) based in Fort Worth, Texas, with operations in the Marcellus shale and emerging Terryville field. Range Resources stock weakened during the first quarter as mild winter weather once again put downward pressure on natural gas prices. The company's higher-than-projected 2017 drilling budget and 20% 2018 production growth target likely also raised fears that Range's balance sheet could once again deteriorate in the event of a prolonged downturn in gas prices. March supply/demand was kinder than January and February, however, leaving natural gas storage levels in better shape entering injection season than a year ago (approximately 20% lower). Longer-term demand fundamentals for gas remain attractive, and improving oil prices together with international transport capacity have provided a spark for natural gas liquids prices that should benefit Range's cash flow. We believe Range shares are undervalued, assuming mid-cycle natural gas prices of $2.75 or higher.

TransDigm Group is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components for use on commercial and military aircraft. The prospect of rising interest rates and accusations of rigged/fake bids from a critical short report pressured TransDigm's stock during January. The company's levered balance sheet, while married with historically consistent cash flows, increases the company's sensitivity to potential declines in profitability. In his first several weeks in office, President Trump targeted the cost of specific programs at several of TransDigm's larger peers. While it remains to be seen what, if any, lasting impact this scrutiny will have on growth and cash flow, with TransDigm's shares close to our estimate of intrinsic value, we elected to close our position in the stock with a nice gain.

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a package delivery company and a provider of supply chain management solutions. Over the past several years, the growth of e-commerce has created challenges for UPS during its peak holiday shipping season. While the market can not quite decide whether the onslaught of less profitable residential delivery volume is beneficial, UPS has announced plans to significantly accelerate capital spending in anticipation of even more residential delivery volume. Investors' lack of faith in management's intended path led to this most recent sell off. We believe the company's efforts toward a more streamlined holiday shipping experience will bear fruit in time, and we expect the company's stock price will eventually reflect this stepped-up commitment to its customers.
Eliminated Holdings
Motorola Solutions and TransDigm Group
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
10 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
             
                       
Since Invest-
                       
     
Since
             
ment Style
                       
     
Inception
             
Inception
                       
     
(5/9/1986)   
20-year
 
10-year
 
(6/30/08)
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WVALX - Investor Class
   
10.18
%
 
8.90
%
 
4.00
%
 
8.41
%
 
9.30
%
 
3.62
%
 
9.81
%
 
6.43
%
WVAIX - Institutional Class
   
10.20
   
8.93
   
4.06
   
8.48
   
9.42
   
3.81
   
10.06
   
6.47
 
S&P 500
   
10.18
   
7.86
   
7.51
   
9.61
   
13.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Russell 1000
   
10.20
   
8.09
   
7.58
   
9.63
   
13.26
   
9.99
   
17.43
   
6.03
 
Russell 1000 Value
   
10.30
*
 
8.37
   
5.93
   
8.77
   
13.13
   
8.67
   
19.22
   
3.27
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Value Fund – Investor Class for the period since inception (5/9/86) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Standard & Poor's 500, Russell 1000 and Russell 1000 Value Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
 
* Since 5/31/1986
Capitalization
Top 10 Stock Holdings

 
% of Net Assets
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
7.5
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B
7.2
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C
5.8
 
Allergan plc
5.4
 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
4.0
 
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C
3.9
 
Mastercard Inc. - Class A
3.8
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
3.7
 
QVC Group - Series A
3.4
 
Oracle Corp.
3.4
 
 
48.1
 

Top Performers
         
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
   
16.6
%
 
7.2
%
 
1.11
%
Liberty Global Group - Class C
   
18.0
   
5.6
   
0.91
 
Allergan plc
   
14.1
   
5.3
   
0.75
 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
   
16.2
   
4.0
   
0.69
 
Oracle Corp.
   
16.5
   
3.1
   
0.48
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Consumer Discretionary
30.2
 
Information Technology
15.5
 
Financials
12.4
 
Health Care
11.3
 
Materials
5.0
 
Energy
3.4
 
Consumer Staples
2.6
 
Industrials
1.9
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
17.7
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Range Resources Corp.
   
(15.2
)%
 
1.2
%
 
(0.20
)%
TransDigm Group, Inc.
   
(11.6
)
 
0.4
   
(0.17
)
United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B
   
(5.7
)
 
1.9
   
(0.11
)
Halliburton Co.
   
(8.7
)
 
0.8
   
(0.07
)
QVC Group - Series A
   
0.2
   
3.3
   
0.00
 
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 1.23% and 1.08% (gross) of the Fund's Investor and Institutional Class net assets, respectively. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance  data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_ performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
11 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


PARTNERS VALUE FUND

Investment Style: Multi-Cap Value
Co-Portfolio Managers: Wally Weitz, CFA & Brad Hinton, CFA
 
Fiscal Year Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. Shares of Charter, and cable companies broadly, have performed well in the wake of the U.S. election. Although much remains to be seen, investors generally believe that regulatory pressures will ease as a result of a presumably more "industry friendly" Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as well as a Justice Department that may look more favorably on further industry consolidation. We have invested in Liberty Broadband because we like the operating strategy at Charter, and while regulatory relief would certainly be a benefit, it's not an explicit part of our investment thesis. Liberty Broadband shares trade at a discount to their underlying Charter investment due to the added complexity of Liberty's involvement. We are confident Liberty Broadband's management will ultimately collapse this discount, thereby making Liberty Broadband a cheaper opportunity to invest in Charter's future.
Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of business activities. Shares benefited from optimism that a combination of higher interest rates, lower taxes and increased domestic activity would increase earnings at Berkshire's insurance and industrial businesses. We believe Berkshire will compound wealth for its shareholders for the foreseeable future.
ILG, Inc. is a provider of non-traditional lodging, encompassing a portfolio of leisure businesses, from exchange and vacation rental to vacation ownership. A year ago, the stock price was suffering under the combined weight of both a general market swoon and a share overhang from ILG's imminent merger with Starwood's timeshare business. That merger ultimately put over half (70+ million shares) of this small-cap company's stock in the hands of large-cap hotel investors. One year later, the market has marched steadily higher, and the bulk of those shares have likely found homes in the portfolios of more appropriate investors. As such, the stock price has rebounded and reclaimed much of what it had lost in the year prior. We continue to like the prospects and valuation of the newly combined entity.
 
Quarterly Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. In late January, rumors broke that Verizon Communications had made an informal acquisition offer to Charter Communications, sending both Charter and Liberty Broadband shares higher. We acknowledge that such a combination makes strategic sense for Verizon as it searches for an efficient means to deploy 5G wireless technology (which will require very dense, wired networks). However, we suspect shareholders can reap greater value from Charter continuing to integrate its Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks acquisitions on a stand-alone basis. That said, we believe management will pursue the right course (stand-alone or M&A) that will maximize long-term shareholder value.
Liberty Global is the largest international cable company, with operations in 14 countries providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Liberty Global's shares were strong in the first calendar quarter and made up some of the ground that had been lost during the prior year. The company's quarterly results were solid, but shares have likely been driven upward as speculation of deals in the media industry has heated up of late, including revived speculation of a potential Vodafone transaction. We view Liberty Global as a standalone provider of broadband and Pay-TV services as an attractive opportunity, and although a potential acquisition by Vodafone may create value for shareholders, our investment thesis is not dependent on such an event.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan's stock rebounded as the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth quarter results following a string of disappointing quarters. The company's initial outlook for 2017 came in ahead of our forecasts, with strong growth across six of its seven therapeutic areas expected to result in high single-digit revenue growth and high teens adjusted cash earnings per share growth. Allergan closed its $2.9 billion acquisition of LifeCell in February and also announced an agreement to acquire body sculpting device manufacturer ZELTIQ Aesthetics for $2.5 billion. If ZELTIQ shareholders approve the merger, Allergan will add two durable assets to its aesthetics portfolio that together should generate roughly $1.0 billion in annual sales with attractive organic growth profiles. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
 
New Holdings
No new equity holdings were added in the first quarter 2017.
 
Fiscal Year Detractors
QVC Group is a tracking stock issued by Liberty Interactive which includes subsidiaries QVC, zulily and its interest in HSN. QVC Group operates an American television network and also operates televised and online shopping experiences in other countries. In the third calendar quarter of 2016, shares of QVC Group fell after management indicated that its QVC U.S. business had experienced a significant sales headwind. QVC's U.S. business, which had not seen a decline since the Great Recession, saw sales fall nearly 6% in the third quarter and 7% in the fourth quarter, as several categories simultaneously slowed. Importantly, we don't view these issues as a sign of the QVC model suddenly being broken, and management has indicated sales results have begun to stabilize. QVC's  customer retention and loyalty remain strong, as does viewership of their network. Furthermore, the international businesses appear unaffected by the current U.S.-centric slowdown. Although the decline in QVC shares has been disappointing, management has taken advantage by accelerating their share repurchase to foster per share value growth.
Fossil Group is the fourth-largest producer of watches and the largest licenser of watches and jewelry globally. Fossil continues to experience the same headwinds from the previous year: weak foot traffic as consumers shift to e-commerce, revenue headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar, and a difficult wholesale channel environment that has been exacerbated by inventory de-stocking. Despite growth in Fossil Group's owned brands, Skagen and Fossil, weakness in the licensed brand portfolio, in particular Michael Kors, has weighed on watch sales. During the fourth calendar quarter earnings release, management guided 2017 earnings well below consensus expectations. In addition, management notified the market of another year of elevated investments in wearables and omni-channel initiatives as well as restructuring charges as Fossil reduces their store footprint. Fossil's wearable technology launches in fourth quarter were successful, but 2017 will be the first year the segment will be material to results as management expands SKU's (distinct types of items for sale) and extends to additional licensed brands.
Endo International is a specialty healthcare company engaged in developing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing branded pharmaceutical and generic products and medical devices. Endo experienced significantly worse-than-anticipated erosion at Qualitest, its legacy generic drug platform. The competitive environment changed quickly, and we were slow to recognize it. After conversations with both management and a couple of the larger drug buying consortiums, we could not gain comfort in the durability of Endo's now lower earnings base. The company's balance sheet and potential legal obligations (liabilities relating to the company's legacy vaginal mesh products) left less room for error given growth challenges on the branded side of Endo's business. Considering the erosion in our investment thesis, questions about management's ability to identify and navigate risk, and a growing list of unknowns surrounding the business, we elected to close our position in the second calendar quarter of 2016 and refocus our capital in more attractive opportunities.
 
Quarterly Detractors
Fossil Group - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
Range Resources is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) based in Fort Worth, Texas, with operations in the Marcellus shale and emerging Terryville field. Range Resources stock weakened during the first quarter as mild winter weather once again put downward pressure on natural gas prices. The company's higher-than-projected 2017 drilling budget and 20% 2018 production growth target likely also raised fears that Range's balance sheet could once again deteriorate in the event of a prolonged downturn in gas prices. March supply/demand was kinder than January and February, however, leaving natural gas storage levels in better shape entering injection season than a year ago (approximately 20% lower). Longer-term demand fundamentals for gas remain attractive, and improving oil prices together with international transport capacity have provided a spark for natural gas liquids prices that should benefit Range's cash flow. We believe Range shares are undervalued, assuming mid-cycle natural gas prices of $2.75 or higher.

TransDigm Group is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components for use on commercial and military aircraft. The prospect of rising interest rates and accusations of rigged/fake bids from a critical short report pressured TransDigm's stock during January. The company's levered balance sheet, while married with historically consistent cash flows, increases the company's sensitivity to potential declines in profitability. In his first several weeks in office, President Trump targeted the cost of specific programs at several of TransDigm's larger peers. While it remains to be seen what, if any, lasting impact this scrutiny will have on growth and cash flow, with TransDigm's shares close to our estimate of intrinsic value, we elected to close our position in the stock with a nice gain.
 
Eliminated Holdings
Avon Products, Fossil Group and TransDigm Group
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
12 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since
                                   
     
Inception
                                   
     
(6/1/1983)
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WPVLX - Investor Class
   
11.94
%
 
9.54
%
 
5.12
%
 
9.09
%
 
2.66
%
 
11.06
%
 
6.37
%
WPVIX - Institutional Class
   
11.96
   
9.57
   
5.18
   
9.22
   
2.86
   
11.39
   
6.48
 
S&P 500
   
10.91
   
7.86
   
7.51
   
13.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Russell 3000
   
10.70
   
8.11
   
7.54
   
13.18
   
9.76
   
18.07
   
5.74
 
Russell 3000 Value
   
11.22
   
8.44
   
5.94
   
13.08
   
8.58
   
19.97
   
2.99
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Partners Value Fund - Investor Class for the period since inception (6/1/83) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Standard & Poor's 500, Russell 3000 and Russell 3000 Value Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Capitalization
Top 10 Stock Holdings

 
% of Net Assets
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
8.3
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C
7.4
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B
7.1
 
Allergan plc
5.2
 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
4.4
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
3.9
 
Visa Inc. - Class A
3.5
 
Colfax Corp.
3.2
 
QVC Group - Series A
3.1
 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
3.0
 
 
49.1
 

Top Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
   
17.0
%
 
7.9
%
 
1.23
%
Liberty Global Group - Class C
   
18.0
   
7.1
   
1.15
 
Allergan plc
   
14.1
   
5.0
   
0.65
 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
   
16.2
   
4.1
   
0.64
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group - Series A & C
   
13.5
   
3.2
   
0.44
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Consumer Discretionary
32.6
 
Financials
16.3
 
Information Technology
15.5
 
Health Care
9.1
 
Industrials
5.2
 
Energy
2.9
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
18.4
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Fossil Group, Inc.
   
(32.5
)%
 
1.0
%
 
(0.47
)%
Range Resources Corp.
   
(15.2
)
 
1.8
   
(0.27
)
TransDigm Group, Inc.
   
(11.6
)
 
0.5
   
(0.22
)
Avon Products, Inc.
   
(12.7
)
 
0.8
   
(0.17
)
QVC Group - Series A
   
0.2
   
3.0
   
0.00
 
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 1.26% and 1.07% (gross) of the Fund's Investor and Institutional Class net assets, respectively. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_ performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
13 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


PARTNERS III OPPORTUNITY FUND
Investment Style: Multi-Cap Alternative
Portfolio Manager: Wally Weitz, CFA
Fiscal Year Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. Shares of Charter, and cable companies broadly, have performed well in the wake of the U.S. election. Although much remains to be seen, investors generally believe that regulatory pressures will ease as a result of a presumably more "industry friendly" Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as well as a Justice Department that may look more favorably on further industry consolidation. We have invested in Liberty Broadband because we like the operating strategy at Charter, and while regulatory relief would certainly be a benefit, it's not an explicit part of our investment thesis. Liberty Broadband shares trade at a discount to their underlying Charter investment due to the added complexity of Liberty's involvement. We are confident Liberty Broadband's management will ultimately collapse this discount, thereby making Liberty Broadband a cheaper opportunity to invest in Charter's future.
Liberty SiriusXM is a tracking stock, with its principal asset being Liberty Media's 67% ownership of satellite radio operator SiriusXM. Thanks to the continued strength of new car sales in the U.S., SiriusXM has enjoyed very robust operating results in recent quarters, as 75% of all new cars sold feature a satellite radio built directly into the dashboard. New car buyers are offered a free trial of the service and typically convert to paying subscribers at a healthy rate. Recently, SiriusXM has opened a new channel for customer growth by partnering with used car dealers as well as service providers to offer trial subscriptions. Although we don't anticipate these trials will convert at the same rate as those associated with new car sales, we believe it provides an excellent opportunity to remarket to existing car radios as well as lessen the company's reliance on the cyclical new car market. Shares of Liberty SiriusXM mirrored most of SiriusXM stock price gain of the prior twelve months but still trades at a discount to our intrinsic value of standalone SiriusXM.
Berkshire Hathaway is a conglomerate holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of business activities. Shares benefited from optimism that a combination of higher interest rates, lower taxes and increased domestic activity would increase earnings at Berkshire's insurance and industrial businesses. We believe Berkshire will compound wealth for its shareholders for the foreseeable future.
Quarterly Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. In late January, rumors broke that Verizon Communications had made an informal acquisition offer to Charter Communications, sending both Charter and Liberty Broadband shares higher. We acknowledge that such a combination makes strategic sense for Verizon as it searches for an efficient means to deploy 5G wireless technology (which will require very dense, wired networks). However, we suspect shareholders can reap greater value from Charter continuing to integrate its Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks acquisitions on a stand-alone basis. That said, we believe management will pursue the right course (stand-alone or M&A) that will maximize long-term shareholder value.
Liberty Global is the largest international cable company, with operations in 14 countries providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Liberty Global's shares were strong in the first calendar quarter and made up some of the ground that had been lost during the prior year. The company's quarterly results were solid, but shares have likely been driven upward as speculation of deals in the media industry has heated up of late, including revived speculation of a potential Vodafone transaction. We view Liberty Global as a standalone provider of broadband and Pay-TV services as an attractive opportunity, and although a potential acquisition by Vodafone may create value for shareholders, our investment thesis is not dependent on such an event.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan's stock rebounded as the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth quarter results following a string of disappointing quarters. The company's initial outlook for 2017 came in ahead of our forecasts, with strong growth across six of its seven therapeutic areas expected to result in high single-digit revenue growth and high teens adjusted cash earnings per share growth. Allergan closed its $2.9 billion acquisition of LifeCell in February and also announced an agreement to acquire body sculpting device manufacturer ZELTIQ Aesthetics for $2.5 billion. If ZELTIQ shareholders approve the merger, Allergan will add two durable assets to its aesthetics portfolio that together should generate roughly $1.0 billion in annual sales with attractive organic growth profiles. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
New Holdings
No new equity holdings were added in the first quarter 2017.
Fiscal Year Detractors
LiLAC Group is a tracking stock distributed by Liberty Global with respect to its businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean. LiLAC's stock has struggled throughout the last year as management revealed additional unanticipated headaches with the May 2016 acquisition of Cable & Wireless Communications. After meeting with management, we believe the company understands the nature of the problem and is set to grow from this reset base. We anticipate that in the coming quarters, LiLAC will demonstrate the benefits they saw in this acquisition, beginning with identifying operating synergies for investors. Management further demonstrated their confidence in their revised outlook by announcing a $300 million stock repurchase authorization.

Wesco Aircraft Holdings is the world's leading distributor and provider of supply chain services to the global aerospace industry. During the past year, the company has continued its transition to a "One Wesco" culture, which includes an implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. In addition, the company has won several new contracts. These new contracts have required funding of upfront inventory and preparation expenses, temporarily depressing free cash flow. We believe Wesco is making significant progress in transforming its business, which we expect to soon be reflected in reported results.

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, PowerShares QQQ Trust and iShares Russell 2000 ETF Partners III Opportunity Fund has the broadest toolkit of our equity funds. The Fund invests in companies of all sizes and typically maintains short positions. Effective shorts include small- and large-cap stock ETFs. Broad market short positions in a rising market environment caused a detraction in performance. The average effective short position for the fiscal year was approximately -33%. As of March 31, 2017, the Fund had an effective short position of -33%, an effective long position of 90% resulting in an effective net position of 57%. Our positioning reflects our belief that, while we like the companies we own and believe they will outperform the market in the long-run, the broad market is fully valued to overvalued. 
Quarterly Detractors
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, PowerShares QQQ Trust and iShares Russell 2000 ETF - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
Wesco Aircraft Holdings - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
TransDigm Group is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components for use on commercial and military aircraft. The prospect of rising interest rates and accusations of rigged/fake bids from a critical short report pressured TransDigm's stock during January. The company's levered balance sheet, while married with historically consistent cash flows, increases the company's sensitivity to potential declines in profitability. In his first several weeks in office, President Trump targeted the cost of specific programs at several of TransDigm's larger peers. While it remains to be seen what, if any, lasting impact this scrutiny will have on growth and cash flow, with TransDigm's shares close to our estimate of intrinsic value, we elected to close our position in the stock with a nice gain. 
Eliminated Holdings
TransDigm Group
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
14 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since
                                   
     
Inception
                                   
     
(6/1/1983)
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WPOIX - Investor Class
   
12.48
%
 
10.51
%
 
6.25
%
 
8.19
%
 
1.90
%
 
8.94
%
 
5.14
%
WPOPX - Institutional Class
   
12.54
   
10.62
   
6.46
   
8.57
   
2.33
   
9.52
   
5.24
 
S&P 500
   
10.91
   
7.86
   
7.51
   
13.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Russell 3000
   
10.70
   
8.11
   
7.54
   
13.18
   
9.76
   
18.07
   
5.74
 
Russell 3000 Value
   
11.22
   
8.44
   
5.94
   
13.08
   
8.58
   
19.97
   
2.99
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Partners III Opportunity Fund - Institutional Class for the period since inception (6/1/83) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Standard & Poor's 500, Russell 3000 and Russell 3000 Value Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Capitalization
Top 10 Stock Holdings
     
 
% of Net Assets
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
9.8
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B
9.7
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C
8.6
 
Mastercard Inc. - Class A
4.9
 
Colfax Corp.
4.6
 
Allergan plc
4.5
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group - Series A & C
4.5
 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
4.1
 
Liberty Ventures Group - Series A
3.9
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
3.5
 
 
58.1
 

Top Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
   
17.0
%
 
9.4
%
 
1.45
%
Liberty Global Group - Class C
   
18.0
   
8.4
   
1.37
 
Allergan plc
   
14.1
   
4.8
   
0.70
 
Liberty Ventures Group - Series A
   
20.6
   
3.7
   
0.69
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group - Series A & C
   
13.5
   
4.4
   
0.58
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Consumer Discretionary
40.8
 
Information Technology
17.4
 
Financials
15.8
 
Health Care
8.0
 
Industrials
7.9
 
Securities Sold Short
(32.7
Short Proceeds/Other
42.8
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
PowerShares QQQ Trust, Series 1 (short)
   
12.0
%
 
(9.3
)%
 
(1.08
)%
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (short)
   
5.9
   
(16.8
)
 
(0.98
)
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
   
(23.7
)
 
3.6
   
(0.90
)
TransDigm Group, Inc.
   
(11.6
)
 
0.7
   
(0.26
)
iShares Russell 2000 Fund (short)
   
2.2
   
(5.9
)
 
(0.14
)
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 2.33% and 1.95% of the Fund's Investor and Institutional Class net assets, respectively. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
15 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


RESEARCH FUND
Investment Style: Multi-Cap Value
Co-Portfolio Managers: Nathan Ritz, CFA; Jon Baker, CFA;
 Dan Walker, CFA; & Barton Hooper, CFA
Fiscal Year Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. Shares of Charter, and cable companies broadly, have performed well in the wake of the U.S. election. Although much remains to be seen, investors generally believe that regulatory pressures will ease as a result of a presumably more "industry friendly" Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as well as a Justice Department that may look more favorably on further industry consolidation. We have invested in Liberty Broadband because we like the operating strategy at Charter, and while regulatory relief would certainly be a benefit, it's not an explicit part of our investment thesis. Liberty Broadband shares trade at a discount to their underlying Charter investment due to the added complexity of Liberty's involvement. We are confident Liberty Broadband's management will ultimately collapse this discount, thereby making Liberty Broadband a cheaper opportunity to invest in Charter's future.
Range Resources is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) based in Fort Worth, Texas, with operations in the Marcellus shale and emerging Terryville field. Following a strong rebound in natural gas prices during the spring of 2016, we pared our position in Range as the stock approached our $47 intrinsic value estimate. Even as healthy summer demand drove natural gas prices higher, investors began shifting their focus to the possibility of a supply overhang as oil-related drilling activity resumed. Range shares cooled off as a result. The Fund eliminated its position as part of Research Fund's manager transition in December.
Colfax Corp. is a leading manufacturer of pumps, gas handling products and welding equipment. Shares rose through the year at the prospect of a bottoming in many of Colfax's end markets, which include oil & gas, power generation and mining. This potential bottoming provides us confidence that sales growth may return in the near future. In addition, the use of the Colfax Business System, a management philosophy and a set of tools based on the concept of continuous improvement to drive new product development and cut costs, has improved the margin outlook for the business. Shares rose significantly after the U.S. presidential election on hopes that the new administration would spur domestic industrial activity.
Quarterly Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. In late January, rumors broke that Verizon Communications had made an informal acquisition offer to Charter Communications, sending both Charter and Liberty Broadband shares higher. We acknowledge that such a combination makes strategic sense for Verizon as it searches for an efficient means to deploy 5G wireless technology (which will require very dense, wired networks). However, we suspect shareholders can reap greater value from Charter continuing to integrate its Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks acquisitions on a stand-alone basis. That said, we believe management will pursue the right course (stand-alone or M&A) that will maximize long-term shareholder value.
Visa is the world's largest electronic payment network. The company recently closed on its acquisition of Visa Europe, allowing it to provide a fully integrated network to clients, which should result in increased market share and lower costs. We believe Visa will compound nicely as worldwide payment volumes grow, developing countries switch from cash to cards, and the company uses its technology and network to participate in all forms of electronic payments.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan's stock rebounded as the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth quarter results following a string of disappointing quarters. The company's initial outlook for 2017 came in ahead of our forecasts, with strong growth across six of its seven therapeutic areas expected to result in high single-digit revenue growth and high teens adjusted cash earnings per share growth. Allergan closed its $2.9 billion acquisition of LifeCell in February and also announced an agreement to acquire body sculpting device manufacturer ZELTIQ Aesthetics for $2.5 billion. If ZELTIQ shareholders approve the merger, Allergan will add two durable assets to its aesthetics portfolio that together should generate roughly $1.0 billion in annual sales with attractive organic growth profiles. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
New Holdings
Dollar Tree and Donnelley Financial Solutions
Fiscal Year Detractors
Fossil Group is the fourth-largest producer of watches and the largest licenser of watches and jewelry globally. Fossil continues to experience the same headwinds from the previous year: weak foot traffic as consumers shift to e-commerce, revenue headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar, and a difficult wholesale channel environment that has been exacerbated by inventory de-stocking. Despite growth in Fossil Group's owned brands, Skagen and Fossil, weakness in the licensed brand portfolio, in particular Michael Kors, has weighed on watch sales. During the fourth calendar quarter earnings release, management guided 2017 earnings well below consensus expectations. In addition, management notified the market of another year of elevated investments in wearables and omni-channel initiatives as well as restructuring charges as Fossil reduces their store footprint. Fossil's wearable  technology launches in fourth quarter were successful, but 2017 will be the first year the segment will be material to results as management expands SKUs (distinct types of items for sale) and extends to additional licensed brands. We expect Fossil's investments in brand building, omni-channel and store footprint rationalization to bear fruit in 2017.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan shares finished 2016 on a higher note, following an otherwise challenging year. While revenues and earnings were shy of expectations and drug price regulation dominated headlines throughout much of the past year, the health of Allergan's core underlying growth drivers gave us confidence to continue buying shares at increasingly attractive discounts during the fourth calendar quarter. Encouragingly, recent operating results have come in ahead of internal forecasts, and the company's initial outlook for 2017 exceeded our expectations. Growth across Allergan's therapeutic segment looks healthy, with the global aesthetics franchise demonstrating notable strength. Headwinds from legislative and regulatory developments continue to bear monitoring, but from today's vantage point, we believe any impact to long-term business value should be manageable. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
Zoe's Kitchen is a small, growing restaurant concept serving "better for you" Mediterranean cuisine. While 2016 was a weak year for many restaurants, Zoe's fared better than most, though they were not immune. Worries around weakening U.S. consumer spending and the lack of near-term earnings continue to depress the stock price. We believe this is temporary and think the next several years of growth can produce outsized, though likely volatile, returns. We continue to add to our position on share price declines.
Quarterly Detractors
Fossil Group - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
Donnelley Financial Solutions is a financial compliance company recently spun out of RR Donnelley. Primarily a printing company, RR Donnelley split itself into three public companies to ascribe better value to its individual parts, as the printing industry is facing secular decline. While 40% of Donnelley Financial's revenue is still print related, the remainder is software and services, which not only have better margins than print but are also growing organically. We believe the market has misvalued Donnelley Financial due to lack of transparency around the cost structure and the compliance services segment's sensitivity to capital markets transactions. Generally, when a company is spun-off, there is inevitable noise in its income statement as it seeks to recreate the services that its parent previously provided. The result is a host of duplicative costs, which can temporarily mask earnings power. More recently, Donnelley Financial's quarterly results and guidance disappointed investors, as capital market activity was down 15% affecting an otherwise high margin segment. While the recent results are disappointing, we believe a recovery in the capital market is forthcoming and will allow Donnelley Financial to demonstrate more normalized earnings power, aggressively pay down debt, and continue to invest in compliance technology solutions, which are in high demand.
Zoe's Kitchen - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
Eliminated Holdings
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Compagnie Financiere Richemont, MasterCard and Range Resources
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
16 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since Inception
                   
     
(4/1/2005)
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WRESX
   
7.41
%
 
6.45
%
 
8.03
%
 
4.24
%
 
10.62
%
 
5.15
%
S&P 500
   
8.20
   
7.51
   
13.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Russell 3000
   
8.39
   
7.54
   
13.18
   
9.76
   
18.07
   
5.74
 
Russell 3000 Value
   
7.43
   
5.94
   
13.08
   
8.58
   
19.97
   
2.99
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Research Fund for the period since inception (4/1/05) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Standard & Poor's 500, Russell 3000 and Russell 3000 Value Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Capitalization
Top 10 Stock Holdings

 
% of Net Assets
Visa Inc. - Class A
6.2
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
5.2
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
4.5
 
Oracle Corp.
4.5
 
Praxair, Inc.
4.2
 
Guidewire Software, Inc.
4.1
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B
3.7
 
American Tower Corp.
3.5
 
Allergan plc
3.2
 
National CineMedia, Inc.
2.9
 
 
42.0
 

Top Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
   
16.6
%
 
5.3
%
 
0.82
%
Visa Inc. - Class A
   
14.1
   
6.1
   
0.80
 
Allergan plc
   
14.1
   
4.1
   
0.62
 
Oracle Corp.
   
16.5
   
3.8
   
0.60
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
   
11.8
   
4.5
   
0.51
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Information Technology
24.6
 
Consumer Discretionary
23.7
 
Health Care
9.7
 
Materials
9.2
 
Financials
8.5
 
Consumer Staples
4.1
 
Real Estate
3.5
 
Industrials
2.6
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
14.1
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Fossil Group, Inc.
   
(32.5
)%
 
2.2
%
 
(0.95
)%
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.
   
(16.1
)
 
1.9
   
(0.63
)
Zoe's Kitchen, Inc.
   
(22.9
)
 
2.4
   
(0.55
)
National CineMedia, Inc.
   
(12.7
)
 
2.3
   
(0.25
)
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
   
(12.6
)
 
1.4
   
(0.20
)
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and, starting January 1, 2011, reflect the deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 1.64% (gross) of the Fund's net assets. For periods of time prior to January 1, 2011, the performance numbers reflect the deduction of annual pro forma operating expenses of 1.50%. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
17 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


HICKORY FUND
Investment Style: Small- to Mid-Cap Value
Co-Portfolio Managers: Wally Weitz, CFA & Drew Weitz
Fiscal Year Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. Shares of Charter, and cable companies broadly, have performed well in the wake of the U.S. election. Although much remains to be seen, investors generally believe that regulatory pressures will ease as a result of a presumably more "industry friendly" Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as well as a Justice Department that may look more favorably on further industry consolidation. We have invested in Liberty Broadband because we like the operating strategy at Charter, and while regulatory relief would certainly be a benefit, it's not an explicit part of our investment thesis. Liberty Broadband shares trade at a discount to their underlying Charter investment due to the added complexity of Liberty's involvement. We are confident Liberty Broadband's management will ultimately collapse this discount, thereby making Liberty Broadband a cheaper opportunity to invest in Charter's future.
Formula One, which began in 1950, is an iconic global motorsports business. The 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship spans 20 races in 20 countries across five continents. In January, Liberty Media closed on its 100% acquisition of the Formula One racing series. Upon closing, the Liberty Media tracking stock was renamed Liberty Formula One Group. Investors are enthusiastic about the highly regarded executive and newly appointed chairman, Chase Carey. Furthermore, the potential to grow Formula One under Liberty Media's guidance–greater sponsorship prospects, the potential for new races and venues to grow awareness of the sport, and new opportunities to bring Formula One content to digital platforms excite investors.
ILG, Inc. is a provider of non-traditional lodging, encompassing a portfolio of leisure businesses, from exchange and vacation rental to vacation ownership. A year ago, the stock price was suffering under the combined weight of both a general market swoon and a share overhang from ILG's imminent merger with Starwood's timeshare business. That merger ultimately put over half (70+ million shares) of this small-cap company's stock in the hands of large-cap hotel investors. One year later, the market has marched steadily higher, and the bulk of those shares have likely found homes in the portfolios of more appropriate investors. As such, the stock price has rebounded and reclaimed much of what it had lost in the year prior. We continue to like the prospects and valuation of the newly combined entity.
Quarterly Contributors
Liberty Broadband's principal asset consists of its interest in Charter Communications. In late January, rumors broke that Verizon Communications had made an informal acquisition offer to Charter Communications, sending both Charter and Liberty Broadband shares higher. We acknowledge that such a combination makes strategic sense for Verizon as it searches for an efficient means to deploy 5G wireless technology (which will require very dense, wired networks). However, we suspect shareholders can reap greater value from Charter continuing to integrate its Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks acquisitions on a stand-alone basis. That said, we believe management will pursue the right course (stand-alone or M&A) that will maximize long-term shareholder value.
Liberty Global is the largest international cable company, with operations in 14 countries providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Liberty Global's shares were strong in the first calendar quarter and made up some of the ground that had been lost during the prior year. The company's quarterly results were solid, but shares have likely been driven upward as speculation of deals in the media industry has heated up of late, including revived speculation of a potential Vodafone transaction. We view Liberty Global as a standalone provider of broadband and Pay-TV services as an attractive opportunity, and although a potential acquisition by Vodafone may create value for shareholders, our investment thesis is not dependent on such an event.
Murphy USA is an independent retailer of motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. As a high-volume, low-cost seller of gasoline, Murphy's earnings are extremely sensitive to fuel margins. Murphy's stock price increased in the first calendar quarter largely due to falling gasoline prices (good for margins). In late 2016, the stock became a target for short sellers. This temporarily depressed the stock price as they perceived Murphy USA as a beneficiary of ethanol blending credits, a regulation the Trump administration had targeted for revision. In the first quarter of 2017, management gave additional clarity about how these regulations are a net neutral for their business, easing many investors' concerns. In addition, management issued strong earnings guidance, the company aggressively bought back stock and two insiders purchased large amounts of Murphy stock on the open market, providing confidence that the company could navigate both the fuel and regulatory environments.
New Holdings
Compass Minerals
Fiscal Year Detractors
QVC Group is a tracking stock issued by Liberty Interactive which includes subsidiaries QVC, zulily and its interest in HSN. QVC Group operates an American television network  and also operates televised and online shopping experiences in other countries. In the third calendar quarter of 2016, shares of QVC Group fell after management indicated that its QVC U.S. business had experienced a significant sales headwind. QVC's U.S. business, which had not seen a decline since the Great Recession, saw sales fall nearly 6% in the third quarter and 7% in the fourth quarter, as several categories simultaneously slowed. Importantly, we don't view these issues as a sign of the QVC model suddenly being broken, and management has indicated sales results have begun to stabilize. QVC's customer retention and loyalty remain strong, as does viewership of their network. Furthermore, the international businesses appear unaffected by the current U.S.-centric slowdown. Although the decline in QVC shares has been disappointing, management has taken advantage by accelerating their share repurchase to foster per share value growth.
Fossil Group is the fourth-largest producer of watches and the largest licenser of watches and jewelry globally. Fossil continues to experience the same headwinds from the previous year: weak foot traffic as consumers shift to e-commerce, revenue headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar, and a difficult wholesale channel environment that has been exacerbated by inventory de-stocking. Despite growth in Fossil Group's owned brands, Skagen and Fossil, weakness in the licensed brand portfolio, in particular Michael Kors, has weighed on watch sales. During the fourth calendar quarter earnings release, management guided 2017 earnings well below consensus expectations. In addition, management notified the market of another year of elevated investments in wearables and omni-channel initiatives as well as restructuring charges as Fossil reduces their store footprint. Fossil's wearable technology launches in fourth quarter were successful, but 2017 will be the first year the segment will be material to results as management expands SKUs (distinct types of items for sale) and extends to additional licensed brands. We expect Fossil's investments in brand building, omni-channel and store footprint rationalization to bear fruit in 2017.

Wesco Aircraft Holdings is the world's leading distributor and provider of supply chain services to the global aerospace industry. During the past year, the company has continued its transition to a "One Wesco" culture, which includes an implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. In addition, the company has won several new contracts. These new contracts have required funding of upfront inventory and preparation expenses, temporarily depressing free cash flow. We believe Wesco is making significant progress in transforming its business, which we expect to soon be reflected in reported results. 
Quarterly Detractors
Wesco Aircraft Holdings - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
Fossil Group - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
National CineMedia produces the "FirstLook" pre-show, a collection of advertising and entertainment content shown in movie theaters prior to show time. The operating business (NCM LLC) is jointly owned by public shareholders (ticker: NCMI) and the founding three theater circuits: AMC, Regal Entertainment and Cinemark. During the first calendar quarter, AMC reached an agreement with the Department of Justice over its proposed acquisition of Carmike (a partial owner and client of theater advertising competitor Screenvision). The most significant of these conditions requires AMC to reduce its stake in NCM from 39% to fewer than 5% over a period of 24 months; the goal being to encourage continued competition in theater advertising services between the two competitors. The sale of these shares has put pressure on the stock price and represents a significant volume for the buyers to absorb. Nevertheless, we continue to believe NCM's unique position and network creates an opportunity for advertisers to reach their audiences. During the quarter we took advantage of the price decline and added to our position. 
Eliminated Holdings
TransDigm Group
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
18 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
                       
Since
                       
     
Since
         
Investment
                       
     
Inception
             
Style Inception
                       
     
(4/1/1993)
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
(6/30/08)
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WEHIX
   
9.85
%
 
8.40
%
 
4.95
%
 
9.73
%
 
8.39
%
 
3.21
%
 
11.60
%
 
4.24
%
Russell 2500
   
10.47
   
9.85
   
7.71
   
10.17
   
12.60
   
7.43
   
21.53
   
3.76
 
Russell 2500 Value
   
11.01
   
10.31
   
6.79
   
10.20
   
12.92
   
7.55
   
23.13
   
1.62
 
S&P 500
   
9.28
   
7.86
   
7.51
   
9.61
   
10.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Hickory Fund for the period since inception (4/1/93) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Russell 2500, Russell 2500 Value and Standard & Poor's 500 Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Capitalization
Top 10 Stock Holdings

 
% of Net Assets
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
8.2
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
5.0
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C
4.6
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group - Series A & C
4.4
 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
4.3
 
ILG, Inc.
4.0
 
QVC Group - Series A
3.9
 
Murphy USA Inc.
3.8
 
Colfax Corp.
3.7
 
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
3.2
 
 
45.1
 

Top Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series A & C
   
17.0
%
 
7.7
%
 
1.16
%
Liberty Global Group - Class C
   
18.0
   
4.4
   
0.70
 
Murphy USA Inc.
   
19.4
   
3.3
   
0.62
 
ILG, Inc.
   
16.3
   
3.5
   
0.57
 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
   
11.8
   
4.7
   
0.52
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Consumer Discretionary
44.6
 
Industrials
9.9
 
Financials
7.1
 
Information Technology
6.1
 
Health Care
5.0
 
Real Estate
2.9
 
Telecommunication Services
2.6
 
Energy
0.8
 
Materials
0.5
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
20.5
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.
   
(23.7
)%
 
3.4
%
 
(0.90
)%
Fossil Group, Inc.
   
(32.5
)
 
1.3
   
(0.61
)
National CineMedia, Inc.
   
(12.7
)
 
3.0
   
(0.38
)
XO Group, Inc.
   
(11.5
)
 
2.1
   
(0.25
)
TransDigm Group, Inc.
   
(11.6
)
 
0.6
   
(0.22
)
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 1.24% of the Fund's net assets. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/ or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_ performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
19 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


BALANCED FUND
Investment Style: Moderate Allocation
Portfolio Manager: Brad Hinton, CFA
Fiscal Year Contributors
Range Resources is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) based in Fort Worth, Texas, with operations in the Marcellus shale and emerging Terryville field. Following a strong rebound in natural gas prices during the spring of 2016, the Fund closed its position in Range during the second calendar quarter as the stock approached our $47 intrinsic value estimate.
Laboratory Corp. of America (LabCorp) operates as a diversified global life sciences company through two segments: LabCorp Diagnostics and Covance Drug Development. Following a choppy 2016 third quarter, LabCorp's fourth quarter operating results resumed a more normal course. Test volumes rebounded at LabCorp Diagnostics, as did new clinical trial bookings at Covance. The company closed the year on a high note, with sales increasing 11% and cash earnings per share up 12% versus the prior year. Underlying clinical lab trends remain stable and the pace of clinical research outsourcing continues to be healthy. Anticipated cuts in Medicare reimbursement for lab tests and a gradual shift by payers toward value-based payment models are creating new, long hoped-for opportunities for LabCorp's low cost lab network. LabCorp announced the acquisition of two valuable hospital-based labs during the first quarter and continues to see a steady flow of attractive potential 'tuck-in' lab acquisition opportunities. The company's combination of durable organic growth and significant reinvestment runway remains appealing to us as long-term investors.
Texas Instruments is the market leader in the sale of analog and embedded semiconductors. Shares rose on optimism that the available market for the company's products will continue to expand as industrial and automotive markets include more electronic content in their products. The company's long-term strategy of moving incremental business to its low-cost 300 millimeter wafer manufacturing process also continues to expand the long-term margin horizon for the company. Furthermore, Texas Instruments has continued to benefit from investor recognition of the company's execution, disciplined capital allocation (returning all excess cash to shareowners) and the potential that the market for analog semiconductors is becoming slightly less cyclical, as the industry has matured and consolidated.
Quarterly Contributors
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan's stock rebounded as the company reported stronger-than-expected fourth quarter results following a string of disappointing quarters. The company's initial outlook for 2017 came in ahead of our forecasts, with strong growth across six of its seven therapeutic areas expected to result in high single-digit revenue growth and high teens adjusted cash earnings per share growth. Allergan closed its $2.9 billion acquisition of LifeCell in February and also announced an agreement to acquire body sculpting device manufacturer ZELTIQ Aesthetics for $2.5 billion. If ZELTIQ shareholders approve the merger, Allergan will add two durable assets to its aesthetics portfolio that together should generate roughly $1.0 billion in annual sales with attractive organic growth profiles. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
Laboratory Corp. of America (LabCorp) - Please refer to the Fiscal Year synopsis.
New Holdings
Guidewire Software
Fiscal Year Detractors
QVC Group is a tracking stock issued by Liberty Interactive which includes subsidiaries QVC, zulily and its interest in HSN. QVC Group operates an American television network and also operates televised and online shopping experiences in other countries. In the third calendar quarter of 2016, shares of QVC Group fell after management indicated that its QVC U.S. business had experienced a significant sales headwind. QVC's U.S. business, which had not seen a decline since the Great Recession, saw sales fall nearly 6% in the third quarter and 7% in the fourth quarter, as several categories simultaneously slowed. Importantly, we don't view these issues as a sign of the QVC model suddenly being broken, and management has indicated sales results have begun to stabilize. QVC's customer retention and loyalty remain strong, as does viewership of their network. Furthermore, the international businesses appear unaffected by the current U.S.-centric slowdown. Although the decline in QVC shares has been disappointing, management has taken advantage by accelerating their share repurchase to foster per share value growth.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is the clear-cut leading global beer company after its recent acquisition of SABMiller plc. The stock briefly traded above $130 last fall due to high expectations for the combined company's prospects and strong investor demand for stable, cash-generative consumer staples companies. Anheuser-Busch InBev's stock declined later in the year due in part to temporary challenges in its Brazilian business. At $110, we think the company trades at a moderate discount to value for a world-class business, with a roadmap to significantly higher earnings in three years.
Allergan is a global specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of brand name, biosimilar and over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Allergan shares finished 2016 on a higher note, following an otherwise challenging year. While revenues and earnings were shy of expectations and drug price regulation dominated headlines throughout much of the past year, the health of Allergan's core underlying growth drivers gave us confidence to continue buying shares at increasingly attractive discounts during the fourth calendar quarter. Encouragingly, recent operating results have come in ahead of internal forecasts, and the company's initial outlook for 2017 exceeded our expectations. Growth across Allergan's therapeutic segment looks healthy, with the global aesthetics franchise demonstrating notable strength. Headwinds from legislative and regulatory developments continue to bear monitoring, but from today's vantage point, we believe any impact to long-term business value should be manageable. We continue to believe Allergan shares have attractive upside potential from current prices.
Quarterly Detractors
Compass Minerals produces and sells salt, specialty plant nutrition and chemical products around the world. Despite a strong fourth quarter, Compass stock was a weak performer due to concern around the lack of snow in their geographic footprint. Though the company guided to 12% volume growth in salt in 2017 as municipalities restocked, prices still remain under pressure, as a lot of volume was contracted in the summer months when inventories were high. The news was similarly mixed at their sulfate of potash (SOP) operation. While prices seem to be stabilizing and volume growth was exceptional, cost improvements have been slow to materialize. As a result, much of the inventory they are selling now was produced under their higher legacy cost structure. We believe the salt business will recover as soon as we have a "normal" winter and recent capital investments lower their costs even more. In addition, SOP prices are stabilizing and once Compass adjusts its cost structure to the current reality, the business will return to earning historic returns on capital.
United Parcel Service (UPS) is a package delivery company and a provider of supply chain management solutions. Over the past several years, the growth of e-commerce has created challenges for UPS during its peak holiday shipping season. While the market can not quite decide whether the onslaught of less profitable residential delivery volume is beneficial, UPS has announced plans to significantly accelerate capital spending in anticipation of even more residential delivery volume. Investors' lack of faith in management's intended path led to this most recent sell off. We believe the company's efforts toward a more streamlined holiday shipping experience will bear fruit in time, and we expect the company's stock price will eventually reflect this stepped-up commitment to its customers.
Eliminated Holdings
Discovery Communications and Twenty-First Century Fox
Please visit the Fund's commentary section on our website for additional information.
20 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since
                             
     
Inception
                             
     
(10/1/2003)
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WBALX
   
5.36
%
 
4.11
%
 
5.75
%
 
3.04
%
 
6.32
%
 
3.89
%
Blended
   
6.94
   
6.30
   
8.74
   
7.10
   
10.25
   
3.94
 
S&P 500
   
8.83
   
7.51
   
13.30
   
10.37
   
17.17
   
6.07
 
Intermediate
                                     
U.S. Govt/Credit
   
3.55
   
3.76
   
1.88
   
2.01
   
0.42
   
0.78
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Balanced Fund for the period since inception (10/1/03) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the Blended, Standard & Poor's 500 and Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
 
Portfolio Make Up
 
 
Capitalization (Common Stocks)
 
Top 10 Stock Holdings
 
% of Net Assets
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
3.4
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B
3.2
 
Allergan plc
2.9
 
Visa Inc. - Class A
2.6
 
Oracle Corp.
2.1
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
2.0
 
Praxair, Inc.
2.0
 
Monsanto Co.
1.9
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C
1.8
 
Comcast Corp. - Class A
1.7
 
 
23.6
 

Top Stock Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Allergan plc
   
14.1
%
 
2.9
%
 
0.38
%
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings
   
11.8
   
3.3
   
0.37
 
Visa Inc. - Class A
   
14.1
   
2.6
   
0.34
 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C
   
16.6
   
2.0
   
0.31
 
Oracle Corp.
   
16.5
   
2.0
   
0.30
 

Industry Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
Information Technology
14.0
 
Consumer Discretionary
8.3
 
Health Care
7.9
 
Financials
7.1
 
Materials
4.8
 
Consumer Staples
3.2
 
Industrials
1.0
 
Total Common Stocks
46.3
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
25.4
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
16.1
 
Corporate Bonds
10.2
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities
2.0
 
Total Bonds & Cash Equivalents
53.7
 
 
100.0
 

Bottom Stock Performers

           
Average
       
     
Return
   
Weight
   
Contribution
 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
   
(12.6
)%
 
1.0
%
 
(0.13
)%
United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B
   
(5.7
)
 
1.0
   
(0.06
)
QVC Group - Series A
   
0.2
   
1.5
   
0.00
 
FLIR Systems, Inc.
   
0.7
   
1.5
   
0.01
 
Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C
   
1.9
   
0.4
   
0.03
 
Contributions to Fund performance are based on actual daily holdings. Securities may have been bought or sold during the quarter. Source: FactSet Portfolio Analytics Return shown is the actual quarterly return of the security or combination of share classes.
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 1.11% of the Fund's net assets. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_ performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
21 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


CORE PLUS INCOME FUND
Investment Style: Intermediate-Term Bond
Co-Portfolio Managers: Tom Carney, CFA & Nolan Anderson
Core Plus Income Fund's Institutional Class returned +1.04% for the first calendar quarter compared to a +0.82% return for the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Agg), our primary benchmark. For the year ended March 31, 2017, Core Plus Income Fund's Institutional Class returned +4.61% compared to a +0.44% return for the primary benchmark.
Fiscal 2017 Review
The post-election optimism heading into 2017 carried through most of the year's first quarter. However, the Trump administration's inability to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act proved to be the biggest market event of the year so far, as investors questioned whether this indicated an inability to pass legislation in DC. If tax reform meets the same fate as the healthcare bill, some optimism may prove unfounded, and markets may return to pre-election valuations. As the table below details, longer-term bond yields ended the quarter very near where they began.

           
U.S. Treasury Yields
       
     
2-Year
 
3-Year
 
5-Year
 
10-Year
3/31/2017
   
1.26
%
 
1.49
%
 
1.92
%
 
2.39
%
12/31/2016
   
1.19
%
 
1.45
%
 
1.93
%
 
2.45
%
3/31/2016
   
0.73
%
 
0.86
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.77
%
Fiscal year low
   
0.55
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.94
%
 
1.36
%
During the past fiscal year (March 31, 2016, to March 31, 2017), U.S. Treasury bond yields moved higher as the economy continued to exhibit slow but steady strength and the Federal Reserve twice raised short-term interest rates.
Rising "risk-free" (Treasury) interest rates were a headwind for investor returns in the past year, as bond prices and changes in interest rates are inversely related. But declining credit spreads (the incremental return above U.S. Treasury bonds investors demand for owning corporate debt) were a key storyline for the year ended March 31, 2017. Corporate bonds and other credit sensitive securities outperformed Treasury bonds in the past year as credit spreads narrowed, particularly for non-investment grade or high-yield bonds. A broad measure of corporate bond spreads compiled by Merrill Lynch declined to 124 basis points as of March 31, down 46 basis points year over year. The repricing of credit risk in the high-yield market was even more pronounced, with spreads decreasing by more than 300 basis points (a full 3 percent). The recovery of commodity prices, credit friendly (i.e., deleveraging) actions by companies and an increased appetite by investors for credit risk are some of the causes for the strength in corporate bonds in the past year.
Portfolio Positioning
The table below shows the change in allocation to various sectors for the most recent quarter and compared to a year ago. We believe this summary provides a view over time of how we have allocated capital.
Since our goal is to invest in sectors that we believe offer the best risk-adjusted returns, our allocations may change significantly over time.

 
%
%
%
 
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
Sector
3/31/2017
12/31/16
3/31/2016
U.S. Treasury
42.4
26.8
27.5
Corporate
28.7
34.4
43.2
Asset-Backed (ABS)
14.0
19.7
10.8
Cash & Equivalents
5.4
6.6
3.5
Commercial Mortgage-Backed (CMBS)
3.5
3.8
3.9
Corporate Convertible Bonds
2.1
2.8
2.9
Municipal
1.4
1.9
2.2
Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed
     
(RMBS)
1.3
1.8
2.6
Common Stock
0.8
1.6
2.6
Agency Mortgage-Backed (MBS)
0.4
0.6
0.8
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
High Yield*
6.9
9.4
20.6

* High Yield exposure (as of 3/31/2017) consists of investments in the Corporate, Corporate Convertible, Asset-Backed and Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed sectors.
As the Fund experienced inflows during the quarter, we significantly increased our U.S. Treasury position, followed by modest allocations to corporate credit, ABS and CMBS. With credit spreads near multi-year lows, we are comfortable operating with a lower risk profile today. As of March 31, 2017 our high yield exposure was approximately 7.0%, down from 9.4% at December 31, 2016 and 21% as of March 31, 2016 (our maximum threshold is 25%). In addition, the Fund has minimal exposure to both RMBS and MBS, as we believe the risk/return profiles continue to be unattractive.
Overall portfolio metrics, as measured by average effective maturity and average effective duration, changed moderately compared to the prior quarter. The average effective maturity of our Fund increased to 5.4 from 4.0 years, and the average effective duration increased to 4.3 years from 3.6 years. The Fund remains materially underweight duration relative to our benchmark and the majority of our intermediate-term bond fund peers. We expect the Fund's overall interest rate exposure will remain defensive relative to its benchmark until U.S. Treasury bonds provide sufficient protection against the risk of inflation or longer-term credit spreads provide satisfactory risk-adjusted returns to warrant extending duration.
Fiscal Year Contributors
Security and sector selection were key drivers of outperformance in the past year. Primary contributors included:

 
Investments in energy-related corporate debt (both investment-grade and high-yield). Primary contributors included the bonds issued by Antero Resources, DCP Midstream LLC, Energy Transfer Partners LP, Range Resources, Rose Rock Midstream LP, and SemGroup.
     
 
• 
Investment-grade corporate bond investments in REITS and diversified financial services companies. Primary contributors included the bonds issued by Equity Commonwealth, Markel Corporation and Vornado Realty.
     
 
Common stock (up 37.1%) and corporate convertible bond investments issued by Redwood Trust.

22 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Fiscal Year Detractors

 
U.S. Treasury bonds. As yields generally rose, prices declined during the year. Longer maturity bonds (particularly those greater than 5 years) experienced the largest price declines. The Fund's Treasury holdings have an average maturity of approximately 7 years.
First Quarter Investment Activity
Portfolio investment remained active during the quarter. Asset allocation was weighted toward U.S. Treasuries, along with modest new investments in corporate credit and securitized products. In corporate bonds, we purchased Calumet Specialty Products, Dominion Resources, DR Horton, Donnelley Financial, JP Morgan, NXPI and Valmont Industries. In securitized products, we added to our subprime automobile ABS issued by Exeter Finance, added to our consumer loan positions in Marlette Funding and SoFi, and participated in a CMBS securitization backed by a repeat sponsor Varde/First City.
While areas of opportunity remain, particularly in shorter duration corporate credit and securitized products, we believe the current state of the credit markets is more advantageous for lenders than borrowers. For example, in the ABS market, we are witnessing robust investor demand across a variety of collateral types. In many cases the riskiest classes of securities, which offer the least investor protections and have the highest risk of loss, are garnering the most attention and are experiencing significant spread compression. Similar market conditions occurred in the summer of 2014, and our patience was rewarded as market conditions inevitably changed.
Fund Strategy
Our investment approach consists primarily of investing in a portfolio of mostly high quality bonds with an overall portfolio average maturity of less than 10 years and minimum duration of at least 3 ½ years where we believe we can capture most of the "coupon" returns of long-term bonds with less interest-rate risk. The Fund has a broad investment mandate. In addition to widely held benchmark securities such as U.S. treasuries, agency MBS and investment grade corporate bonds, the Fund may invest in high yield and convertible bonds, preferred and convertible preferred stock, as well as RMBS, CMBS, and other ABS securities (e.g., credit card, auto, aircraft, container) and non-rated securities. 25% of Fund assets may be invested in non-investment grade bonds. In addition, equity-oriented securities could comprise as much as 20% of Fund assets (currently approximately 1% of Fund assets). We have and will continue to flex these options when the opportunity arises.
We believe our flexible mandate will benefit shareholders over the long term as we seek out potentially mispriced securities due to market inefficiencies such as forced selling that occurs when a company is downgraded to below investment grade. We select assets for our portfolio one security at a time based on our view of opportunities in the marketplace and are willing to be concentrated in our best ideas. Our corporate bond research is geared to bottom-up analysis of individual companies. The credit work we do on companies and industries is supplemented by our firm-wide equity due diligence. Our securitized products research is focused on a thorough review and analysis of the underlying collateral, deal structure and sponsorship.
Our portfolio will often be constructed with a shorter average life (i.e. duration) than the Barclays U.S. Agg. We chose this benchmark to highlight that we could periodically invest in longer term bonds when conditions warrant. The effect over time of our portfolio construction (typically shorter average life) may lead to a penalty when interest rates fall but a boost to relative performance when rates rise.
Overall, we strive to be adequately compensated for the risks assumed in order to maximize our investment (or reinvestment) yield and avoid making interest rate "bets."
23 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


CORE PLUS INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since Inception
           
     
(7/31/2014)
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WCPNX - Investor Class
   
3.41
%
 
4.41
%
 
0.99
%
WCPBX - Institutional Class
   
3.61
   
4.61
   
1.04
 
U.S. Aggregate Bond
   
2.34
   
0.44
   
0.82
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Core Plus Income Fund – Institutional Class for the period since inception (7/31/14) through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the U.S. Aggregate Bond Index during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
 
Credit Quality(a)(d)

Underlying Securities
% of Portfolio
 
U.S. Treasury
42.3
 
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage
   
Related Securities(b)
0.4  
Aaa/AAA
4.8
 
Aa/AA
3.8
 
A/A
14.5
 
Baa/BBB
21.4
 
Ba/BB
1.5
 
B/B
2.9
 
Caa/CCC
0.3
 
Non-Rated
2.2
 
Common Stocks
0.8
 
Cash Equivalents
5.1
 
 
100.0
 

Financial Attributes

Portfolio Summary
 
Average Maturity(d)
5.6 years
Average Effective Maturity(d)
5.4 years
Average Duration(d)
4.3 years
Average Effective Duration(d)
4.3 years
Average Coupon(d)
2.8%
30-Day SEC Yield - Investor Class
1.94%
30-Day SEC Yield - Institutional Class
2.14%
Asset Allocation(c)
Maturity Distribution

Maturity Type
% of Portfolio
 
Cash Equivalents
5.1
 
Less than 1 Year
18.4
 
1 - 3 Years
23.4
 
3 - 5 Years
16.2
 
5 - 7 Years
12.9
 
7 - 10 Years
18.3
 
10 Years or more
4.9
 
Common Stocks
0.8
 
 
100.0
 

(a)
The Fund receives credit quality ratings on underlying securities of the Fund when available from Moody's, Fitch, Kroll and others. The Fund will use one rating for an underlying security if that is all that is provided. Ratings and portfolio credit quality may change over time. The Fund itself has not been rated by an independent rating agency.
(b)
Mortgage related securities issued and guaranteed by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are generally not rated by ratings agencies. Securities which are not rated do not necessarily indicate low quality. Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's senior long-term debt are currently rated Aaa and AAA by Moody's and Fitch, respectively.
(c)
Percent of net assets
(d)
Source: Bloomberg Analytics
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 2.36% (gross) and 1.38% (gross) of the Fund's Investor and Institutional Class net assets, respectively. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
24 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 
WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
SHORT DURATION INCOME FUND
Investment Style: Short-Term Bond
Portfolio Manager: Tom Carney, CFA
The Short Duration Income Fund's Institutional Class returned +0.62% in the first calendar quarter compared to a +0.41% return for the Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 U.S. Aggregate Index (Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Agg 1-3), our Fund's primary benchmark. For the year ended March 31, 2017, the Short Duration Income Fund's Institutional Class returned +2.38% compared to a +0.74% return for the benchmark.
Fiscal 2017 Review
The post-election optimism heading into 2017 carried through most of the year's first quarter. However, the Trump administration's inability to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act proved to be the biggest market event of the year so far, as investors questioned whether this indicated an inability to pass legislation in DC. If tax reform meets the same fate as the healthcare bill, some optimism may prove unfounded, and markets may return to pre-election valuations. As the table below details, longer-term bond yields ended the quarter very near where they began.

           
U.S. Treasury Yields
     
     
2-Year
   
3-Year
   
5-Year
   
10-Year
 
3/31/2017
   
1.26
%
 
1.49
%
 
1.92
%
 
2.39
%
12/31/2016
   
1.19
%
 
1.45
%
 
1.93
%
 
2.45
%
3/31/2016
   
0.73
%
 
0.86
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.77
%
Fiscal year low
   
0.55
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.94
%
 
1.36
%
During the past fiscal year (March 31, 2016, to March 31, 2017), U.S. Treasury bond yields moved higher as the economy continued to exhibit slow but steady strength and the Federal Reserve twice raised short-term interest rates.
Rising "risk-free" (Treasury) interest rates were a headwind for investor returns in the past year, as bond prices and changes in interest rates are inversely related. But declining credit spreads (the incremental return above U.S. Treasury bonds investors demand for owning corporate debt) were a key storyline for the year ended March 31, 2017. Corporate bonds and other credit sensitive securities outperformed Treasury bonds in the past year as credit spreads narrowed, particularly for non-investment grade or high-yield bonds. A broad measure of corporate bond spreads compiled by Merrill Lynch declined to 124 basis points as of March 31, down 46 basis points year over year. The repricing of credit risk in the high-yield market was even more pronounced, with spreads decreasing by more than 300 basis points (a full 3 percent). The recovery of commodity prices, credit friendly (i.e., deleveraging) actions by companies and an increased appetite by investors for credit risk are some of the causes for the strength in corporate bonds in the past year.
Portfolio Positioning
The table below shows the change in allocation to various sectors from the most recent quarter and compared to a year ago. We believe this summary provides a view over time of how we have allocated capital.
Since our goal is to invest in sectors that we believe offer the best risk-adjusted returns, our allocations may change significantly over time.

 
%
%
%
 
 
Portfolio
Portfolio
Portfolio
 
Sector
3/31/2017
12/31/16
3/31/2016
 
Corporate
43.5
42.7
40.2
 
U.S. Treasury
24.7
22.8
18.9
 
Agency Mortgage-Backed (MBS)
14.7
15.9
18.7
 
Asset-Backed (ABS)
5.7
6.4
4.7
 
Corporate Convertible bonds
4.0
4.0
3.5
 
Non-Agency Residential Mortgage-Backed
       
(RMBS)
3.1
3.4
5.1
 
Cash & Equivalents
2.0
3.0
3.3
 
Common Stock
1.1
1.0
2.3
 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed (CMBS)
0.8
0.3
2.8
 
Municipal
0.4
0.5
0.5
 
Total
100.0
100.0
100.0
 
High Yield*
9.8
10.1
13.1
 

* High Yield exposure (as of 3/31/2017) consists of investments in the Corporate, Corporate Convertible, Asset-Backed and Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed sectors.

Over the past year, agency MBS and RMBS securities holdings continued to decline, driven by prepayments and amortization of principal. While agency MBS have held a prominent position in Fund allocations over the years, we believe the risk/return profile continues to be particularly unattractive. Therefore, we have allowed this portion of the portfolio to run off/shrink over the last few years. Incremental capital has been principally directed toward corporate bonds and ABS where we believe the return profiles have been more satisfactory relative to the risks of ownership.
As of March 31, our high-yield exposure was approximately 10%, unchanged from December 31 (our maximum threshold is 15%). Our high-yield exposure continues to be concentrated in primarily higher-quality, shorter-term bonds that we believe have attractive risk/reward profiles. To highlight our preference for higher-quality credits in the current market environment, the vast majority of our non-convertible high yield corporate bond exposure is allocated to BB or split-rated companies (those rated investment grade by one agency and non-investment grade by at least one other) that we believe have strong asset and liquidity positions.
Overall portfolio metrics, as measured by average maturity and average effective duration, changed modestly compared to a year ago. The average effective maturity declined to 2.2 years from 2.3 years, and the average effective duration declined to 2.0 years from 2.1 years. These measures provide a guide to the Fund's interest rate sensitivity. A lower average effective maturity and shorter average effective duration reduce the Fund's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates (either up or down).
Fiscal Year Contributors
Security and sector selection were key drivers of the Fund's outperformance in the past year. Primary contributors included:
     
 

Investments in energy-related corporate debt (both investment-grade and high-yield). Primary contributors included the bonds issued by Boardwalk Pipelines LP, Energy Transfer Partners LP, Range Resources, Superior Energy Services Inc., Williams Partners LP., and Rose Rock Midstream LP.
     
 
RMBS, CMBS and Auto ABS. These segments of the Fund continued to perform at or above expectations with respect to credit performance and average life progression, while providing steady income and minimal price volatility during the quarter and fiscal year. Key contributors in these segments included the CMBS bonds issued by Oaktree Real Estate; RMBS issued by Sequoia Mortgage Trust; and auto ABS bonds issued by AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust and Drive Time Auto Owners Trust.
     
 
Common stock (up 37.1%) and corporate convertible bond investments issued by Redwood Trust.
     
 
Investment-grade corporate bonds in insurance companies, banks and diversified financial services companies. Primary contributors included the bonds issued by JP Morgan, American Express and Markel Corporation.
Fiscal Year Detractors
     
 
Select U.S. Treasury bonds. As yields generally rose, prices declined during the year. Longer maturity bonds (particularly those greater than 5 years) experienced the largest price declines. The Fund's Treasury holdings primarily consist of shorter-term securities with an average maturity of slightly over two years.
     
 
Despite broadly declining credit spreads, rising U.S. Treasury rates more than offset the benefits of spread compression for select corporate bond investments. Detractors were concentrated in investment-grade bonds maturing longer than three years, including 6-year bonds issued by Boston Properties, 4-year bonds issued by U.S. Bank, and 4- and 5-year bonds issued by Wells Fargo.
25 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


SHORT DURATION INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)
First Quarter Investment Activity
Portfolio investment remained active during the quarter. Asset allocation was heavily weighted toward corporate bonds, particularly investment-grade bonds maturity in less than 3 years. Examples of purchases include Berkshire Hathaway Finance Corp., Goldman Sachs, Dominion Resources, Verizon and U.S. Bank.
Our investments may be wide-ranging, but our analysis is the same. We strive to own only those investments we believe compensate us for the incremental credit risk we assume. Our overall goal is to invest in a portfolio of bonds of varying maturities that we believe represents attractive risk-adjusted returns, taking into consideration the general level of interest rates and the credit quality of each investment. Noteworthy is our Fund's maturity distribution and defensive positioning with respect to interest rates: nearly 70% of the Fund's net assets mature in less than three years, with approximately 26% maturing in less than one year.
Fund Strategy
Our approach consists primarily of investing in a portfolio of mostly high-quality, short- to intermediate-term bonds with an overall portfolio average duration of 1 to 3 ½ years, where we believe we can capture most of the "coupon" returns of long-term bonds with less interest rate risk. We do not and will not try to mimic any particular index as we construct our portfolio. We select assets for our portfolio one security at a time based on our view of opportunities in the marketplace. Our fixed income research certainly doesn't rely on but often benefits from the work our equity teammates conduct on companies and industries in the course of their due diligence.
We may invest in fixed income-related investments that are not considered "investment grade" but have favorable risk/reward characteristics (such as high-yield and convertible bonds, preferred and convertible preferred stock). A small percentage of Fund assets may also be invested in high-dividend-paying common stocks, such as longtime Fund holding Redwood Trust. These types of investments have generally enhanced our long-term returns.
Overall, we strive to be adequately compensated for the risks assumed in order to maximize investment (or reinvestment) yield and avoid making interest rate "bets," particularly ones that depend on interest rates going down.
26 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since Inception
                                   
     
(12/23/1988)
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WSHNX - Investor Class
   
5.21
%
 
4.41
%
 
3.37
%
 
1.65
%
 
1.46
%
 
2.15
%
 
0.57
%
WEFIX - Institutional Class
   
5.26
   
4.47
   
3.50
   
1.86
   
1.70
   
2.38
   
0.62
 
Bloomberg Barclays
                                           
U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year
   
   
3.73
   
2.42
   
0.95
   
0.98
   
0.74
   
0.41
 
U.S. Government/Credit
                                           
Intermediate
   
5.86
*
 
4.87
   
3.76
   
1.88
   
2.01
   
0.42
   
0.78
 
1-5 Year
   
5.26
*
 
4.20
   
2.95
   
1.30
   
1.38
   
0.53
   
0.57
 
CPI + 1%
   
3.55
*
 
3.15
   
2.75
   
2.24
   
2.06
   
3.41
   
1.23
 

*
Since 12/31/1988
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Short Duration Income Fund – Institutional Class for the period March 31, 2007 through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year, Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit and CPI + 1% Indices during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Credit Quality(a)(d)

Underlying Securities
% of Portfolio
 
U.S. Treasury
24.8
 
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage
   
Related Securities(b)
14.7
 
Aaa/AAA
5.5
 
Aa/AA
2.5
 
A/A
14.1
 
Baa/BBB
26.1
 
Ba/BB
3.6
 
B/B
1.7
 
Non-Rated
4.5
 
Common Stocks
1.1
 
Cash Equivalents
1.4
 
 
100.0
 

Financial Attributes

Portfolio Summary
 
Average Maturity(d)
2.4 years
Average Effective Maturity(d)
2.2 years
Average Duration(d)
2.0 years
Average Effective Duration(d)
2.0 years
Average Coupon(d)
2.9%
30-Day SEC Yield - Investor Class
1.60%
30-Day SEC Yield - Institutional Class
1.80%

Maturity Distribution(d)

Maturity Type
% of Portfolio
 
Cash Equivalents
1.5
 
Less than 1 Year
25.7
 
1 - 3 Years
43.8
 
3 - 5 Years
22.8
 
5 - 7 Years
4.1
 
7 - 10 Years
1.0
 
Common Stocks
1.1
 
 
100.0
 
 
Asset Allocation(c)
   

(a)
The Fund receives credit quality ratings on underlying securities of the Fund when available from Moody's, Fitch, Kroll and others. The Fund will use one rating for an underlying security if that is all that is provided. Ratings and portfolio credit quality may change over time. The Fund itself has not been rated by an independent rating agency.
(b)
Mortgage related securities issued and guaranteed by government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are generally not rated by ratings agencies. Securities which are not rated do not necessarily indicate low quality. Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's senior long-term debt are currently rated Aaa and AAA by Moody's and Fitch, respectively.
(c)
Percent of net assets
(d)
Source: Bloomberg Analytics

Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 0.92% (gross) and 0.63% of the Fund's Investor and Institutional Class net assets, respectively. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_ performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
27 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


ULTRA SHORT GOVERNMENT FUND
Investment Style: Ultra-Short-Term Bond
Portfolio Manager: Tom Carney, CFA
The Ultra Short Government Fund returned +0.13% in the first calendar quarter compared to a +0.13% return for the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Index (BofA Merrill 6-Month Treasury), our Fund's primary benchmark.
Overview
Ultra Short Government Fund's first quarter in its new form (no longer a money market fund under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940) went well. While the Fund no longer seeks to maintain a stable net asset value, we ended our first full quarter with no change in the Fund's per share net asset value. This was achieved despite the Federal Reserve's decision to raise short-term interest rates in the quarter for the third time in the past 8+ years. Additionally, the Fund's 30-day yield increased from 0.25% at year end to 0.67% at March 31, as we fully implemented the Fund's new investment mandate. The net effect has been an increase in monthly income distributions to investors.
We believe the Fund's principal investment strategies and objectives will continue to meet our long-term goals of providing current income, protecting principal and providing liquidity. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its government-related entities. The balance of Fund assets may be invested in U.S. investment-grade debt securities. We consider investment grade to mean rated at least BBB- by one or more recognized credit ratings firms. Additionally, the Fund will maintain an average effective duration of one year or less. Duration is a measure of how sensitive the Fund's portfolio may be to changes in interest rates. All else equal, a lower duration portfolio of bonds is less sensitive to changes in interest rates than a portfolio of bonds with a higher duration.
Despite the changes made to the Fund, the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions (e.g., changes in short-term interest rates) will continue to affect all investments within our opportunity set. As a result, our yield and return will invariably follow the path dictated by the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, as we frequently reinvest holdings that mature in a short period of time. As of March 31, 85% of our portfolio was invested in U.S. Treasury bills and U.S. Treasury notes, 13% was invested in investment grade corporate bonds, with the balance in high-quality Wells Fargo money market funds. The average effective duration of our portfolio at March 31 was 0.4 years, up from 0.3 at year end. As mentioned above, we will continue to focus on high credit quality, preservation of capital and maintaining liquidity for our investors.
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Ultra Short Government Fund for the period March 31, 2007 through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the 6-Month Treasury Index during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
Returns

     
Annualized
     
     
10-Year
   
5-Year
   
1-Year
 
SAFEX
   
0.63
   
0.07
   
0.25
 
6-Month Treasury
   
1.05
   
0.30
   
0.58
 

Sector Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
 
Corporate Bonds
12.6
 
U.S. Treasury
84.6
 
Money Markets/Other
2.8
 
 
100.0
 
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 0.60% (gross) of the Fund's net assets. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_performance/fund_performance.fs.
The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Effective December 16, 2016, the Fund revised its principal investment strategies and policies to permit the Fund to invest in a diversified portfolio of short-term debt securities and to have a fluctuating net asset value. Prior to December 16, 2016, the Fund operated as a "government money market fund" as defined under Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and maintained a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. The Fund's past performance reflects the Fund's prior principal investment strategies and policies.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
28 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


NEBRASKA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
Investment Style: Municipal-State Bond
Portfolio Manager: Tom Carney, CFA
Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund returned +0.78% in the first calendar quarter compared to a +1.90% return for the Barclays 5-Year Municipal Bond Index, our primary benchmark. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, the Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund's total return was -0.54%, compared to a +0.35% return for the benchmark. Our decision to maintain the Fund's shorter average life and duration metrics compared to its primary benchmark is the principal reason for the underperformance.
Fiscal 2017 Review
The post-election optimism heading into 2017 carried through most of the year's first quarter. However, the Trump administration's inability to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act proved to be the biggest market event of the year so far, as investors questioned whether this indicated an inability to pass legislation in DC. If tax reform meets the same fate as the healthcare bill, some optimism may prove unfounded, and markets may return to pre-election valuations. As the table below details, longer-term bond yields ended the quarter very near where they began.

           
U.S. Treasury Yields
     
     
2-Year
   
3-Year
   
5-Year
   
10-Year
 
3/31/2017
   
1.26
%
 
1.49
%
 
1.92
%
 
2.39
%
12/31/2016
   
1.19
%
 
1.45
%
 
1.93
%
 
2.45
%
3/31/2016
   
0.73
%
 
0.86
%
 
1.21
%
 
1.77
%
Fiscal year low
   
0.55
%
 
0.65
%
 
0.94
%
 
1.36
%
During the past fiscal year (March 31, 2016, to March 31, 2017), U.S. Treasury bond yields moved higher as the economy continued to exhibit slow but steady strength and the Federal Reserve twice raised short-term interest rates.
Rising "risk-free" (Treasury) interest rates were a headwind for investor returns in the past year, as bond prices and changes in interest rates are inversely related. Municipal bonds outperformed their taxable government counterparts as the yield relationship between tax-free municipal bonds and taxable alternatives declined. High-quality 5-year municipal bonds, for example, ended the current fiscal year (March 31) with a yield representing approximately 82% of U.S. Treasuries, down from 95% a year ago. The net effect is that municipal bond yields generally rose in the past year–but by less than their taxable government counterparts.
With municipal bond yields as a percentage of U.S. Treasury yields declining in the past year, the marketplace is currently pricing municipals below the average of the past 15 years. Therefore, the relative value of municipal bonds versus Treasuries has declined. Coupled with the still abnormally low overall interest rate environment, this leaves the municipal marketplace with little absolute value as well, albeit slightly more than was present a year ago, given the modest increase in interest rates.
Our Fund's results in the past year were disappointing despite our defensive positioning. Income returns were offset by (unrealized) price declines due to rising interest rates.
Investment activity in the past year was reasonably active as we took advantage of improved reinvestment opportunities from the increase in the overall interest rate environment. Over the past year, nearly $19 million new investments (more than 30% of Fund assets) were made. A byproduct of these efforts was a meaningful (50%) improvement in the Fund's 'yield to worst' (i.e., the Fund's yield to the earliest call date of its portfolio holdings).
An example from this year's first quarter includes a $1 million investment in the 11-year bonds for Douglas County Nebraska School District #1 (Omaha Public Schools). The bonds are secured by unlimited property taxes by the largest and most economically diverse school district in the state of Nebraska. The district covers 134 square miles and serves over 16% of Nebraska's public school students, with a total enrollment of approximately 51,000 students. The bonds represent the type of investment we have added in the past year. Namely, very high credit quality and offering returns/yield at the time of purchase that have, in many cases, exceeded the comparable U.S. Treasury yield. For example, the yield to maturity and yield to call (or 'yield to worst') at purchase of the 11-year Douglas County School District tax-free municipal bonds were approximately 3.1% and 2.4%, respectively. The yield to maturity was greater than 120% of fully taxable U.S. Treasury alternative/ comparable, while the yield to call was slightly more than 100% of U.S. Treasury bonds of comparable term.
Turning to portfolio metrics, over the past year the average effective duration of our Fund increased to 3.0 years from 2.7 years, and the average effective maturity of our bonds increased to 3.4 years from 2.9 years. Overall asset quality of our portfolio remains high, with approximately 84% rated A or better by a number of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, credit rating agencies recognized by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Please see the following page for additional details regarding the breakdown of our investment holdings by state, sector and rating. Our investments may be wide-ranging, but our analysis is the same. We strive to own only those investments we believe compensate us for the incremental credit risk we assume. Our overall goal is to invest in a portfolio of bonds of varying maturities that we believe represents attractive risk-adjusted returns, taking into consideration the general level of interest rates and the credit quality of each investment.
We expect to continue to position the Fund defensively relative to interest rate exposure while we patiently seek out areas of opportunity. We will invest one security at a time, relying on a fundamental, research-based investment approach, and we are well positioned to take advantage of any market weakness.
The Fund seeks income that is exempt from federal and Nebraska personal income taxes, but income from the Fund may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax and capital gains taxes.
29 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


NEBRASKA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)
Returns

     
Annualized
           
     
Since Inception
                                   
     
(10/01/1985)
 
20-year
 
10-year
 
5-year
 
3-year
 
1-year
 
Quarter
WNTFX
   
4.69
%
 
3.58
%
 
2.47
%
 
1.03
%
 
0.93
%
 
(0.54
)%
 
0.78
%
5-Year Municipal Bond
   
   
4.32
   
3.84
   
2.06
   
2.03
   
0.35
   
1.90
 
Growth of $10,000
This chart depicts the change in the value of a $10,000 investment in the Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund for the period March 31, 2007 through March 31, 2017, as compared with the growth of the 5-Year Municipal Bond Index during the same period. Index performance is hypothetical and is shown for illustrative purposes only.
State Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
 
     
Nebraska
89.0
 
Florida
1.7
 
Iowa
1.3
 
Texas
0.7
 
Illinois
0.6
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
6.7
 
 
100.0
 

Financial Attributes

Portfolio Summary
 
Average Maturity(c)
4.6 years
Average Effective Maturity(c)
3.4 years
Average Duration(c)
2.8 years
Average Effective Duration(c)
3.0 years
Average Coupon(c)
3.7%
30-Day SEC Yield
0.96%
Municipals exempt from federal
 
and Nebraska income taxes
89.0%
Municipals subject to alternative
 
minimum tax
2.0%

Maturity Distribution(c)

Maturity Type
% of Portfolio
 
Cash Equivalents
5.9
 
Less than 1 Year
25.7
 
1 - 3 Years
29.2
 
3 - 5 Years
14.2
 
5 - 7 Years
9.5
 
7 - 10 Years
13.6
 
10 Years or more
1.9
 
 
100.0
 
 
Asset Allocation(b)
   
Credit Quality(a)(c)

Underlying Securities
% of Portfolio
 
Aaa/AAA
0.8
 
Aa/AA
53.9
 
A/A
30.0
 
Baa/BBB
1.3
 
Non-Rated
8.1
 
Cash Equivalents
5.9
 
 
100.0
 

Sector Breakdown

 
% of Net Assets
 
Power
22.5
 
Higher Education
10.0
 
Hospital
7.7
 
General
6.6
 
Lease
4.3
 
Water/Sewer
4.1
 
Airport/Transportation
3.4
 
Housing
0.9
 
Total Revenue
59.5
 
School District
7.3
 
City/Subdivision
3.8
 
County
2.8
 
Natural Resource District
2.8
 
Total General Obligation
16.7
 
Escrow/Pre-Refunded
17.1
 
Cash Equivalents/Other
6.7
 
 
100.0
 

(a)
The Fund receives credit quality ratings on underlying securities of the Fund when available from Moody's, Fitch and others. The Fund will use one rating for an underlying security if that is all that is provided. Ratings and portfolio credit quality may change over time. The Fund itself has not been rated by an independent rating agency.
(b)
Percent of net assets.
(c)
Source: Bloomberg Analytics
Returns assume reinvestment of dividends and redemption at the end of each period, and reflect the deduction of the Fund's annual operating expenses which as stated in its most recent prospectus are 0.78% of the Fund's net assets. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no waivers and/or reimbursements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and the principal value of an investment in this Fund will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.weitzinvestments.com/funds_and_ performance/fund_performance.fs.
See page 6 for additional performance disclosures. See page 74 for a description of all indices.
Performance information does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
30 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
VALUE FUND
 
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Common Stocks – 82.3%
           
   
% of Net
         
Consumer Discretionary
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Cable & Satellite
   
18.0
         
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C*
           
725,000
     
62,640,000
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (c)
           
1,370,000
     
48,004,800
 
Comcast Corp. - Class A
           
550,000
     
20,674,500
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group - Series C*
           
460,000
     
17,838,800
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
4.6
                 
QVC Group - Series A*
           
1,415,000
     
28,328,300
 
Amazon.com, Inc.*
           
11,500
     
10,195,210
 
                         
Movies & Entertainment
   
4.0
                 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
           
1,030,000
     
33,361,700
 
                         
Broadcasting
   
2.0
                 
Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C*
           
595,000
     
16,844,450
 
                         
Multiline Retail
   
1.6
                 
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
           
170,000
     
13,338,200
 
     
30.2
             
251,225,960
 
Information Technology
                       
                         
IT Services
   
8.2
                 
Mastercard Inc. - Class A
           
278,000
     
31,266,660
 
Visa Inc. - Class A
           
215,000
     
19,107,050
 
Accenture plc - Class A(c)
           
150,000
     
17,982,000
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
3.9
                 
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*
           
38,563
     
31,990,322
 
                         
Software
   
3.4
                 
Oracle Corp.
           
635,000
     
28,327,350
 
     
15.5
             
128,673,382
 
Financials
                       
                         
Diversified Financial Services
   
7.2
                 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B*
           
360,000
     
60,004,800
 
                         
Insurance Brokers
   
3.2
                 
Aon plc - Class A(c)
           
224,000
     
26,586,560
 
                         
Diversified Banks
   
2.0
                 
Wells Fargo & Co.
           
295,000
     
16,419,700
 
     
12.4
             
103,011,060
 
Health Care
                       
                         
Pharmaceuticals
   
5.4
                 
Allergan plc(c)
           
186,000
     
44,439,120
 
                         
Health Care Services
   
3.7
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*
           
215,000
     
30,846,050
 
                         
Life Sciences Tools & Services
   
2.2
                 
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
           
118,000
     
18,124,800
 
     
11.3
             
93,409,970
 
Materials
                       
                         
Industrial Gases
   
2.6
                 
Praxair, Inc.
           
180,000
     
21,348,000
 
                         
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals
   
2.4
                 
Monsanto Co.
           
175,000
     
19,810,000
 
     
5.0
             
41,158,000
 
                         
           
$ Principal
         
   
% of Net
   
Amount
         
Energy
 
Assets
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
   
2.7
                 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
           
68,000
     
12,663,640
 
Range Resources Corp.
           
325,000
     
9,457,500
 
                         
Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
   
0.7
                 
Halliburton Co.
           
125,000
     
6,151,250
 
     
3.4
             
28,272,390
 
Consumer Staples
                       
                         
Beverages
   
1.6
                 
Diageo plc - Sponsored ADR(c)
           
115,000
     
13,291,700
 
                         
Food & Staples Retailing
   
1.0
                 
CVS Health Corp.
           
110,000
     
8,635,000
 
     
2.6
             
21,926,700
 
Industrials
                       
                         
Air Freight & Logistics
   
1.9
                 
United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B
           
145,000
     
15,558,500
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $426,289,170)
             
683,235,962
 
                         
Cash Equivalents – 17.8%
                       
                         
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.46% to 0.87%,
                       
4/20/17 to 9/14/17(a)
           
142,000,000
     
141,836,044
 
                         
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
                 
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(b)
           
6,149,691
     
6,149,691
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $147,998,147)
             
147,985,735
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $574,287,317)
             
831,221,697
 
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.1%)
             
(930,149
)
Net Assets - 100%
                   
830,291,548
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Investor Class
             
42.20
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Institutional Class
             
42.44
 

*
Non-income producing
(a)
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(b)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(c)
Foreign domiciled entity.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
31 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
 


PARTNERS VALUE FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Common Stocks – 81.6%
           
   
% of Net
         
Consumer Discretionary
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Cable & Satellite
   
19.9
         
Liberty Broadband Corp.*
               
Series A
           
165,000
     
14,039,850
 
Series C
           
550,000
     
47,520,000
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (c)
           
1,550,000
     
54,312,000
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group*
                       
Series A
           
120,000
     
4,670,400
 
Series C
           
450,000
     
17,451,000
 
LiLAC Group - Class C* (c)
           
375,000
     
8,640,000
 
                         
Movies & Entertainment
   
4.4
                 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A
           
1,000,000
     
32,390,000
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
3.1
                 
QVC Group - Series A*
           
1,150,000
     
23,023,000
 
                         
Broadcasting
   
2.7
                 
Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C*
           
700,000
     
19,817,000
 
                         
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
   
2.5
                 
ILG, Inc.
           
900,000
     
18,864,000
 
     
32.6
             
240,727,250
 
Financials
                       
                         
Diversified Financial Services
   
7.1
                 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B*
           
315,000
     
52,504,200
 
                         
Insurance Brokers
   
4.2
                 
Aon plc - Class A(c)
           
160,000
     
18,990,400
 
Willis Towers Watson plc(c)
           
90,000
     
11,780,100
 
                         
Mortgage REITs
   
3.0
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
           
1,350,000
     
22,423,500
 
                         
Diversified Banks
   
2.0
                 
Wells Fargo & Co.
           
265,000
     
14,749,900
 
     
16.3
             
120,448,100
 
Information Technology
                       
                         
IT Services
   
5.5
                 
Visa Inc. - Class A
           
295,000
     
26,216,650
 
Mastercard, Inc. - Class A
           
130,000
     
14,621,100
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
2.9
                 
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*
           
26,000
     
21,568,560
 
                         
Software
   
2.6
                 
Oracle Corp.
           
425,000
     
18,959,250
 
                         
Electronic Equipment,
                       
Instruments & Components
   
2.3
                 
FLIR Systems, Inc.
           
475,000
     
17,233,000
 
                         
Semiconductors &
                       
Semiconductor Equipment
   
2.2
                 
Texas Instruments, Inc.
           
200,000
     
16,112,000
 
     
15.5
             
114,710,560
 
                       
           
$ Principal
         
   
% of Net
   
Amount
         
Health Care
 
Assets
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
Pharmaceuticals
   
5.2
                 
Allergan plc(c)
           
160,000
     
38,227,200
 
                         
Health Care Services
   
3.9
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*
           
200,000
     
28,694,000
 
     
9.1
             
66,921,200
 
Industrials
                       
                         
Machinery
   
5.2
                 
Colfax Corp.*
           
600,000
     
23,556,000
 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
           
400,000
     
14,424,000
 
     
5.2
             
37,980,000
 
Energy
                       
                         
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
   
2.9
                 
Range Resources Corp.
           
375,000
     
10,912,500
 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.
           
57,500
     
10,708,225
 
     
2.9
             
21,620,725
 
                         
Total Common Stocks (Cost $370,468,501)
             
602,407,835
 
                         
Cash Equivalents – 17.8%
                       
                         
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.51% to 0.87%,
                       
4/20/17 to 9/14/17(a)
           
124,000,000
     
123,853,948
 
                         
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
                 
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(b)
           
7,898,298
     
7,898,298
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $131,758,307)
             
131,752,246
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $502,226,808)
             
734,160,081
 
Other Assets Less Other Liabilities - 0.6%
                   
4,563,579
 
Net Assets - 100%
                   
738,723,660
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Investor Class
             
30.72
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Institutional Class
             
30.91
 

*
Non-income producing
(a)
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(b)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(c)
Foreign domiciled entity.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
32 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
PARTNERS III OPPORTUNITY FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Common Stocks – 89.9%
           
   
% of Net
         
Consumer Discretionary
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Cable & Satellite
   
24.6
         
Liberty Broadband Corp.* (c)
               
Series A
           
135,000
     
11,487,150
 
Series C
           
650,000
     
56,160,000
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (c) (d)
           
1,700,000
     
59,568,000
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group* (c)
                       
Series A
           
200,000
     
7,784,000
 
Series C
           
600,000
     
23,268,000
 
LiLAC Group - Class C* (c) (d)
           
500,000
     
11,520,000
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
7.5
                 
Liberty Ventures Group - Series A* (c)
           
600,000
     
26,688,000
 
QVC Group - Series A* (c)
           
800,000
     
16,016,000
 
Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. - Series A* (c)
           
200,000
     
9,096,000
 
                         
Movies & Entertainment
   
4.1
                 
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.
                       
Class A
           
400,000
     
12,956,000
 
Class B
           
150,000
     
4,767,000
 
Liberty Formula One Group* (c)
                       
Series A
           
50,000
     
1,635,000
 
Series C
           
150,000
     
5,122,500
 
Liberty Braves Group* (c)
                       
Series A
           
20,000
     
478,800
 
Series C
           
140,000
     
3,311,000
 
                         
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
   
2.1
                 
ILG, Inc.
           
700,000
     
14,672,000
 
                         
Broadcasting
   
2.1
                 
Discovery Communications, Inc. - Class C*
           
500,000
     
14,155,000
 
                         
Advertising
   
0.4
                 
National CineMedia, Inc.
           
200,000
     
2,526,000
 
     
40.8
             
281,210,450
 
Information Technology
                       
                         
IT Services
   
7.7
                 
Mastercard Inc. - Class A(c)
           
300,000
     
33,741,000
 
Visa Inc. - Class A
           
215,000
     
19,107,050
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
4.7
                 
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C* (c)
           
27,000
     
22,398,120
 
XO Group, Inc.*
           
420,000
     
7,228,200
 
CommerceHub, Inc.* (c)
                       
Series A
           
67,000
     
1,037,160
 
Series C
           
134,000
     
2,081,020
 
                         
Semiconductors &
                       
Semiconductor Equipment
   
3.5
                 
Texas Instruments, Inc.(c)
           
300,000
     
24,168,000
 
                         
Application Software
   
1.5
                 
Intelligent Systems Corp.* # †
           
2,270,000
     
10,407,950
 
     
17.4
             
120,168,500
 
Financials
                       
                         
Diversified Financial Services
   
9.7
                 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B* (c)
           
400,000
     
66,672,000
 
                         
Mortgage REITs
   
4.1
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.(c)
           
1,700,000
     
28,237,000
 
                         
Diversified Banks
   
2.0
                 
Wells Fargo & Co.(c)
           
250,000
     
13,915,000
 
     
15.8
             
108,824,000
 
                         
           
$ Principal
         
   
% of Net
   
Amount
         
Health Care
 
Assets
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
                         
Pharmaceuticals
   
4.5
                 
Allergan plc(d)
           
130,000
     
31,059,600
 
                         
Health Care Services
   
3.5
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings* (c)
           
170,000
     
24,389,900
 
     
8.0
             
55,449,500
 
Industrials
                       
                         
Machinery
   
4.6
                 
Colfax Corp.* (c)
           
800,000
     
31,408,000
 
                         
Aerospace & Defense
   
3.3
                 
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.*
           
2,000,000
     
22,800,000
 
     
7.9
             
54,208,000
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $361,648,597)
             
619,860,450
 
                         
Cash Equivalents – 9.7%
                       
                         
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.53% to 0.87%,
                       
5/25/17 to 9/14/17(a)
           
63,000,000
     
62,884,682
 
                         
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
                 
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(b)
           
3,991,480
     
3,991,480
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $66,881,580)
             
66,876,162
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $428,530,177)
             
686,736,612
 
Due From Broker(c) - 33.4%
                   
230,162,412
 
Securities Sold Short - (32.7%)
                   
(225,304,000
)
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.3%)
             
(1,868,773
)
Net Assets - 100%
                   
689,726,251
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Investor Class
             
14.74
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Institutional Class
             
15.07
 
                   
Securities Sold Short – (32.7%)
                 
iShares Russell 2000 Fund
           
300,000
     
(41,244,000
)
PowerShares QQQ Trust, Series 1
           
500,000
     
(66,190,000
)
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
           
500,000
     
(117,870,000
)
Total Securities Sold Short (proceeds $194,115,686)
             
(225,304,000
)

*
Non-income producing
Controlled affiliate
#
Illiquid and/or restricted security.
(a)
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(b)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(c)
Fully or partially pledged as collateral on securities sold short.
(d)
Foreign domiciled entity.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
33 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


RESEARCH FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Common Stocks – 85.9%
           
   
% of Net
         
Information Technology
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Software
   
12.9
         
Oracle Corp.
           
31,230
     
1,393,170
 
Guidewire Software, Inc.*
           
22,645
     
1,275,593
 
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
           
32,000
     
684,480
 
salesforce.com, inc.*
           
8,000
     
659,920
 
                         
IT Services
   
8.3
                 
Visa Inc. - Class A
           
21,767
     
1,934,433
 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.
           
8,000
     
636,960
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
2.4
                 
XO Group, Inc.*
           
42,429
     
730,203
 
                         
Technology Hardware,
                       
Storage & Peripherals
   
1.0
                 
Apple Inc.
           
2,160
     
310,306
 
     
24.6
             
7,625,065
 
Consumer Discretionary
                       
                         
Cable & Satellite
   
6.6
                 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C*
           
18,848
     
1,628,467
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (b)
           
12,000
     
420,480
 
                         
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
   
4.3
                 
Zoe's Kitchen, Inc.*
           
43,408
     
803,048
 
ILG, Inc.
           
25,956
     
544,038
 
                         
Multiline Retail
   
3.1
                 
Dollar Tree, Inc.*
           
8,000
     
627,680
 
Dollar General Corp.
           
4,973
     
346,767
 
                         
Advertising
   
2.9
                 
National CineMedia, Inc.
           
70,402
     
889,177
 
                         
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods
   
2.7
                 
Fossil Group, Inc.*
           
24,953
     
435,430
 
The Swatch Group AG - Unsponsored ADR(b)
 
 
     
22,344
     
398,617
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
2.3
                 
Amazon.com, Inc.*
           
800
     
709,232
 
                         
Specialty Retail
   
1.8
                 
Murphy USA Inc.*
           
7,614
     
559,020
 
     
23.7
             
7,361,956
 
Health Care
                       
                         
Health Care Services
   
4.5
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*
           
9,799
     
1,405,863
 
                         
Pharmaceuticals
   
3.2
                 
Allergan plc(b)
           
4,163
     
994,624
 
                         
Life Sciences Tools & Services
   
2.0
                 
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
           
4,000
     
614,400
 
     
9.7
             
3,014,887
 
                         
   
% of Net
                 
Materials
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Industrial Gases
   
4.2
                 
Praxair, Inc.
           
11,011
     
1,305,905
 
                         
Metals & Mining
   
2.3
                 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
           
10,248
     
695,327
 
                         
Construction Materials
   
1.5
                 
Summit Materials, Inc. - Class A*
           
18,722
     
462,621
 
                         
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals
   
1.2
                 
Monsanto Co.
           
3,329
     
376,843
 
     
9.2
             
2,840,696
 
Financials
                       
                         
Diversified Financial Services
   
3.7
                 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B*
           
6,837
     
1,139,591
 
                         
Financial Exchanges & Data
   
2.8
                 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc.*
           
44,100
     
850,689
 
                         
Insurance Brokers
   
2.0
                 
Willis Towers Watson plc(b)
           
2,451
     
320,811
 
Aon plc - Class A(b)
           
2,670
     
316,902
 
     
8.5
             
2,627,993
 
Consumer Staples
                       
                         
Food & Staples Retailing
   
2.2
                 
CVS Health Corp.
           
8,832
     
693,312
 
                         
Personal Products
   
1.9
                 
Avon Products, Inc.*
           
131,000
     
576,400
 
     
4.1
             
1,269,712
 
Real Estate
                       
                         
Equity REITs
   
3.5
                 
American Tower Corp.
           
8,828
     
1,072,955
 
                         
Industrials
                       
                         
Machinery
   
1.5
                 
Colfax Corp.*
           
12,000
     
471,120
 
                         
Electrical Equipment
   
1.1
                 
Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.*
           
16,868
     
351,529
 
     
2.6
             
822,649
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $24,261,834)
             
26,635,913
 
                         
Cash Equivalents – 14.2%
                       
                         
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
                 
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(a)
           
4,413,054
     
4,413,054
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $4,413,054)
             
4,413,054
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $28,674,888)
             
31,048,967
 
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.1%)
             
(19,549
)
Net Assets - 100%
                   
31,029,418
 
Net Asset Value Per Share
                   
10.83
 

*
Non-income producing
(a)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(b)
Foreign domiciled entity.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
34 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM

HICKORY FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017
Common Stocks – 79.5%
           
   
% of Net
         
Consumer Discretionary
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Cable & Satellite
   
18.3
         
Liberty Broadband Corp.*
               
Series A
           
50,000
     
4,254,500
 
Series C
           
210,000
     
18,144,000
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (c)
           
360,000
     
12,614,400
 
Liberty SiriusXM Group*
                       
Series A
           
90,000
     
3,502,800
 
Series C
           
220,000
     
8,531,600
 
LiLAC Group - Class C* (c)
           
129,916
     
2,993,265
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
8.3
                 
QVC Group - Series A*
           
525,000
     
10,510,500
 
Liberty Ventures Group - Series A*
           
162,000
     
7,205,760
 
Liberty Expedia Holdings, Inc. - Series A*
           
108,000
     
4,911,840
 
                         
Movies & Entertainment
   
6.2
                 
Liberty Formula One Group*
                       
Series A
           
27,500
     
899,250
 
Series C
           
200,000
     
6,830,000
 
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.* (c)
                       
Class A
           
125,000
     
3,320,000
 
Class B
           
150,000
     
3,657,000
 
Liberty Braves Group*
                       
Series A
           
11,000
     
263,340
 
Series C
           
75,000
     
1,773,750
 
                         
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure
   
4.0
                 
ILG, Inc.
           
525,000
     
11,004,000
 
                         
Specialty Retail
   
3.8
                 
Murphy USA Inc.*
           
140,000
     
10,278,800
 
                         
Advertising
   
3.1
                 
National CineMedia, Inc.
           
669,293
     
8,453,171
 
                         
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods
   
0.9
                 
Fossil Group, Inc.*
           
135,000
     
2,355,750
 
     
44.6
             
121,503,726
 
Industrials
                       
                         
Machinery
   
6.7
                 
Colfax Corp.*
           
255,000
     
10,011,300
 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
           
230,000
     
8,293,800
 
                         
Aerospace & Defense
   
3.2
                 
Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.*
           
775,000
     
8,835,000
 
     
9.9
             
27,140,100
 
Financials
                       
                         
Mortgage REITs
   
4.3
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
           
700,000
     
11,627,000
 
                         
Insurance Brokers
   
2.8
                 
Willis Towers Watson plc(c)
           
59,000
     
7,722,510
 
     
7.1
             
19,349,510
 
       
$ Principal
     
   
% of Net
   
Amount
     
Information Technology
 
Assets
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
             
Electronic Equipment,
           
Instruments & Components
   
2.5
         
FLIR Systems, Inc.
           
190,000
     
6,893,200
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
2.5
                 
XO Group, Inc.*
           
322,917
     
5,557,401
 
CommerceHub, Inc.*
                       
Series A
           
27,000
     
417,960
 
Series C
           
54,000
     
838,620
 
                         
Software
   
1.1
                 
ACI Worldwide, Inc.*
           
135,000
     
2,887,650
 
     
6.1
             
16,594,831
 
Health Care
                       
                         
Health Care Services
   
5.0
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*
           
95,000
     
13,629,650
 
                         
Real Estate
                       
                         
Equity REITs
   
2.9
                 
Equity Commonwealth*
           
250,000
     
7,805,000
 
                         
Telecommunication Services
                       
                         
Diversified Telecommunication Services
   
2.6
                 
LICT Corp.* #
           
1,005
     
6,984,750
 
                         
Energy
                       
                         
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
   
0.8
                 
Range Resources Corp.
           
80,000
     
2,328,000
 
                         
Materials
                       
                         
Metals & Mining
   
0.5
                 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
           
20,000
     
1,357,000
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $121,099,318)
                   
216,692,567
 
                         
Cash Equivalents – 20.7%
                       
                         
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.46% to 0.87%,
                       
4/20/17 to 9/14/17(a)
           
53,000,000
     
52,937,530
 
                         
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
                       
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63(b)
           
3,382,586
     
3,382,586
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $56,323,881)
                   
56,320,116
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $177,423,199)
             
273,012,683
 
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.2%)
             
(513,509
)
Net Assets - 100%
                   
272,499,174
 
Net Asset Value Per Share
                   
53.11
 
 
*
Non-income producing
#
Illiquid and/or restricted security.
(a)
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(b)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(c)
Foreign domiciled entity.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
35 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

BALANCED FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Common Stocks – 46.3%
           
   
% of Net
         
Information Technology
 
Assets
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
IT Services
   
5.9
         
Visa Inc. - Class A
           
35,000
     
3,110,450
 
Mastercard Inc. - Class A
           
18,000
     
2,024,460
 
Accenture plc - Class A(e)
           
15,000
     
1,798,200
 
                         
Software
   
3.3
                 
Oracle Corp.
           
55,000
     
2,453,550
 
Guidewire Software, Inc.*
           
25,000
     
1,408,250
 
                         
Semiconductors &
                       
Semiconductor Equipment
   
1.7
                 
Texas Instruments, Inc.
           
25,000
     
2,014,000
 
                         
Internet Software & Services
   
1.6
                 
Alphabet, Inc. - Class C*
           
2,300
     
1,907,988
 
                         
Electronic Equipment,
                       
Instruments & Components
   
1.5
                 
FLIR Systems, Inc.
           
50,000
     
1,814,000
 
     
14.0
             
16,530,898
 
Consumer Discretionary
                       
                         
Cable & Satellite
   
5.5
                 
Liberty Broadband Corp. - Series C*
           
28,000
     
2,419,200
 
Liberty Global Group - Class C* (e)
           
60,000
     
2,102,400
 
Comcast Corp. - Class A
           
55,000
     
2,067,450
 
                         
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail
   
1.5
                 
QVC Group - Series A*
           
90,000
     
1,801,800
 
                         
Specialty Retail
   
1.3
                 
Murphy USA Inc.*
           
20,000
     
1,468,400
 
     
8.3
             
9,859,250
 
Health Care
                       
                         
Health Care Services
   
3.4
                 
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings*
           
28,000
     
4,017,160
 
                         
Pharmaceuticals
   
2.9
                 
Allergan plc(e)
           
14,500
     
3,464,340
 
                         
Life Sciences Tools & Services
   
1.6
                 
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
           
12,000
     
1,843,200
 
     
7.9
             
9,324,700
 
Financials
                       
                         
Diversified Financial Services
   
3.2
                 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. - Class B*
           
22,500
     
3,750,300
 
                         
Insurance Brokers
   
2.4
                 
Aon plc - Class A(e)
           
13,500
     
1,602,315
 
Willis Towers Watson plc(e)
           
9,437
     
1,235,209
 
                         
Mortgage REITs
   
1.5
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
           
110,000
     
1,827,100
 
     
7.1
             
8,414,924
 
                         
           
$ Principal
         
   
% of Net
   
Amount
         
Materials
 
Assets
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
                         
Industrial Gases
   
2.0
                 
Praxair, Inc.
           
20,000
     
2,372,000
 
                         
Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals
   
1.9
                 
Monsanto Co.
           
20,000
     
2,264,000
 
                         
Metals & Mining
   
0.9
                 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.
           
16,000
     
1,085,600
 
     
4.8
             
5,721,600
 
Consumer Staples
                       
                         
Beverages
   
3.2
                 
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV - Sponsored ADR(e)
     
17,000
     
1,865,920
 
Diageo plc - Sponsored ADR(e)
           
16,000
     
1,849,280
 
     
3.2
             
3,715,200
 
Industrials
                       
                         
Air Freight & Logistics
   
1.0
                 
United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B
           
10,500
     
1,126,650
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $39,598,935)
             
54,693,222
 
                         
Corporate Bonds – 9.3%
                       
                         
American Express Credit Corp. 1.125% 6/05/17
     
500,000
     
500,032
 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance Inc. 1.9% 2/01/19
     
500,000
     
500,948
 
Apple Inc. 1.55% 2/08/19
           
1,000,000
     
1,002,078
 
Bank of America Corp.
                       
1.7% 8/25/17
           
500,000
     
500,824
 
2.25% 4/21/20
           
500,000
     
499,040
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Finance Corp.)
                       
1.45% 3/07/18
           
100,000
     
100,064
 
2.0% 8/15/18
           
500,000
     
503,797
 
1.7% 3/15/19
           
100,000
     
100,202
 
4.25% 1/15/21
           
300,000
     
322,631
 
Equity Commonwealth (HRPT Properties Trust)
                 
6.65% 1/15/18
           
250,000
     
253,328
 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
                       
2.9% 7/19/18
           
500,000
     
506,635
 
2.6% 12/27/20
           
500,000
     
500,405
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co. 1.65622% 3/09/21 Floating Rate
     
750,000
     
747,253
 
Markel Corp.
                       
7.125% 9/30/19
           
1,014,000
     
1,133,885
 
4.9% 7/01/22
           
400,000
     
436,258
 
U.S. Bancorp 2.35% 1/29/21
           
1,000,000
     
1,003,823
 
Wells Fargo & Co.
                       
1.15% 6/02/17
           
500,000
     
499,885
 
1.4% 9/08/17
           
500,000
     
499,780
 
4.6% 4/01/21
           
1,250,000
     
1,344,576
 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $10,943,191)
             
10,955,444
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
36 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT
 


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM

Corporate Convertible Bonds – 0.9%
       
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Redwood Trust, Inc. 5.625% 11/15/19 (Cost $997,188)
   
1,000,000
     
1,031,250
 
                 
Mortgage-Backed Securities – 2.0%(c)
               
                 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
3649 CL BW — 4.0% 2025 (2.8 years)
   
99,138
     
105,027
 
                 
Pass-Through Securities
               
J14649 — 3.5% 2026 (3.2 years)
   
138,893
     
144,907
 
E02948 — 3.5% 2026 (3.2 years)
   
233,596
     
244,232
 
J16663 — 3.5% 2026 (3.3 years)
   
140,448
     
146,549
 
             
640,715
 
Federal National Mortgage Association
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
2002-91 CL QG — 5.0% 2018 (0.4 years)
   
11,851
     
12,064
 
2003-9 CL DB — 5.0% 2018 (0.4 years)
   
15,393
     
15,538
 
                 
Pass-Through Securities
               
MA0464 — 3.5% 2020 (1.3 years)
   
112,578
     
117,156
 
AR8198 — 2.5% 2023 (2.4 years)
   
211,585
     
214,745
 
MA1502 — 2.5% 2023 (2.4 years)
   
180,803
     
183,494
 
995755 — 4.5% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
23,182
     
24,459
 
AB1769 — 3.0% 2025 (3.2 years)
   
128,558
     
132,265
 
AB3902 — 3.0% 2026 (3.6 years)
   
230,878
     
237,628
 
AK3264 — 3.0% 2027 (3.6 years)
   
180,894
     
186,184
 
             
1,123,533
 
Government National Mortgage Association
               
                 
Pass-Through Securities
               
G2 5255 — 3.0% 2026 (3.6 years)
   
233,076
     
240,610
 
                 
Non-Government Agency
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust (JPMMT)
               
2014-5 CL A1 — 3.0% 2029 (3.3 years)(d)
   
311,552
     
314,960
 
Sequoia Mortgage Trust (SEMT)
               
2012-1 CL 1A1 — 2.865% 2042 (0.9 years)
   
50,638
     
51,206
 
             
366,166
 
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $2,309,315)
           
2,371,024
 
                 
U.S. Treasury Notes – 16.1%
 
$ Principal
         
   
Amount
         
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
U.S. Treasury Notes
               
0.625% 5/31/17
   
2,000,000
     
1,999,822
 
0.625% 8/31/17
   
2,000,000
     
1,998,124
 
0.625% 11/30/17
   
3,000,000
     
2,993,145
 
0.75% 2/28/18
   
2,000,000
     
1,994,532
 
1.0% 5/31/18
   
2,000,000
     
1,997,422
 
1.5% 8/31/18
   
2,000,000
     
2,009,258
 
1.25% 11/30/18
   
2,000,000
     
2,001,562
 
2.0% 11/30/20
   
2,000,000
     
2,020,782
 
1.875% 11/30/21
   
2,000,000
     
1,997,890
 
Total U.S. Treasury Notes (Cost $18,987,194)
           
19,012,537
 
                 
Cash Equivalents – 25.4%
               
                 
U.S. Treasury Bills, 0.51% to 0.87%,
               
4/20/17 to 9/14/17(a)
   
28,000,000
     
27,959,256
 
                 
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
               
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(b)
   
2,115,223
     
2,115,223
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $30,074,996)
           
30,074,479
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $102,910,819)
           
118,137,956
 
Other Assets Less Other Liabilities — 0.0%
           
50,934
 
Net Assets - 100%
           
118,188,890
 
Net Asset Value Per Share
           
13.63
 

*
Non-income producing
(a)
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(b)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(c)
Number of years indicated represents estimated average life.
(d)
Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
(e)
Foreign domiciled entity.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
37 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



CORE PLUS INCOME FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Corporate Bonds – 28.7%
       
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
         
American Express Credit Corp. 2.25% 8/15/19
   
150,000
     
151,235
 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance Inc. 3.3% 2/01/23
   
200,000
     
203,824
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
               
2.1% 8/14/19
   
250,000
     
252,534
 
Finance Corp.
               
4.25% 1/15/21
   
500,000
     
537,718
 
3.0% 5/15/22
   
200,000
     
205,276
 
Boardwalk Pipelines LLC 5.75% 9/15/19
   
170,000
     
182,559
 
Boston Properties LP 3.125% 9/01/23
   
555,000
     
551,557
 
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, LP 11.5% 1/15/21(c)
   
130,000
     
150,800
 
CONSOL Energy, Inc. 5.875% 4/15/22
   
92,000
     
91,425
 
D.R. Horton, Inc. 3.625% 2/15/18
   
200,000
     
201,964
 
Dominion Resources, Inc. 2.962% 7/01/19
   
100,000
     
101,476
 
Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. 8.25% 10/15/24(c)
   
108,000
     
111,780
 
Energy Transfer Partners LP (Regency Energy Partners)
               
6.5% 7/15/21
   
500,000
     
516,585
 
Equity Commonwealth
               
6.65% 1/15/18 (HRPT Properties Trust)
   
85,000
     
86,131
 
5.875% 9/15/20
   
719,000
     
772,327
 
Express Scripts Holding Co. 7.25% 6/15/19
   
250,000
     
276,898
 
FLIR Systems, Inc. 3.125% 6/15/21
   
400,000
     
402,600
 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 2.239% 4/30/18 Floating Rate
   
137,000
     
138,234
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
               
4.25% 10/15/20
   
200,000
     
212,174
 
1.65622% 3/09/21 Floating Rate
   
150,000
     
149,451
 
Markel Corp.
               
7.125% 9/30/19
   
125,000
     
139,779
 
4.9% 7/01/22
   
250,000
     
272,661
 
3.625% 3/30/23
   
150,000
     
153,727
 
MPLX LP 4.875% 6/01/25
   
190,000
     
199,347
 
NGL Energy Partners LP 5.125% 7/15/19
   
320,000
     
322,400
 
NXP BV (NXP Funding LLC) 4.625% 6/01/23(c) (d)
   
100,000
     
106,125
 
Range Resources Corp. 5.0% 8/15/22(c)
   
301,000
     
299,495
 
Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC 3.36% 3/20/23(c) (e)
   
250,000
     
250,000
 
TC PipeLines LP
               
4.65% 6/15/21
   
160,000
     
168,618
 
4.375% 3/13/25
   
45,000
     
45,659
 
Valmont Industries, Inc. 6.625% 4/20/20
   
272,000
     
302,320
 
Vornado Realty LP 2.5% 6/30/19
   
530,000
     
533,277
 
Wells Fargo & Co.
               
4.6% 4/01/21
   
400,000
     
430,264
 
2.1% 7/26/21
   
200,000
     
196,005
 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $8,608,186)
           
8,716,225
 
                 
Corporate Convertible Bonds – 2.1%
               
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
               
4.625% 4/15/18
   
475,000
     
477,969
 
5.625% 11/15/19
   
150,000
     
154,687
 
Total Corporate Convertible Bonds (Cost $624,760)
           
632,656
 
                 
Asset-Backed Securities – 14.0% (b)
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust (CAALT)
       
2014-1A CL B — 2.29% 2022 (0.0 years)(c)
   
193,951
     
194,009
 
DT Auto Owner Trust (DTAOT)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.0% 2019 (0.1 years)(c)
   
30,562
     
30,582
 
2016-2A CL A — 1.73% 2019 (0.3 years)(c)
   
46,820
     
46,837
 
2015-3A CL B — 2.46% 2019 (0.3 years)(c)
   
80,000
     
80,257
 
2014-3A CL C — 3.04% 2020 (0.3 years)(c)
   
103,856
     
104,398
 
2016-1A CL C — 3.54% 2021 (1.1 years)(c)
   
215,000
     
217,480
 
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust (EART)
               
2016-3A CL A — 1.84% 2020 (0.7 years)(c)
   
151,734
     
151,512
 
2016-3A CL B — 2.84% 2021 (1.9 years)(c)
   
110,000
     
110,026
 
Flagship Credit Auto Trust (FCAT)
               
2014-2 CL C — 3.95% 2020 (1.8 years)(c)
   
260,000
     
262,344
 
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust (FORDO)
               
2013-A CL D — 1.86% 2019 (0.0 years)
   
175,000
     
175,027
 
Honor Automobile Trust Securitization (HATS)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.94% 2019 (0.7 years)(c)
   
194,695
     
195,403
 
Marlette Funding Trust (MFT)
               
2016-1A CL A — 3.06% 2023 (0.6 years)(c)
   
236,485
     
237,289
 
2017-1A CL A — 2.827% 2024 (0.9 years)(c)
   
375,000
     
375,653
 
OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust (ODART)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.04% 2021 (0.6 years)(c)
   
186,256
     
186,620
 
2016-1A CL B — 2.76% 2021 (1.5 years)(c)
   
250,000
     
250,627
 
2016-1A CL C — 4.58% 2021 (1.8 years)(c)
   
350,000
     
356,678
 
Prestige Auto Receivables Trust (PART)
               
2014-1A CL A3 — 1.52% 2020 (0.2 years)(c)
   
70,638
     
70,639
 
2016-1A CL A2 — 1.78% 2019 (0.4 years)(c)
   
103,012
     
103,148
 
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust (SDART)
               
2014-1 CL D — 2.91% 2020 (1.1 years)
   
388,000
     
392,193
 
2014-5 CL D — 3.21% 2021 (1.7 years)
   
80,000
     
81,181
 
SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC (SCLP)
               
2016-2 CL A — 3.09% 2025 (1.5 years)(c)
   
304,262
     
304,875
 
2017-1 CL A — 3.28% 2026 (1.8 years)(c)
   
93,868
     
94,446
 
2016-3 CL A — 3.05% 2025 (1.8 years)(c)
   
172,966
     
173,292
 
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust (WLAKE)
               
2016-3A CL A1 — 0.95% 2017 (0.0 years)(c)
   
61,674
     
61,665
 
Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $4,234,993)
           
4,256,181
 
                 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 3.5%(b)
               
                 
FORT CRE LLC (FCRE)
               
2016-1A CL A2 — 2.97722% 2036 Floating Rate
               
(1.3 years)(c)
   
200,000
     
202,266
 
Resource Capital Corp. LTD (RSO)
               
2014-CRE2 CL A — 1.99278% 2032 Floating Rate
               
(0.0 years)(c)
   
124,797
     
124,768
 
Rialto Real Estate Fund II LP (RIAL)
               
2015-LT7 CL A — 3.0% 2032 (0.1 years)(c)
   
10,779
     
10,781
 
VSD LLC (VSD)
               
2017-PLT1 CL A — 3.6% 2043 (1.2 years)(c)
   
381,039
     
380,267
 
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust (WFCM)
               
2014-TISH CL WTS1 — 3.163% 2027 Floating Rate
               
(0.9 years)(c)
   
352,000
     
358,941
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $1,058,364)
     
1,077,023
 
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
38 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
             
Mortgage-Backed Securities – 1.7%(b)
 
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Federal National Mortgage Association
       
         
Pass-Through Securities
       
932836 — 3.0% 2025 (3.3 years)
   
113,415
     
116,666
 
                 
Non-Government Agency
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust (JPMMT)
               
2016-3 CL 2A1 — 3.0% 2046 (5.6 years)(c)
   
371,730
     
374,634
 
Sunset Mortgage Loan Co. (SMLC)
               
2014-NPL2 CL A — 3.721% 2044 (0.3 years)(c)
   
21,287
     
21,284
 
             
395,918
 
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $518,124)
           
512,584
 
                 
Taxable Municipal Bonds – 1.4%
               
                 
Alderwood Water and Wastewater District, Washington, Water
         
& Sewer Revenue, Series B, 5.15% 12/01/25 (Cost $428,062)
   
400,000
     
422,936
 
                 
U.S. Treasury – 42.4%
               
                 
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds
               
0.125% 7/15/26
   
303,870
     
296,635
 
                 
U.S. Treasury Notes/Bonds
               
0.625% 5/31/17
   
2,500,000
     
2,499,777
 
2.0% 11/15/21
   
300,000
     
301,424
 
2.0% 2/15/22
   
1,160,000
     
1,165,052
 
1.75% 2/28/22
   
200,000
     
198,262
 
2.0% 2/15/23
   
1,075,000
     
1,069,646
 
2.75% 11/15/23
   
810,000
     
838,777
 
2.5% 5/15/24
   
1,000,000
     
1,018,105
 
2.0% 2/15/25
   
470,000
     
459,709
 
1.625% 5/15/26
   
760,000
     
713,020
 
1.5% 8/15/26
   
350,000
     
323,873
 
2.0% 11/15/26
   
1,650,000
     
1,594,184
 
2.25% 2/15/27
   
925,000
     
913,311
 
2.5% 2/15/45
   
895,000
     
804,416
 
2.5% 5/15/46
   
750,000
     
671,719
 
             
12,571,275
 
Total U.S. Treasury (Cost $12,966,584)
           
12,867,910
 
Common Stocks – 0.8%
       
   
Shares
   
$ Value
 
Equity Commonwealth*
   
4,000
     
124,880
 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
   
7,350
     
122,084
 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $183,184)
           
246,964
 
                 
Cash Equivalents – 18.1%
               
                 
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
               
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(a)
   
5,500,253
     
5,500,253
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $5,500,253)
           
5,500,253
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $34,122,510)
           
34,232,732
 
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (12.7%)
           
(3,856,911
)
Net Assets - 100%
           
30,375,821
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Investor Class
           
10.23
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Institutional Class
           
10.23
 
 
*
Non-income producing
(a)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(b)
Number of years indicated represents estimated average life.
(c)
Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
(d)
Foreign domiciled entity.
(e)
Annual sinking fund.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
39 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

SHORT DURATION INCOME FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Corporate Bonds – 43.5%
       
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
ACI Worldwide, Inc. 6.375% 8/15/20(c)
   
250,000
     
256,875
 
American Express Bank FSB 6.0% 9/13/17
   
8,475,000
     
8,643,890
 
American Express Co. 8.125% 5/20/19
   
1,000,000
     
1,126,315
 
American Express Credit Corp.
               
1.125% 6/05/17
   
1,500,000
     
1,500,096
 
2.25% 8/15/19
   
11,042,000
     
11,132,887
 
American Realty Capital Properties Operating Partnership LP
         
3.0% 2/06/19
   
1,870,000
     
1,878,323
 
Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance Inc.
               
2.2% 8/01/18
   
5,000,000
     
5,034,025
 
1.9% 2/01/19
   
13,000,000
     
13,024,661
 
3.3% 2/01/23
   
4,800,000
     
4,891,771
 
Apple Inc. 1.55% 2/08/19
   
1,000,000
     
1,002,078
 
AT&T Inc. 2.375% 11/27/18
   
5,368,000
     
5,407,374
 
Bank of America Corp.
               
1.7% 8/25/17
   
7,187,000
     
7,198,844
 
5.75% 12/01/17
   
3,945,000
     
4,049,700
 
2.25% 4/21/20
   
10,000,000
     
9,980,800
 
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
               
2.1% 8/14/19
   
2,750,000
     
2,777,874
 
Finance Corp.
               
1.6% 5/15/17
   
10,000,000
     
10,002,290
 
1.45% 3/07/18
   
900,000
     
900,573
 
5.4% 5/15/18
   
5,000,000
     
5,222,350
 
2.0% 8/15/18
   
2,500,000
     
2,518,985
 
1.7% 3/15/19
   
900,000
     
901,814
 
1.33789% 1/10/20 Floating Rate
   
7,000,000
     
7,046,956
 
2.9% 10/15/20
   
3,000,000
     
3,100,563
 
4.25% 1/15/21
   
4,200,000
     
4,516,831
 
Boardwalk Pipelines LLC 5.75% 9/15/19
   
11,008,000
     
11,821,227
 
Boston Properties LP
               
5.875% 10/15/19
   
11,440,000
     
12,387,392
 
3.125% 9/01/23
   
9,560,000
     
9,500,690
 
Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP 11.5% 1/15/21(c)
   
450,000
     
522,000
 
Comcast Corp. 5.15% 3/01/20
   
3,000,000
     
3,269,235
 
D.R. Horton, Inc. 3.625% 2/15/18
   
1,920,000
     
1,938,854
 
DCP Midstream Operating LP 2.5% 12/01/17
   
13,250,000
     
13,250,000
 
Dell Inc. (Diamond 1 and 2 Finance Corp.)
               
3.48% 6/01/19(c)
   
5,000,000
     
5,126,215
 
Diageo Capital plc 4.85% 5/15/18(d)
   
3,941,000
     
4,076,732
 
Dominion Resources, Inc. 2.962% 7/01/19
   
5,900,000
     
5,987,060
 
eBay, Inc. 2.2% 8/01/19
   
3,000,000
     
3,011,616
 
Energy Transfer Partners LP (Regency Energy Partners)
               
6.5% 7/15/21
   
19,374,000
     
20,016,655
 
Equity Commonwealth
               
6.65% 1/15/18 (HRPT Properties Trust)
   
2,990,000
     
3,029,803
 
5.875% 9/15/20
   
8,000,000
     
8,593,344
 
Expedia, Inc. 7.456% 8/15/18
   
10,000,000
     
10,711,890
 
Express Scripts Holding Co.
               
2.25% 6/15/19
   
8,955,000
     
8,965,137
 
7.25% 6/15/19
   
5,217,000
     
5,778,307
 
Fifth Third Bank 1.625% 9/27/19
   
2,000,000
     
1,976,256
 
FLIR Systems, Inc. 3.125% 6/15/21
   
2,600,000
     
2,616,903
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
               
2.145% 1/09/18
   
2,000,000
     
2,005,460
 
2.943% 1/08/19
   
2,000,000
     
2,028,186
 
2.021% 5/03/19
   
10,000,000
     
9,957,100
 
1.897% 8/12/19
   
1,000,000
     
991,036
 
               
   
$ Principal
         
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
               
6.25% 9/01/17
   
2,085,000
     
2,125,332
 
5.95% 1/18/18
   
4,000,000
     
4,131,488
 
2.239% 4/30/18 Floating Rate
   
6,600,000
     
6,659,466
 
2.9% 7/19/18
   
2,500,000
     
2,533,175
 
1.91956% 12/13/19 Floating Rate
   
6,250,000
     
6,297,638
 
2.20122% 4/23/20 Floating Rate
   
5,479,000
     
5,558,193
 
2.6% 12/27/20
   
1,500,000
     
1,501,215
 
Intel Corp. 1.35% 12/15/17
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,748
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
               
6.3% 4/23/19
   
2,500,000
     
2,716,428
 
1.65622% 3/09/21 Floating Rate
   
1,850,000
     
1,843,223
 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
               
6.0% 7/05/17
   
5,000,000
     
5,059,505
 
1.74622% 9/23/19 Floating Rate
   
12,000,000
     
12,069,732
 
Kinder Morgan, Inc. 2.0% 12/01/17
   
9,065,000
     
9,073,077
 
Markel Corp.
               
7.125% 9/30/19
   
11,859,000
     
13,261,090
 
5.35% 6/01/21
   
10,000,000
     
10,961,570
 
4.9% 7/01/22
   
3,850,000
     
4,198,979
 
McDonald's Corp. 5.35% 3/01/18
   
4,075,000
     
4,215,706
 
McKesson Corp. 1.4% 3/15/18
   
8,815,000
     
8,795,995
 
MetLife Global Funding I
               
1.3% 4/10/17(c)
   
1,000,000
     
1,000,020
 
1.875% 6/22/18(c)
   
1,000,000
     
1,001,720
 
1.75% 12/19/18(c)
   
1,000,000
     
998,940
 
NGL Energy Partners LP 5.125% 7/15/19
   
2,200,000
     
2,216,500
 
Omnicom Group, Inc. 6.25% 7/15/19
   
6,181,000
     
6,748,614
 
Penske Truck Leasing 3.75% 5/11/17(c)
   
5,000,000
     
5,011,495
 
Range Resources Corp. 5.0% 8/15/22(c)
   
11,876,000
     
11,816,620
 
Republic Services, Inc. (Allied Waste) 3.8% 5/15/18
   
5,000,000
     
5,110,555
 
Sprint Spectrum Co. LLC 3.36% 3/20/23(c) (e)
   
4,750,000
     
4,750,000
 
Superior Energy Services, Inc. (SESI, LLC) 6.375% 5/01/19
   
4,900,000
     
4,912,250
 
TechnipFMC plc 2.0% 10/01/17(c) (d)
   
2,000,000
     
1,999,550
 
U.S. Bancorp 2.35% 1/29/21
   
14,000,000
     
14,053,522
 
U.S. Bank, N.A. 1.36344% 1/24/20 Floating Rate
   
7,000,000
     
7,007,623
 
Valmont Industries, Inc. 6.625% 4/20/20
   
900,000
     
1,000,322
 
Verizon Communications, Inc.
               
3.65% 9/14/18
   
10,000,000
     
10,274,600
 
1.50622% 6/09/17 Floating Rate
   
10,000,000
     
10,004,600
 
Vornado Realty LP 2.5% 6/30/19
   
13,390,000
     
13,472,804
 
Walt Disney Co. 0.875% 7/12/19
   
1,000,000
     
982,876
 
Washington Post Co. 7.25% 2/01/19
   
8,500,000
     
9,243,750
 
Wells Fargo & Co.
               
1.15% 6/02/17
   
1,500,000
     
1,499,655
 
1.40122% 6/15/17 (Wachovia Bank) Floating Rate
   
5,000,000
     
5,002,020
 
1.4% 9/08/17
   
7,144,000
     
7,140,864
 
4.6% 4/01/21
   
5,745,000
     
6,179,672
 
2.1% 7/26/21
   
10,100,000
     
9,898,232
 
3.5% 3/08/22
   
7,900,000
     
8,189,037
 
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 2.15% 12/06/19
   
10,000,000
     
10,037,570
 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $515,258,609)
           
521,232,944
 
                 
Corporate Convertible Bonds – 4.0%
               
                 
Redwood Trust, Inc.
               
4.625% 4/15/18
   
32,350,000
     
32,552,188
 
5.625% 11/15/19
   
14,850,000
     
15,314,062
 
Total Corporate Convertible Bonds (Cost $47,155,897)
     
47,866,250
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
40 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM

Asset-Backed Securities – 5.7%(b)
       
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust (AMCAR)
       
2013-5 CL D — 2.86% 2019 (1.1 years)
   
4,055,000
     
4,101,981
 
Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust (CABMT)
               
2012-2A CL A2 — 1.39222% 2020 Floating Rate
               
(0.2 years)(c)
   
6,000,000
     
6,003,287
 
CarMax Auto Owner Trust (CARMX)
               
2017-1 CL A1 — 0.85% 2018 (0.2 years)
   
5,135,096
     
5,135,183
 
CPS Auto Receivables Trust (CPS)
               
2013-A CL A — 1.31% 2020 (0.8 years)(c)
   
623,031
     
621,727
 
DT Auto Owner Trust (DTAOT)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.0% 2019 (0.1 years)(c)
   
1,039,096
     
1,039,784
 
2016-2A CL A — 1.73% 2019 (0.3 years)(c)
   
1,513,861
     
1,514,397
 
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust (EART)
               
2016-3A CL A — 1.84% 2020 (0.7 years)(c)
   
5,158,959
     
5,151,408
 
First Investors Auto Owner Trust (FIAOT)
               
2016-1A CL A1 — 1.92% 2020 (0.5 years)(c)
   
2,445,914
     
2,449,629
 
Flagship Credit Auto Trust (FCAT)
               
2014-2 CL A — 1.43% 2019 (0.3 years)(c)
   
802,367
     
802,592
 
Honor Automobile Trust Securitization (HATS)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.94% 2019 (0.7 years)(c)
   
2,336,338
     
2,344,836
 
Marlette Funding Trust (MFT)
               
2017-1A CL A — 2.827% 2024 (0.9 years)(c)
   
5,625,000
     
5,634,795
 
OneMain Direct Auto Receivables Trust (ODART)
               
2016-1A CL A — 2.04% 2021 (0.6 years)(c)
   
2,793,846
     
2,799,306
 
2016-1A CL C — 4.58% 2021 (1.8 years)(c)
   
9,650,000
     
9,834,118
 
Prestige Auto Receivables Trust (PART)
               
2016-1A CL A2 — 1.78% 2019 (0.4 years)(c)
   
3,862,944
     
3,868,041
 
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust (SDART)
               
2016-3 CL A1 — 0.8% 2017 (0.0 years)
   
678,734
     
678,628
 
2016-3 CL A2 — 1.34% 2019 (0.5 years)
   
5,000,000
     
4,996,083
 
2014-1 CL D — 2.91% 2020 (1.1 years)
   
2,345,000
     
2,370,343
 
SoFi Consumer Loan Program LLC (SCLP)
               
2016-2 CL A — 3.09% 2025 (1.5 years)(c)
   
3,499,013
     
3,506,061
 
2017-1 CL A — 3.28% 2026 (1.8 years)(c)
   
1,314,157
     
1,322,240
 
2016-3 CL A — 3.05% 2025 (1.8 years)(c)
   
1,556,696
     
1,559,632
 
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust (WLAKE)
               
2016-3A CL A1 — 0.95% 2017 (0.0 years)(c)
   
2,251,110
     
2,250,763
 
Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost $67,758,985)
           
67,984,834
 
                 
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 0.8%(b)
         
                 
FORT CRE LLC (FCRE)
               
2016-1A CL A1 — 2.47722% 2036 Floating Rate
               
(0.6 years)(c)
   
2,532,904
     
2,551,280
 
Rialto Real Estate Fund II, LP (RIAL)
               
2015-LT7 CL A — 3.0% 2032 (0.1 years)(c)
   
438,332
     
438,436
 
VSD LLC (VSD)
               
2017-PLT1 CL A — 3.6% 2043 (1.2 years)(c)
   
6,287,137
     
6,274,411
 
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $9,258,372)
     
9,264,127
 
                 
Mortgage-Backed Securities – 17.8%(b)
               
                 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
3815 CL AD — 4.0% 2025 (0.7 years)
   
227,192
     
230,580
 
3844 CL AG — 4.0% 2025 (0.9 years)
   
887,305
     
903,107
 
4281 CL AG — 2.5% 2028 (2.7 years)
   
1,935,593
     
1,949,966
 
3649 CL BW — 4.0% 2025 (2.8 years)
   
2,547,855
     
2,699,198
 
2952 CL PA — 5.0% 2035 (2.9 years)
   
670,851
     
713,927
 
3620 CL PA — 4.5% 2039 (3.6 years)
   
1,659,251
     
1,767,947
 

   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
3842 CL PH — 4.0% 2041 (4.3 years)
   
1,679,885
     
1,776,633
 
3003 CL LD — 5.0% 2034 (4.4 years)
   
1,642,286
     
1,792,629
 
4107 CL LA — 2.5% 2031 (6.6 years)
   
6,957,685
     
6,704,824
 
4107 CL LW — 1.75% 2027 (8.9 years)
   
3,920,569
     
3,573,070
 
             
22,111,881
 
Pass-Through Securities
               
EO1386 — 5.0% 2018 (0.5 years)
   
8,232
     
8,476
 
G18190 — 5.5% 2022 (1.9 years)
   
30,530
     
32,371
 
G13300 — 4.5% 2023 (2.2 years)
   
178,565
     
190,290
 
G18296 — 4.5% 2024 (2.4 years)
   
448,910
     
475,064
 
G18306 — 4.5% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
945,333
     
1,006,803
 
G13517 — 4.0% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
621,580
     
653,566
 
G18308 — 4.0% 2024 (2.6 years)
   
961,460
     
1,012,937
 
J13949 — 3.5% 2025 (3.1 years)
   
5,133,840
     
5,390,378
 
J14649 — 3.5% 2026 (3.2 years)
   
3,829,483
     
3,995,288
 
E02948 — 3.5% 2026 (3.2 years)
   
9,110,278
     
9,525,077
 
E02804 — 3.0% 2025 (3.3 years)
   
3,334,175
     
3,425,188
 
J16663 — 3.5% 2026 (3.3 years)
   
8,433,559
     
8,799,903
 
E03033 — 3.0% 2027 (3.6 years)
   
4,813,895
     
4,943,313
 
E03048 — 3.0% 2027 (3.6 years)
   
9,254,731
     
9,503,538
 
G01818 — 5.0% 2035 (4.6 years)
   
1,979,700
     
2,164,450
 
             
51,126,642
 
Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes
               
2013-DN1 CL M1 — 4.38167% 2023 Floating Rate
               
(1.0 years)
   
1,414,596
     
1,434,896
 
             
74,673,419
 
Federal National Mortgage Association
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
2003-9 CL DB — 5.0% 2018 (0.4 years)
   
30,786
     
31,075
 
2011-19 CL KA — 4.0% 2025 (0.4 years)
   
408,920
     
411,465
 
2010-145 CL PA — 4.0% 2024 (1.9 years)
   
845,538
     
874,284
 
2010-54 CL WA — 3.75% 2025 (2.3 years)
   
1,204,430
     
1,245,590
 
             
2,562,414
 
Pass-Through Securities
               
256982 — 6.0% 2017 (0.3 years)
   
11,891
     
11,961
 
251787 — 6.5% 2018 (0.6 years)
   
1,280
     
1,423
 
357414 — 4.0% 2018 (0.6 years)
   
86,350
     
89,304
 
254907 — 5.0% 2018 (0.7 years)
   
39,299
     
40,439
 
MA0464 — 3.5% 2020 (1.3 years)
   
1,775,274
     
1,847,464
 
357985 — 4.5% 2020 (1.4 years)
   
69,442
     
71,910
 
888595 — 5.0% 2022 (1.7 years)
   
164,913
     
174,067
 
888439 — 5.5% 2022 (1.8 years)
   
156,076
     
165,720
 
AD0629 — 5.0% 2024 (2.0 years)
   
577,370
     
617,205
 
995960 — 5.0% 2023 (2.0 years)
   
507,726
     
543,253
 
AL0471 — 5.5% 2025 (2.1 years)
   
2,442,340
     
2,599,726
 
995693 — 4.5% 2024 (2.2 years)
   
939,399
     
993,009
 
AR8198 — 2.5% 2023 (2.4 years)
   
6,198,426
     
6,290,992
 
AE0031 — 5.0% 2025 (2.4 years)
   
908,058
     
970,721
 
MA1502 — 2.5% 2023 (2.4 years)
   
5,243,291
     
5,321,344
 
995692 — 4.5% 2024 (2.4 years)
   
771,717
     
815,626
 
995755 — 4.5% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
1,135,918
     
1,198,514
 
890112 — 4.0% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
625,434
     
658,353
 
930667 — 4.5% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
737,328
     
779,908
 
AA4315 — 4.0% 2024 (2.5 years)
   
1,263,196
     
1,329,962
 
MA0043 — 4.0% 2024 (2.6 years)
   
505,010
     
531,725
 
AA5510 — 4.0% 2024 (2.6 years)
   
292,166
     
307,565
 
931739 — 4.0% 2024 (2.7 years)
   
322,883
     
340,059
 
310139 — 3.5% 2025 (2.7 years)
   
6,302,618
     
6,568,171
 
AD7073 — 4.0% 2025 (2.9 years)
   
1,009,997
     
1,058,022
 
AH3429 — 3.5% 2026 (3.1 years)
   
16,866,407
     
17,645,447
 
AB1769 — 3.0% 2025 (3.2 years)
   
2,956,825
     
3,042,088
 
AB2251 — 3.0% 2026 (3.3 years)
   
3,605,308
     
3,708,885
 
AB3902 — 3.0% 2026 (3.6 years)
   
2,358,474
     
2,427,426
 
AK3264 — 3.0% 2027 (3.6 years)
   
5,897,142
     
6,069,593
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
41 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

SHORT DURATION INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)
   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
AB4482 — 3.0% 2027 (3.7 years)
   
5,532,314
     
5,694,688
 
AL1366 — 2.5% 2027 (3.7 years)
   
4,115,620
     
4,165,538
 
555531 — 5.5% 2033 (4.2 years)
   
3,840,646
     
4,302,969
 
MA0587 — 4.0% 2030 (4.4 years)
   
5,625,556
     
5,955,692
 
995112 — 5.5% 2036 (4.5 years)
   
1,688,176
     
1,890,984
 
725232 — 5.0% 2034 (4.5 years)
   
342,569
     
375,755
 
             
88,605,508
 
             
91,167,922
 
Government National Mortgage Association
               
                 
Pass-Through Securities
               
G2 5255 — 3.0% 2026 (3.6 years)
   
10,555,029
     
10,896,222
 
                 
Non-Government Agency
               
                 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
               
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IIa Trust (BOMFT)
               
2014-18NPL CL A — 3.2282% 2034 (1.0 years)(c)
   
3,230,306
     
3,232,676
 
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. (CMLTI)
               
2014-A CL A — 4.0% 2035 (2.8 years)(c)
   
2,175,066
     
2,269,984
 
J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust (JPMMT)
               
2014-2 CL 2A2 — 3.5% 2029 (3.2 years)(c)
   
4,637,222
     
4,720,474
 
2014-5 CL A1 — 3.0% 2029 (3.3 years)(c)
   
9,035,012
     
9,133,837
 
2016-3 CL 2A1 — 3.0% 2046 (5.6 years)(c)
   
3,574,180
     
3,602,105
 
Sequoia Mortgage Trust (SEMT)
               
2012-1 CL 1A1 — 2.865% 2042 (0.9 years)
   
1,569,768
     
1,587,389
 
2013-4 CL A3 — 1.55% 2043 (3.3 years)
   
7,985,022
     
7,799,127
 
2012-4 CL A1 — 3.5% 2042 (6.1 years)
   
4,139,595
     
4,184,679
 
Sunset Mortgage Loan Co. (SMLC)
               
2014-NPL2 CL A — 3.721% 2044 (0.3 years)(c)
   
289,215
     
289,178
 
Washington Mutual, Inc. (WAMU)
               
2003-S7 CL A1 — 4.5% 2018 (0.1 years)
   
14,460
     
14,538
 
             
36,833,987
 
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $208,025,126)
     
213,571,550
 
                 
Taxable Municipal Bonds – 0.4%
               
                 
Iowa State University Revenue 5.8% 7/01/22
   
1,335,000
     
1,409,707
 
Kansas Development Finance Authority Revenue,
               
Series 2015H
               
2.258% 4/15/19
   
1,000,000
     
1,008,320
 
2.608% 4/15/20
   
500,000
     
509,175
 
2.927% 4/15/21
   
750,000
     
765,607
 
Omaha, Nebraska Public Facilities Corp.,
               
Lease Revenue, Series B, Refunding
               
4.588% 6/01/17
   
815,000
     
819,059
 
4.788% 6/01/18
   
1,000,000
     
1,035,690
 
Total Taxable Municipal Bonds (Cost $5,400,000)
           
5,547,558
 

U.S. Treasury – 24.7%
       
   
$ Principal
     
      
Amount
     
      
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds
       
0.125% 7/15/26
     
5,064,500
     
4,943,914
 
                 
U.S. Treasury Notes
               
0.75% 6/30/17
     
20,000,000
     
19,995,800
 
1.0% 12/15/17
     
25,000,000
     
25,001,950
 
0.75% 12/31/17
     
30,000,000
     
29,941,410
 
0.875% 1/31/18
     
20,000,000
     
19,973,520
 
0.75% 2/28/18
     
15,000,000
     
14,958,990
 
1.375% 6/30/18
     
25,000,000
     
25,075,200
 
0.75% 9/30/18
     
20,000,000
     
19,875,000
 
1.25% 1/31/19
     
15,000,000
     
15,006,450
 
0.875% 5/15/19
     
25,000,000
     
24,783,200
 
1.625% 6/30/19
     
10,000,000
     
10,066,600
 
1.375% 1/31/20
     
15,000,000
     
14,961,915
 
1.375% 8/31/20
     
10,000,000
     
9,908,790
 
2.125% 8/31/20
     
15,000,000
     
15,238,470
 
2.0% 11/30/20
     
20,000,000
     
20,207,820
 
1.125% 7/31/21
     
15,000,000
     
14,549,700
 
2.0% 7/31/22
     
12,000,000
     
11,996,256
 
               
291,541,071
 
Total U.S. Treasury (Cost $296,413,513)
           
296,484,985
 
                   
Common Stocks – 1.1%
               
                   
Redwood Trust, Inc. (Cost $8,263,786)
   
795,000
     
13,204,950
 
                   
Cash Equivalents – 2.6%
               
                   
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money
               
Market Fund - Select Class 0.63%(a)
   
30,762,215
     
30,762,215
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $30,762,215)
           
30,762,215
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $1,188,296,503)
           
1,205,919,413
 
Options Written - 0.0%
           
(185,000
)
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.6%)
           
(7,644,992
)
Net Assets - 100%
             
1,198,089,421
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Investor Class
           
12.27
 
Net Asset Value Per Share - Institutional Class
           
12.29
 

Options Written* – (0.0%)
   
 
Expiration
Shares
 
 
date /
subject
 
 
Strike price
to option
 
Covered Call Options
   
Redwood Trust, Inc.
July 2017 / $15
100,000
(185,000)
(premiums received $114,997)
   

*
Non-income producing
(a)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(b)
Number of years indicated represents estimated average life.
(c)
Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
(d)
Foreign domiciled entity.
(e)
Annual sinking fund.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
42 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM
ULTRA SHORT GOVERNMENT FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017

Corporate Bonds – 12.6%
 
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
     
   
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
Bank of America Corp. 1.7% 8/25/17
   
5,000,000
     
5,008,240
 
Intel Corp. 1.35% 12/15/17
   
2,000,000
     
2,001,496
 
MetLife Global Funding I 1.3% 4/10/17(b)
   
1,240,000
     
1,240,025
 
Verizon Communications, Inc. 1.50622% 6/09/17
               
Floating Rate
   
2,018,000
     
2,018,928
 
Wells Fargo & Co. 1.15% 6/02/17
   
2,065,000
     
2,064,525
 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $12,331,009)
           
12,333,214
 
                 
U.S. Treasury – 84.6%
               
                 
U.S. Treasury Bills†
               
0.50% 4/06/17
   
15,000,000
     
14,999,310
 
0.62% 5/04/17
   
15,000,000
     
14,991,150
 
0.53% 5/25/17
   
15,000,000
     
14,984,580
 
                 
U.S. Treasury Notes
               
0.75% 12/31/17
   
20,000,000
     
19,960,940
 
0.875% 1/31/18
   
10,000,000
     
9,986,760
 
1.0% 3/15/18
   
8,000,000
     
7,994,840
 
Total U.S. Treasury (Cost $82,955,583)
           
82,917,580
 
                 
Money Market Funds – 2.7%
               
                 
Wells Fargo Advantage Money Market Funds
               
Government - Select Class 0.63%(a)
   
2,659,179
     
2,659,179
 
100% Treasury - Service Class 0.20%(a)
   
52,556
     
52,556
 
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $2,711,735)
           
2,711,735
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $97,998,327)
           
97,962,529
 
Other Assets Less Other Liabilities — 0.1%
           
66,566
 
Net Assets - 100%
           
98,029,095
 
Net Asset Value Per Share
           
10.00
 
Interest rates presented represent the yield to maturity at the date of purchase.
(a)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(b)
Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
43 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



NEBRASKA TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2017
Municipal Bonds – 93.3%
           
   
% of Net
   
$ Principal
     
   
Assets
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Florida
   
1.7
         
Miami, Dade County, Aviation Revenue,
               
Series 2010A, 4.25%, 10/01/18
           
1,000,000
     
1,045,630
 
                         
Illinois
   
0.6
                 
Cook, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties and State of Illinois,
                 
General Obligation, Community College District No. 512,
                 
Series 2009A, 5.0%, 12/01/23
           
100,000
     
106,158
 
Illinois Finance Authority, Revenue, Northwestern Memorial
                 
Hospital, Series 2009A, 5.0%, 8/15/17
           
245,000
     
248,700
 
                     
354,858
 
Iowa
   
1.3
                 
Cedar Rapids Community School District, Infrastructure Sales,
                 
Services and Use Tax Revenue, Series 2011, 4.0%, 7/01/20,
                 
Pre-Refunded 7/01/17 @ 100
           
600,000
     
604,566
 
Iowa Finance Authority, Hospital Revenue, Bond Anticipation
                 
Notes, Shenandoah Medical Center Project, Series 2015,
                 
1.75%, 6/01/18
           
250,000
     
249,713
 
                     
854,279
 
Nebraska
   
89.0
                 
Adams County, Hospital Authority #1, Revenue, Mary
                 
Lanning Memorial Hospital Project, Radian Insured,
                 
Escrowed to Maturity, 4.4%, 12/15/17
           
250,000
     
256,130
 
Blair, Water System Revenue, Series 2016, AMT,
                 
2.2%, 12/15/22
           
175,000
     
167,984
 
2.45%, 12/15/23
           
125,000
     
119,096
 
2.65%, 12/15/24
           
100,000
     
93,790
 
2.85%, 12/15/25
           
100,000
     
94,154
 
3.0%, 12/15/26
           
100,000
     
93,637
 
3.1%, 12/15/27
           
100,000
     
93,138
 
3.2%, 12/15/28
           
100,000
     
92,671
 
3.35%, 12/15/29
           
100,000
     
92,256
 
3.5%, 12/15/30
           
100,000
     
91,878
 
Buffalo County, General Obligation, Kearney Public Schools
                 
District 0007
                       
Series 2012, 1.4%, 12/15/18
           
280,000
     
280,070
 
Series 2016
                       
2.0%, 12/15/18
           
305,000
     
309,801
 
3.0%, 12/15/24
           
250,000
     
264,262
 
Chadron, Sales Tax and General Obligation, Aquatic Center,
                 
Series 2016, 1.6%, 7/15/22
           
400,000
     
388,164
 
Columbus, Combined Revenue, Refunding, Series 2016,
                 
4.0%, 12/15/26
           
100,000
     
110,391
 
4.0%, 12/15/27
           
100,000
     
109,589
 
Cornhusker Public Power District, Electric System Revenue,
                 
Refunding, Series 2014, 2.25%, 7/01/22
           
260,000
     
262,423
 
Dawson Public Power District, Electric System Revenue,
                 
Series 2016A
                       
Refunding, 2.0%, 6/15/26
           
170,000
     
155,546
 
Refunding, 2.1%, 6/15/27
           
105,000
     
95,528
 
Series 2016B
                       
2.5%, 6/15/28
           
135,000
     
127,015
 
3.0%, 6/15/29
           
245,000
     
244,000
 
3.0%, 6/15/30
           
355,000
     
349,654
 
Douglas County, Educational Facility Revenue, Refunding,
                 
Creighton University Project, Series 2010A, 5.6%, 7/01/25
     
400,000
     
448,408
 
Douglas County, General Obligation,
                       
Omaha Public School District 0001, Series 2015,
                 
5.0%, 12/15/28
           
1,000,000
     
1,190,150
 
Refunding, Elkhorn Public School District 0010,
                 
Series 2016B
                       
3.0%, 6/15/18
           
200,000
     
204,784
 
3.0%, 12/15/18
           
100,000
     
103,248
 
Westside Community School District 0066, Series 2015,
                 
2.5%, 12/01/22
           
250,000
     
260,052
 
Douglas County, Hospital Authority #1, Revenue, Refunding,
                 
Alegent Health - Immanuel, AMBAC Insured, 5.125%, 9/01/17
     
55,000
     
55,056
 

   
$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Douglas County, Hospital Authority #2, Revenue,
       
Boys Town Project, Series 2008, 4.75%, 9/01/28
   
500,000
     
521,015
 
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Project, Series 2014,
               
5.0%, 5/15/26
   
500,000
     
555,140
 
Refunding, Children's Hospital Obligated Group, Series 2008B
         
5.25%, 8/15/20
   
1,000,000
     
1,015,160
 
5.5%, 8/15/21
   
815,000
     
828,203
 
5.5%, 8/15/21, Pre-Refunded 8/15/17 @ 100(c)
   
615,000
     
625,283
 
Douglas County, Hospital Authority #3, Revenue, Refunding,
         
Nebraska Methodist Health System
               
Series 2008, 5.5%, 11/01/18, Escrowed to Maturity(b)
   
215,000
     
225,621
 
Series 2015
               
4.0%, 11/01/18
   
250,000
     
259,712
 
4.0%, 11/01/19
   
110,000
     
115,657
 
5.0%, 11/01/20
   
100,000
     
110,001
 
5.0%, 11/01/21
   
100,000
     
111,883
 
5.0%, 11/01/22
   
250,000
     
283,150
 
Fremont, Combined Utility Revenue, Series 2014B,
               
3.0%, 7/15/21
   
370,000
     
389,133
 
Hamilton County, General Obligation, Hampton Public School
         
District 0091, Series 2016, 1.0%, 12/15/19
   
300,000
     
294,681
 
Hastings, Combined Utility Revenue, Refunding, Series 2012,
         
2.0%, 10/15/17
   
430,000
     
432,644
 
Lancaster County, General Obligation, Norris School
               
District 0160, Series 2012, 2.75%, 12/15/28
   
500,000
     
500,115
 
Lancaster County, Hospital Authority #1, Revenue, Refunding
         
Bryan LGH Medical Center Project, Series 2008A,
               
5.0%, 6/01/17
   
500,000
     
503,170
 
Lincoln-Lancaster County, Public Building Commission,
               
Lease Revenue,
               
Refunding, Series 2015, 3.0%, 12/01/19
   
750,000
     
783,367
 
Series 2016, 3.0%, 12/01/25
   
500,000
     
526,115
 
Lincoln, Airport Authority, Revenue, 2014 Series C
               
2.0%, 7/01/17
   
185,000
     
185,572
 
2.0%, 7/01/18
   
185,000
     
187,294
 
2.0%, 7/01/19
   
190,000
     
191,915
 
2.0%, 7/01/21
   
195,000
     
195,560
 
Lincoln, Educational Facilities, Revenue, Refunding,
               
Nebraska Wesleyan University Project, Series 2012
               
2.25%, 4/01/19
   
645,000
     
654,062
 
2.5%, 4/01/21
   
925,000
     
943,713
 
Lincoln, Electric System Revenue, Refunding,
               
Series 2012
               
5.0%, 9/01/21
   
1,000,000
     
1,147,280
 
5.0%, 9/01/28
   
1,000,000
     
1,155,740
 
Series 2016, 3.0%, 9/01/28
   
500,000
     
511,205
 
Lincoln, General Obligation, Highway Allocation Fund,
               
Refunding, Series 2016
               
5.0%, 5/15/22
   
100,000
     
116,407
 
5.0%, 5/15/23
   
135,000
     
159,805
 
Lincoln, Parking Revenue, Refunding, Series 2011,
               
3.25%, 8/15/18
   
440,000
     
451,774
 
Lincoln, Sanitary Sewer Revenue, Refunding, Series 2012,
               
1.5%, 6/15/17
   
440,000
     
440,629
 
Lincoln, General Obligation, West Haymarket Joint Public Agency,
         
Series 2011, 5.0%, 12/15/26
   
300,000
     
345,486
 
Loup River Public Power District, Electric System Revenue,
               
Refunding, Series 2016
               
5.0%, 12/01/18
   
500,000
     
532,070
 
5.0%, 12/01/19
   
500,000
     
548,405
 
Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, Power Supply
               
System Revenue, Refunding
               
2009 Series A, BHAC Insured,
               
5.0%, 4/01/20, Pre-Refunded 4/01/19 @ 100
   
500,000
     
538,360
 
2012 Series A, 5.0%, 4/01/18
   
100,000
     
103,855
 
2013 Series A, 4.0%, 4/01/17
   
250,000
     
250,000
 
2016 Series A
               
5.0%, 4/01/21
   
250,000
     
282,512
 
5.0%, 4/01/27
   
350,000
     
413,455
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
44 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


WEITZINVESTMENTS.COM

$ Principal
     
   
Amount
   
$ Value
 
Nebraska, Certificates of Participation,
       
Series 2015C
       
1.15%, 9/15/18
   
460,000
     
459,669
 
1.45%, 9/15/19
   
360,000
     
360,410
 
1.7%, 9/15/20
   
200,000
     
200,454
 
Series 2016A, 2.0%, 2/15/19
   
750,000
     
760,867
 
Series 2017A, 1.0%, 3/15/18
   
350,000
     
349,744
 
Nebraska Cooperative Republican Platte Enhancement
               
Project, River Flow Enhancement Revenue, Refunding,
               
Series 2015, 3.0%, 12/15/17
   
440,000
     
446,195
 
Nebraska Investment Financial Authority, Revenue, Drinking
               
Water State Revolving Fund, Series 2010A, 4.0%, 7/01/25,
               
Pre-Refunded 7/01/17 @ 100
   
750,000
     
755,617
 
Nebraska Investment Financial Authority,
               
Homeownership Revenue, 2011 Series A, 2.4%, 9/01/17
   
285,000
     
285,735
 
Single Family Housing Revenue, 2016 Series C,
               
1.85%, 3/01/23
   
100,000
     
98,782
 
Nebraska Public Power District, Revenue
               
2007 Series B, 5.0%
               
1/01/20
   
300,000
     
302,997
 
1/01/20, Pre-Refunded 7/01/17 @ 100
   
95,000
     
95,949
 
1/01/21
   
1,340,000
     
1,353,387
 
1/01/21, Pre-Refunded 7/01/17 @ 100
   
410,000
     
414,096
 
2008 Series B, 5.0%, 1/01/19, Pre-Refunded
               
1/01/18 @ 100
   
250,000
     
257,660
 
2012 Series A
               
4.0%, 1/01/21
   
500,000
     
545,655
 
5.0%, 1/01/21
   
500,000
     
563,775
 
2012 Series B, 3.0%, 1/01/24
   
1,000,000
     
1,037,410
 
2012 Series C, 5.0%
               
1/01/19, Pre-Refunded 1/01/18 @ 100
   
500,000
     
515,320
 
1/01/25, Pre-Refunded 1/01/18 @ 100
   
750,000
     
772,980
 
2015 Series A-2, 5.0%, 1/01/24
   
250,000
     
283,500
 
2016 Series C, 4.0%, 1/01/19
   
880,000
     
923,982
 
Nebraska State Colleges, Facilities Corp., Deferred
               
Maintenance Revenue, Refunding, Series 2016,
               
4.0%, 7/15/28
   
750,000
     
820,493
 
Nebraska State Colleges, Student Fees and Facilities Revenue,
               
Refunding, Wayne State College Project, Series 2016B,
               
1.0%, 7/01/18
   
145,000
     
144,107
 
Wayne State College Project, Series 2016,
               
2.0%, 7/01/17
   
115,000
     
115,286
 
3.0%, 7/01/18
   
200,000
     
204,462
 
3.0%, 7/01/19
   
120,000
     
123,973
 
North Platte, Sewer System Revenue, Refunding, Series 2015,
               
3.0%, 6/15/24
   
250,000
     
254,483
 
Omaha-Douglas County, General Obligation, Public Building
               
Commission, Series 2014, 5.0%, 5/01/26
   
725,000
     
834,598
 
Omaha, General Obligation,
               
Refunding, Series 2008
               
5.0%, 6/01/20
   
255,000
     
266,674
 
5.0%, 6/01/20, Pre-Refunded 6/01/18 @ 100
   
95,000
     
99,354
 
5.25%, 10/15/19, Pre-Refunded 10/15/18 @ 100
   
250,000
     
266,068
 
Various Purpose and Refunding, Series 2016A
               
4.0%, 4/15/22
   
815,000
     
903,713
 
4.0%, 4/15/23
   
185,000
     
206,469
 
Omaha, Public Facilities Corp., Lease Revenue
               
Omaha Baseball Stadium Project
               
Refunding, Series 2016A, 4.0%. 6/01/28
   
1,335,000
     
1,464,682
 
Series 2009
               
4.125%, 6/01/25, Pre-Refunded 6/01/19 @ 100
   
250,000
     
266,008
 
5.0%, 6/01/23, Pre-Refunded 6/01/19 @ 100
   
770,000
     
833,610
 
Series 2010, 4.125%, 6/01/29
   
650,000
     
687,518
 
Omaha Public Power District
               
Electric System Revenue
               
2012 Series A, 5.0%, 2/01/24,
               
Pre-Refunded 2/01/22 @ 100
   
2,000,000
     
2,313,320
 
2015 Series B, 5.0%, 2/01/18
   
1,500,000
     
1,551,000
 
Separate Electric System Revenue
               
2015 Series A, 5.0%, 2/01/19
   
500,000
     
533,760
 
Omaha, Sanitary Sewerage System Revenue,
               
Refunding, Series 2016, 5.0%, 4/01/26
   
250,000
     
302,950
 
Series 2014
               
5.0%, 11/15/17
   
500,000
     
512,460
 
5.0%, 11/15/22
   
200,000
     
234,242
 

   
$ Principal
     
% of Net
Amount
     
Assets
or Shares
   
$ Value
 
Papillion-La Vista, General Obligation, Sarpy County
       
School District #27,
       
Refunding, Series 2017A
       
2.05%, 12/01/24
   
150,000
     
149,276
 
2.2%, 12/01/25
   
150,000
     
149,285
 
2.3%, 12/01/26
   
275,000
     
272,569
 
Series 2009, 5.0%, 12/01/28
   
500,000
     
532,335
 
Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District, General
               
Obligation, Flood Protection and Water Quality Enhancement
         
Series 2013
               
3.0%, 12/15/17
   
385,000
     
390,663
 
3.0%, 12/15/18
   
500,000
     
506,285
 
Series 2013B, 5.0%, 12/15/19
   
400,000
     
420,468
 
Series 2015
               
2.0%, 12/15/20
   
100,000
     
101,396
 
2.25%, 12/15/21
   
100,000
     
101,608
 
4.0%, 12/15/24
   
100,000
     
107,120
 
4.0%, 12/15/25
   
100,000
     
106,991
 
Perennial Public Power District, Electric System Revenue,
               
Refunding, Series 2016A, 0.95%, 1/01/18
   
125,000
     
124,761
 
Public Power Generation Agency, Revenue, Whelan Energy
               
Center Unit 2, 2015 Series A, 5.0%, 1/01/18
   
250,000
     
257,190
 
Sarpy County, Certificates of Participation,
               
Series 2016, 1.75%, 6/15/26
   
500,000
     
453,085
 
Sarpy County, Recovery Zone Facility Certificates of
               
Participation, Series 2010
               
2.35%, 12/15/18
   
155,000
     
158,164
 
2.6%, 12/15/19
   
135,000
     
138,833
 
University of Nebraska, Facilities Corp.,
               
Lease Rental Revenue, NCTA Education Center/Student
               
Housing Project, Series 2011, 3.75% 6/15/19
   
285,000
     
300,946
 
Revenue, Refunding, Health Center and College of
               
Nursing Projects, Series 2016, 5.0%, 7/15/29
   
380,000
     
450,604
 
Revenue, UNMC Global Center Project, Series 2017,
               
5.0%, 12/15/18
   
1,000,000
     
1,065,800
 
University of Nebraska, University Revenue,
               
Lincoln Student Fees and Facilities, Series 2015A
               
2.0%, 7/01/18
   
400,000
     
404,960
 
2.0%, 7/01/19
   
600,000
     
610,302
 
Omaha Health & Recreation Project
               
4.05%, 5/15/19, Pre-Refunded 5/15/18 @ 100
   
390,000
     
403,373
 
5.0%, 5/15/33, Pre-Refunded 5/15/18 @ 100
   
700,000
     
731,332
 
Omaha Student Facilities Project, Series 2007
               
5.0%, 5/15/27, Pre-Refunded 5/15/17 @ 100
   
800,000
     
803,720
 
             
56,052,504
 
Texas
0.7              
Austin, Airport System Revenue, Series 2017B, AMT,
               
5.0%, 11/15/26
   
250,000
     
294,903
 
Harris County, Tax and Subordinate Lien Revenue,
               
Refunding, Series 2009C, 5.0%, 8/15/23
   
110,000
     
119,838
 
             
414,741
 
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $58,430,979)
           
58,722,012
 
                 
Cash Equivalents – 6.8%
               
                 
Wells Fargo Advantage Government Money Market
               
Fund - Select Class 0.63%(a)
   
4,284,346
     
4,284,346
 
Total Cash Equivalents (Cost $4,284,346)
           
4,284,346
 
Total Investments in Securities (Cost $62,715,325)
           
63,006,358
 
Other Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.1%)
           
(33,541
)
Net Assets - 100%
           
62,972,817
 
Net Asset Value Per Share
           
9.90
 

(a)
Rate presented represents the annualized 7-day yield at March 31, 2017.
(b)
Annual sinking fund.
(c)
Security designated to cover an unsettled bond purchase.
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
45 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
March 31, 2017

                               
Short
       
Nebraska
 
(In U.S. dollars,
     
Partners
   
Partners III
               
Core Plus
   
Duration
   
Ultra Short
   
Tax-Free
 
except share data)
 
Value
   
Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Assets:
                                       
Investments in securities at value:
                                       
Unaffiliated issuers(a)
   
831,221,697
     
734,160,081
     
676,328,662
     
31,048,967
     
273,012,683
     
118,137,956
     
34,232,732
     
1,205,919,413
     
97,962,529
     
63,006,358
 
Controlled affiliates(a)
   
     
     
10,407,950
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
831,221,697
     
734,160,081
     
686,736,612
     
31,048,967
     
273,012,683
     
118,137,956
     
34,232,732
     
1,205,919,413
     
97,962,529
     
63,006,358
 
Accrued interest and dividends receivable
   
346,093
     
234,653
     
103,202
     
4,032
     
33,176
     
175,614
     
174,497
     
6,244,086
     
90,894
     
590,550
 
Due from broker
   
     
     
230,162,412
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Receivable for securities sold
   
     
5,156,940
     
240,982
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Receivable for fund shares sold
   
35,611
     
133,653
     
525,018
     
     
67,266
     
144,697
     
     
780,110
     
     
 
Total assets
   
831,603,401
     
739,685,327
     
917,768,226
     
31,052,999
     
273,113,125
     
118,458,267
     
34,407,229
     
1,212,943,609
     
98,053,423
     
63,596,908
 
Liabilities:
                                                                               
Dividends payable on securities  sold short
   
     
     
653,634
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Due to adviser
   
917,695
     
786,679
     
748,037
     
23,581
     
318,358
     
118,514
     
9,220
     
504,161
     
17,188
     
49,091
 
Options written, at value(b)
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
185,000
     
     
 
Payable for securities purchased
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
3,947,188
     
13,069,133
     
     
575,000
 
Payable for fund shares redeemed
   
394,158
     
174,988
     
1,336,304
     
     
295,593
     
150,863
     
75,000
     
1,095,894
     
525
     
 
Securities sold short(c)
   
     
     
225,304,000
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Other
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
6,615
     
 
Total liabilities
   
1,311,853
     
961,667
     
228,041,975
     
23,581
     
613,951
     
269,377
     
4,031,408
     
14,854,188
     
24,328
     
624,091
 
Net assets
   
830,291,548
     
738,723,660
     
689,726,251
     
31,029,418
     
272,499,174
     
118,188,890
     
30,375,821
     
1,198,089,421
     
98,029,095
     
62,972,817
 
Composition of net assets:
                                                                               
Paid-in capital
   
542,058,023
     
512,218,047
     
443,550,160
     
28,554,910
     
176,215,730
     
101,686,276
     
30,173,302
     
1,185,117,185
     
98,065,062
     
62,718,696
 
Accumulated undistributed net investment income (loss)
   
(1,208,394
)
   
(907,781
)
   
(2,542,368
)
   
     
     
     
1,644
     
     
     
2,348
 
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)
   
32,507,539
     
(4,519,879
)
   
21,700,338
     
100,429
     
693,960
     
1,275,477
     
90,653
     
(4,580,671
)
   
(169
)
   
(39,260
)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
   
256,934,380
     
231,933,273
     
227,018,121
     
2,374,079
     
95,589,484
     
15,227,137
     
110,222
     
17,552,907
     
(35,798
)
   
291,033
 
Net assets
   
830,291,548
     
738,723,660
     
689,726,251
     
31,029,418
     
272,499,174
     
118,188,890
     
30,375,821
     
1,198,089,421
     
98,029,095
     
62,972,817
 
Net assets(d):
                                                                               
Investor Class
   
638,992,783
     
429,226,244
     
28,560,878
     
31,029,418
     
272,499,174
     
118,188,890
     
6,522,137
     
94,817,242
             
62,972,817
 
Institutional Class
   
191,298,765
     
309,497,416
     
661,165,373
                             
23,853,684
     
1,103,272,179
     
98,029,095
         
Shares outstanding(d) (e):
                                                                               
Investor Class
   
15,142,094
     
13,970,911
     
1,937,270
     
2,864,794
     
5,130,422
     
8,673,146
     
637,585
     
7,726,850
           
6,361,995
 
Institutional Class
   
4,507,307
     
10,014,067
     
43,875,505
                             
2,331,675
     
89,757,004
     
9,806,386
         
Net asset value, offering and redemption price(d):
                                                                               
Investor Class
   
42.20
     
30.72
     
14.74
     
10.83
     
53.11
     
13.63
     
10.23
     
12.27
             
9.90
 
Institutional Class
   
42.44
     
30.91
     
15.07
                             
10.23
     
12.29
     
10.00
         
                                                                                 
(a) Cost of investments in securities:
                                                                               
Unaffiliated issuers
   
574,287,317
     
502,226,808
     
425,630,798
     
28,674,888
     
177,423,199
     
102,910,819
     
34,122,510
     
1,188,296,503
     
97,998,327
     
62,715,325
 
Controlled affiliates
   
     
     
2,899,379
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
574,287,317
     
502,226,808
     
428,530,177
     
28,674,888
     
177,423,199
     
102,910,819
     
34,122,510
     
1,188,296,503
     
97,998,327
     
62,715,325
 
(b) Premiums from options written
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
114,997
     
     
 
(c) Proceeds from short sales
   
     
     
194,115,686
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
(d) Funds with a single share class are shown with the Investor Class. except for the Ultra Short Government Fund which has been designated Institutional Class
(e) Indefinite number of no par value shares authorized
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
46 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ended March 31, 2017

                               
Short
       
Nebraska
 
       
Partners
   
Partners III
               
Core Plus
   
Duration
   
Ultra Short
   
Tax-Free
 
(In U.S. dollars)
 
Value
   
Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Investment income:
                                       
Dividends:
                                       
Unaffiliated issuers(a)
   
6,345,390
     
6,530,431
     
5,743,045
     
124,848
     
2,058,440
     
632,011
     
11,736
     
911,033
   
   
 
Interest
   
613,776
     
535,470
     
198,026
     
19,689
     
243,663
     
749,265
     
666,492
     
31,394,345
     
411,903
     
1,564,899
 
Total investment income
   
6,959,166
     
7,065,901
     
5,941,071
     
144,537
     
2,302,103
     
1,381,276
     
678,228
     
32,305,378
     
411,903
     
1,564,899
 
Expenses:
                                                                               
Investment advisory fees
   
7,810,424
     
6,999,938
     
6,851,650
     
283,392
     
2,858,764
     
917,008
     
89,069
     
4,871,553
     
384,534
     
255,994
 
Administrative fees and expenses
   
656,454
     
611,266
     
516,998
     
78,492
     
463,565
     
230,502
     
94,393
     
875,297
     
180,658
     
171,767
 
Shareholder servicing fees:
                                                                               
Investor Class
   
1,335,275
     
1,094,251
     
86,172
     
     
     
     
10,000
     
256,988
     
     
 
Institutional Class
   
36,996
     
87,950
     
298,432
     
     
     
     
13,696
     
1,184,060
     
2,973
     
 
Custodian fees
   
17,563
     
16,252
     
14,606
     
3,037
     
7,487
     
5,172
     
2,397
     
20,767
     
3,463
     
2,531
 
Dividends on securities sold short
   
     
     
3,764,692
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Interest
   
     
     
550,705
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Professional fees
   
96,160
     
87,047
     
81,159
     
22,008
     
42,798
     
28,928
     
20,298
     
123,723
     
27,983
     
25,023
 
Registration fees
   
50,943
     
48,009
     
51,462
     
20,267
     
25,111
     
21,878
     
27,837
     
70,291
     
23,785
     
7,436
 
Sub-transfer agent fees
   
224,461
     
141,324
     
107,305
     
25,361
     
96,371
     
36,767
     
42,303
     
131,294
     
34,975
     
25,585
 
Trustees fees
   
86,557
     
77,509
     
67,630
     
2,715
     
28,410
     
11,215
     
2,147
     
119,999
     
10,121
     
6,334
 
Other
   
155,899
     
116,359
     
80,330
     
7,578
     
45,569
     
17,878
     
8,078
     
204,313
     
19,540
     
10,743
 
     
10,470,732
     
9,279,905
     
12,471,141
     
442,850
     
3,568,075
     
1,269,348
     
310,218
     
7,858,285
     
688,032
     
505,413
 
Less expenses waived/reimbursed by investment adviser
   
(318,811
)
   
(392,123
)
   
     
(187,797
)
   
     
     
(171,061
)
   
(582,640
)
   
(538,275
)
   
 
Net expenses
   
10,151,921
     
8,887,782
     
12,471,141
     
255,053
     
3,568,075
     
1,269,348
     
139,157
     
7,275,645
     
149,757
     
505,413
 
Net investment income (loss)
   
(3,192,755
)
   
(1,821,881
)
   
(6,530,070
)
   
(110,516
)
   
(1,265,972
)
   
111,928
     
539,071
     
25,029,733
     
262,146
     
1,059,486
 
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments:
                                                                               
Net realized gain (loss):
                                                                               
Unaffiliated issuers
   
32,591,851
     
(2,079,364
)
   
26,269,999
     
613,608
     
2,344,197
     
3,837,636
     
394,851
     
(996,408
)
   
(153
)
   
8,962
 
Options written
   
     
     
217,495
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Securities sold short
   
     
     
(4,595,322
)
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net realized gain (loss)
   
32,591,851
     
(2,079,364
)
   
21,892,172
     
613,608
     
2,344,197
     
3,837,636
     
394,851
     
(996,408
)
   
(153
)
   
8,962
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
                                                                               
Unaffiliated issuers
   
50,374,828
     
84,694,558
     
75,299,811
     
2,418,599
     
29,836,129
     
3,050,576
     
10,103
     
4,464,201
     
(35,798
)
   
(1,403,882
)
Controlled affiliates
   
     
     
2,462,950
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Options written
   
     
     
(123,115
)
   
     
     
     
     
(70,003
)
   
     
 
Securities sold short
   
     
     
(30,920,909
)
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   
50,374,828
     
84,694,558
     
46,718,737
     
2,418,599
     
29,836,129
     
3,050,576
     
10,103
     
4,394,198
     
(35,798
)
   
(1,403,882
)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
82,966,679
     
82,615,194
     
68,610,909
     
3,032,207
     
32,180,326
     
6,888,212
     
404,954
     
3,397,790
     
(35,951
)
   
(1,394,920
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
79,773,924
     
80,793,313
     
62,080,839
     
2,921,691
     
30,914,354
     
7,000,140
     
944,025
     
28,427,523
     
226,195
     
(335,434
)
                                                                                 
(a) Foreign taxes withheld
   
     
     
2,025
     
4,035
     
2,363
     
8,897
     
     
     
     
 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
47 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

       
Value
   
Partners Value
   
Partners III Opportunity
   
Research
 
                                 
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
 
(In U.S. dollars)
 
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
Increase (decrease) in net assets:
                             
From operations:
                               
Net investment income (loss)
   
(3,192,755
)
   
(5,668,768
)
   
(1,821,881
)
   
(3,630,661
)
   
(6,530,070
)
   
(11,360,249
)
   
(110,516
)
   
(91,351
)
Net realized gain (loss)
   
32,591,851
     
45,923,282
     
(2,079,364
)
   
65,111,036
     
21,892,172
     
38,357,747
     
613,608
     
572,511
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   
50,374,828
     
(127,672,982
)
   
84,694,558
     
(175,242,703
)
   
46,718,737
     
(125,288,197
)
   
2,418,599
     
(2,749,979
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
   
79,773,924
     
(87,418,468
)
   
80,793,313
     
(113,762,328
)
   
62,080,839
     
(98,290,699
)
   
2,921,691
     
(2,268,819
)
Distributions to shareholders from:
                                                               
Net investment income(a):
                                                               
Investor Class
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Institutional Class
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
Net realized gains(a):
                                                               
Investor Class
   
     
(96,114,658
)
   
     
(76,768,038
)
   
(450,948
)
   
(6,965,155
)
   
     
(3,079,814
)
Institutional Class
   
     
(22,272,270
)
   
     
(36,641,643
)
   
(9,034,420
)
   
(100,503,708
)
   
         
Return of capital(a):
                                                               
Investor Class
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
Institutional Class
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
Total distributions
   
     
(118,386,928
)
   
     
(113,409,681
)
   
(9,485,368
)
   
(107,468,863
)
   
     
(3,079,814
)
Fund share transactions(a):
                                                               
Investor Class
   
(160,901,195
)
   
(35,765,020
)
   
(150,687,609
)
   
(101,270,168
)
   
(8,964,256
)
   
(19,153,273
)
   
4,814,605
     
3,034,598
 
Institutional Class
   
(18,977,598
)
   
31,067,130
     
(20,025,386
)
   
49,259,471
     
(66,385,487
)
   
(145,917,548
)
               
Net increase (decrease) from fund share transactions
   
(179,878,793
)
   
(4,697,890
)
   
(170,712,995
)
   
(52,010,697
)
   
(75,349,743
)
   
(165,070,821
)
   
4,814,605
     
3,034,598
 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
   
(100,104,869
)
   
(210,503,286
)
   
(89,919,682
)
   
(279,182,706
)
   
(22,754,272
)
   
(370,830,383
)
   
7,736,296
     
(2,314,035
)
Net assets:
                                                               
Beginning of period
   
930,396,417
     
1,140,899,703
     
828,643,342
     
1,107,826,048
     
712,480,523
     
1,083,310,906
     
23,293,122
     
25,607,157
 
End of period
   
830,291,548
     
930,396,417
     
738,723,660
     
828,643,342
     
689,726,251
     
712,480,523
     
31,029,418
     
23,293,122
 
Undistributed net investment income (loss)
   
(1,208,394
)
   
(874,185
)
   
(907,781
)
   
(498,954
)
   
(2,542,368
)
   
(1,151,588
)
   
     
 

(a) Funds with a single share class are shown with the Investor Class, except for the Ultra Short Government Fund which has been designated Institutional Class
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
48 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



                           
Short Duration
       
Ultra Short
       
Nebraska
 
       
Hickory
       
Balanced
   
Core Plus Income
       
Income
       
Government
   
Tax-Free Income
 
                                                 
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
   
Year ended March 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
                                                 
                                                 
     
(1,265,972
)
   
(1,821,440
)
   
111,928
     
132,760
     
539,071
     
448,471
     
25,029,733
     
26,437,556
     
262,146
     
34,044
     
1,059,486
     
1,218,149
 
     
2,344,197
     
14,571,440
     
3,837,636
     
2,532,944
     
394,851
     
13,160
     
(996,408
)
   
2,192,903
     
(153
)
   
2,803
     
8,962
     
(47,460
)
                                                                                                 
     
29,836,129
     
(54,136,676
)
   
3,050,576
     
(3,651,050
)
   
10,103
     
(75,908
)
   
4,394,198
     
(18,344,976
)
   
(35,798
)
   
     
(1,403,882
)
   
(413,154
)
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
     
30,914,354
     
(41,386,676
)
   
7,000,140
     
(985,346
)
   
944,025
     
385,723
     
28,427,523
     
10,285,483
     
226,195
     
36,847
     
(335,434
)
   
757,535
 
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
     
     
     
(292,979
)
   
     
(129,058
)
   
(100,913
)
   
(1,676,679
)
   
(1,922,796
)
                   
(1,059,081
)
   
(1,254,130
)
                                     
(411,467
)
   
(350,624
)
   
(23,730,853
)
   
(25,323,122
)
   
(262,146
)
   
(34,044
)
               
                                                                                                 
     
     
(48,187,197
)
   
(3,344,298
)
   
(5,916,094
)
   
(75,492
)
   
(7,599
)
   
(254,793
)
   
(359,372
)
                   
     
 
                                     
(211,290
)
   
(24,826
)
   
(3,237,153
)
   
(4,183,664
)
   
     
(1,937
)
               
                                                                                                 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
(14,356
)
   
                     
     
 
     
 
                             
     
     
(203,189
)
   
     
     
     
 
     
 
 
                                                                                                 
     
     
(48,187,197
)
   
(3,637,277
)
   
(5,916,094
)
   
(827,307
)
   
(483,962
)
   
(29,117,023
)
   
(31,788,954
)
   
(262,146
)
   
(35,981
)
   
(1,059,081
)
   
(1,254,130
)
                                                                                                 
     
(56,584,907
)
   
(57,423,156
)
   
3,338,417
     
(7,188,984
)
   
1,699,413
     
881,537
     
(6,057,739
)
   
(11,077,521
)
                   
233,593
     
(5,371,199
)
                                     
8,642,485
     
3,379,933
     
(51,164,900
)
   
(116,650,272
)
   
(8,623,636
)
   
(1,765,423
)
               
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                 
     
(56,584,907
)
   
(57,423,156
)
   
3,338,417
     
(7,188,984
)
   
10,341,898
     
4,261,470
     
(57,222,639
)
   
(127,727,793
)
   
(8,623,636
)
   
(1,765,423
)
   
233,593
     
(5,371,199
)
                                                                                                 
     
(25,670,553
)
   
(146,997,029
)
   
6,701,280
     
(14,090,424
)
   
10,458,616
     
4,163,231
     
(57,912,139
)
   
(149,231,264
)
   
(8,659,587
)
   
(1,764,557
)
   
(1,160,922
)
   
(5,867,794
)
     
298,169,727
     
445,166,756
     
111,487,610
     
125,578,034
     
19,917,205
     
15,753,974
     
1,256,001,560
     
1,405,232,824
     
106,688,682
     
108,453,239
     
64,133,739
     
70,001,533
 
                                                                                                 
     
272,499,174
     
298,169,727
     
118,188,890
     
111,487,610
     
30,375,821
     
19,917,205
     
1,198,089,421
     
1,256,001,560
     
98,029,095
     
106,688,682
     
62,972,817
     
64,133,739
 
                                                                                                 
     
     
(63,796
)
   
     
141,277
     
1,644
     
1,265
     
     
6,108
     
     
     
2,348
     
1,943
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

49 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Partners III Opportunity
 
           
(In U.S. dollars)
Year ended March 31, 2017
       
           
Increase (decrease) in cash:
       
         
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
Net increase in net assets from operations
   
62,080,839
 
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
       
Purchases of investment securities
   
(92,758,334
)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities
   
210,492,681
 
Proceeds from securities sold short
   
25,146,353
 
Short positions covered
   
(51,649,184
)
Purchase of short-term investment securities, net
   
(1,739,855
)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, options and short sales
   
(46,718,737
)
Net realized gain on investments, options and short sales
   
(21,892,172
)
Increase in accrued interest and dividends receivable
   
(23,434
)
Increase in due from broker
   
(447,476
)
Decrease in receivable for securities sold
   
1,875,200
 
Increase in receivable for fund shares sold
   
(263,639
)
Decrease in dividends payable on securities sold short
   
(233,487
)
Decrease in due to adviser
   
(23,332
)
Increase in payable for fund shares redeemed
   
993,846
 
Decrease in other liabilities
   
(4,158
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
84,835,111
 
         
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Proceeds from sales of fund shares
   
34,238,191
 
Payments for redemptions of fund shares
   
(118,600,775
)
Cash distributions to shareholders
   
(472,527
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(84,835,111
)
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash
   
 
Cash:
       
Balance, beginning of period
   
 
         
Balance, end of period
   
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
       
Cash payments for interest
   
554,863
 
         
Noncash financing activities:
       
Reinvestment of shareholder distributions
   
9,012,841
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
50 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


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51 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial information provides selected data, in U.S. dollars, for a share outstanding throughout the periods indicated.

       
Income (loss) from Investment Operations
   
Distributions
 
           
Net gain (loss)
       
Dividends
         
           
on securities
   
Total from
   
from net
   
Distributions
     
Years ended March 31,
 
Net asset value,
   
Net investment
   
(realized
   
investment
   
investment
   
from
   
Total
 
unless otherwise noted
 
beginning of period
   
income (loss)
   
and unrealized)
   
operations
   
income
  realized gains    
distributions
 
Value - Investor Class
                           
2017
   
38.43
     
(0.16
)(a)
   
3.93
     
3.77
   
   
   
 
2016
   
46.93
     
(0.25
)(a)
   
(3.27
)
   
(3.52
)
 
     
(4.98
)
   
(4.98
)
2015
   
46.20
     
(0.24
)(a)
   
4.76
     
4.52
   
     
(3.79
)
   
(3.79
)
2014
   
38.61
     
(0.17
)
   
7.76
     
7.59
   
     
     
 
2013
   
32.98
     
(0.02
)
   
5.68
     
5.66
     
(0.03
)
   
     
(0.03
)
                                                         
Value - Institutional Class
                                                   
2017
   
38.56
     
(0.08
)(a)
   
3.96
     
3.88
     
     
     
 
2016
   
46.99
     
(0.17
)(a)
   
(3.28
)
   
(3.45
)
   
     
(4.98
)
   
(4.98
)
Eight months ended 3/31/2015(b)
   
44.80
     
(0.26
)(a)
   
4.50
     
4.24
     
     
(2.05
)
   
(2.05
)
                                                         
Partners Value - Investor Class
                                                   
2017
   
27.66
     
(0.09
)(a)
   
3.15
     
3.06
     
     
     
 
2016
   
35.05
     
(0.14
)(a)
   
(3.47
)
   
(3.61
)
   
     
(3.78
)
   
(3.78
)
2015
   
33.20
     
(0.14
)(a)
   
3.09
     
2.95
     
     
(1.10
)
   
(1.10
)
2014
   
27.75
     
(0.14
)
   
5.59
     
5.45
     
     
     
 
2013
   
23.25
     
(0.06
)
   
4.56
     
4.50
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Partners Value - Institutional Class
                                                   
2017
   
27.75
     
(0.02
)(a)
   
3.18
     
3.16
     
     
     
 
2016
   
35.09
     
(0.08
)(a)
   
(3.48
)
   
(3.56
)
   
     
(3.78
)
   
(3.78
)
Eight months ended 3/31/2015(b)
   
33.22
     
(0.11
)(a)
   
2.91
     
2.80
     
     
(0.93
)
   
(0.93
)
                                                         
Partners III Opportunity - Investor Class
                                                 
2017
   
13.73
     
(0.20
)(a)
   
1.40
     
1.20
     
     
(0.19
)
   
(0.19
)
2016
   
17.12
     
(0.25
)(a)
   
(1.30
)
   
(1.55
)
   
     
(1.84
)
   
(1.84
)
2015
   
16.43
     
(0.22
)(a)
   
1.41
     
1.19
     
     
(0.50
)
   
(0.50
)
2014
   
14.26
     
(0.17
)(a)
   
2.71
     
2.54
     
     
(0.37
)
   
(0.37
)
2013
   
12.90
     
(0.12
)(a)
   
2.40
     
2.28
     
     
(0.92
)
   
(0.92
)
                                                         
Partners III Opportunity - Institutional Class
                                                 
2017
   
13.96
     
(0.13
)(a)
   
1.43
     
1.30
     
     
(0.19
)
   
(0.19
)
2016
   
17.31
     
(0.19
)(a)
   
(1.32
)
   
(1.51
)
   
     
(1.84
)
   
(1.84
)
2015
   
16.55
     
(0.17
)(a)
   
1.43
     
1.26
     
     
(0.50
)
   
(0.50
)
2014
   
14.33
     
(0.12
)(a)
   
2.71
     
2.59
     
     
(0.37
)
   
(0.37
)
2013
   
12.93
     
(0.08
)(a)
   
2.40
     
2.32
     
     
(0.92
)
   
(0.92
)
                                                         
Research
                                                       
2017
   
9.79
     
(0.04
)
   
1.08
     
1.04
     
     
     
 
2016
   
12.21
     
(0.04
)
   
(0.95
)
   
(0.99
)
   
     
(1.43
)
   
(1.43
)
2015
   
12.76
     
(0.02
)
   
1.46
     
1.44
     
     
(1.99
)
   
(1.99
)
2014
   
10.83
     
(0.03
)
   
2.35
     
2.32
     
   
(0.39
)
   
(0.39
)
2013
   
11.07
     
0.01
     
0.65
     
0.66
     
(0.01
)
   
(0.89
)
   
(0.90
)

*
Annualized
Not Annualized
#
Amount less than $0.01
(a)
Based on average daily shares outstanding
(b)
Initial offering of shares on July 31, 2014
(c)
Included in the expense ratio is 0.08%, 0.27%, 0.24%, 0.11% and 0.14% related to interest expense and 0.54, 0.50%, 0.29%, 0.16% and 0.28% related to dividend expense on securities sold short for the periods ended March 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(d)
Included in the expense ratio is 0.08%, 0.27%, 0.24%, 0.12% and 0.14% related to interest expense and 0.55, 0.51%, 0.29%, 0.15% and 0.27% related to dividend expense on securities sold short for the periods ended March 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
52 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



               
Ratios/Supplemental Data
         
               
Ratio of expenses
         
               
to average net assets
         
                       
Ratio of net
     
                       
investment income
   
Portfolio
 
   
Net asset value,
       
Net assets, end of
   
Prior to fee
   
Net of fee
   
(loss) to average
   
turnover
 
   
end of period
   
Total Return (%)
   
period ($000)
   
waivers (%)
   
waivers (%)
   
net assets (%)
   
rate (%)
 
                             
     
42.20
     
9.81
     
638,993
     
1.24
     
1.22
     
(0.42
)
   
24
 
     
38.43
     
(8.05
)
   
738,086
     
1.23
     
1.18
     
(0.59
)
   
47
 
     
46.93
     
10.19
     
940,646
     
1.20
     
1.18
     
(0.54
)
   
36
 
     
46.20
     
19.66
     
1,167,282
     
1.18
     
1.18
     
(0.41
)
   
19
 
     
38.61
     
17.20
     
1,013,552
     
1.20
     
1.20
     
(0.07
)
   
20
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
42.44
     
10.06
     
191,299
     
1.10
     
0.99
     
(0.19
)
   
24
 
     
38.56
     
(7.88
)
   
192,310
     
1.08
     
0.99
     
(0.39
)
   
47
 
     
46.99
     
9.57
   
200,254
     
1.08
*
   
0.99
*
   
(0.87
)*
   
36
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
30.72
     
11.06
     
429,226
     
1.27
     
1.24
     
(0.33
)
   
16
 
     
27.66
     
(10.61
)
   
531,353
     
1.26
     
1.18
     
(0.45
)
   
31
 
     
35.05
     
8.99
     
789,853
     
1.22
     
1.18
     
(0.42
)
   
26
 
     
33.20
     
19.64
     
1,074,499
     
1.18
     
1.18
     
(0.46
)
   
19
 
     
27.75
     
19.35
     
844,213
     
1.19
     
1.19
     
(0.25
)
   
24
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
30.91
     
11.39
     
309,497
     
1.07
     
0.99
     
(0.08
)
   
16
 
     
27.75
     
(10.45
)
   
297,290
     
1.07
     
0.99
     
(0.25
)
   
31
 
     
35.09
     
8.51
   
317,973
     
1.05
*
   
0.99
*
   
(0.49
)*
   
26
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
14.74
     
8.94
     
28,561
     
2.29
(c) 
   
2.29
(c) 
   
(1.43
)
   
23
 
     
13.73
     
(9.56
)
   
35,461
     
2.33
(c) 
   
2.33
(c) 
   
(1.63
)
   
46
 
     
17.12
     
7.38
     
68,490
     
2.06
(c) 
   
2.01
(c) 
   
(1.33
)
   
45
 
     
16.43
     
17.94
     
78,586
     
1.84
(c) 
   
1.68
(c) 
   
(1.10
)
   
20
 
     
14.26
     
18.81
     
19,702
     
2.25
(c) 
   
1.85
(c) 
   
(0.93
)
   
32
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
15.07
     
9.52
     
661,165
     
1.80
(d) 
   
1.80
(d) 
   
(0.93
)
   
23
 
     
13.96
     
(9.20
)
   
677,019
     
1.95
(d) 
   
1.95
(d) 
   
(1.26
)
   
46
 
     
17.31
     
7.76
     
1,014,821
     
1.69
(d) 
   
1.69
(d) 
   
(1.00
)
   
45
 
     
16.55
     
18.20
     
1,163,661
     
1.43
(d) 
   
1.43
(d) 
   
(0.78
)
   
20
 
     
14.33
     
19.08
     
664,770
     
1.59
(d) 
   
1.59
(d) 
   
(0.61
)
   
32
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
10.83
     
10.62
     
31,029
     
1.56
     
0.90
     
(0.39
)
   
95
 
     
9.79
     
(8.77
)
   
23,293
     
1.62
     
0.90
     
(0.39
)
   
73
 
     
12.21
     
12.22
     
25,607
     
1.59
     
0.90
     
(0.21
)
   
76
 
     
12.76
     
21.40
     
24,258
     
1.58
     
0.90
     
(0.28
)
   
58
 
     
10.83
     
7.02
     
19,119
     
1.70
     
0.90
     
0.10
     
97
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
53 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
The following financial information provides selected data, in U.S. dollars, for a share outstanding throughout the periods indicated.

       
Income (loss) from Investment Operations
   
Distributions
 
           
Net gain (loss)
       
Dividends
         
           
on securities
   
Total from
   
from net
   
Distributions
     
Years ended March 31,
 
Net asset value,
   
Net investment
   
(realized and
   
investment
   
investment
   
from
   
Total
 
unless otherwise noted
 
beginning of period
   
income (loss)
   
unrealized)
   
operations
   
income
   
realized gains
   
distributions
 
Hickory
                           
2017
   
47.59
     
(0.25
)
   
5.77
     
5.52
   
   
   
 
2016
   
59.51
     
(0.30
)
   
(4.79
)
   
(5.09
)
 
     
(6.83
)
   
(6.83
)
2015
   
57.87
     
(0.35
)
   
5.00
     
4.65
     
     
(3.01
)
   
(3.01
)
2014
   
50.22
     
(0.34
)
   
7.99
     
7.65
     
     
     
 
2013
   
42.53
     
(0.25
)
   
7.94
     
7.69
     
     
     
 
                                                         
Balanced
                                                       
2017
   
13.24
     
0.01
     
0.80
     
0.81
     
(0.03
)
   
(0.39
)
   
(0.42
)
2016
   
14.07
     
0.02
     
(0.13
)
   
(0.11
)
   
     
(0.72
)
   
(0.72
)
2015
   
14.22
     
(0.02
)
   
0.54
     
0.52
     
     
(0.67
)
   
(0.67
)
2014
   
13.58
     
(0.03
)
   
1.34
     
1.31
     
   
(0.67
)
   
(0.67
)
2013
   
12.39
     
0.04
     
1.20
     
1.24
     
(0.05
)
   
     
(0.05
)
                                                         
Core Plus Income - Investor Class
                                                   
2017
   
10.15
     
0.23
(a) 
   
0.21
     
0.44
     
(0.23
)
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.36
)
2016
   
10.21
     
0.22
(a) 
   
(0.04
)
   
0.18
     
(0.22
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.24
)
Eight months ended 3/31/2015(b)
   
10.00
     
0.09
(a) 
   
0.20
     
0.29
     
(0.08
)
   
     
(0.08
)
                                                         
Core Plus Income - Institutional Class
                                                 
2017
   
10.15
     
0.25
(a) 
   
0.21
     
0.46
     
(0.25
)
   
(0.13
)
   
(0.38
)
2016
   
10.20
     
0.25
(a) 
   
(0.04
)
   
0.21
     
(0.24
)
   
(0.02
)
   
(0.26
)
Eight months ended 3/31/2015(b)
   
10.00
     
0.10
(a) 
   
0.20
     
0.30
     
(0.10
)
   
     
(0.10
)
                                                         
Short Duration Income - Investor Class
                                                 
2017
   
12.28
     
0.23
(a) 
   
0.04
     
0.27
     
(0.24
)(e)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.28
)
2016
   
12.48
     
0.22
(a) 
   
(0.15
)
   
0.07
     
(0.23
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.27
)
2015
   
12.49
     
0.19
(a) 
   
0.02
     
0.21
     
(0.21
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.22
)
2014
   
12.67
     
0.19
(a) 
   
(0.15
)
   
0.04
     
(0.22
)
   
     
(0.22
)
2013
   
12.47
     
0.17
(a) 
   
0.26
     
0.43
     
(0.23
)
   
   
(0.23
)
                                                         
Short Duration Income - Institutional Class
                                                 
2017
   
12.30
     
0.26
(a) 
   
0.04
     
0.30
     
(0.27
)(e)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.31
)
2016
   
12.50
     
0.25
(a) 
   
(0.15
)
   
0.10
     
(0.26
)
   
(0.04
)
   
(0.30
)
2015
   
12.51
     
0.22
(a) 
   
0.02
     
0.24
     
(0.24
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.25
)
2014
   
12.68
     
0.22
(a) 
   
(0.15
)
   
0.07
     
(0.24
)
   
     
(0.24
)
2013
   
12.48
     
0.19
(a) 
   
0.26
     
0.45
     
(0.25
)
   
   
(0.25
)
                                                         
Ultra Short Government(c)
                                                   
2017
   
10.00
     
0.03
     
   
0.03
     
(0.03
)
   
     
(0.03
)
2016
   
10.00
     
   
   
   
   
   
2015
   
10.00
     
   
   
   
   
#    
2014
   
10.00
     
   
   
   
   
#    
2013
   
10.00
     
   
   
   
   
#    
                                                         
Nebraska Tax-Free Income
                                                   
2017
   
10.12
     
0.17
     
(0.22
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.17
)
   
     
(0.17
)
2016
   
10.19
     
0.18
     
(0.06
)
   
0.12
     
(0.19
)
   
     
(0.19
)
2015
   
10.19
     
0.22
     
   
0.22
     
(0.22
)
   
     
(0.22
)
2014
   
10.44
     
0.23
     
(0.20
)
   
0.03
     
(0.23
)
   
(0.05
)
   
(0.28
)
2013
   
10.44
     
0.21
     
0.01
     
0.22
     
(0.21
)
   
(0.01
)
   
(0.22
)

*
Annualized
Not Annualized
#
Amount less than $0.01
(a)
Based on average daily shares outstanding
(b)
Initial offering of shares on July 31, 2014
(c)
Prior to December 16, 2016, this Fund was known as the Government Money Market Fund. All per share amounts, for all periods, have been adjusted to reflect a 1-for-10 reverse split, which was effective December 16, 2016. In addition, on December 16, 2016, the Fund changed from a constant $1.00 net asset value per share money market fund to an ultra short government fund (that is not a money market fund).
(d)
Because calculations of portfolio turnover exclude securities whose maturity or expiration date was one year or less when the Fund acquired the securities, the Fund has no portfolio turnover information to report for this period.
(e)
Includes a return of capital distribution of less than $0.01.

The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
54 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



               
Ratios/Supplemental Data
         
               
Ratio of expenses
         
               
to average net assets
         
                       
Ratio of net
     
                       
investment income
   
Portfolio
 
   
Net asset value,
       
Net assets, end of
   
Prior to fee
   
Net of fee
   
(loss) to average
   
turnover
 
   
end of period
   
Total Return (%)
   
period ($000)
   
waivers (%)
   
waivers (%)
   
net assets (%)
   
rate (%)
 
                             
     
53.11
     
11.60
     
272,499
     
1.25
     
1.25
     
(0.44
)
   
7
 
     
47.59
     
(9.04
)
   
298,170
     
1.24
     
1.24
     
(0.50
)
   
27
 
     
59.51
     
8.31
     
445,167
     
1.23
     
1.23
     
(0.54
)
   
26
 
     
57.87
     
15.23
     
517,640
     
1.22
     
1.22
     
(0.62
)
   
30
 
     
50.22
     
18.08
     
432,086
     
1.26
     
1.26
     
(0.62
)
   
32
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
13.63
     
6.32
     
118,189
     
1.11
     
1.11
     
0.10
     
26
 
     
13.24
     
(0.80
)
   
111,488
     
1.11
     
1.11
     
0.12
     
35
 
     
14.07
     
3.73
     
125,578
     
1.09
     
1.09
     
(0.12
)
   
37
 
     
14.22
     
9.86
     
126,904
     
1.10
     
1.10
     
(0.20
)
   
36
 
     
13.58
     
10.02
     
98,105
     
1.12
     
1.12
     
0.30
     
47
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
10.23
     
4.41
     
6,522
     
1.90
     
0.77
     
2.26
     
54
 
     
10.15
     
1.78
     
4,809
     
2.35
     
0.85
     
2.20
     
26
 
     
10.21
     
2.90
   
3,950
     
3.17
*
   
0.85
*
   
1.39
*
   
8
                                                         
                                                         
     
10.23
     
4.61
     
23,854
     
1.22
     
0.57
     
2.47
     
54
 
     
10.15
     
2.06
     
15,108
     
1.37
     
0.65
     
2.39
     
26
 
     
10.20
     
2.96
   
11,804
     
2.54
*
   
0.65
*
   
1.56
*
   
8
                                                         
                                                         
     
12.27
     
2.15
     
94,817
     
0.93
     
0.80
     
1.85
     
38
 
     
12.28
     
0.58
     
100,948
     
0.91
     
0.85
     
1.77
     
23
 
     
12.48
     
1.64
     
113,709
     
0.89
     
0.84
     
1.51
     
30
 
     
12.49
     
0.35
     
111,675
     
0.91
     
0.81
     
1.55
     
36
 
     
12.67
     
3.46
     
78,418
     
0.97
     
0.82
     
1.36
     
37
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
12.29
     
2.38
     
1,103,272
     
0.62
     
0.58
     
2.07
     
38
 
     
12.30
     
0.83
     
1,155,054
     
0.62
     
0.62
     
2.00
     
23
 
     
12.50
     
1.88
     
1,291,524
     
0.61
     
0.61
     
1.73
     
30
 
     
12.51
     
0.56
     
1,427,037
     
0.61
     
0.61
     
1.73
     
36
 
     
12.68
     
3.69
     
1,424,860
     
0.62
     
0.62
     
1.55
     
37
 
                                                         
                                                         
     
10.00
     
0.25
     
98,029
     
0.66
     
0.14
     
0.25
     
 
     
10.00
     
0.03
     
106,689
     
0.70
     
0.05
     
0.03
   
 
(d)
     
10.00
     
0.01
     
108,453
     
0.67
     
0.01
     
0.01
   
 
(d)
     
10.00
     
0.01
     
124,158
     
0.67
     
0.03
     
0.01
   
 
(d)
     
10.00
     
0.03
     
107,918
     
0.70
     
0.04
     
0.03
   
 
(d)
                                                         
                                                         
     
9.90
     
(0.54
)
   
62,973
     
0.79
     
0.79
     
1.66
     
29
 
     
10.12
     
1.20
     
64,134
     
0.78
     
0.78
     
1.82
     
13
 
     
10.19
     
2.14
     
70,002
     
0.75
     
0.75
     
2.14
     
12
 
     
10.19
     
0.33
     
70,268
     
0.73
     
0.73
     
2.11
     
2
 
     
10.44
     
2.02
     
103,764
     
0.70
     
0.70
     
1.97
     
14
 
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.

55 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
March 31, 2017
(1) Organization
The Weitz Funds (the "Trust") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as an open-end management investment company issuing shares in series, each series representing a distinct portfolio with its own investment objectives and policies. At March 31, 2017, the Trust had ten series in operation: Value Fund, Partners Value Fund, Partners III Opportunity Fund, Research Fund, Hickory Fund, Balanced Fund, Core Plus Income Fund, Short Duration Income Fund (formerly known as the Short-Intermediate Income Fund), Ultra Short Government Fund and Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund (individually, a "Fund", collectively, the "Funds").
Currently, the Value, Partners Value, Partners III Opportunity, Core Plus Income and Short Duration Income Funds each offer two classes of shares: Institutional Class and Investor Class shares. Each class of shares has identical rights and privileges, except with respect to certain class specific expenses such as administration and shareholder servicing fees, voting rights on matters affecting a single class of shares and exchange privileges. Income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and expenses of the Funds not directly attributable to a specific class of shares are allocated to the two classes on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Fees and expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that share class. All other Funds offer one class of shares.
The investment objective of the Value, Partners Value, Partners III Opportunity, Research and Hickory Funds (the "Weitz Equity Funds") is capital appreciation.
The investment objectives of the Balanced Fund are long-term capital appreciation and capital preservation.
The investment objectives of the Core Plus Income Fund are current income and capital preservation.
The investment objective of the Short Duration Income Fund is current income consistent with the preservation of capital.
Effective December 16, 2016, the Government Money Market Fund's name was changed to the Ultra Short Government Fund and the Fund ceased operating as a "money market fund" pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940. While the Ultra Short Government Fund's investment strategy changed, its investment objective remained the same, which is current income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity.
The investment objective of the Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund is to provide a high level of current income that is exempt from both federal and Nebraska personal income taxes.
Investment strategies and risk factors of each Fund are discussed in the Funds' Prospectus.
(2) Significant Accounting Policies
The following accounting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
(a) Valuation of Investments
Investments are carried at value determined using the following valuation methods:

Securities traded on a national or regional securities exchange are valued at the last sales price; if there were no sales on that day, securities are valued at the mean between the latest available and representative bid and ask prices; securities listed on the NASDAQ exchange are valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP"). Generally, the NOCP will be the last sales price unless the reported trade for the security is outside the range of the bid/ask price. In such cases, the NOCP will be normalized to the nearer of the bid or ask price.
   
Short sales traded on a national or regional securities exchange are valued at the last sales price; if there were no sales on that day, short sales are valued at the mean between the latest available and representative bid and ask prices.
   
Securities not listed on an exchange are valued at the mean between the latest available and representative bid and ask prices, if available.
   
The value of certain debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available may be based upon current market prices of securities that are comparable in coupon, rating and maturity or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors.
   
The value of a traded option is the last sales price at which such option is traded or, in the absence of a sale on or about the close of the exchange, the mean of the closing bid and ask prices.
   
Money market funds are valued at the quoted net asset value.
   
The value of securities for which market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable, including restricted and not readily marketable securities, is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Such valuation procedures and methods for valuing securities may include, but are not limited to: multiple of earnings, multiple of book value, discount from value of a similar freely-traded security, purchase price, private transaction in the security or related securities, the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and a combination of these and other factors.
   
Investment securities held by the Government Money Market Fund were carried at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Pursuant to Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, amortized cost, as defined, is a method of valuing securities at acquisition cost, adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount.
The Trust has established a Pricing Committee, composed of officers and employees of Weitz Investment Management, Inc., to supervise the daily valuation process. The Board of Trustees has also established a Valuation Committee, composed of the independent Trustees, to oversee the Pricing Committee and the valuation process. The Pricing Committee provides oversight of the approved procedures, evaluates the effectiveness of the pricing policies and reports to the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information, the Pricing Committee, among other things, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.
(b) Option Transactions
The Funds, except for the Ultra Short Government Fund, may purchase put or call options. When a Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid is recorded as an asset and is subsequently marked-to-market daily. Premiums paid for purchasing options that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized losses. If an option is exercised, the premium paid is subtracted from the proceeds of the sale or added to the cost of the purchase to determine whether a Fund has realized a gain or loss on the related investment transaction. When a Fund enters into a closing transaction, a Fund realizes a gain or loss depending upon whether the amount from the closing transaction is greater or less than the premium paid.
The Funds, except for the Ultra Short Government Fund, may write put or call options. When a Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability and is subsequently marked-to-market daily. Premiums received for writing options that expire unexercised are recognized on the expiration date as realized gains. If an option is exercised, the premium received is subtracted from the cost of the purchase or added to the proceeds of the sale to determine whether a Fund has realized a gain or loss on the related investment transaction. When a Fund enters into a closing transaction, a Fund realizes a gain or loss depending upon whether the amount from the closing transaction is greater or less than the premium received.
56 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


The Funds attempt to limit market risk and enhance their income by writing (selling) covered call options. The risk in writing a covered call option is that a Fund gives up the opportunity of profit if the market price of the financial instrument increases. A Fund also has the additional risk of not being able to enter into a closing transaction if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The risk in writing a put option is that a Fund is obligated to purchase the financial instrument underlying the option at prices which may be significantly different than the current market price.
(c) Securities Sold Short
The Funds, except for the Ultra Short Government Fund, may engage in selling securities short, which obligates a Fund to replace a security borrowed by purchasing the same security at the current market value. A Fund incurs a loss if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. A Fund realizes a gain if the price of the security declines between those dates.
(d) Federal Income Taxes
It is the policy of each Fund to comply with all sections of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to shareholders; therefore, no provision for income or excise taxes is required.
Net investment income and net realized gains may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the year that the income or realized gains were recorded by the Funds.
The Funds have reviewed their tax positions taken on federal income tax returns, for each of the three open tax years and as of March 31, 2017, and have determined that no provisions for income taxes are required in the Funds' financial statements.
The following permanent diffeerences between net asset components for financial reporting and tax purposes were reclassified at the end of the fiscal year (in U.S. dollars):

           
Partners
 
Partners III
                     
Core Plus
 
Short Duration
 
     
Value
   
Value
 
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
 
Paid-in capital
   
(2,858,546
)
 
(1,413,054
)
 
(5,139,290
)
 
   
   
   
   
 
Accumulated undistributed net investment income
   
2,858,546
   
1,413,054
   
5,139,290
   
110,516
   
1,329,768
   
39,774
   
1,833
   
371,691
 
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)
   
   
   
   
(110,516
)
 
(1,329,768
)
 
(39,774
)
 
(1,833
)
 
(371,691
)
The differences are primarily due to net operating losses, principal paydown adjustments and distribution re-designations. These reclassifications have no impact on the net asset value of the Funds.
(e) Securities Transactions
Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains or losses are determined by specifically identifying the security sold.
Income dividends less foreign tax withholding (if any), dividends on short positions and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest, including amortization of discount or premium, is accrued as earned.
(f) Dividend Policy
The Funds declare and distribute income dividends and capital gains distributions as may be required to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
Generally, the Core Plus Income, Short Duration Income and Nebraska Tax-Free Income Funds pay income dividends on a quarterly basis. The Ultra Short Government Fund declares dividends daily and pays dividends monthly. All dividends and distributions are reinvested automatically, unless the shareholder elects otherwise.
(g) Other
Expenses that are directly related to a Fund are charged directly to that Fund. Other operating expenses of the Trust are prorated to each Fund on the basis of relative net assets or another appropriate basis. Income, realized and unrealized gains and losses and expenses (other than class specific expenses) are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets, except that each class separately bears expenses related specifically to that class, such as transfer agent fees and registration fees.
(h) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increase and decrease in net assets from operations during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(3) Fund Share Transactions

   
Year ended March 31, 2017
 
Year ended March 31, 2016
 
     
Shares
   
$ Amount
   
Shares
   
$ Amount
 
Value - Investor Class
                         
Sales
   
291,928
   
11,556,078
   
638,000
   
26,869,406
 
Redemptions
   
(4,355,399
)
 
(172,457,273
)
 
(3,695,435
)
 
(155,173,028
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
2,217,973
   
92,538,602
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(4,063,471
)
 
(160,901,195
)
 
(839,462
)
 
(35,765,020
)
57 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



   
Year ended March 31, 2017
 
Year ended March 31, 2016
 
     
Shares
   
$ Amount
   
Shares
   
$ Amount
 
Value - Institutional Class
                         
Sales
   
511,911
   
20,334,221
   
508,269
   
21,918,589
 
Redemptions
   
(991,618
)
 
(39,311,819
)
 
(294,560
)
 
(12,195,895
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
511,237
   
21,344,436
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(479,707
)
 
(18,977,598
)
 
724,946
   
31,067,130
 
                           
                           
Partners Value - Investor Class
                         
Sales
   
517,644
   
14,678,569
   
1,216,876
   
37,229,570
 
Redemptions
   
(5,759,984
)
 
(165,366,178
)
 
(7,018,414
)
 
(211,651,681
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
2,478,836
   
73,151,943
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(5,242,340
)
 
(150,687,609
)
 
(3,322,702
)
 
(101,270,168
)
                           
                           
Partners Value - Institutional Class
                         
Sales
   
764,351
   
22,103,089
   
1,408,442
   
42,031,989
 
Redemptions
   
(1,462,950
)
 
(42,128,475
)
 
(831,059
)
 
(24,266,381
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
1,074,600
   
31,493,863
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(698,599
)
 
(20,025,386
)
 
1,651,983
   
49,259,471
 
                           
                           
Partners III Opportunity - Investor Class
                         
Sales
   
254,763
   
3,612,738
   
787,638
   
11,832,353
 
Redemptions
   
(934,863
)
 
(13,019,132
)
 
(2,660,062
)
 
(37,766,982
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
33,751
   
442,138
   
454,392
   
6,781,356
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(646,349
)
 
(8,964,256
)
 
(1,418,032
)
 
(19,153,273
)
                           
                           
Partners III Opportunity - Institutional Class
                         
Sales
   
2,163,035
   
30,625,453
   
4,944,586
   
73,695,720
 
Redemptions
   
(7,441,377
)
 
(105,581,643
)
 
(21,424,637
)
 
(315,779,946
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
642,482
   
8,570,703
   
6,359,601
   
96,166,678
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(4,635,860
)
 
(66,385,487
)
 
(10,120,450
)
 
(145,917,548
)
                           
                           
Research
                         
Sales
   
548,496
   
5,456,203
   
79,345
   
819,186
 
Redemptions
   
(61,774
)
 
(641,598
)
 
(86,008
)
 
(857,483
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
288,209
   
3,072,895
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
486,722
   
4,814,605
   
281,546
   
3,034,598
 
                           
                           
Hickory
                         
Sales
   
345,905
   
17,104,540
   
396,695
   
20,673,746
 
Redemptions
   
(1,480,422
)
 
(73,689,447
)
 
(2,521,703
)
 
(124,823,500
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
   
   
909,598
   
46,726,598
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(1,134,517
)
 
(56,584,907
)
 
(1,215,410
)
 
(57,423,156
)
                           
                           
Balanced
                         
Sales
   
519,358
   
6,983,613
   
491,175
   
6,519,277
 
Redemptions
   
(541,433
)
 
(7,240,890
)
 
(1,430,350
)
 
(19,557,267
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
273,687
   
3,595,694
   
437,254
   
5,849,006
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
251,612
   
3,338,417
   
(501,921
)
 
(7,188,984
)
                           
                           
Core Plus Income - Investor Class
                         
Sales
   
215,852
   
2,237,465
   
103,418
   
1,049,187
 
Redemptions
   
(71,653
)
 
(740,518
)
 
(27,627
)
 
(276,162
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
19,715
   
202,466
   
10,824
   
108,512
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
163,914
   
1,699,413
   
86,615
   
881,537
 
                           
                           
Core Plus Income - Institutional Class
                         
Sales
   
942,669
   
9,672,988
   
381,505
   
3,887,905
 
Redemptions
   
(159,680
)
 
(1,653,260
)
 
(87,637
)
 
(883,422
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
60,581
   
622,757
   
37,456
   
375,450
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
843,570
   
8,642,485
   
331,324
   
3,379,933
 
58 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



   
Year ended March 31, 2017
 
Year ended March 31, 2016
 
     
Shares
   
$ Amount
   
Shares
   
$ Amount
 
Short Duration Income - Investor Class
                         
Sales
   
2,822,978
   
34,888,898
   
2,127,886
   
26,223,023
 
Redemptions
   
(3,471,878
)
 
(42,885,336
)
 
(3,208,886
)
 
(39,575,247
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
157,370
   
1,938,699
   
185,365
   
2,274,703
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(491,530
)
 
(6,057,739
)
 
(895,635
)
 
(11,077,521
)
                           
                           
Short Duration Income - Institutional Class
                         
Sales
   
17,806,912
   
220,538,916
   
18,650,517
   
230,471,447
 
Redemptions
   
(24,062,586
)
 
(298,094,938
)
 
(30,419,689
)
 
(375,584,635
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
2,138,070
   
26,391,122
   
2,315,263
   
28,462,916
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(4,117,604
)
 
(51,164,900
)
 
(9,453,909
)
 
(116,650,272
)
                           
                           
Ultra Short Government
                         
Sales
   
34,767,394
   
43,614,815
   
61,508,489
   
61,508,489
 
Redemptions
   
(36,558,503
)
 
(52,456,235
)
 
(63,306,051
)
 
(63,306,051
)
1-for-10 reverse split
   
(95,199,960
)
 
   
   
 
Reinvestment of distributions
   
108,757
   
217,784
   
32,139
   
32,139
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
(96,882,312
)
 
(8,623,636
)
 
(1,765,423
)
 
(1,765,423
)
                           
                           
Nebraska Tax-Free Income
                         
Sales
   
636,946
   
6,414,061
   
663,014
   
6,729,520
 
Redemptions
   
(717,977
)
 
(7,214,586
)
 
(1,304,161
)
 
(13,238,682
)
Reinvestment of distributions
   
103,506
   
1,034,118
   
112,526
   
1,137,963
 
Net increase (decrease)
   
22,475
   
233,593
   
(528,621
)
 
(5,371,199
)
4) Related Party Transactions
Each Fund has retained Weitz Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") as its investment adviser. In addition, the Trust has an agreement with Weitz Securities, Inc. (the "Distributor"), a company under common control with the Adviser, to act as distributor for shares of the Trust. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers and directors of the Adviser and the Distributor.
Under the terms of management and investment advisory agreements, the Adviser is paid a monthly fee based on average daily net assets. The annual investment advisory fee schedule for each of the Weitz Equity Funds is as follows:

Value and Partners Value Funds:
                   
     
Greater Than
   
Less Than or Equal To
   
Rate
 
   
$
0
 
$
1,000,000,000
   
0.90
%
     
1,000,000,000
   
2,000,000,000
   
0.85
%
     
2,000,000,000
   
3,000,000,000
   
0.80
%
     
3,000,000,000
   
5,000,000,000
   
0.75
%
     
5,000,000,000
   
 
 
0.70
%

Partners III Opportunity Fund:
                   
     
Greater Than
   
Less Than or Equal To
   
Rate
 
   
$
0
 
$
1,000,000,000
   
1.00
%
     
1,000,000,000
   
2,000,000,000
   
0.95
%
     
2,000,000,000
   
3,000,000,000
   
0.90
%
     
3,000,000,000
   
5,000,000,000
   
0.85
%
     
5,000,000,000
   
 
 
 
0.80
%

Research and Hickory Funds:
                   
     
Greater Than
   
Less Than or Equal To
   
Rate
 
   
$
0
 
$
2,500,000,000
   
1.00
%
     
2,500,000,000
   
5,000,000,000
   
0.90
%
     
5,000,000,000
   
 
 
 
0.80
%
The Balanced Fund pays the Adviser, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equal to 0.80% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
The Core Plus Income, Short Duration Income and Nebraska Tax-Free Income Funds each pay the Adviser, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equal to 0.40% of the respective Fund's average daily net assets.
The Ultra Short Government Fund pays the Adviser, on a monthly basis, an annual advisory fee equal to 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net assets (effective December 16, 2016). Prior to December 16, 2016, the Ultra Short Government Fund paid an annual advisory fee equal to 0.40%.
The Adviser also provides administrative services, including shareholder administrative services, to each Fund pursuant to agreements which provide that the Funds will pay the Adviser a monthly fee based on the average daily net assets of each respective Fund and/or a fee per account, plus third party expenses directly related to providing such services.
The Adviser has agreed in writing to reimburse the Research (through July 31, 2017) and Ultra Short Government (through July 31, 2018) Funds or to pay directly a portion of the Funds' expenses to the extent that total expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.90% and 0.20%, respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets. In addition, for the year ended March 31, 2017, the Adviser voluntarily reimbursed expenses to limit the expenses of the Ultra Short Government Fund to 0.14% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The expenses reimbursed by the Adviser for the Research and Ultra Short Government Funds for the year ended March 31, 2017, were $187,797 and $538,275, respectively.
Through July 31, 2017, the Adviser has agreed in writing to reimburse the Value and Partners Value Funds or to pay directly a portion of each Fund's expenses to the extent that each Class' total annual fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.30% and 0.99% of the Investor and Institutional Class shares' average daily net assets, respectively.
Through July 31, 2018, the Adviser has agreed in writing to reimburse the Core Plus Income Fund or to pay directly a portion of the Fund's expenses to the extent that each Class' total annual fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.60% and 0.40% of the Investor and Institutional Class shares' average daily net assets, respectively.
Through July 31, 2018, the Adviser has agreed in writing to reimburse the Short Duration Income Fund or to pay directly a portion of the Fund's expenses to the extent that each Class' total annual fund operating expenses (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage costs, acquired fund fees
59 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


and expenses and extraordinary expenses) exceed 0.68% and 0.48% of the Investor and Institutional Class shares' average daily net assets, respectively.
The expenses reimbursed by the Adviser for the Value, Partners Value, Core Plus Income and Short Duration Income Funds for the year ended March 31, 2017, were $119,933; $145,492; $63,335 and $111,862 for the Investor Class shares and $198,878; $246,631; $107,726 and $470,778 for the Institutional Class shares, respectively.
As of March 31, 2017, the controlling shareholder of the Adviser held shares totaling approximately 29%, 74%, 19%, 37%, 46%, 11% and 63% of the Partners III Opportunity, Research, Hickory, Balanced, Core Plus Income, Ultra Short Government and Nebraska Tax-Free Income Funds, respectively.
(5) Distributions to Shareholders and Distributable Earnings
The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds are summarized as follows (in U.S. dollars):
                   
   
Year ended March 31,
 
Year ended March 31,
 
Year ended March 31,
 
Year ended March 31,
 
Distributions paid from:
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
   
2017
   
2016
 
   
Value
 
Partners Value
 
Partners III Opportunity
 
Research
 
Ordinary income
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
293,463
 
Long-term capital gains
   
   
118,386,928
   
   
113,409,681
   
9,485,368
   
107,468,863
   
   
2,786,351
 
Total distributions
   
   
118,386,928
   
   
113,409,681
   
9,485,368
   
107,468,863
   
   
3,079,814
 
                                                   
   
Hickory
 
Balanced
 
Core Plus Income
 
Short Duration Income
 
Ordinary income
   
   
   
1,222,313
   
   
757,672
   
477,959
   
27,843,194
   
27,585,680
 
Long-term capital gains
   
   
48,187,197
   
2,414,964
   
5,916,094
   
69,635
   
6,003
   
1,056,284
   
4,203,274
 
Return of capital
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
217,545
   
 
Total distributions
   
   
48,187,197
   
3,637,277
   
5,916,094
   
827,307
   
483,962
   
29,117,023
   
31,788,954
 

   
Ultra Short Government
 
Nebraska Tax-Free Income
 
Ordinary income
   
262,146
   
35,981
   
12,551
   
13,270
 
Tax exempt income
   
   
   
1,046,530
   
1,240,860
 
Total distributions
   
262,146
   
35,981
   
1,059,081
   
1,254,130
 
As of March 31, 2017, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows (in U.S. dollars):

                                 
                 
Partners III
             
     
Value
   
Partners Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
 
Undistributed ordinary income
   
   
   
   
101,143
   
154,489
 
Qualified late year ordinary loss deferral
   
(1,208,394
)
 
(907,781
)
 
(2,542,368
)
 
   
 
Undistributed long-term gains
   
32,507,539
   
   
22,316,202
   
   
539,471
 
Capital loss carryforwards
   
   
(3,026,723
)
 
   
   
 
Post October capital loss deferral
   
   
(1,493,156
)
 
   
   
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   
256,934,380
   
231,933,273
   
226,402,257
   
2,373,365
   
95,589,484
 
     
288,233,525
   
226,505,613
   
246,176,091
   
2,474,508
   
96,283,444
 

             
Short Duration
   
Ultra Short
Nebraska Tax-Free
 
     
Balanced
Core Plus Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Undistributed ordinary income
   
220,788
   
10,490
   
   
6,615
   
 
Undistributed tax exempt income
   
   
   
   
   
2,348
 
Undistributed long-term gains
   
1,054,689
   
81,807
   
   
   
 
Capital loss carryforwards
   
   
   
   
(16
)
 
(39,260
)
Post October capital loss deferral
   
   
   
(4,580,671
)
 
(153
)
 
 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   
15,227,137
   
110,222
   
17,552,907
   
(35,798
)
 
291,033
 
     
16,502,614
   
202,519
   
12,972,236
   
(29,352
)
 
254,121
 
The Value, Partners Value and Partners III Opportunity Funds elected to defer ordinary losses arising after December 31, 2016. Such losses are treated for tax purposes as arising on April 1, 2017.
The Partners Value, Short Duration Income and Ultra Short Government Funds elected to defer realized capital losses arising after October 31, 2016. Such losses are treated for tax purposes as arising on April 1, 2017.
Capital loss carryforwards represent tax basis capital losses that may be carried over to offset future realized capital gains, if any. To the extent that carryforwards are used, no capital gains distributions will be made. The character of the carryforwards are as follows (in U.S. dollars):

           
Ultra Short
 
Nebraska Tax-Free
 
     
Partners Value
   
Government
   
Income
 
Short term (no expiration)
   
(3,026,723
)
 
(16
)
 
 
Long term (no expiration)
   
   
   
(39,260
)
60 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


At March 31, 2017, the cost of investments for Federal income tax purposes is summarized as follows (in U.S. dollars):

                                               
Short
         
Nebraska
 
           
Partners
   
Partners III
                     
Core Plus
   
Duration
   
Ultra Short
   
Tax-Free
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Tax Cost
   
574,287,317
   
502,226,808
   
429,146,041
   
28,675,603
   
177,423,199
   
102,910,819
   
34,122,510
   
1,188,296,503
   
97,998,327
   
62,715,325
 
At March 31, 2017, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments, based on cost for Federal income tax purposes, are summarized as follows (in U.S. dollars):

                                               
Short
         
Nebraska
 
           
Partners
   
Partners III
                    Core Plus    
Duration
   
Ultra Short
   
Tax-Free
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Appreciation
   
257,485,957
   
235,454,766
   
264,664,063
   
3,488,901
   
100,927,240
   
15,498,843
   
272,890
   
20,858,667
   
4,020
   
720,065
 
Depreciation
   
(551,577
)
 
(3,521,493
)
 
(7,073,492
)
 
(1,115,537
)
 
(5,337,756
)
 
(271,706
)
 
(162,668
)
 
(3,235,757
)
 
(39,818
)
 
(429,032
)
Net
   
256,934,380
   
231,933,273
   
257,590,571
   
2,373,364
   
95,589,484
   
15,227,137
   
110,222
   
17,622,910
   
(35,798
)
 
291,033
 
(6) Securities Transactions
Purchases and proceeds from maturities or sales of investment securities of the Funds for the year ended March 31, 2017, excluding short-term securities and U.S. government obligations, are summarized as follows (in U.S. dollars):

                                               
Short
         
Nebraska
 
           
Partners
   
Partners III
                     
Core Plus
   
Duration
   
Ultra Short
   
Tax-Free
 
     
Value
   
Value
   
Opportunity
   
Research
   
Hickory
   
Balanced
   
Income
   
Income
   
Government
   
Income
 
Purchases
   
166,840,702
   
99,889,758
   
144,407,518
   
27,758,623
   
16,763,275
   
20,595,038
   
10,450,971
   
298,565,145
   
   
17,344,826
 
Proceeds
   
325,688,346
   
259,666,652
   
235,044,914
   
21,515,947
   
70,784,439
   
27,136,374
   
8,951,139
   
392,201,833
   
   
18,405,000
 
(a) Illiquid and Restricted Securities
The Funds own certain securities that have a limited trading market and/or certain restrictions on trading and therefore may be illiquid and/or restricted. Such securities have been valued at fair value in accordance with the procedures described in Note (2)(a). Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, these values may differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market for these securities existed and these differences could be material. Illiquid and/or restricted securities owned at March 31, 2017, include the following:

     
Acquisition
   
Partners III
       
     
Date
   
Opportunity
   
Hickory
 
Intelligent Systems Corp.
   
12/03/91
 
$
2,899,379
 
$
 
LICT Corp.
   
9/09/96
   
   
2,228,509
 
Total cost of illiquid and/or restricted securities
         
2,899,379
   
2,228,509
 
Value at March 31, 2017
         
10,407,950
   
6,984,750
 
Percent of net assets at March 31, 2017
         
1.5
%
 
2.6
%
(b) Options Written
Transactions relating to options written for the year ended March 31, 2017, are summarized as follows:

           
   
Partners III Opportunity
 
Short Duration Income
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
$ Premiums
 
Number of Contracts
   
$ Premiums
 
Options outstanding, beginning of period
   
1,250
   
464,365
   
   
 
Options written
   
3,300
   
986,129
   
1,000
   
114,997
 
Options exercised
   
(3,550
)
 
(1,232,999
)
 
   
 
Options expired
   
(1,000
)
 
(217,495
)
 
   
 
Options outstanding, end of period
   
   
   
1,000
   
114,997
 
The locations in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2017, of the Funds' derivative positions, none of which are designated as hedging instruments are as follows (in U.S. dollars):
                           
                   
Average
 
Gross
 
           
Fair Value of
 
Month-End
 
Notional
 
               
Liability
 
Notional
 
Amount
 
Fund
 
Type of Derivative
 
Location
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Derivatives
 
Amount
 
Outstanding
 
Partners III
Opportunity
 
Call options written
 
Options written, at value
 
 
 
3,070,833
 
 
Short Duration
Income
 
Call options written
 
Options written, at value
 
 
(185,000)
 
375,000
 
1,500,000
 
61 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


Transactions in derivative instruments during the year ended March 31, 2017, are recorded in the following locations in the Statements of Operations (in U.S. dollars):
                       
                   
Change in
 
           
Realized
     
Unrealized
 
Fund
 
Type of Derivative
 
Location
 
Gain (Loss)
 
Location
 
Gain (Loss)
 
Partners III
Opportunity
 
Call options written
 
Net realized gain (loss) -
options written
 
217,495
 
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) - options written
 
(123,115)
 
                       
Short Duration
Income
 
Call options written
 
Net realized gain (loss) -
options written
 
 
Net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) - options written
 
(70,003)
 
(7) Affiliated Issuers
Affiliated issuers, as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are those in which a Fund's holdings of an issuer represent 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. A summary of each Fund's holdings in the securities of such issuers is set forth below:
                               
   
Number of
         
Number of Shares
             
   
Shares Held
 
Gross
 
Gross
 
Held
 
Value
 
Dividend
 
Realized
 
  March 31, 2016  
Additions
 
Reductions
March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017  
Income
 
Gains/(Losses
)
Partners III Opportunity:
                                           
Intelligent Systems Corp.†
   
2,270,000
   
   
   
2,270,000
 
$
10,407,950
 
$
 
$
 
† Controlled affiliate in which the Fund owns 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities.
(8) Contingencies
Each Fund indemnifies the Trust's officers and trustees for certain liabilities that might arise from their performance of their duties to each of the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnifications. The Funds' maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.
(9) Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risks
Option contracts written and securities sold short result in off-balance sheet risk as the Fund's ultimate obligation to satisfy the terms of the contract or the sale of securities sold short may exceed the amount recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
The Funds are required to maintain collateral in a segregated account to provide adequate margin as determined by the broker.
(10) Margin Borrowing Agreement
The Partners III Opportunity Fund has a margin account with its prime broker, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, under which the Fund may borrow against the value of its securities, subject to regulatory limitations. Interest accrues at the federal funds rate plus 0.625% (1.535% at March 31, 2017). Interest is accrued daily and paid monthly. The Partners III Opportunity Fund held a cash balance of $230,162,412, with the broker at March 31, 2017.
The Partners III Opportunity Fund is exposed to credit risk from its prime broker who effects transactions and extends credit pursuant to a prime brokerage agreement. The Adviser attempts to minimize the credit risk by monitoring credit exposure and the creditworthiness of the prime broker.
(11) Concentration of Credit Risk
Approximately 89% of the Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund's net assets are in obligations of political subdivisions of the State of Nebraska, which are subject to the credit risk associated with the non-performance of such issuers.
(12) Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds' investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities);
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds' own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
A description of the valuation techniques applied to the Funds' major categories of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis follows.
Equity securities. Securities traded on a national securities exchange (or reported on the NASDAQ national market) are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Preferred stock and other equities traded on inactive markets or valued by reference to similar instruments are categorized in Level 2.
   
Corporate and Municipal bonds. The fair values of corporate and municipal bonds are estimated using various techniques, which may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads and fundamental data relating to the issuer. Although most corporate and municipal bonds are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, in instances where lower relative weight is placed on transaction prices, quotations, or similar observable inputs, they are categorized in Level 3.
   
Asset-backed securities. The fair values of asset-backed securities (including non-government agency mortgage- backed securities and interest-only securities) are generally estimated based on models that consider the estimated cash flows of each tranche of the entity, a benchmark yield and an estimated tranche specific spread to the benchmark yield based on the unique attributes of the tranche. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. To the extent the inputs are observable and timely, the values would be categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; otherwise they would be categorized as Level 3.

62 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. U.S. Government securities are categorized in Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy depending on the inputs used and market activity levels for specific securities.
   
U.S. agency securities. U.S. agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage-backed securities. Agency issued debt securities are generally valued in a manner similar to U.S. Government securities. Mortgage-backed securities include collateralized mortgage obligations, to-be-announced (TBA) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates. Mortgage-backed securities are generally valued using dealer quotations. Depending on market activity levels and whether quotations or other data are used, these securities are typically categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
   
Restricted and/or illiquid securities. Restricted and/or illiquid securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Restricted securities issued by publicly traded companies are generally valued at a discount to similar publicly traded securities. Restricted or illiquid securities issued by nonpublic entities may be valued by reference to comparable public entities or fundamental data relating to the issuer or both. Depending on the relative significance of valuation inputs, these instruments may be classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
   
Derivative instruments. Listed derivatives, such as the Funds' equity option contracts, that are valued based on closing prices from the exchange or the mean of the closing bid and ask prices are generally categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
The following is a summary of inputs used, in U.S. dollars, as of March 31, 2017, in valuing the Funds' assets and liabilities carried at fair value. The Schedule of Investments for each Fund provides a detailed breakdown of each category.

   
Value
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
   
683,235,962
   
   
   
683,235,962
 
Cash Equivalents
   
147,985,735
   
   
   
147,985,735
 
                           
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
831,221,697
   
   
   
831,221,697
 
                           
Partners Value
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
   
602,407,835
   
   
   
602,407,835
 
Cash Equivalents
   
131,752,246
   
   
   
131,752,246
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
734,160,081
   
   
   
734,160,081
 
                           
Partners III Opportunity
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
                         
Information
                         
Technology
   
109,760,550
   
10,407,950
   
   
120,168,500
 
Other
   
499,691,950
   
   
   
499,691,950
 
Cash Equivalents
   
66,876,162
   
   
   
66,876,162
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
676,328,662
   
10,407,950
   
   
686,736,612
 
Liabilities:
                         
Securities Sold
                         
Short
   
(225,304,000
)
 
   
   
(225,304,000
)
                           
Research
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
   
26,635,913
   
   
   
26,635,913
 
Cash Equivalents
   
4,413,054
   
   
   
4,413,054
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
31,048,967
   
   
   
31,048,967
 
                           
Hickory
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
                         
Telecommunication
                         
Services
   
   
6,984,750
   
   
6,984,750
 
Other
   
209,707,817
   
   
   
209,707,817
 
Cash Equivalents
   
56,320,116
   
   
   
56,320,116
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
266,027,933
   
6,984,750
   
   
273,012,683
 
63 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT



                           
Balanced
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Common Stocks
   
54,693,222
   
   
   
54,693,222
 
Corporate Bonds
   
   
10,955,444
   
   
10,955,444
 
Corporate
                         
Convertible
                         
Bonds
   
   
1,031,250
   
   
1,031,250
 
                           
Mortgage-
                         
Backed Securities
                         
     
   
2,371,024
   
   
2,371,024
 
                           
U.S. Treasury
                         
Notes
   
   
19,012,537
   
   
19,012,537
 
Cash Equivalents
   
30,074,479
   
   
   
30,074,479
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
84,767,701
   
33,370,255
   
   
118,137,956
 
                           
                           
Core Plus Income
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Corporate Bonds
   
   
8,716,225
   
   
8,716,225
 
Corporate
                         
Convertible
                         
Bonds
   
   
632,656
   
   
632,656
 
Asset-Backed
                         
Securities
   
   
4,256,181
   
   
4,256,181
 
Commercial
                         
Mortgage-
                         
Backed Securities
   
   
1,077,023
   
   
1,077,023
 
Mortgage-
                         
Backed Securities
   
   
512,584
   
   
512,584
 
Taxable
                         
Municipal Bonds
   
   
422,936
   
   
422,936
 
U.S. Treasury
   
   
12,867,910
   
   
12,867,910
 
Common Stocks
   
246,964
   
   
   
246,964
 
Cash Equivalents
   
5,500,253
   
   
   
5,500,253
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
5,747,217
   
28,485,515
   
   
34,232,732
 
                           
Short Duration Income
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Corporate Bonds
   
   
521,232,944
   
   
521,232,944
 
Corporate
                         
Convertible
                         
Bonds
   
   
47,866,250
   
   
47,866,250
 
Asset-Backed
                         
Securities
   
   
67,984,834
   
   
67,984,834
 
Commercial
                         
Mortgage-
                         
Backed Securities
   
   
9,264,127
   
   
9,264,127
 
Mortgage-
                         
Backed Securities
   
   
213,571,550
   
   
213,571,550
 
Taxable
                         
Municipal Bonds
   
   
5,547,558
   
   
5,547,558
 
U.S. Treasury
   
   
296,484,985
   
   
296,484,985
 
Common Stocks
   
13,204,950
   
   
   
13,204,950
 
Cash Equivalents
   
30,762,215
   
   
   
30,762,215
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
43,967,165
   
1,161,952,248
   
   
1,205,919,413
 
Liabilities:
                         
Options Written
   
   
(185,000
)
 
   
(185,000
)
                           
                           
Ultra Short Government
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Corporate Bonds
   
   
12,333,214
   
   
12,333,214
 
U.S. Treasury
   
44,975,040
   
37,942,540
   
   
82,917,580
 
Money Market
                         
Funds
   
2,711,735
   
   
   
2,711,735
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
47,686,775
   
50,275,754
   
   
97,962,529
 
                           
                           
Nebraska Tax-Free Income
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets:
                         
Investments in Securities:
                         
Municipal Bonds
   
   
58,722,012
   
   
58,722,012
 
Cash Equivalents
   
4,284,346
   
   
   
4,284,346
 
Total
                         
Investments in
                         
Securities
   
4,284,346
   
58,722,012
   
   
63,006,358
 
64 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


For transfers between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Funds have adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the transfer. During the year ended March 31, 2017, there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
During the year ended March 31, 2017, there were no assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used.
(13) Subsequent Events
Management has recommended to the Trust's Board of Trustees that the Research Fund cease operations and be liquidated. The Board is expected to consider and vote on this proposal at its meeting on May 25, 2017. If this proposal is approved by the Trustees, the Research Fund is expected to be liquidated in July 2017. In anticipation of its termination, the Fund is currently closed to new investments.
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no additional subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
65 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of the Weitz Funds
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Weitz Funds, comprising the Value Fund, Partners Value Fund, Partners III Opportunity Fund, Research Fund, Hickory Fund, Balanced Fund, Core Plus Income Fund, Short Duration Income Fund (formerly known as the Short-Intermediate Income Fund), Ultra Short Government Fund (formerly known as the Government Money Market Fund), and Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund (collectively referred to as the "Funds"), including the schedules of investments, as of March 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations (and statement of cash flows for Partners III Opportunity Fund) for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Funds' internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds' internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March 31, 2017, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Weitz Funds referred to above at March 31, 2017, the results of their operations (and cash flows for Partners III Opportunity Fund) for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for the periods indicated therein, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Cincinnati, Ohio
May 10, 2017
66 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


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67 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


ACTUAL AND HYPOTHETICAL EXPENSES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES
Example
As a shareholder of one or more of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including any transaction fees that you may be charged if you purchase or redeem your Fund shares through certain financial institutions; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017.
Actual Expenses
The first line for each Fund in the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an account value of $8,600 divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid from 10/01/16 – 3/31/17" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line for each Fund in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each Fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of the Fund. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a specific Weitz Fund to other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs charged by certain financial institutions. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if you incurred transactional fees, your costs would have been higher. Actual and hypothetical expenses for each Fund are provided in this table.

           
Beginning Account
   
Ending Account
   
Annualized
   
Expenses Paid from
 
           
Value 10/01/16
   
Value 3/31/17
   
Expense Ratio
   
10/01/16-3/31/17(1)
 
Value - Investor Class
   
Actual
 
$
1,000.00
 
$
1,077.08
   
1.22
%
$
6.32
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,018.90
   
1.22
   
6.14
 
     
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,078.25
   
0.99
   
5.13
 
Value - Institutional Class
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,020.05
   
0.99
   
4.99
 
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,081.69
   
1.24
   
6.44
 
Partners Value - Investor Class
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,018.80
   
1.24
   
6.24
 
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,083.42
   
0.99
   
5.14
 
Partners Value - Institutional Class
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,020.05
   
0.99
   
4.99
 
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,065.03
   
2.29
   
11.79
 
Partners III Opportunity - Investor Class
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,013.55
   
2.29
   
11.50
 
Partners III Opportunity -
Institutional Class
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,068.04
   
1.80
   
9.28
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,016.00
   
1.80
   
9.05
 
Research
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,072.28
   
0.90
   
4.65
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,020.50
   
0.90
   
4.53
 
Hickory
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,057.55
   
1.25
   
6.41
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,018.75
   
1.25
   
6.29
 
Balanced
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,038.26
   
1.11
   
5.64
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,019.45
   
1.11
   
5.59
 
Core Plus Income - Investor Class
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
996.16
   
0.77
   
3.83
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,021.15
   
0.77
   
3.88
 
Core Plus Income - Institutional Class
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
997.12
   
0.57
   
2.84
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,022.15
   
0.57
   
2.87
 
Short Duration Income -
Investor Class
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,000.25
   
0.80
   
3.99
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,021.00
   
0.80
   
4.03
 
Short Duration Income -
Institutional Class
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,001.30
   
0.58
   
2.89
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,022.10
   
0.58
   
2.92
 
Ultra Short Government
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
1,001.76
   
0.14
   
0.70
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,024.30
   
0.14
   
0.71
 
Nebraska Tax-Free Income
   
Actual
   
1,000.00
   
991.88
   
0.79
   
3.92
 
   
Hypothetical(2)
   
1,000.00
   
1,021.05
   
0.79
   
3.98
 

(1)
Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the Fund, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182/365).
   
(2)
Assumes 5% total return before expenses.
68 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


OTHER INFORMATION
Proxy Voting Policy
A description of the Funds' proxy voting policies and procedures is available without charge, upon request by (i) calling 800-304-9745, (ii) on the Funds' website at weitzinvestments.com; and (iii) on the SEC's website at sec.gov.
Information on how each of the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during each twelve month period ended June 30 is available: (i) on the Funds' website at weitzinvestments.com and (ii) on the SEC's website at sec.gov.
Form N-Q
The Funds file complete schedules of their portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds' Form N-Q is available on the SEC's website at sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330. A list of the Funds' quarter-end holdings is available on the Funds' website at weitzinvestments.com within 15 days after the end of each quarter and remains available on the website until the list is updated in the subsequent quarter.
Tax Information
Of the distributions paid during the fiscal year, the amounts that may be considered qualified dividend income and for corporate shareholders, the amounts that may qualify for the corporate dividends received deduction, are summarized as follows (in U.S. dollars):

           
Core Plus
 
     
Balanced
   
Income
 
Qualified dividend income
   
963,702
   
187
 
Corporate dividends received deduction
   
963,702
   
187
 
The information and distributions reported herein may differ from the information and distributions reported to shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2016, which was reported in conjunction with your 2016 Form 1099-DIV.
69 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The individuals listed below serve as Trustees or Officers of the Trust. Each Trustee of the Weitz Funds serves until a successor is elected and qualified or until resignation. Each Officer of the Weitz Funds is elected annually by the Trustees.
The address of all Officers and Trustees is 1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 200, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.
 
Interested Trustees*
Wallace R. Weitz (Age: 67)
Position(s) Held with Trust: President; Portfolio Manager; Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 1986
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: President, Weitz Funds; Chairman of the Board and Co-Chief Investment Officer, President (1983 to 2014), Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: Cable One, Inc. (2015 to Present)
Thomas R. Pansing (Age: 71)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 1986
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Partner, Pansing Hogan Ernst & Bachman LLP, a law firm
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
Roland J. Santoni (Age: 75)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2004
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Managing Director (2010 to Present), Gary and Mary West Foundation
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
Delmer L. Toebben (Age: 86)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 1996
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Retired
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
Justin B. Wender (Age: 47)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2009
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Managing Partner, Stella Point Capital, LP, a private equity firm (2010 to Present)
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
Independent Trustees
Lorraine Chang (Age: 66)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee; Chair, Board of Trustees
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 1997
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Independent Management Consultant
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
John W. Hancock (Age: 69)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Trustee
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 1986
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: CPA, Hancock & Dana, PC, an accounting firm
Number of Portfolios Overseen in Fund Complex: 10
Other Directorships During Past 5 Years: N/A
* Mr. Weitz is a Director and Officer of Weitz Investment Management, Inc., investment adviser to the Weitz Funds, and as such is considered an "interested person" of the Trust, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (an "Interested Trustee"). Mr. Pansing performs certain legal services for the investment adviser and the Weitz Funds and, therefore, is also classified as an "Interested Trustee."
 
70 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


Officers
Thomas D. Carney (Age: 53)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Vice President
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2015
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Weitz Funds (2015 to Present); Portfolio Manager, Weitz Investment Management, Inc. (1996 to Present)
John R. Detisch (Age: 52)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2011
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer, Weitz Funds; Vice President, General Counsel, Assistant Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer, Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
Bradley P. Hinton (Age: 49)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Vice President
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2006
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Weitz Funds; Co-Chief Investment Officer (2017 to Present), Director of Research (2004 to 2017), Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
Jo Ann Quinif (Age: 41)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Vice President
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2015
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Vice President, Weitz Funds (2015 to Present); Vice President (2015 to Present) and Director of Marketing and Client Services (2008 to Present), Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
Kenneth R. Stoll (Age: 55)
Position(s) Held with Trust: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Length of Service (Beginning Date): 2004
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Weitz Funds; President and Chief Financial Officer (2015 to Present), Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (2004 to 2014), Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
The Statement of Additional Information for the Weitz Funds, which can be obtained without charge by calling 800-304-9745, includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers of the Weitz Funds.
71 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


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73 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT


INDEX DESCRIPTIONS

Russell 1000®
The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000 Index and includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.
   
Russell 1000® Value
The Russell 1000 Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.
   
Russell 3000®
The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.
   
Russell 3000® Value
The Russell 3000 Value Index measures the performance of the broad value segment of the U.S. equity value universe. It includes those Russell 3000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
   
Russell 2500TM
The Russell 2500 Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as "SMID" cap. The Russell 2500 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000 Index. It includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.
   
Russell 2500TM Value
The Russell 2500 Value Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies that are considered more value oriented relative to the overall market as defined by Russell.
   
S&P 500®
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index consisting of 500 companies generally representative of the market for the stocks of large-size U.S. companies.
   
Blended
The Blended Index blends the S&P 500 with the Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Index by weighting their total returns at 60% and 40%, respectively. The portfolio is rebalanced monthly.
   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond
The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS and CMBS (agency and non-agency).
   
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year
The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate 1-3 Year Index is generally representative of the market for investment grade, U.S. dollar denominated, fixed-rate taxable bonds with maturities from one to three years.
   
Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit
The Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Government/Credit Index ("BIGC") is the non-securitized portion of the U.S. Aggregate Index and includes Treasuries, government-related issues and corporates with maturities from one to ten years.
   
CPI + 1%
The CPI + 1% is created by adding 1% to the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. There can be no guarantee that the CPI will reflect the exact level of inflation at any time.
   
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 6-Month Treasury Bill
The Bank of America Merrill Lynch 6-Month Treasury Bill Index is an unmanaged index that is generally representative of the market for U.S. Treasury Bills.
   
Bloomberg Barclays 5-Year Municipal Bond
The Bloomberg Barclays 5-Year Municipal Bond Index is a capitalization weighted bond index created by Bloomberg Barclays intended to be representative of major municipal bonds of all quality ratings with an average maturity of approximately five years.
 
74 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 
Board of Trustees
Lorraine Chang
John W. Hancock
Thomas R. Pansing, Jr.
Roland J. Santoni
Delmer L. Toebben
Wallace R. Weitz
Justin B. Wender
Investment Adviser
Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
1125 South 103rd Street, Suite 200
Omaha, NE 68124-1071
(800) 304-9745
Custodian
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Officers
Wallace R. Weitz, President
Thomas D. Carney, Vice President
John R. Detisch, Vice President, General Counsel,
    Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer
Bradley P. Hinton, Vice President
Jo Ann Quinif, Vice President
Kenneth R. Stoll, Vice President & Chief
    Financial Officer
Distributor
Weitz Securities, Inc.
Transfer Agent and Dividend
Paying Agent
Weitz Investment Management, Inc.
Sub-Transfer Agent
Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.
NASDAQ symbols:
Value Fund
    Investor Class - WVALX
    Institutional Class - WVAIX
Partners Value Fund
    Investor Class - WPVLX
    Institutional Class - WPVIX
Partners III Opportunity Fund
    Investor Class - WPOIX
    Institutional Class - WPOPX
Research Fund - WRESX
Hickory Fund - WEHIX
Balanced Fund - WBALX
Core Plus Income Fund
    Investor Class - WCPNX
    Institutional Class - WCPBX
Short Duration Income Fund
    Investor Class - WSHNX
    Institutional Class - WEFIX
Ultra Short Government Fund - SAFEX
Nebraska Tax-Free Income Fund - WNTFX
 
Help us conserve resources by receiving your report electronically.
Visit us online at weitzinvestments.com.
Simply log in to your account and select "Electronic Delivery."
An investor should consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the Funds before investing. The Funds' Prospectus contains this and other information about the Funds. The Prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
5/12/17
 
75 | Q1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party (the “Code of Ethics”). During the period covered by this report, there were no amendments, nor did the Registrant grant any waivers, including any implicit waivers, from any provision of the Code of Ethics.
 
The Code of Ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit 12(a)(1).
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The Registrant’s board of trustees has determined that the Registrant has at least one “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR) serving on its audit committee. John Hancock is an “audit committee financial expert” and is “independent” (as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR).
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
(a)  Audit Fees. Fees for audit services provided to the Registrant were $327,830 and $327,830 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
 
(b)  Audit Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for audit related-services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this item were $34,540 and $29,540 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fees, paid by Weitz Investment Management, Inc., the Registrant’s investment adviser and transfer agent, were payment for the principal accountant performing internal control reviews of the Registrant’s transfer agent and additional consent for 3/31/17. 
 
(c)  Tax Fees. Fees for tax services, which consisted of income and excise tax compliance services, were $48,330 and $47,380 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
 
(d)  All Other Fees. Fees for all other services totaled $12,460 and $12,460 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
 
(e)  (1) The Registrant’s Audit Committee has adopted Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit services and non-audit services that the principal accountant provides to the Registrant. The Audit Committee must also pre-approve any engagement of the principal accountant to provide non-audit services to the Registrant’s investment adviser, or any affiliate of the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant, if such non-audit services directly impact the Registrant’s operations and financial reporting. 
 
  (2) No services described in items (b) were pre-approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(c) of Regulation S-X. 
 
(f)  All of the work in connection with the audit of the Registrant during the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was performed by full-time employees of the Registrant’s principal accountant. 
 
(g)  The aggregate fees billed by the principal accountant for non-audit services to the Registrant, the Registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant were $155,040 and $156,780 for the years ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 
 
(h)  The Registrant’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal auditor’s independence. 


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
The Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included as part of the Report to Shareholders.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Based on an evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) (the "Disclosure Controls") as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date (the "Filing Date") of this report on Form N-CSR (the "Report"), the Registrant's principal executive officer and financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are reasonably designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the Report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported by the Filing Date, including ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the Report is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant's management, including the Registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the Registrant's second fiscal half-year of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits
(a)(1) The Code of Ethics is attached hereto.
(a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.



SIGNATURES

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

The Weitz Funds

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Wallace R. Weitz
             Wallace R. Weitz, President
Date May 17, 2017

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


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Wallace R. Weitz
             Wallace R. Weitz, President
Date May 17, 2017


By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Kenneth R. Stoll
Kenneth R. Stoll, Chief Financial Officer
Date May 17, 2017


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