N-CSR 1 d532225dncsr.htm ACADIAN EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act File Number 811-06400

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

SEI Investments

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

SEI Investments

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

(Name and address of agent for service)

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

Date of fiscal year end: October 31, 2023

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2023


Item 1.

Reports to Stockholders.

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


The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

 

LOGO

Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio

 

Annual Report   October 31, 2023
 

    

 
  Investment Adviser:
  Acadian Asset Management LLC
 

    

 


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   ACADIAN EMERGING
  MARKETS PORTFOLIO
  OCTOBER 31, 2023

 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Shareholder Letter

     1  

Schedule of Investments

     5  

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     24  

Statement of Operations

     25  

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     26  

Financial Highlights

     27  

Notes to Financial Statements

     30  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     43  

Additional Information

     45  

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

     46  

Trustees and Officers of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

     48  

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement

     56  

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

     59  

Notice to Shareholders

     60  

 

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

A description of the policies and procedures that the Portfolio uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, as well as information relating to how a portfolio voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-AAM-6161; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov.


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to present the annual report for the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio (the “Portfolio”). This commentary covers the twelve months from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023, focusing on the portfolio’s performance and some of the conditions and decisions that impacted returns.

Portfolio Performance Review

For the twelve months ended October 31, 2023, the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio Investor Class returned 24.6% (on a NAV basis), versus 11.3% for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a widely followed emerging markets benchmark.

Market Review

High inflation remained a focal point during the period. Geopolitical tensions persisted, with no end in sight to the Russia-Ukraine war and an escalating war of words between the United States, China, and Russia. The reopening of the Chinese economy boosted markets in the beginning of the period, but performance stalled when cracks in their economy developed amid a struggling real estate market and government interventions. Despite China’s macroeconomic weaknesses, investors observed that several emerging market economies performed better than anticipated, and the decline in inflation has placed emerging market central banks in a relatively advantageous position compared to their counterparts in developed markets. Eastern Europe, in particular Greece, Poland, and Hungary, performed particularly well.

For the full period, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index collectively returned 11.3%. Poland, Hungary, and Egypt were the best performing markets, while Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia were the worst. All sectors performed well during this period apart from Utilities and Materials down only slightly over the period. IT, Communication Services and Consumer Discretionary were the top sector performers.

Portfolio Structure

The portfolio was invested in a broad range of emerging companies and markets over the period. The investment process considered both bottom-up company attractiveness and top-down country and industry ratings, combined with benchmark-relative risk controls, to determine individual stock positions. Significant country overweight positions during the period were China, Saudi Arabia, and Hungary. The portfolio was generally underweighted relative to the benchmark in India, Mexico, and Malaysia. At the sector level, the portfolio was focused on Energy, Communication Services, and Information Technology, while Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care were the greatest underweights.

 

1


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

 

 

Portfolio Performance

The portfolio outperformed the benchmark for the period by 13.8%, largely driven by stock selection in both countries and sectors.

Stock selection in both Taiwan IT and Chinese Energy stocks, respectively led by positions in Wistron Corp and PetroChina Co LTD. An overweight position to Saudi Arabian IT sector also yielded strong results, namely due to a position in Elm Co.

Conversely, an overweight to Saudi Arabian Utilities and Indonesian Energy detracted most from relative return, due in part to over exposure to Saudi Electric Co and Adaro Energy, both of which underperformed during the period.

The portfolio’s exposure to Value and Technical signals were rewarded the most over the period, followed less so by our Growth and Quality signals. Our Top-Down model was a minor detractor.

We continue to view the asset class positively and believe it forms an essential part of global portfolio diversification. Please let us know if we can provide any additional information.

Sincerely,

 

Brendan O. Bradley, Ph.D.

  

Ryan D. Taliaferro, Ph.D.

Chief Investment Officer    Director, Equity Strategies

Index Source: MSCI. Copyright MSCI 2023. All Rights Reserved. Without prior written permission of MSCI this information and any other MSCI intellectual property may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or re-disseminated in any form and may not be used to create financial instruments or products or any indices. This information is provided on an “as is” basis, and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use of this information. Neither MSCI nor any third party involved in or related to the computing or compiling of the data makes any express or implied warranties, representations or guarantees concerning the MSCI index-related data, and in no event shall MSCI or any third party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) relating to any use of this information

The specific countries, sectors, and individual stocks discussed herein are non-exclusive and are provided as representative of the portfolio’s performance during the period. For a complete list of markets, sectors, and stocks in which the portfolio was invested during the period and the performance of each, please contact Acadian. Please note that Acadian’s system of portfolio attribution uses certain estimates and assumptions and the calculations provided herein are based upon Acadian’s internal records and not those maintained by the Custodian. Additional details about our method of calculation will be furnished upon request. Reference to the benchmark is for comparative purposes only and is not intended to indicate that the portfolio will or did contain the same investments as the benchmark. This review contains

 

2


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

 

 

confidential information of Acadian Asset Management LLC. Market conditions are subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

The information provided has been prepared by Acadian from our internal records. It is not intended to replace the official records of your account that you receive directly from the custodian. You are encouraged to compare the information provided to you by Acadian to that provided by the custodian and to contact us with any questions.

Performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Total expense ratio for the fund is 1.46%. Shareholders may pay a redemption fee of 2% when they redeem shares held for less than 30 days. For performance data current to the most recent month end, please call 1-866-AAM-6161. The fund’s benchmark was changed March 1, 2012 to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Prior to that, the benchmark had been the IFC Investable Index.

Past performance is no guarantee of future performance and may differ significantly from future performance due to market volatility.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets.

Mutual fund investing involves risk including loss of principal. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with their relatively small size and lesser liquidity. The fund is diversified.

To determine if this fund is an appropriate investment for you, carefully consider the fund’s objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the fund’s full and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained by calling 1-866-AAM-6161. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

The Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio is distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co, which is not affiliated with Acadian Asset Management LLC.

Registered representatives associated with Funds Distributor, LLC (“FD”), member FINRA. FD is not affiliated with Acadian Asset Management LLC.

 

3


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

(Unaudited)

 

 

Growth of a $10,000 Investment

 

LOGO

(1) Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Investor Class Shares were offered beginning 6/17/93. I Class Shares and Y Class Shares were offered beginning 10/31/16. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on portfolio distributions or the redemption of portfolio shares. The returns for certain periods reflect fee waivers and/or reimbursements in effect for that period; absent fee waivers and/or reimbursements, performance would have been lower.

† The graph is based on Investor Class Shares only. Returns for I Class Shares and Y Class Shares would be different due to differences in fee structures.

N/A — Not available.

(See definition of comparative index on page 3.)

 

4


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (Unaudited)†

 

LOGO

† Percentages based on total investments.

 

 

  SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

  COMMON STOCK — 95.2%

 

                 Shares                               Value             

Brazil — 0.3%

     

Caixa Seguridade Participacoes S

     113,000       $ 242,731  

CSN Mineracao

     902,700        923,872  

Fras-Le *

     46,100        136,332  

Mahle Metal Leve

     16,800        121,124  

Nova Embrapar Participacoes * (A)

     854         

Seara Alimentos * (A)

     911         

SYN prop e tech *

     35,300        26,256  

Ultrapar Participacoes

     36,800        148,828  
     

 

 

 

        1,599,143  
     

 

 

 

China — 23.2%

     

37 Interactive Entertainment Network Technology Group, Cl A

     1,296,200        3,666,390  

Agricultural Bank of China, Cl H

     9,307,000        3,437,602  

Anhui Hengyuan Coal Industry and Electricity Power, Cl A

     828,200        1,061,014  

Autohome ADR

     101,724        2,721,117  

Avary Holding Shenzhen, Cl A

     266,100        779,751  

Bank of China, Cl H

     7,440,926        2,599,379  

Bank of Communications, Cl H

     859,236        508,243  

Baoxiniao Holding, Cl A *

     1,138,366        950,398  

Beijing Caishikou Department Store, Cl A

     96,300        182,322  

Beijing Seeyon Internet Software, Cl A

     16,637        84,260  

BYD Electronic International

     230,500        962,226  

Changjiang Publishing & Media, Cl A

     639,958        663,237  

Cheetah Mobile ADR *

     3,235        5,499  

 

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

 

5


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

China — (continued)

     

Cheng De Lolo, Cl A

     191,200       $ 220,384  

Chengdu Hongqi Chain, Cl A

     82,300        58,046  

China Citic Bank, Cl H

     830,342        370,422  

China Construction Bank, Cl H

     26,603,715        15,045,945  

China Petroleum & Chemical, Cl H

     1,290,000        659,755  

Chinese Universe Publishing and Media Group, Cl A

     2,334,199        3,692,755  

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank, Cl H

     198,622        75,195  

Edan Instruments, Cl A

     163,400        239,053  

Era, Cl A

     764,400        554,751  

Focus Technology, Cl A

     229,700        856,831  

G-bits Network Technology Xiamen, Cl A

     69,789        2,536,707  

Giant Network Group, Cl A

     198,400        320,341  

Guangdong Homa Group, Cl A *

     281,600        275,533  

Hangzhou Binjiang Real Estate Group, Cl A

     302,100        345,760  

Hangzhou Robam Appliances, Cl A

     86,600        273,211  

Harbin Power Equipment, Cl H

     35,135        10,106  

Hello Group ADR *

     93,940        665,095  

Hisense Visual Technology, Cl A

     241,700        769,178  

Hitevision, Cl A

     181,050        622,554  

HLA Group, Cl A

     302,000        307,122  

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China, Cl H

     6,415,000        3,074,355  

Inner Mongolia Xinhua Distribution Group, Cl A

     69,000        112,887  

Jiangsu Rainbow Heavy Industries, Cl A

     232,800        168,822  

Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, Cl A

     104,818        102,000  

JOYY ADR

     32,859        1,278,872  

Kanzhun ADR *

     20,617        305,132  

Kingnet Network, Cl A

     1,776,600        2,597,617  

Kunlun Energy

     4,810,000        4,007,230  

Loncin Motor, Cl A

     1,012,750        768,572  

Lonking Holdings

     53,354        8,242  

Metallurgical Corp of China, Cl H

     2,345,849        465,173  

MINISO Group Holding ADR

     36,396        921,183  

MLS, Cl A

     253,500        321,584  

New China Life Insurance, Cl H

     641,200        1,406,575  

Opple Lighting, Cl A

     298,600        796,841  

PDD Holdings ADR *

     51,999        5,273,739  

Perfect World, Cl A

     1,636,582        2,686,158  

PetroChina, Cl H

     16,274,000        10,622,294  

PICC Property & Casualty, Cl H

     648,000        739,987  

Ping An Insurance Group of China, Cl H

     266,000        1,349,279  

Qifu Technology ADR

     10,566        156,271  

Qudian ADR *

     249,049        418,402  

Rongan Property, Cl A

     867,900        329,735  

 

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

 

6


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

China — (continued)

     

SAIC Motor, Cl A

     785,300       $ 1,559,171  

Shanghai Pudong Construction, Cl A

     1,658,580        1,472,210  

Shenzhen Laibao Hi-tech, Cl A

     840,200        1,209,232  

Shui On Land

     643,500        56,726  

Sinotrans, Cl H

     497,000        163,345  

Sinotruk Hong Kong

     2,792,148        5,259,020  

Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration, Cl A

     901,346        510,046  

TAL Education Group ADR *

     85,188        747,099  

TCL Electronics Holdings *

     949,000        330,084  

Tencent Holdings

     631,000        23,352,525  

Tian Di Science & Technology, Cl A

     932,100        657,334  

Tianneng Power International

     297,484        268,622  

Time Publishing and Media, Cl A

     65,191        92,645  

Triangle Tyre, Cl A

     206,800        421,946  

Trip.com Group ADR *

     123,047        4,183,598  

Universal Scientific Industrial Shanghai, Cl A

     461,000        915,624  

Vatti, Cl A

     467,000        375,951  

Vipshop Holdings ADR *

     305,745        4,359,924  

Wasu Media Holding, Cl A

     25,200        25,015  

Weaver Network Technology, Cl A

     25,500        174,063  

Weibo ADR *

     37,785        446,996  

Weichai Power, Cl H

     179,000        267,931  

Weiqiao Textile, Cl H *

     545,295        111,494  

Xiamen Comfort Science & Technology Group, Cl A

     337,300        339,110  

Xiangpiaopiao Food, Cl A

     50,800        114,399  

Xiangyu Medical, Cl A

     48,986        335,770  

Yutong Bus, Cl A

     253,800        473,182  

Zhejiang Publishing & Media, Cl A

     162,500        166,761  

Zhejiang Semir Garment, Cl A

     4,687,896        3,911,087  
     

 

 

 

        135,732,042  
     

 

 

 

Colombia — 0.0%

     

Cementos Argos

     77,006        88,606  
     

 

 

 

Egypt — 0.0%

     

Ezz Steel SAE *

     25,763        62,400  
     

 

 

 

Greece — 0.2%

     

Aegean Airlines *

     3,894        42,603  

Cairo Mezz *

     11,041        1,221  

Fourlis Holdings

     25,163        107,964  

National Bank of Greece *

     144,184        825,793  
     

 

 

 

        977,581  
     

 

 

 

 

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

 

7


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Hong Kong — 9.9%

     

AAC Technologies Holdings

     72,000       $ 129,603  

Alibaba Group Holding *

     1,556,868        16,028,079  

Asia Cement China Holdings

     1,079,140        334,521  

Baidu, Cl A *

     272,300        3,574,975  

Brilliance China Automotive Holdings *

     1,552,000        713,508  

Cabbeen Fashion

     107,928        6,896  

China BlueChemical

     994,491        232,730  

China Coal Energy, Cl H

     2,310,645        1,814,935  

China Foods

     421,556        145,983  

China Harmony Auto Holding

     895,780        77,890  

China High Speed Transmission Equipment Group *

     448,314        104,858  

China International Marine Containers Group, Cl H

     202,346        106,706  

China Minsheng Banking, Cl H

     1,628,500        541,412  

China Oriental Group *

     442,545        68,023  

China Pacific Insurance Group, Cl H

     2,355,631        5,802,791  

China Taiping Insurance Holdings

     633,800        585,489  

Chongqing Machinery & Electric, Cl H

     466,000        32,809  

CITIC Resources Holdings

     690,000        28,677  

Consun Pharmaceutical Group

     118,000        69,405  

COSCO SHIPPING Ports

     107        65  

CPMC Holdings

     208,609        160,025  

Dawnrays Pharmaceutical Holdings

     79,485        11,303  

Edvantage Group Holdings

     102,310        32,148  

FriendTimes *

     592,219        99,141  

Fufeng Group

     350,742        182,166  

Goodbaby International Holdings *

     572,280        28,944  

Grand Baoxin Auto Group *

     379,968        9,368  

Hisense Home Appliances Group, Cl H

     71,000        195,433  

Inkeverse Group *

     748,000        67,106  

JD.com, Cl A

     178,250        2,266,121  

JNBY Design

     471,314        574,155  

Joy City Property

     780,000        24,623  

Kingboard Holdings

     85,000        206,998  

Kingsoft

     182,400        636,481  

Kuaishou Technology, Cl B *

     308,200        1,984,761  

Launch Tech, Cl H

     46,542        12,224  

Lenovo Group

     6,244,000        7,266,344  

Maoye International Holdings

     286,000        6,213  

MOG Digitech Holdings *

     340,000        95,731  

NetDragon Websoft Holdings

     247,000        438,874  

NetEase

     261,500        5,596,506  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group *

     199,700        1,302,051  

Orient Overseas International

     12,500        157,622  

 

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

 

8


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Hong Kong — (continued)

     

Pou Sheng International Holdings

     1,878,142       $ 160,703  

Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings *

     1,804        820  

Sinopec Engineering Group, Cl H

     1,555,500        777,382  

Skyworth Group

     5,139,486        1,857,131  

Tongcheng Travel Holdings *

     99,200        189,517  

Uni-President China Holdings

     123,000        83,713  

Wasion Holdings

     188,000        69,517  

XD *

     11,984        18,159  

Xiaomi, Cl B *

     1,444,400        2,589,844  

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology

     100        52  

ZTE, Cl H

     125,800        279,560  
     

 

 

 

        57,780,091  
     

 

 

 

Hungary — 2.0%

     

MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas

     344,269        2,740,426  

OTP Bank Nyrt

     241,161        8,976,019  
     

 

 

 

        11,716,445  
     

 

 

 

India — 13.9%

     

Action Construction Equipment

     4,865        48,721  

Andhra Paper

     5,846        38,591  

Andhra Sugars

     40,305        51,413  

Angel One

     15,461        479,853  

Apar Industries

     34,366        2,138,423  

Arvind

     222,899        524,299  

AurionPro Solutions

     13,962        268,691  

Bajaj Consumer Care

     13,858        38,667  

Birlasoft

     35,233        231,956  

Castrol India

     127,544        208,591  

CE Info Systems

     3,157        79,027  

CESC

     343,429        349,729  

Chennai Petroleum

     105,361        728,539  

Cigniti Technologies

     12,994        160,800  

Coal India

     2,834,887        10,700,947  

Cyient

     63,035        1,202,519  

Datamatics Global Services

     22,513        182,981  

DCM Shriram Industries

     36,391        54,818  

Dhampur Sugar Mills

     21,205        67,555  

Dhunseri Ventures

     11,142        37,707  

Elecon Engineering

     96,672        980,683  

Emami

     68,908        422,132  

ESAB India

     690        47,991  

Finolex Cables

     4,512        48,625  

Force Motors

     1,976        81,449  

 

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

 

9


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

India — (continued)

     

Foseco India

     724       $ 29,030  

GHCL

     47,629        332,708  

GHCL Textiles *

     47,629        42,757  

Gillette India

     317        23,320  

Godawari Power and Ispat

     70,623        522,788  

Godfrey Phillips India

     5,127        139,510  

Gokaldas Exports

     9,415        94,445  

Great Eastern Shipping

     30,644        292,400  

Gujarat Industries Power

     46,596        86,779  

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals

     40,046        332,712  

Gujarat Pipavav Port

     28,643        41,913  

Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals

     30,351        72,998  

HCL Technologies

     965,628        14,811,217  

Hindustan Aeronautics

     244,067        5,341,346  

Indiabulls Housing Finance

     237,041        461,296  

Indian Oil

     1,593,973        1,717,088  

Intellect Design Arena

     19,717        160,876  

ISGEC Heavy Engineering

     5,417        43,843  

ITC

     630,149        3,243,717  

ITD Cementation India

     38,041        91,235  

J Kumar Infraprojects

     56,858        275,012  

Jagran Prakashan *

     140,311        168,137  

Jindal Saw

     150,278        799,588  

Kalyani Steels

     2,129        11,746  

Karnataka Bank

     729,817        2,014,120  

KDDL

     1,543        41,988  

Kewal Kiran Clothing

     27,438        250,792  

Kirloskar Brothers

     30,179        328,224  

Kirloskar Industries

     1,818        67,470  

Kokuyo Camlin

     7,933        13,820  

Kolte-Patil Developers

     10,994        63,338  

KPIT Technologies

     363,171        5,313,879  

KSB

     13,074        480,438  

LG Balakrishnan & Bros

     26,722        341,842  

Mahanagar Gas

     22,868        283,544  

Maharashtra Scooters

     798        72,174  

Maharashtra Seamless

     59,388        511,867  

MakeMyTrip *

     2,059        79,745  

Man Infraconstruction

     56,947        102,546  

Manappuram Finance

     164,062        270,987  

Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers

     33,585        44,919  

Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals *

     1,049,719        1,308,364  

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders

     54,712        1,293,195  

 

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

 

10


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

India — (continued)

     

MOIL

     34,378       $ 95,793  

Mrs Bectors Food Specialities

     22,178        298,629  

MSTC

     23,107        122,674  

National Aluminium

     677,213        749,843  

Nava

     279,542        1,386,662  

NCC

     107,339        186,354  

Neuland Laboratories

     1,448        67,316  

NIIT

     30,311        46,545  

NIIT Learning Systems

     59,181        277,109  

NMDC

     15,794        29,271  

NRB Bearings

     89,057        278,378  

Nucleus Software Exports

     6,979        127,751  

Oil & Natural Gas

     1,776,996        3,976,181  

Oil India

     202,404        727,366  

Oracle Financial Services Software

     21,547        1,004,045  

Orient Cement

     162,820        386,938  

Pennar Industries *

     81,342        99,242  

Power Finance

     508,827        1,506,888  

Prakash Industries *

     184,655        351,487  

Prudent Corporate Advisory Services

     2,724        39,252  

PTC India

     321,599        542,026  

PTC India Financial Services

     137,078        47,035  

Punjab National Bank

     468,422        410,863  

Repco Home Finance

     25,178        124,530  

Rural Electrification

     517,586        1,789,039  

Savita Oil Technologies

     3,290        14,380  

Seshasayee Paper & Boards

     25,001        104,196  

Siyaram Silk Mills

     37,411        238,196  

SKM EGG Products Export

     2,327        12,032  

SMC Global Securities

     1,350        1,408  

Sonata Software

     32,021        443,667  

SP Apparels

     13,232        90,259  

Star Cement *

     21,237        40,038  

Stylam Industries

     1,460        29,312  

Styrenix Performance Materials

     4,846        80,237  

Sutlej Textiles and Industries

     30,377        19,264  

Tamil Nadu Newsprint & Papers

     47,442        158,281  

Tamilnadu Petroproducts

     92,741        101,861  

Time Technoplast

     122,412        235,255  

TransIndia Real Estate *

     17,795        8,368  

Transport Corp of India

     16,142        158,807  

Triveni Turbine *

     170,857        737,142  

Ugar Sugar Works

     75,362        86,139  

 

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

 

11


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

India — (continued)

     

Ujjivan Financial Services

     70,867       $ 455,538  

Uniparts India

     4,018        26,854  

Vardhman Textiles

     30,623        135,773  

Voltamp Transformers

     1,209        69,786  

VST Tillers Tractors

     1,352        57,468  

West Coast Paper Mills

     42,557        376,309  

WNS Holdings ADR *

     30,355        1,648,884  

Zensar Technologies

     32,696        192,517  
     

 

 

 

        81,387,608  
     

 

 

 

Indonesia — 2.3%

     

ABM Investama

     68,965        16,571  

Adaro Energy Indonesia

     30,027,555        4,844,924  

AKR Corporindo

     3,281,400        303,089  

Astra International

     5,471,600        1,990,456  

Bank CIMB Niaga

     896,267        97,654  

Bank Mandiri Persero

     5,743,500        2,051,878  

Bank OCBC Nisp

     239,061        16,709  

Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Barat Dan Banten

     402,740        28,776  

Bukit Asam

     6,058,175        945,669  

Gajah Tunggal *

     1,469,077        81,384  

Hanjaya Mandala Sampoerna

     4,121,600        235,957  

Indika Energy

     279,534        31,939  

Indo Tambangraya Megah

     234,549        391,753  

Map Aktif Adiperkasa

     2,356,000        110,495  

Mayora Indah

     329,782        59,205  

Medco Energi Internasional

     4,698,800        377,761  

Mitra Adiperkasa

     1,992,700        217,712  

Panin Financial *

     3,262,500        55,862  

Perusahaan Gas Negara

     5,744,806        454,204  

Perusahaan Perkebunan London Sumatra Indonesia

     1,310,277        75,476  

Puradelta Lestari

     3,587,100        38,593  

Temas

     2,699,542        26,341  

Trans Power Marine

     904,900        37,028  

Triputra Agro Persada

     817,217        28,299  

United Tractors

     483,200        764,668  
     

 

 

 

        13,282,403  
     

 

 

 

Luxembourg — 0.9%

     

Ternium ADR

     143,355        5,374,379  
     

 

 

 

Malaysia — 0.1%

     

AirAsia X *

     31,800        13,154  

Bermaz Auto

     74,700        39,184  

Dayang Enterprise Holdings

     271,500        106,139  

 

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

 

12


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Malaysia — (continued)

     

Fraser & Neave Holdings

     8,000       $ 43,824  

Hong Leong Financial Group

     7,900        29,116  

IGB Real Estate Investment Trust ‡

     44,400        15,839  

Jaya Tiasa Holdings

     233,300        42,117  

Kim Loong Resources

     25,400        10,031  

KSL Holdings *

     228,383        51,862  

Magni-Tech Industries

     13,700        5,665  

Mah Sing Group

     181,900        31,339  

Padini Holdings

     133,600        110,761  

Pelikan International *

     195,300        34,665  

Sports Toto

     107,000        32,564  

YTL Power International

     665,200        294,806  
     

 

 

 

        861,066  
     

 

 

 

Mexico — 1.0%

     

Cemex ADR *

     756,323        4,515,248  

Fomento Economico Mexicano ADR

     9,722        1,102,572  
     

 

 

 

        5,617,820  
     

 

 

 

Philippines — 0.0%

     

Semirara Mining & Power, Cl A

     518,700        265,416  

SSI Group

     150,472        6,953  
     

 

 

 

        272,369  
     

 

 

 

Poland — 1.3%

     

Asseco Poland

     529        9,686  

Budimex

     19        2,127  

Grenevia *

     141,382        100,700  

LiveChat Software

     6,691        180,270  

PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna *

     200,568        348,330  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen

     621,531        7,033,169  

Unimot

     337        8,028  
     

 

 

 

        7,682,310  
     

 

 

 

Qatar — 0.0%

     

Ooredoo QPSC

     59,971        162,898  
     

 

 

 

Russia — 0.0%

     

Globaltrans Investment GDR * (A)

     114,181         

HeadHunter Group ADR * (A)

     3,279         

Novolipetsk Steel PJSC GDR * (A)

     189,918         

Sberbank of Russia PJSC ADR * (A)

     447,493         

Tatneft PJSC ADR * (A)

     153,163         
     

 

 

 

         
     

 

 

 

Saudi Arabia — 5.8%

     

Al Babtain Power & Telecommunication

     58,381        289,932  

 

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

 

13


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Saudi Arabia — (continued)

     

Al-Dawaa Medical Services

     54,790       $ 1,384,299  

Alwasail Industrial

     1,994        10,616  

Americana Restaurants International

     6,423,732        6,490,188  

Arabian Centres

     165,764        886,328  

Arabian Contracting Services

     19,300        1,038,154  

Arabian Internet & Communications Services

     45,733        3,817,218  

Arabian Pipes *

     16,433        421,775  

Astra Industrial Group

     15,882        385,475  

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development *

     323,953        1,304,606  

Electrical Industries

     729,940        409,379  

Elm

     41,962        7,845,704  

Etihad Etisalat

     70,687        868,608  

Fawaz Abdulaziz Al Hokair *

     47,233        244,529  

Gulf Insurance Group

     45,558        356,415  

Leejam Sports JSC

     43,637        1,786,609  

Middle East Healthcare *

     31,265        575,258  

Middle East Specialized Cables *

     64,677        275,838  

Naba Alsaha Medical Services

     247        5,925  

National Agriculture Development *

     79,415        969,613  

Saudi Arabian Amiantit *

     15,186        151,704  

Saudi Electricity

     801,557        3,805,586  

Saudi Marketing

     49,360        263,141  

Zamil Industrial Investment *

     85,854        458,476  
     

 

 

 

        34,045,376  
     

 

 

 

Singapore — 0.0%

     

Riverstone Holdings

     512,200        220,927  
     

 

 

 

South Africa — 1.6%

     

Exxaro Resources

     77,726        780,129  

Hudaco Industries

     688        5,700  

Investec

     266,871        1,460,112  

Kumba Iron Ore

     205,890        5,454,056  

Lewis Group

     14,392        29,962  

Murray & Roberts Holdings *

     58,238        2,181  

Omnia Holdings

     10,425        32,370  

Sanlam

     33,889        118,893  

Sappi

     216,323        455,105  

Standard Bank Group

     106,234        1,042,645  

Sun International

     12,734        25,626  

Zeda *

     32,760        18,899  
     

 

 

 

        9,425,678  
     

 

 

 

South Korea — 10.1%

     

Ace Bed

     567        10,454  

 

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

 

14


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

South Korea — (continued)

     

Advanced Process Systems

     3,673       $ 44,464  

AfreecaTV

     6,179        307,674  

Ahnlab

     7,852        373,565  

AK Holdings

     1,437        18,584  

Binggrae

     737        29,905  

BNK Financial Group

     95,862        482,489  

Cheil Worldwide

     37,434        551,191  

China Crystal New Material Holdings *

     101,819        128,052  

CJ

     24,599        1,534,396  

Creas F&C

     168        1,104  

Daewon San Up

     781        3,138  

Daishin Securities

     203        2,107  

DB *

     45,418        53,235  

DB HiTek

     51,947        1,875,361  

DGB Financial Group

     44,754        260,658  

DL Construction

     375        3,435  

DMS

     9,421        38,268  

Dongwon F&B

     3,100        66,884  

DoubleUGames

     844        25,897  

DRB Holding

     528        2,019  

DY POWER

     2,434        21,125  

Echo Marketing

     14,098        104,741  

Eugene Technology

     17,747        503,344  

Global Standard Technology

     3,878        58,382  

GS Holdings

     8,603        251,224  

Hana Financial Group

     285,984        8,315,495  

Hancom *

     31,166        270,671  

Handsome

     2,901        40,109  

Hankook Tire & Technology

     6,567        186,316  

Hansol Technics

     15,410        68,647  

Hanwha

     116,122        1,912,777  

Hanwha Aerospace

     3,748        281,778  

Hanwha Life Insurance *

     137,009        281,548  

Hanyang Securities

     3,054        21,003  

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment

     2,041        67,366  

Hyundai Glovis

     2,555        324,257  

iMarketKorea

     6,925        40,129  

Infinitt Healthcare *

     4,997        17,977  

JB Financial Group

     35,597        266,267  

KB Financial Group

     133,181        5,076,629  

KC Tech

     5,815        82,071  

Kolon

     7,102        83,645  

Korea Business News

     15,443        61,225  

 

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

 

15


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

South Korea — (continued)

     

Korea Cast Iron Pipe Industries

     7,156       $ 33,239  

Korean Reinsurance

     9,536        62,723  

KT

     147,201        3,561,112  

Kyung Dong Navien

     1,527        54,292  

LG Electronics

     106,239        7,881,128  

LG Uplus

     443,837        3,326,431  

Lock&Lock

     6,971        35,648  

LOT Vacuum

     4,221        63,796  

Lotte Data Communication

     2,414        50,054  

LX Hausys

     9,289        263,557  

Multicampus

     1,070        24,594  

NHN *

     38,488        610,522  

NOROO Paint & Coatings

     6,264        42,278  

PHA

     2,685        17,910  

Piolink

     2,947        26,353  

Rayence

     15,821        105,856  

Sajodaerim

     7,208        149,053  

Samsung Electronics

     266,762        13,278,046  

Sangsangin *

     1,817        5,693  

Saramin

     6,553        92,666  

SAVEZONE I&C CORP

     11,048        19,694  

Sebang

     6,363        50,077  

Sejong Industrial

     26,717        103,844  

Seoul Semiconductor

     7,050        52,754  

Seoyon

     8,880        43,662  

Seoyon E-Hwa

     5,699        60,479  

SGC e Tec E&C

     939        12,786  

Shinsegae Engineering & Construction

     1,067        10,048  

Shinsung Tongsang

     76,333        117,137  

SK D&D

     3,015        61,377  

SK Discovery

     1,351        37,041  

Sungshin Cement

     7,062        43,407  

Suprema *

     2,025        29,016  

TK

     5,267        59,391  

Tongyang Life Insurance *

     14,899        48,468  

Value Added Technology

     8,376        180,279  

WiSoL

     13,595        60,898  

Woongjin Thinkbig

     18,433        33,287  

Woori Financial Group

     398,023        3,515,640  

YES24

     471        1,514  

Youngone

     20,652        830,200  
     

 

 

 

        59,205,556  
     

 

 

 

 

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

 

16


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Taiwan — 17.5%

     

Acer

     1,437,000       $ 1,518,745  

Alpha Networks

     215,000        235,838  

Apacer Technology

     18,000        30,583  

Arcadyan Technology

     187,000        892,938  

Asustek Computer

     455,000        4,770,736  

Axiomtek

     123,124        302,362  

Champion Microelectronic

     21,000        43,811  

Channel Well Technology

     242,000        611,907  

Chicony Electronics

     160,000        615,959  

China Ecotek

     37,000        58,869  

Chin-Poon Industrial

     195,000        209,783  

ChipMOS Technologies

     479,000        607,114  

ChipMOS Technologies ADR

     2,816        70,400  

Compal Electronics

     2,778,000        2,416,402  

Compucase Enterprise

     23,000        46,053  

D-Link

     375,000        212,855  

Dynamic Holding

     390,685        943,229  

Elan Microelectronics

     99,000        441,322  

Elitegroup Computer Systems

     160,000        126,654  

Emerging Display Technologies

     249,000        213,519  

Ennoconn

     78,000        602,076  

Eva Airways

     935,000        792,893  

Evergreen Marine Taiwan

     2,103,200        6,998,983  

First Insurance

     95,000        49,418  

Fitipower Integrated Technology

     112,450        930,833  

Gemtek Technology

     550,000        555,413  

General Plastic Industrial

     30,000        31,309  

Getac Holdings

     294,000        659,270  

Giantplus Technology

     328,000        122,955  

Global Brands Manufacture

     453,000        864,079  

Global Mixed Mode Technology

     79,000        608,020  

Gourmet Master

     91,000        273,419  

Hannstar Board

     281,000        485,106  

Hon Hai Precision Industry

     817,648        2,440,446  

International Games System

     181,000        3,488,761  

Inventec

     771,000        965,882  

ITE Technology

     73,000        368,043  

Jarllytec

     83,000        381,901  

Jess-Link Products

     40,000        103,237  

Kindom Development

     20,000        21,079  

King Yuan Electronics

     57,000        135,044  

L&K Engineering

     84,000        330,987  

La Kaffa International *

     80,000        253,234  

 

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

 

17


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Taiwan — (continued)

     

Lite-On Technology

     612,061       $ 1,905,659  

Machvision

     12,000        66,598  

Macroblock

     200,000        618,799  

MediaTek

     91,000        2,375,042  

Micro-Star International

     428,000        2,191,074  

MPI

     39,000        228,582  

Nexcom International

     115,000        144,042  

Novatek Microelectronics

     452,000        6,365,549  

Phison Electronics

     20,000        288,664  

Pou Chen

     1,860,000        1,657,935  

Powertech Technology

     196,000        636,772  

Promate Solutions

     14,000        42,100  

Qisda

     19,000        24,941  

Quanta Computer

     1,055,000        6,229,043  

Raydium Semiconductor

     127,000        1,410,616  

Realtek Semiconductor

     834,000        10,394,036  

Sea Sonic Electronics

     71,000        199,259  

Senao International

     61,000        67,729  

Sercomm

     34,000        118,627  

Silicon Motion Technology ADR

     2,313        123,931  

Simplo Technology

     63,000        649,069  

Sitronix Technology

     43,000        380,104  

Solteam

     34,000        43,747  

Star Comgistic Capital

     147,723        123,323  

Sunplus Innovation Technology

     32,000        117,034  

Sunrex Technology

     40,000        61,127  

Taiwan PCB Techvest

     42,000        55,011  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

     1,526,000        24,923,425  

TTFB

     7,600        55,545  

Ubright Optronics

     7,000        11,165  

Ventec International Group *

     49,000        127,858  

Wah Hong Industrial

     35,000        41,822  

Winbond Electronics

     806,000        624,587  

Wistron

     704,000        1,963,105  

Wistron NeWeb

     179,000        707,140  

Wowprime

     180,320        1,332,104  

X-Legend Entertainment

     10,200        19,232  

Zyxel Group

     220,000        372,170  
     

 

 

 

        102,528,033  
     

 

 

 

Thailand — 3.2%

     

AP Thailand NVDR

     144,800        43,525  

Bangchak NVDR

     851,200        977,588  

Bangkok Bank NVDR

     2,127,800        9,324,238  

 

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

 

18


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  COMMON STOCK — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Thailand — (continued)

     

Banpu NVDR

     5,742,400       $ 1,213,845  

BTS Rail Mass Transit Growth Infrastructure Fund

     267,600        24,867  

Index Livingmall NVDR

     529,700        333,258  

Krung Thai Bank NVDR

     1,069,800        559,360  

Lanna Resources NVDR

     271,500        111,040  

Minor International NVDR

     538,700        419,799  

MK Restaurants Group NVDR

     143,300        161,438  

Polyplex Thailand NVDR

     9,500        2,620  

Pruksa Holding NVDR

     47,600        16,563  

PTT NVDR

     2,833,000        2,622,209  

PTT Exploration & Production NVDR

     443,700        2,026,303  

Regional Container Lines NVDR

     414,800        226,207  

Silicon Craft Technology NVDR

     189,120        37,146  

Star Petroleum Refining NVDR *

     369,900        76,262  

Supalai NVDR

     156,100        79,965  

Thai Oil NVDR

     263,600        345,132  
     

 

 

 

        18,601,365  
     

 

 

 

Turkey — 0.7%

     

Agesa Hayat ve Emeklilik

     263,164        547,310  

Anadolu Grubu Holding, Cl A

     4,624        33,538  

CarrefourSA Carrefour Sabanci Ticaret Merkezi *

     7,974        31,311  

Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri

     735,335        3,689,203  
     

 

 

 

        4,301,362  
     

 

 

 

United Arab Emirates — 1.0%

     

Emaar Properties PJSC

     2,558,282        4,660,637  

Emirates NBD Bank PJSC

     195,951        904,563  

Sharjah Islamic Bank

     117,456        74,829  

Yalla Group ADR *

     15,307        82,199  
     

 

 

 

        5,722,228  
     

 

 

 

United Kingdom — 0.2%

     

Thungela Resources

     121,723        1,078,779  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK
(Cost $526,127,614)

        557,726,465  
     

 

 

 

             

  PREFERRED STOCK(B) — 4.3%

     

Brazil — 4.3%

     

Cia de Ferro Ligas da Bahia FERBASA

     48,058        466,115  

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais

     981,179        2,278,892  

Gerdau

     1,642,779        7,129,272  

 

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

 

19


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  PREFERRED STOCK(B) — continued

     
                 Shares                               Value             

Brazil — (continued)

     

Marcopolo

     145,500       $ 150,067  

Metalurgica Gerdau, Cl A

     535,200        1,097,628  

Noxville Investimentos * (A)

     455         

Petroleo Brasileiro

     2,034,694        14,015,951  
     

 

 

 

        25,137,925  
     

 

 

 

South Korea — 0.0%

     

CJ

     9,029        462,660  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
(Cost $17,777,495)

        25,600,585  
     

 

 

 

    

     

  MUTUAL FUND — 0.5%

     

United States — 0.5%

     

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

     81,181        2,979,343  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL MUTUAL FUND
(Cost $2,968,392)

        2,979,343  
     

 

 

 

    

     

  WARRANT — 0.0%

     
     Number of
Warrants
      

Thailand — 0.0%

     

Successmore Being PCL, Expires 05/28/25 * (A)

     400        16  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL WARRANT
(Cost $—)

        16  
     

 

 

 

    

     

  RIGHT — 0.0%

     
     Number of
Rights
      

Taiwan — 0.0%

     

Winbond Electronics, Expires 11/07/23

     32,402        2,947  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL RIGHT
(Cost $—)

        2,947  
     

 

 

 

 

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

 

20


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT — 0.2%

     
     Shares      Value

FIRST AMERICAN TREASURY OBLIGATIONS FUND, Cl X, 5.27% (C)
(Cost $1,054,936)

     1,054,936       $ 1,054,936  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS— 100.2%
(Cost $547,928,437)

       $ 587,364,292  
     

 

 

 

Percentages are based on Net Assets of $585,983,370.

 

*

Non-income producing security.

Real Estate Investment Trust

(A)

Level 3 security in accordance with fair value hierarchy.

(B)

There is currently no rate available.

(C)

The rate shown is the 7 day effective yield as of October 31, 2023.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

Cl — Class

ETF — Exchange Traded Fund

GDR — Global Depositary Receipt

NVDR — Non-Voting Depositary Receipt

PJSC — Public Joint Stock Company

QPSC — Qatari Public Shareholding Company

 

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

 

21


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

The summary of input levels used to value the Portfolio’s net assets as of October 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Investments in Securities            Level 1                      Level 2                      Level 3†                      Total          

Common Stock

           

Brazil

   $ 1,599,143      $      $ —^      $ 1,599,143  

China

     27,102,550        108,629,492               135,732,042  

Colombia

     88,606                      88,606  

Egypt

            62,400               62,400  

Greece

     43,824        933,757               977,581  

Hong Kong

     551,124        57,228,967               57,780,091  

Hungary

            11,716,445               11,716,445  

India

     2,252,412        79,135,196               81,387,608  

Indonesia

     619,052        12,663,351               13,282,403  

Luxembourg

     5,374,379                      5,374,379  

Malaysia

     193,945        667,121               861,066  

Mexico

     5,617,820                      5,617,820  

Philippines

            272,369               272,369  

Poland

            7,682,310               7,682,310  

Qatar

     162,898                      162,898  

Russia

                   —^        —^  

Saudi Arabia

     4,594,690        29,450,686               34,045,376  

Singapore

            220,927               220,927  

South Africa

     1,983,249        7,442,429               9,425,678  

South Korea

     191,741        59,013,815               59,205,556  

Taiwan

     194,331        102,333,702               102,528,033  

Thailand

     135,907        18,465,458               18,601,365  

Turkey

     64,849        4,236,513               4,301,362  

United Arab Emirates

     157,028        5,565,200               5,722,228  

United Kingdom

            1,078,779               1,078,779  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Common Stock

     50,927,548        506,798,917               557,726,465  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Preferred Stock

           

Brazil

     25,137,925               —^        25,137,925  

South Korea

            462,660               462,660  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stock

     25,137,925        462,660        —^        25,600,585  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mutual Fund

     2,979,343                      2,979,343  

Warrant

                   16        16  

Right

            2,947               2,947  

Short-Term Investment

            1,054,936               1,054,936  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 79,044,816      $ 508,319,460      $ 16      $ 587,364,292  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

† A reconciliation of Level 3 investments and disclosures of significant unobservable inputs are presented when the Portfolio has a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the period in relation to net assets. Management has concluded that Level 3 investments are not material in relation to net assets.

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

 

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

 

22


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

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

 

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

 

23


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES   

Assets

  

Investments, at Value (Cost $547,928,437)

    $ 587,364,292  

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $2,083,895)

     2,081,240  

Receivable for Investment Securities Sold

     15,306,295  

Dividends and Interest Receivable

     1,334,309  

Receivable for Capital Shares Sold

     446,855  

Reclaim Receivable

     90,923  

Prepaid Expenses

     27,155  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

                     606,651,069  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Payable for Investment Securities Purchased

     15,799,118  

Accrued Foreign Capital Gains Tax on Appreciated Securities

     3,395,079  

Payable to Adviser

     458,253  

Payable for Capital Shares Redeemed

     354,350  

Payable to Custodian

     292,237  

Shareholder Servicing Fees Payable - Investor Class

     88,664  

Shareholder Servicing Fees Payable - Y Class

     106  

Payable to Administrator

     53,474  

Payable to Trustees

     6,488  

Chief Compliance Officer Fees Payable

     3,673  

Unrealized Loss on Spot Contracts

     55  

Accrued Expenses

     216,202  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     20,667,699  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

    $ 585,983,370  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

  

Paid-in Capital

    $ 554,272,853  

Total Distributable Earnings

     31,710,517  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

    $ 585,983,370  
  

 

 

 

Investor Class Shares:

  

Net Assets

    $ 283,457,035  

Outstanding Shares of Beneficial Interest (unlimited authorization - no par value)

     14,904,155  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Redemption and Offering Price Per Share *

    $ 19.02  
  

 

 

 

I Class Shares:

  

Net Assets

    $ 299,395,188  

Outstanding Shares of Beneficial Interest (unlimited authorization - no par value)

     15,743,243  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Redemption and Offering Price Per Share *

    $ 19.02  
  

 

 

 

Y Class Shares:

  

Net Assets

    $ 3,131,147  

Outstanding Shares of Beneficial Interest (unlimited authorization - no par value)

     165,028  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Redemption and Offering Price Per Share *

    $ 18.97  
  

 

 

 

 

*

Redemption price per share may vary depending upon the length of time shares are held.

 

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

 

24


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

  

Investment Income:

  

Dividends

   $ 36,883,531  

Less: Foreign Taxes Withheld

     (4,280,449
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

     32,603,082  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment Advisory Fees

     5,682,504  

Shareholder Servicing Fees - Investor Class

     693,916  

Shareholder Servicing Fees - Y Class

     2,016  

Administration Fees

     655,117  

Trustees’ Fees

     26,051  

Chief Compliance Officer Fees

     6,843  

Custodian Fees

     767,874  

Transfer Agent Fees

     159,364  

Printing Fees

     144,322  

Interest Expense

     93,822  

Filing and Registration Fees

     67,865  

Legal Fees

     65,105  

Audit Fees

     38,877  

Other Expenses

     113,970  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

                  8,517,646  
  

 

 

 

Less:

  

Fees Paid Indirectly (Note 4)

     (20,486
  

 

 

 

Net Expenses

     8,497,160  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     24,105,922  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized Loss on:

  

Investments

     (18,270,643

Foreign Capital Gains Tax

     (789,424

Foreign Currency Transactions

     (599,784
  

 

 

 

Net Realized Loss

     (19,659,851
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     137,045,384  

Foreign Capital Gains Tax on Depreciated Securities

     (2,158,993

Foreign Currencies and Translation of other Assets and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currencies

     28,279  
  

 

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation

     134,914,670  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain

     115,254,819  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 139,360,741  
  

 

 

 

 

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

 

25


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

    

    

 

 

  STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

     Year Ended
  October 31, 2023  
    Year Ended
  October 31, 2022  
 

Operations:

    

Net Investment Income

   $ 24,105,922     $ 40,563,803  

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     (19,659,851     1,758,572  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     134,914,670       (325,249,551
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

     139,360,741       (282,927,176
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions:

    

Investor Class Shares

     (22,785,848     (17,800,931

I Class Shares

     (21,338,558     (13,456,457

Y Class Shares

     (440,711     (216,931
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

     (44,565,117     (31,474,319
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:(1)

    

Investor Class Shares:

    

Issued

     14,428,787       82,547,939  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     22,252,987       17,518,818  

Redemption Fees — (See Note 2)

     3,261       534  

Redeemed

     (126,089,006     (172,389,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in Net Assets derived from Investor Class Transactions

     (89,403,971     (72,322,505
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

I Class Shares:

    

Issued

     76,035,895       117,160,815  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     18,279,007       11,719,825  

Redemption Fees — (See Note 2)

     2,545       14,793  

Redeemed

     (96,712,771     (141,322,663
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Decrease in Net Assets derived from I Class Transactions

     (2,395,324     (12,427,230
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Y Class Shares:

    

Issued

     67,027       2,414,547  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     407,053       181,073  

Redeemed

     (4,049,086     (1,289,528
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets derived from Y Class Transactions

     (3,575,006     1,306,092  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

     (95,374,301     (83,443,643
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Decrease in Net Assets

     (578,677     (397,845,138
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of Year

     586,562,047       984,407,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of Year

   $     585,983,370     $     586,562,047  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

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

 

26


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

 

 

 

  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Year
     Years Ended October 31,  

Investor Class Shares            

   2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  

Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Year

   $ 16.37     $       23.93     $       19.65     $ 19.41     $       18.35  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations:

          

Net Investment Income*

     0.70       0.96       0.47       0.29       0.39  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

     3.21       (7.78     4.10       0.32       1.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from Operations

     3.91       (6.82     4.57       0.61       1.39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption Fees*

     0.00     0.00     —               0.00     0.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions from:

          

Net Investment Income

     (1.07     (0.70     (0.29     (0.37     (0.33

Net Realized Gains

     (0.19     (0.04     —               —               —          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

     (1.26     (0.74     (0.29     (0.37     (0.33
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $       19.02     $ 16.37     $ 23.93     $       19.65     $ 19.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return †

     24.62%       (29.43)%       23.35%       3.04%       7.72%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

          
Net Assets, End of Year (Thousands)    $      283,457     $      322,684     $      580,640     $      674,360     $      625,488  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(1)

     1.46%       1.49%       1.43%       1.40%       1.40%  

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     3.69%       4.52%       1.97%       1.56%       2.07%  

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     68%       66%       70%       55%       48%  

 

*

Per share amounts for the period are based on average outstanding shares.

^

Amount was less than $0.005 per share.

Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares.

(1)

The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets excludes the effect of fees paid indirectly. If these expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been the same as the ratio reported.

 

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

 

27


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

 

 

 

  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Year
    

Years Ended October 31,

 

I Class Shares            

   2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  

Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Year

   $ 16.39     $ 23.97     $ 19.67     $ 19.43     $ 18.38  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations:

          

Net Investment Income*

     0.75       1.00       0.53       0.29       0.41  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

     3.20       (7.77     4.09       0.35       1.00  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from Operations

     3.95       (6.77     4.62       0.64       1.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption Fees*

     0.00     0.00     —               0.00     0.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions from:

          

Net Investment Income

     (1.13     (0.77     (0.32     (0.40     (0.36

Net Realized Gains

     (0.19     (0.04     —               —               —          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

     (1.32     (0.81     (0.32     (0.40     (0.36
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $       19.02     $       16.39     $       23.97     $       19.67     $       19.43  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return †

     24.87%       (29.26)%       23.61%       3.20%       7.86%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

          
Net Assets, End of Year (Thousands)    $      299,395     $      258,008     $      396,786     $      330,942     $      496,662  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(1)

     1.24%       1.27%       1.22%       1.24%       1.25%  

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     3.95%       4.70%       2.21%       1.53%       2.13%  

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     68%       66%       70%       55%       48%  

 

*

Per share amounts for the period are based on average outstanding shares.

^

Amount was less than $0.005 per share.

Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares.

(1)

The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets excludes the effect of fees paid indirectly. If these expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been the same as the ratio reported.

 

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

 

28


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

    

 

 

  FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected Per Share Data & Ratios
For a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Year

 

     Years Ended October 31,  

Y Class Shares            

   2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  

Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Year

   $       16.35     $       23.92     $       19.63     $       19.40     $       18.34  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations:

          

Net Investment Income*

     0.74       0.99       0.50       0.25       0.43  

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

     3.19       (7.76     4.11       0.38       0.98  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from Operations

     3.93       (6.77     4.61       0.63       1.41  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redemption Fees*

     —           —           —           0.00 ^       —      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions from:

          

Net Investment Income

     (1.12     (0.76     (0.32     (0.40     (0.35

Net Realized Gains

     (0.19     (0.04     —           —           —      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Dividends and Distributions

     (1.31     (0.80     (0.32     (0.40     (0.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 18.97     $ 16.35     $ 23.92     $ 19.63     $ 19.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return †

     24.80%       (29.31)%       23.61%       3.15%       7.89%  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data

          
Net Assets, End of Year (Thousands)    $      3,131     $      5,870     $      6,982     $      8,334     $      20,363  

Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(1)

     1.29%       1.32%       1.24%       1.24%       1.25%  

Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets

     3.95%       4.71%       2.10%       1.34%       2.26%  

Portfolio Turnover Rate

     68%       66%       70%       55%       48%  

 

*

Per share amounts for the period are based on average outstanding shares.

^

Amount was less than $0.005 per share.

Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or the redemption of Portfolio shares.

(1)

The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets excludes the effect of fees paid indirectly. If these expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been the same as the ratio reported.

 

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

 

29


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Organization:

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) is organized as a Massachusetts business trust under an Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated February 18, 1997. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company with 28 funds. The financial statements herein are those of the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio (“Portfolio”), a diversified portfolio. The investment objective of the Portfolio is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of emerging market country issuers. The financial statements of the remaining portfolios are presented separately. The assets of each portfolio are segregated, and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the portfolio in which shares are held.

2. Significant Accounting Policies:

The following are significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Portfolio. The Portfolio is an investment company that applies the accounting and reporting guidance issued in Topic 946 by the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

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

Security Valuation — Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on an exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 pm ET if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates.

Securities for which market prices are not “readily available” are valued in accordance with fair value procedures (the “Fair Value Procedures”) established by the Adviser and approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee”

 

30


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

to determine the fair value of securities and other instruments for which no readily available market quotations are available. The Fair Value Procedures are implemented through a Fair Value Committee (the “Committee”) of the Adviser.

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

For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security’s last trade and the time at which the Portfolio calculates its net asset values. The closing prices of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time the Portfolio calculates its net asset value if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a “Significant Event”) has occurred between the time of the security’s last close and the time that the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio calculates its net asset value. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector. If Acadian Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) of the Portfolio becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which the Portfolio calculates its net asset value, it may request that a Committee meeting be called. As of October 31, 2023, the total market value of securities in the Portfolio, valued in accordance with fair value procedures, was $507,261,577 or 87% of Net Assets.

The Portfolio uses Intercontinental Exchange Data Pricing & Reference Data, LLC. (“ICE”) as a third party fair valuation vendor. ICE provides a fair value for foreign securities in the Portfolio based on certain factors and methodologies (involving, generally, tracking valuation correlations between the U.S. market and each non-U.S. security) applied by ICE in the event that there is a movement in the U.S. markets that exceeds a specific threshold established by the Committee. The Committee establishes a “confidence interval” which is used to determine the level of correlation between the value of a foreign security and movements in the U.S. market before a particular security is fair valued when the threshold is exceeded. In the event that the threshold established by the Committee is exceeded on a specific day, the Portfolio values its non-U.S. securities that exceed the applicable “confidence interval” based upon the fair values provided by ICE. In such event, it is not necessary to hold a Committee

 

31


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

meeting. In the event that the Adviser believes that the fair values provided by ICE are not reliable, the Adviser contacts SEI Investments Global Fund Services (the “Administrator”) and may request that a meeting of the Committee be held.

If a local market in which the Portfolio own securities is closed for one or more days, the Portfolio shall value all securities held in that corresponding currency based on the fair value prices provided by ICE using the predetermined confidence interval discussed above.

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of risk associated with investing in those securities.

For details of the investment classification, refer to the Schedule of Investments.

 

32


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

Federal Income Taxes — It is the Portfolio’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company for Federal income tax purposes by complying with the appropriate provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and by distributing to shareholders all of their net investment income and realized gains. Accordingly, no provisions for Federal income taxes have been made in the financial statements.

The Portfolio evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Portfolio’s tax returns to determine whether it is “more-likely-than-not” (i.e., greater than 50-percent) that each tax position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. The Portfolio did not record any tax provision in the current period. However, management’s conclusions regarding tax positions taken may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, examination by tax authorities (i.e., the last 3 open tax year ends and current tax year, as applicable), on-going analysis of and changes to tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.

As of and during the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Portfolio recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio did not incur any interest or penalties.

Security Transactions and Investment Income — Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Costs used in determining realized gains or losses on the sale of investment securities are based on the specific identification method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded as soon as the Portfolio is informed of the dividend if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis from settlement date. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted and amortized using the scientific interest method, which approximates the effective interest method.

Foreign Taxes — The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on either income or gains earned or repatriated. The Fund accrues and applies such taxes to net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized gains as income and/or capital gains earned.

Foreign Currency Translation — The books and records of the Portfolio are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars on the date of

 

33


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

valuation. The Portfolio does not isolate that portion of realized or unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates from fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities. These gains and losses are included in net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments on the Statement of Operations. Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from foreign currency exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Portfolio’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Portfolio may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect the value of securities held and related receivables and payables against changes in future foreign exchange rates. A forward currency contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currency at a set price on a future date. The market value of the contract will fluctuate with changes in currency exchange rates. The contract is marked-to-market daily using the current forward rate and the change in market value is recorded by the Portfolio as unrealized gain or loss. The Portfolio recognizes realized gains or losses when the contract is closed, equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Any realized or unrealized gains (loss) during the period are presented on the Statement of Operations. Risks may arise from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and are generally limited to the amount of unrealized gain on the contracts at the date of default.

Expenses — Most expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a particular fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a particular fund are apportioned among the funds of the Trust based on the number of funds and/or relative net assets.

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

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — The Portfolio distributes substantially all of its net investment income, if any, annually. Any net realized capital gains will be distributed at least annually. All distributions are recorded on ex-dividend date.

Redemption Fees — The Portfolio retains a redemption fee of 2.00% on redemptions of capital shares if redeemed within 30 days of purchase. The redemption fee is

 

34


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

recorded as an increase to paid-in capital. The redemption fees retained by the Portfolio are reported on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

3. Transactions with Affiliates:

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

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

4. Administration, Distribution, Shareholder Servicing, Transfer Agent and Custodian Agreements:

The Portfolio and the Administrator are parties to an Administration Agreement, under which the Administrator provides administrative services to the Portfolio. For these services, the Administrator is paid an asset based fee, which will vary depending on the number of share classes and the average daily net assets of the Portfolio. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio paid $655,117 for these services.

The Trust and the Distributor are parties to a Distribution Agreement. The Distributor receives no fees under the agreement.

The Portfolio has adopted a shareholder servicing plan under which a shareholder servicing fee of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares up to 0.10% of average daily net assets of the Y Class Shares will be paid to financial intermediaries. Certain brokers, dealers, banks, trust companies and other financial representatives may receive compensation from the Portfolio for providing a variety of services, including record keeping and transaction processing. Such fees are paid by the Portfolio to the extent that the number of accounts serviced by the financial representative multiplied by the account fee charged by the Portfolio’s transfer agent would not exceed the amount that would have been charged had the accounts serviced by the financial representative been registered directly through the transfer agent. All fees in excess of this amount are paid by the Adviser, an affiliate of Old Mutual (US) Holdings, Inc. These fees are disclosed on the Statement of Operations as Shareholder Servicing Fees.

DST Systems, Inc. (the “Transfer Agent”) serves as the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Portfolio under a transfer agency agreement.

For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio earned cash management credits of $20,486, which were used to offset transfer agent expenses. This amount is labeled as “Fees Paid Indirectly” on the Statement of Operations.

 

35


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

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

5. Investment Advisory Agreement:

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement the Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Portfolio at a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.90% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets.

The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reduce fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to keep total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 2.50% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The Adviser intends to continue these voluntary fee reductions and expense limitations until further notice, but may discontinue all or part of these fee reductions or expense reimbursements at any time.

6. Investment Transactions:

For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio made purchases of $424,828,926 and sales of $543,622,746 of investment securities other than long-term U.S. Government and short-term securities. There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities.

 

36


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

7. Share Transactions:

 

       Year Ended  
October  31,
2023
      Year Ended  
October  31,
2022
 

Investor Class Shares:

    

Issued

     764,689       3,668,811  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     1,263,009       750,522  

Redeemed

     (6,831,732     (8,980,192

Net Decrease in Shares Outstanding from Investor Class Share Transactions

     (4,804,034     (4,560,859

I Class Shares:

    

Issued

     4,078,460       5,507,041  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     1,039,191       502,288  

Redeemed

     (5,114,817     (6,824,908

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding from I Class Share Transactions

     2,834       (815,579

Y Class Shares:

    

Issued

     3,587       118,395  

Reinvestment of Distributions

     23,190       7,777  

Redeemed

     (220,659     (59,187

Net Increase (Decrease) in Shares Outstanding from Y Class Share Transactions

     (193,882     66,985  

Net Decrease in Shares Outstanding from Share Transactions

     (4,995,082     (5,309,453

8. Line of Credit:

The Portfolio entered into an agreement which enables it to participate in a $50 million unsecured committed revolving line of credit with MUFG Union Bank N.A., which is set to expire July 29, 2024. The proceeds from the borrowings shall be used to finance the Portfolio’s short term general working capital requirements, including the funding of shareholder redemptions. Interest is charged to the Portfolio based on their borrowings at the current reference rate. For the year ended October 31, 2023, the Portfolio had average borrowings of $2,522,230 and a maximum amount borrowed of $35,554,000 over a period of 169 days at a weighted average interest rate of 7.84%. Interest accrued on the borrowings during the period was $93,822. As of October 31, 2023, the Portfolio did not have any borrowings outstanding.

9. Federal Tax Information:

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

 

37


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

There were no permanent differences credited or charged to Paid-in Capital and Distributable Earnings as of October 31, 2023.

The tax character of dividends and distributions declared during the last two fiscal years were as follows:

 

         Ordinary
        Income        
     Long-Term
    Capital Gain    
               Total            
 

2023

   $ 37,952,435      $ 6,612,682      $ 44,565,117  

  

 

2022

     29,888,278        1,586,041        31,474,319  

As of October 31, 2023, the components of Distributable Earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed Ordinary Income

  $                 25,261,630  

Capital Loss Carryforwards

    (16,782,020

Net Unrealized Appreciation

    23,230,926  

Other Temporary Differences

    (19

Total Distributable Earnings

  $ 31,710,517  

For Federal income tax purposes, capital losses incurred may be carried forward and applied against future capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Portfolio is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law. The capital loss carryforwards with no expiration are noted below:

 

Short-Term                          Long-Term                                                     Total  Capital Loss                            
                         Loss                              Loss      Carryforwards  
$ 10,139,546      $ 6,642,474      $ 16,782,020  

For Federal income tax purposes, the difference between Federal tax cost and book cost primarily relates to PFICs and wash sales, which cannot be used for Federal income tax purposes in the current year and have been deferred for use in future years. The Federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments, held by the Portfolio at October 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

Federal Tax

                       Cost                      

     Aggregated
            Gross  Unrealized            
Appreciation
     Aggregated
            Gross  Unrealized            
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
                 Appreciation                
 
$ 560,727,145      $ 91,389,558      $ (64,763,553   $ 26,626,005  

 

38


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

The difference in unrealized appreciation is attributable to Foreign Capital Gains Tax Payable.

10. Concentration of Risk:

As with all management investment companies, a shareholder of the Portfolio is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The Portfolio is subject to the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) and ability to meet its investment objective.

Active Management Risk – The Portfolio is subject to the risk that the Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value, or potential appreciation of the Portfolio’s investments may prove to be incorrect. If the investments selected and strategies employed by the Portfolio fail to produce the intended results, the Portfolio could underperform in comparison to other funds with similar objectives and investment strategies.

Equity Risk – Since it purchases equity securities, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that stock prices may fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Portfolio’s equity securities may fluctuate drastically from day-to-day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/ or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These factors contribute to price volatility, which is the principal risk of investing in the Portfolio. This risk is greater for small and medium-sized companies, which tend to be more vulnerable to adverse developments than larger companies.

Small Capitalization Company Risk – The smaller capitalization companies that the Fund invests in may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, investments in these small companies may pose additional risks, including liquidity risk, because these companies tend to have limited product lines, markets, financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, small capitalization stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. These securities may be traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange. The Fund is also subject to the risk that the Adviser’s particular investment style, which focuses on small capitalization stocks, may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity market as a whole.

Foreign Company Risk – Investing in foreign companies, whether through investments made in foreign markets or made through the purchase of ADRs and GDRs, which are traded on exchanges and represent an ownership in a foreign security, pose additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. Political events (civil unrest, national elections, changes in political conditions and foreign relations, imposition of exchange controls and repatriation restrictions), social and economic events (labor strikes, rising inflation) and natural disasters occurring in a country where the Portfolio invests could cause the Portfolio’s investments in that country to experience gains or losses. These risks will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign companies are generally denominated

 

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in a foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect (positively or negatively) the value of the Portfolio’s investments. These currency movements may occur separately from, and in response to, events that do not otherwise affect the value of the security in the issuer’s home country. While ADRs and GDRs provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs and GDRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

Emerging Markets Securities Risk – Investments in emerging markets securities are considered speculative and subject to heightened risks in addition to the general risks of investing in non-U.S. securities. Unlike more established markets, emerging markets may have governments that are less stable, markets that are less liquid, and economies that are less developed. Securities of foreign companies may not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and foreign companies are generally not subject to the regulatory controls imposed on U.S. issuers and, as a consequence, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign securities than is available about domestic securities. Income from foreign securities owned by the Portfolio may be reduced by a withholding tax at the source, which tax would reduce income received from the securities comprising the portfolio. In addition, emerging markets securities may be issued by companies with smaller market capitalizations and may suffer periods of relative illiquidity, significant price volatility, restrictions on foreign investment, and possible restrictions on repatriation of investment income and capital. Furthermore, emerging market governments may have limited ability to raise taxes or authorize appropriations for debt repayment. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales, and future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies.

Foreign Currency Risk – Because non-U.S. securities are usually denominated in currencies other than the dollar, the value of the Portfolio’s portfolio may be influenced by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by the Portfolio. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

Geographic Focus Risk – To the extent that it focuses its investments in a particular country or region, the Fund may be more susceptible to economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers and countries within that country or region. As a result, the Fund may be subject to greater price volatility and risk of loss than a fund holding more geographically diverse investments.

Market Risk – The risk that the market value of an investment may fluctuate. Markets for securities in which the Fund invests may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments. Similarly, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic or natural disaster, or widespread fear that such events may occur,

 

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

The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund. Please refer to the Fund’s current prospectus for a discussion of the risks associated with investing in the Fund.

11. Other:

As of October 31, 2023, 78% of the Portfolio’s Investor Class Shares outstanding were held by two record shareholders, 70% of the Portfolio’s I Class Shares were held by four record shareholders, and 82% of the Portfolio’s Y Class Shares outstanding were held by two record shareholders. These shareholders were comprised of omnibus accounts that were held on behalf of various shareholders.

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

12. Loans of Fund Securities:

The Portfolio may lend fund securities having a market value up to one-third of the Portfolio’s total assets. Such loans are secured by collateral equal the market value of the loaned securities. Such collateral will be cash or debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any agencies. Cash collateral received in connection with these loans is invested in short-term money market instruments. It is the Portfolio’s policy to obtain additional collateral from or return excess collateral to the borrower by the end of the next business day following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than the value of the securities on loan. Securities Lending entails a risk of loss to the Portfolio if the market value of the loans were to increase and the borrower did not increase the collateral accordingly. An additional risk is that the borrower fails to return the securities when recalled. The Portfolio could also experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Portfolio bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the collateral available for return to the borrower due to any loss on the collateral invested.

During the year and as of October 31, 2023, there were no securities on loan for the Portfolio.

 

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OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

13. Subsequent Events:

The Portfolio has evaluated the need for additional disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no additional adjustments were required to the financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Portfolio

and Shareholders of Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio (the “Fund”), a series of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund as of October 31, 2023, the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2023, the results of its operations, the changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The Fund’s financial statement and financial highlights for the year ended October 31, 2022, and prior, were audited by other auditors whose report dated December 29, 2022, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Fund’s auditor since 2023.

 

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MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 29, 2023

 

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ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

Effective March 6, 2023, BBD LLP (“BBD”) ceased to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio (“Portfolio”), a series of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund. The Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the replacement of BBD as a result of Cohen & Company, Ltd.’s (“Cohen”) acquisition of BBD’s investment management group.

The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Portfolio as of and for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainties, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, and during the subsequent interim period through March 6, 2023: (i) there were no disagreements between the registrant and BBD on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in its report on the financial statements of the Portfolio for such years or interim period; and (ii) there were no “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

At a meeting on May 23, 2023, the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees also recommended and approved the appointment of Cohen as the Portfolio’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2023.

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, and during the subsequent interim period through May 23, 2023, neither the registrant, nor anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with Cohen on behalf of the Portfolio regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction (either completed or proposed), the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Portfolio’s financial statements, or any matter that was either: (i) the subject of a “disagreement,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the instructions thereto; or (ii) “reportable events,” as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

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MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a mutual fund, your investment is affected by these ongoing costs, which include (among others) costs for Portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports like this one. It is important for you to understand the impact of these costs on your investment returns. Operating expenses such as these are deducted from a mutual fund’s gross income and directly reduce your final investment return. These expenses are expressed as a percentage of a mutual fund’s average net assets; this percentage is known as a mutual fund’s expense ratio. The following examples use the expense ratio and are intended to help you understand the ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your Portfolio/Fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period (May 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023).

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

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

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

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

 

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ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (Unaudited)

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

 

     Beginning      Ending            Expenses  
     Account      Account      Annualized     Paid  
     Value      Value      Expense     During  
      05/01/23      10/31/23      Ratios     Period*  

Investor Class Shares

                                  

Actual Fund Return

     $1,000.00        $1,009.00        1.43%       $7.24  

Hypothetical 5% Return

     $1,000.00        $1,018.00        1.43%       $7.27  

I Class Shares

                                  

Actual Fund Return

     $1,000.00        $1,010.60        1.22%       $6.18  

Hypothetical 5% Return

     $1,000.00        $1,019.06        1.22%       $6.21  

Y Class Shares

                                  

Actual Fund Return

     $1,000.00        $1,010.10        1.27%       $6.43  

Hypothetical 5% Return

     $1,000.00        $1,018.80        1.27%       $6.46  
*

Expenses are equal to the Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365.

 

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OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

   TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND (Unaudited)

Set forth below are the names, years of birth, positions with the Trust, length of term of office, and the principal occupations for the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as Trustees and Officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee is SEI Investments Company, 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. Trustees who are deemed not to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Messrs. Nesher and Klauder

 

Name and Year of

          Birth

  

Position with Trust
and Length of Time

Served1

  

Principal

Occupations

in the Past Five Years

INTERESTED TRUSTEES 3,4
           
Robert Nesher
(Born: 1946)
   Chairman of the Board of Trustees (since 1991)    SEI employee 1974 to present; currently performs various services on behalf of SEI Investments for which Mr. Nesher is compensated. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. President and Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP. Vice Chairman of Winton Series Trust to 2017. Vice Chairman of Winton Diversified Opportunities Fund (closed-end investment company), The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III, Gallery Trust, Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust to 2018.

N. Jeffrey Klauder

(Born: 1952)

   Trustee (since 2018)   

Senior Advisor of SEI Investments since 2018. Executive Vice President and General Counsel of SEI Investments, 2004 to 2018.

 

 

 

1

Each Trustee shall hold office during the lifetime of this Trust until the election and qualification of his or her successor, or until he or she sooner dies, resigns, or is removed in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.

2

Directorships of Companies required to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies under the 1940 Act.

3

Denotes Trustees who may be deemed to be “interested” persons of the Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act by virtue of their affiliation with the Distributor and/or its affiliates.

4

Trustees oversee 28 funds in The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund.

 

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are Trustees who may be deemed to be “interested” persons of the Trust as that term is defined in the 1940 Act by virtue of their affiliation with the Trust’s Distributor. The Trust’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Trustees and Officers. The SAI may be obtained without charge by calling 1-866-226-6161. The following chart lists Trustees and Officers as of October 31, 2023.

Other Directorships

Held in the Past Five Years2

 

 

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds, Catholic Responsible Investments Funds, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Global Master Fund plc, SEI Global Assets Fund plc, SEI Global Investments Fund plc, SEI Investments—Global Funds Services, Limited, SEI Investments Global, Limited, SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd., SEI Investments—Unit Trust Management (UK) Limited, SEI Multi-Strategy Funds PLC and SEI Global Nominee Ltd.

Former Directorships: Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds. Director of SEI Private Trust Company, SEI Global Fund Services Ltd., SEI Investments Global Limited, SEI Global Master Fund, SEI Global Investments Fund, SEI Global Assets Fund and SEI Investments - Guernsey Limited.

Former Directorships: Trustee of SEI Investments Management Corporation, SEI Trust Company, SEI Investments (South Africa), Limited and SEI Investments (Canada) Company to 2018. Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

 

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   TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND (Unaudited)

 

Name and

Year of Birth

  

    Position with Trust    

and Length of

Time Served1

  

Principal

Occupations

in the Past Five Years

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES3            
Kathleen Gaffney
(Born: 1961)
  

Trustee

(since 2022)

   Retired since 2019. Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Eaton Vance Management from 2012 to 2019.
Joseph T. Grause, Jr.
(Born: 1952)
  

Trustee

(since 2011)

Lead Independent

Trustee

(since 2018)

   Self-Employed Consultant since 2012. Director of Endowments and Foundations, Morningstar Investment Management, Morningstar, Inc., 2010 to 2011. Director of International Consulting and Chief Executive Officer of Morningstar Associates Europe Limited, Morningstar, Inc., 2007 to 2010. Country Manager – Morningstar UK Limited, Morningstar, Inc., 2005 to 2007.
Betty L. Krikorian
(Born: 1943)
  

Trustee

(since 2005)

   Vice President, Compliance, AARP Financial Inc., from 2008 to 2010. Self-Employed Legal and Financial Services Consultant since 2003. Counsel (in-house) for State Street Bank from 1995 to 2003.
Robert Mulhall
(Born: 1958)
  

Trustee

(since 2019)

   Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, from 1998 to 2018.
Bruce Speca
(Born: 1956)
  

Trustee

(since 2011)

   Global Head of Asset Allocation, Manulife Asset Management (subsidiary of Manulife Financial), 2010 to 2011. Executive Vice President – Investment Management Services, John Hancock Financial Services (subsidiary of Manulife Financial), 2003 to 2010.
Monica Walker
(Born: 1958)
  

Trustee

(since 2022)

   Retired. Private Investor since 2017. Co-Founder (1991-2017), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2009 to 2017) and Chief Investment Officer - Equity (2007 to 2017) of Holland Capital Management, LLC (Chicago).
OFFICERS            
Michael Beattie
(Born: 1965)
  

President

(since 2011)

   Director of Client Service, SEI Investments, since 2004.

 

1

Each Trustee shall hold office during the lifetime of this Trust until the election and qualification of his or her successor, or until he or she sooner dies, resigns, or is removed in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust.

2

Directorships of Companies required to report to the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies under the 1940 Act.

3

Trustees oversee 28 funds in The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund.

 

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Other Directorships

Held in the Past Five Years2

 

 

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds.

 

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds, and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds.

Former Directorships: Director of The Korea Fund, Inc. to 2019. Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds.

Former Directorships: Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds.

Former Directorships: Trustee of Villanova University Alumni Board of Directors to 2018. Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds. Former Directorships: Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022. Director of Stone Harbor Investments Funds (8 Portfolios), Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund (closed-end fund) and Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund (closed-end fund) to 2022.

Former Directorships: Trustee of The KP Funds to 2022.

 

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds.

 

 

 

 

None.

 

 

 

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   TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND (Unaudited)

 

Name and

Year of Birth

  

Position

with Trust

    and Length of    

Time Served

  

Principal

Occupations

in the Past Five Years

OFFICERS (continued)            
James Bernstein
(Born: 1962)
   Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
(since 2017)
  

Attorney, SEI Investments, since 2017.

 

Prior Positions: Self-employed consultant, 2017. Associate General Counsel & Vice President, Nationwide Funds Group and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, from 2002 to 2016. Assistant General Counsel & Vice President, Market Street Funds and Provident Mutual Insurance Company, from 1999 to 2002.

John Bourgeois
(Born: 1973)
   Assistant Treasurer
(since 2017)
   Fund Accounting Manager, SEI Investments, since 2000.
Donald Duncan
(Born: 1964)
   Anti-Money Laundering
Compliance Officer and
Privacy Coordinator
(since 2023)
   Chief Compliance Officer and Global Head of Anti-Money Laundering Strategy of SEI Investments Company since January 2023. Head of Global Anti-Money Laundering Program for Hamilton Lane Advisors, LLC from August 2021 until December 2022. Senior VP and Supervising Principal of Hamilton Lane Securities, LLC from June 2016 to August 2021. Senior Director at AXA-Equitable from June 2011 until May 2016. Senior Director at PRUCO Securities, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial, Inc. from October 2005 until December 2009.
Eric C. Griffith
(Born: 1969)
   Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
(since 2019)
   Counsel at SEI Investments since 2019. Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase & Co., from 2012 to 2018.
Matthew M. Maher
(Born: 1975)
   Vice President
(since 2018) Secretary
(since 2020)
   Counsel at SEI Investments since 2018. Attorney, Blank Rome LLP, from 2015 to 2018. Assistant Counsel & Vice President, Bank of New York Mellon, from 2013 to 2014. Attorney, Dilworth Paxson LLP, from 2006 to 2013.
Andrew Metzger
(Born: 1980)
   Treasurer, Controller
and Chief Financial
Officer
(since 2021)
   Director of Fund Accounting, SEI Investments, since 2020. Senior Director, Embark, from 2019 to 2020. Senior Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from 2002 to 2019.

 

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Other Directorships

Held in the Past Five Years

 

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

 

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  TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND (Unaudited)

 

Name and Year of

          Birth

  

Position

with Trust

    and Length of    

Time Served

  

Principal

Occupation

in the Past Five Years

OFFICERS (continued)            
Robert Morrow
(Born: 1968)
   Vice President
(since 2017)
   Account Manager, SEI Investments, since 2007.
Stephen F. Panner
(Born: 1970)
   Chief Compliance
Officer
(since 2022)
   Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Catholic Values Trust, SEI Exchange Traded Funds, SEI Structured Credit Fund LP, The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund, The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III, Bishop Street Funds, Frost Family of Funds, Gallery Trust, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Master Fund, Delaware Wilshire Private Markets Tender Fund and Catholic Responsible Investments Funds since September 2022. Fund Compliance Officer of SEI Investments Company from February 2011 to September 2022. Fund Accounting Director and CFO and Controller for the SEI Funds from July 2005 to February 2011.
Alexander F. Smith
(Born: 1977)
   Vice President and
Assistant Secretary
(since 2020)
   Counsel at SEI Investments since 2020. Associate Counsel & Manager, Vanguard, 2012 to 2020. Attorney, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, 2008 to 2012.

 

54


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

Other Directorships

Held in the Past Five Years

 

 

 

None.

 

 

None.

 

 

 

None.

 

 

 

55


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

    

    

 

 

  APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)

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

A Board meeting was held on May 23-24, 2023 to decide whether to renew the Agreement for an additional one-year term. In preparation for the meeting, the Trustees requested that the Adviser furnish information necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreement. Prior to the meeting, the Independent Trustees of the Fund met to review and discuss the information provided and submitted a request for additional information to the Adviser, and information was provided in response to this request. The Trustees used this information, as well as other information that the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund presented or submitted to the Board at the meeting and other meetings held during the prior year, to help them decide whether to renew the Agreement for an additional year.

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

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

At the Board meeting, the Trustees, including all of the Independent Trustees, based on their evaluation of the information provided by the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund, renewed the Agreement. In considering the renewal of the Agreement, the Board considered various factors that they determined were relevant, including: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser; (ii) the investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser; (iii) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Ad-

 

56


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

    

    

 

 

viser from its relationship with the Fund, including both direct and indirect benefits accruing to the Adviser and its affiliates; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale are being realized by the Adviser; and (v) whether fee levels reflect such economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors, as discussed in further detail below.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services Provided by the Adviser

In considering the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser, the Board reviewed the portfolio management services provided by the Adviser to the Fund, including the quality and continuity of the Adviser’s portfolio management personnel, the resources of the Adviser, and the Adviser’s compliance history and compliance program.

The Trustees reviewed the terms of the Agreement. The Trustees also reviewed the Adviser’s investment and risk management approaches for the Fund. The most recent investment adviser registration form (“Form ADV”) for the Adviser was available to the Board, as was the response of the Adviser to a detailed series of questions which included, among other things, information about the investment advisory services provided by the Adviser to the Fund. The Trustees also considered other services provided to the Fund by the Adviser such as selecting broker-dealers for executing portfolio transactions, monitoring adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions, and monitoring compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities laws and regulations. Based on the factors above, as well as those discussed below, the Board concluded, within the context of its full deliberations, that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser were sufficient to support renewal of the Agreement.

Investment Performance of the Fund and the Adviser

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

Costs of Advisory Services, Profitability and Economies of Scale

In considering the advisory fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser, the Trustees reviewed, among other things, a report of the advisory fee paid to the Adviser. The Trustees also

 

57


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

    

    

 

 

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

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

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

Renewal of the Agreement

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

 

58


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  REVIEW OF LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited)

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investment adviser has adopted, and the Board has approved, a liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) to govern the Fund’s approach to managing liquidity risk. The Program is overseen by the Fund’s Liquidity Risk Management Program Administrator (the “Program Administrator”), and the Program’s principal objectives include assessing, managing and periodically reviewing the Fund’s liquidity risk, based on factors specific to the circumstances of the Fund.

At a meeting of the Board held on May 23, 2023, the Trustees received a report from the Program Administrator addressing the operations of the Program and assessing its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Among other things, the Program Administrator’s report noted that:

•        The Program Administrator had determined that the Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Fund’s liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively to manage the Fund’s liquidity risk during the period covered by the report.

•        During the period covered by the report, there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund or its ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders.

•        No material changes have been made to the Program during the period covered by the report.

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Fund may be subject.

 

59


THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND   

ACADIAN EMERGING

MARKETS PORTFOLIO

OCTOBER 31, 2023

    

 

 

  NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS (Unaudited)

 

                        Qualifying                                
      Long-Term     Ordinary           For Corporate     Qualifying     U.S.     Interest     Short Term     Foreign  
Return Of     Capital Gain     Income     Total     Dividends Rec.     Dividend     Government     Related     Capital Gain     Tax  
Capital     Distribution     Distributions     Distributions     Deduction(1)     Income(2)     Interest(3)     Dividend(4)     Dividends(5)     Credit(6)  
  0.00%       13.32%       86.68%       100.00%       0.20%       65.11%       0.00%       0.00%       0.00%       10.21%  

 

(1)

Qualifying dividends represent dividends which qualify for the corporate dividend received deduction and are reflected as a percentage of ordinary income distributions (the total of short term capital gain and net investment income distributions).

 

(2)

The percentage in this column represents the amount of “Qualifying Dividend Income” as created by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and is reflected as a percentage of ordinary income distributions (the total of short term capital gain and net investment income distributions). It is the intention of each of the aforementioned Portfolios to designate the maximum amount permitted by law.

 

(3)

“U.S. Government Interest” represents the amount of interest that was derived from direct U.S. Government obligations and distributed during the fiscal year. This amount is reflected as a percentage of ordinary income. Generally, interest from direct U.S. Government obligations is exempt from state income tax. However, for shareholders of the Portfolio who are residents of California, Connecticut and New York, the statutory threshold requirements were not satisfied to permit exemption of these amounts from state income.

 

(4)

The percentage in this column represents the amount of “Interest Related Dividend” as created by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and is reflected as a percentage of net investment income distributions that is exempt from U.S. withholding tax when paid to foreign investors.

 

(5)

The percentage in this column represents the amount of “Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends” as created by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 and is reflected as a percentage of short-term capital gain distributions that is exempt from U.S. withholding tax when paid to foreign investors.

 

(6)

The percentage in this column represents the amount of “Qualifying Foreign Taxes” as a percentage of ordinary distributions during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023 amounting to $5,069,361 are expected to be passed through to the shareholders as foreign tax credits on Form 1099-DIV for the year ending December 31, 2023, which shareholders of this Portfolio will receive in late January, 2024. In addition, for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, gross foreign source income amounted to $29,451,192 for the Portfolio.

The information reported herein may differ from the information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023. Complete information will be computed and reported in conjunction with your 2023 Form 1099-DIV.

 

60


 

This page intentionally left blank.

 


Acadian Funds

P.O. Box 219009

Kansas City, MO 64121

1-866-AAM-6161

Adviser:

Acadian Asset Management LLC

260 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

Distributor:

SEI Investments Distribution Co.

1 Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

Administrator:

SEI Investments Global Funds Services

1 Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, PA 19456

Legal Counsel:

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

2222 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

This information must be preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Portfolio described.

ACA-AR-001-2200


(b)        Not applicable.

 

Item 2.

Code of Ethics.

The Registrant (also referred to as the “Trust”) has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, controller or principal accounting officer, and any person who performs a similar function. There have been no amendments to or waivers granted to this code of ethics during the period covered by this report.

 

Item 3.

Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(a)(1) The Registrant’s board of trustees has determined that the Registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on the audit committee.

(a)(2) The Registrant’s audit committee financial expert is Robert Mulhall. Mr Mulhall is considered to be “independent”, as that term is defined in Form N-CSR Item 3(a)(2).

 

Item 4.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) related to the Trust.

PwC billed the Trust aggregate fees for services rendered to the Trust for the last two fiscal years as follows:

 

      FYE October 31, 2023    FYE October 31, 2022
           

All fees and

services to

the Trust

that were

pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates that

were pre-

approved

  

All other fees

and services

to service

affiliates that

did not

require pre-

approval

  

All fees and

services to

the Trust that

were pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates that

were pre-

approved

  

All other fees

and services

to service

affiliates that

did not

require pre-

approval

(a)    

   Audit Fees(1)    $72,710    None    None    $72,710    None    None

(b)    

   Audit-Related Fees    None    None    None    None    None    None

(c)    

   Tax Fees    None    None    $115,395(4)    $10,000(2)    None    $256,295(4)

(d)    

   All Other Fees    None    None    $47,411(5)    None    None    $86,500(5)

Fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) related to the Trust.

E&Y billed the Trust aggregate fees for services rendered to the Trust for the last two fiscal years as follows:

 

2


      2023    2022
           

All fees

and

services

to the

Trust that

were pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that were

pre-

approved

  

All other

fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that did not

require pre-

approval

  

All fees and

services to

the Trust

that were

pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that were

pre-

approved

  

All other

fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that did not

require pre-

approval

(a)    

   Audit Fees(1)    $550,800    None    None    $529,590    None    None

(b)    

   Audit-Related Fees    None    None    None    $10,000(6)    None    None

(c)    

   Tax Fees    None    None    None    $2,000(3)    None    None

(d)    

   All Other Fees    None    None    None    None    None    None

Fees billed by Cohen & Co. (“Cohen”) related to the Trust.

Cohen billed the Trust aggregate fees for services rendered to the Trust for the last two fiscal years as follows:

 

      2023    2022
           

All fees

and

services

to the

Trust that

were pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that were

pre-

approved

  

All other

fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that did not

require pre-

approval

  

All fees and

services to

the Trust

that were

pre-

approved

  

All fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that were

pre-

approved

  

All other

fees and

services to

service

affiliates

that did not

require pre-

approval

(a)    

   Audit Fees(1)    $61,000    None    None    $61,000    None    None

(b)    

   Audit-Related Fees    None    None    None    None    None    None

(c)    

   Tax Fees    None    None    None    None    None    None

(d)    

   All Other Fees    None    None    None    None    None    None

Notes:

  (1)

Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the Trust’s annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

 

3


  (2)

Final tax compliance services provided to McKee International Equity Portfolio.

 

  (3)

Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”) tax services for the Sands Capital Global Growth Fund.

 

  (4)

Tax compliance services provided to service affiliates of the funds.

 

  (5)

Non-audit assurance engagements for service affiliates of the funds.

 

  (6)

Fees related to consents for Cambiar N-14 filings.

(e)(1)    The Trust’s Audit Committee has adopted and the Board of Trustees has ratified an Audit and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy (the “Policy”), which sets forth the procedures and the conditions pursuant to which services proposed to be performed by the independent auditor of the Funds may be pre-approved.

The Policy provides that all requests or applications for proposed services to be provided by the independent auditor must be submitted to the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and must include a detailed description of the services proposed to be rendered. The CFO will determine whether such services:

(1) require specific pre-approval; (2) are included within the list of services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee pursuant to the Policy; or (3) have been previously pre-approved in connection with the independent auditor’s annual engagement letter for the applicable year or otherwise. In any instance where services require pre-approval, the Audit Committee will consider whether such services are consistent with SEC’s rules and whether the provision of such services would impair the auditor’s independence.

Requests or applications to provide services that require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee will be submitted to the Audit Committee by the CFO. The Audit Committee will be informed by the CFO on a quarterly basis of all services rendered by the independent auditor. The Audit Committee has delegated specific pre-approval authority to either the Audit Committee Chair or financial expert, provided that the estimated fee for any such proposed pre-approved service does not exceed $100,000 and any pre-approval decisions are reported to the Audit Committee at its next regularly-scheduled meeting.

Services that have received the general pre-approval of the Audit Committee are identified and described in the Policy. In addition, the Policy sets forth a maximum fee per engagement with respect to each identified service that has received general pre-approval.

All services to be provided by the independent auditor shall be provided pursuant to a signed written engagement letter with the Registrant, the investment adviser, or applicable control affiliate (except that matters as to which an engagement letter would be impractical because of timing issues or because the matter is small may not be the subject of an engagement letter) that sets forth both the services to be provided by the independent auditor and the total fees to be paid to the independent auditor for those services.

In addition, the Audit Committee has determined to take additional measures on an annual basis to meet the Audit Committee’s responsibility to oversee the work of the independent auditor and to assure the auditor’s independence from the Registrant, such as (a) reviewing a formal written statement from the independent auditor delineating all relationships between the independent auditor and the Registrant, and (b) discussing with the independent auditor the independent auditor’s methods and procedures for ensuring independence.

(e)(2)    Percentage of fees billed applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows (PwC):

 

      2023    2022

Audit-Related Fees

 

  

None

 

  

None

 

 

4


Tax Fees

   None    None

All Other Fees

 

  

None

 

  

None

 

(e)(2)    Percentage of fees billed applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows (E&Y):

 

      2023    2022

Audit-Related Fees

   None    None

Tax Fees

   None    None

All Other Fees

 

  

None

 

  

None

 

(e)(2)    Percentage of fees billed applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows (Cohen):

 

      2023    2022

Audit-Related Fees

   None    None

Tax Fees

   None    None

All Other Fees

 

  

None

 

  

None

 

(f)    Not applicable.

(g)    The aggregate non-audit fees and services billed by PwC for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant for the last two fiscal years ended October 31st were $162,806 and $342,795 for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(g)    The aggregate non-audit fees and services billed by E&Y for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant for the last two fiscal years ended October 31st were $0 and $2,000 for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(g)    The aggregate non-audit fees and services billed by Cohen for services rendered to the Registrant, and rendered to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant for the last two fiscal-years-ended October 31st were $0 and $0 for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

(h)    During the past fiscal year, all non-audit services provided by the Registrant’s principal accountant to either the Registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Registrant’s investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant were pre-approved by the Audit Committee of Registrant’s Board of Trustees. Included in the Audit Committee’s pre-approval of these non-audit service were the review and consideration as to whether the provision of these non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

5


(i)        Not Applicable. The Registrant has not retained, for the preparation of the audit report on the financial statements included in the Form N-CSR, a registered public accounting firm that has a branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction and that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”) has determined that the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction.

(j)          Not applicable. The Registrant is not a “foreign issuer,” as defined in 17 CFR § 240.3b-4.

 

Item 5.

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

 

Item 6.

Schedule of Investments.

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

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

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

 

Item 8.

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

 

Item 9.

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

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

 

Item 10.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

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

 

Item 11.

Controls and Procedures.

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

(b) There has been no change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR § 270.3a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12.

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to open-end management investment companies.

 

Item 13.

Exhibits.

 

6


(a)(1) A copy of the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, as required by Item 2 of this Form, accompanies this filing as an exhibit.

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

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

 

 

7


 

SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)

 

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ Michael Beattie                                                     

 

Michael Beattie, President

Date: January 9, 2024

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ Michael Beattie                                                     

 

Michael Beattie, President

Date: January 9, 2024

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

/s/ Andrew Metzger                                                     

 

Andrew Metzger

 

Treasurer, Controller, and CFO

Date: January 9, 2024

 

 

8