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: 811-04982
Heartland Group, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
| | 790 North Water Street, Suite 1200, Milwaukee, WI | | 53202 | |
| | (Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip code) | |
Nicole J. Best
Heartland Group, Inc., 790 North Water Street, Suite 1200, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)
(With a copy to:)
Ellen Drought
Godfrey & Kahn, S.C., 833 East Michigan Street, Suite 1800, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5615
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (414) 347-7777
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2024
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission, not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
| Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
HEARTLAND MID CAP VALUE FUND
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Mid-Cap-Value-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor | $55 | 1.10% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
In a market where sentiment bounced between speculation over artificial intelligence (AI) and circumspection about demand destruction, the Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class lagged the Russell Midcap® Value Index over the first six months of the year.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
The Fund's underperformance was driven, in part, by the negative selection effect across seven sectors, led by Financials, Energy, Industrials and Health Care. This was equally attributable to the stocks we owned as well as those we elected to avoid. Our strategy refused to chase speculative companies or overpay even for good businesses. Instead, we looked for discounted businesses with internal change agents that could help close the gap between current share prices and the intrinsic value of the company based on the successful execution of an improvement playbook.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class returned 1.31% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 4.54% gain for the Russell Midcap® Value Index and 13.56% for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Investor | Russell 3000® Index | Russell Midcap® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $10,161 | $10,242 | $10,254 |
| 2015 | $9,442 | $10,291 | $9,764 |
| 2016 | $12,149 | $11,602 | $11,717 |
| 2017 | $13,133 | $14,053 | $13,280 |
| 2018 | $12,007 | $13,317 | $11,648 |
| 2019 | $15,045 | $17,447 | $14,800 |
| 2020 | $16,088 | $21,092 | $15,535 |
| 2021 | $20,613 | $26,504 | $19,937 |
| 2022 | $19,992 | $21,414 | $17,538 |
| 2023 | $22,664 | $26,972 | $19,768 |
| 2024 | $22,960 | $30,629 | $20,666 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception |
|---|
| Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class | 6.34% | 10.40% | 8.98% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.28% |
Russell Midcap® Value Index | 11.98% | 8.49% | 7.80% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
The inception date for the Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class is 10/31/2014.
- Total Net Assets$622,522,240
- # of Portfolio Holdings51
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Investor Class)35%
- Advisory Fees Paid$2,337,725
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 4.3% |
| Public Storage | 4.0% |
| NOV, Inc. | 3.7% |
| Centene Corp. | 3.6% |
| Northern Trust Corp. | 3.5% |
| Teledyne Technologies, Inc. | 3.3% |
| FirstEnergy Corp. | 3.1% |
| Essex Property Trust, Inc. | 3.0% |
| Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 2.8% |
| JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 2.8% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 5.8% |
| Utilities | 6.7% |
| Materials | 7.9% |
| Information Technology | 8.1% |
| Real Estate | 8.6% |
| Energy | 8.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 9.5% |
| Financials | 12.7% |
| Health Care | 13.3% |
| Industrials | 18.5% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 99.8% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.2% |
HEARTLAND MID CAP VALUE FUND - INVESTOR CLASS : HRMDX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
HEARTLAND MID CAP VALUE FUND
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNMDX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Mid-Cap-Value-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional | $43 | 0.85% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
In a market where sentiment bounced between speculation over artificial intelligence (AI) and circumspection about demand destruction, the Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class lagged the Russell Midcap® Value Index over the first six months of the year.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
The Fund's underperformance was driven, in part, by the negative selection effect across seven sectors, led by Financials, Energy, Industrials and Health Care. This was equally attributable to the stocks we owned as well as those we elected to avoid. Our strategy refused to chase speculative companies or overpay even for good businesses. Instead, we looked for discounted businesses with internal change agents that could help close the gap between current share prices and the intrinsic value of the company based on the successful execution of an improvement playbook.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class returned 1.37% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 4.54% gain for the Russell Midcap® Value Index and 13.56% for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM SINCE INCEPTION?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Institutional | Russell 3000® Index | Russell Midcap® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $10,173 | $10,242 | $10,254 |
| 2015 | $9,472 | $10,291 | $9,764 |
| 2016 | $12,216 | $11,602 | $11,717 |
| 2017 | $13,239 | $14,053 | $13,280 |
| 2018 | $12,143 | $13,317 | $11,648 |
| 2019 | $15,249 | $17,447 | $14,800 |
| 2020 | $16,343 | $21,092 | $15,535 |
| 2021 | $20,983 | $26,504 | $19,937 |
| 2022 | $20,400 | $21,414 | $17,538 |
| 2023 | $23,199 | $26,972 | $19,768 |
| 2024 | $23,517 | $30,629 | $20,666 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Mid Cap Value Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception |
|---|
| Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class | 6.63% | 10.66% | 9.25% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.28% |
Russell Midcap® Value Index | 11.98% | 8.49% | 7.80% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
The inception date for the Mid Cap Value Fund - Institutional Class is 10/31/2014.
- Total Net Assets$622,522,240
- # of Portfolio Holdings51
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Institutional Class)35%
- Advisory Fees Paid$2,337,725
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 4.3% |
| Public Storage | 4.0% |
| NOV, Inc. | 3.7% |
| Centene Corp. | 3.6% |
| Northern Trust Corp. | 3.5% |
| Teledyne Technologies, Inc. | 3.3% |
| FirstEnergy Corp. | 3.1% |
| Essex Property Trust, Inc. | 3.0% |
| Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 2.8% |
| JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 2.8% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 5.8% |
| Utilities | 6.7% |
| Materials | 7.9% |
| Information Technology | 8.1% |
| Real Estate | 8.6% |
| Energy | 8.7% |
| Consumer Staples | 9.5% |
| Financials | 12.7% |
| Health Care | 13.3% |
| Industrials | 18.5% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 99.8% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.2% |
HEARTLAND MID CAP VALUE FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNMDX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
HEARTLAND VALUE PLUS FUND
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Value Plus Fund - Investor Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Value-Plus-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Value Plus Fund - Investor | $58 | 1.21% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
This has been a challenging year for small-cap investors, including the Heartland Value Plus Fund -Investor Class. Stock selection, particularly in the Energy, Communications Services, and Health Care sectors, contributed to our underperformance relative to the Russell 2000® Value Index through the first six months of 2024, ending on June 30.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
We initiated positions in several new holdings while exiting or reducing our exposure in a handful of others. Our portfolio has been well represented by secular winners that exhibit defensive attributes. We tried to balance this by adding exposure to higher-quality companies with more cyclical characteristics trading at trough multiples but that could soon see an uptick in earnings. These "green shoots" are companies like Kennametal (KMT), a manufacturer of industrial cutting tools that has seen EBITDA contract in 5 of the last 7 quarters. The company has taken out $200 million in structural costs as part of an extensive restructuring.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Value Plus Fund - Investor Class fell 5.94% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 0.85% loss for the Russell 2000® Value Index and the 13.56% gain for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Investor | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $9,238 | $10,525 | $10,001 |
| 2015 | $7,629 | $10,576 | $9,254 |
| 2016 | $9,671 | $11,922 | $12,192 |
| 2017 | $10,620 | $14,442 | $13,148 |
| 2018 | $9,226 | $13,685 | $11,456 |
| 2019 | $11,626 | $17,929 | $14,022 |
| 2020 | $13,095 | $21,675 | $14,672 |
| 2021 | $16,349 | $27,236 | $18,819 |
| 2022 | $15,539 | $22,005 | $16,094 |
| 2023 | $15,823 | $27,717 | $18,451 |
| 2024 | $14,883 | $31,475 | $18,294 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Value Plus Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|
| Value Plus Fund - Investor Class | | 6.44% | 4.06% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.15% |
Russell 2000® Value Index | 10.90% | 7.07% | 6.23% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
- Total Net Assets$291,682,976
- # of Portfolio Holdings40
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Investor Class)38%
- Advisory Fees Paid$1,158,671
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Mohawk Industries, Inc. | 5.1% |
| Murphy Oil Corp. | 4.9% |
| PotlatchDeltic Corp. | 4.7% |
| Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida | 4.5% |
| Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. | 4.2% |
| FB Financial Corp. | 4.2% |
| Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | 4.0% |
| The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Haemonetics Corp. | 3.3% |
| Park Aerospace Corp. | 3.2% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.3% |
| Consumer Staples | 1.9% |
| Utilities | 3.0% |
| Materials | 5.1% |
| Energy | 7.9% |
| Information Technology | 8.1% |
| Health Care | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.5% |
| Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Industrials | 18.9% |
| Financials | 26.9% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 99.7% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.3% |
HEARTLAND VALUE PLUS FUND - INVESTOR CLASS : HRVIX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
HEARTLAND VALUE PLUS FUND
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNVIX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Value Plus Fund - Institutional Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Value-Plus-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Value Plus Fund - Institutional | $46 | 0.96% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
This has been a challenging year for small-cap investors, including the Heartland Value Plus Fund -Institutional Class. Stock selection, particularly in the Energy, Communications Services, and Health Care sectors, contributed to our underperformance relative to the Russell 2000® Value Index through the first six months of 2024, ending on June 30.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
We initiated positions in several new holdings while exiting or reducing our exposure in a handful of others. Our portfolio has been well represented by secular winners that exhibit defensive attributes. We tried to balance this by adding exposure to higher-quality companies with more cyclical characteristics trading at trough multiples but that could soon see an uptick in earnings. These "green shoots" are companies like Kennametal (KMT), a manufacturer of industrial cutting tools that has seen EBITDA contract in 5 of the last 7 quarters. The company has taken out $200 million in structural costs as part of an extensive restructuring.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Value Plus Fund - Institutional Class fell 5.83% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 0.85% loss for the Russell 2000® Value Index and the 13.56% gain for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Institutional | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $9,251 | $10,525 | $10,001 |
| 2015 | $7,660 | $10,576 | $9,254 |
| 2016 | $9,720 | $11,922 | $12,192 |
| 2017 | $10,699 | $14,442 | $13,148 |
| 2018 | $9,313 | $13,685 | $11,456 |
| 2019 | $11,762 | $17,929 | $14,022 |
| 2020 | $13,282 | $21,675 | $14,672 |
| 2021 | $16,618 | $27,236 | $18,819 |
| 2022 | $15,828 | $22,005 | $16,094 |
| 2023 | $16,163 | $27,717 | $18,451 |
| 2024 | $15,221 | $31,475 | $18,294 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Value Plus Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|
| Value Plus Fund - Institutional Class | | 6.69% | 4.29% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.15% |
Russell 2000® Value Index | 10.90% | 7.07% | 6.23% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
- Total Net Assets$291,682,976
- # of Portfolio Holdings40
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Institutional Class)38%
- Advisory Fees Paid$1,158,671
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Mohawk Industries, Inc. | 5.1% |
| Murphy Oil Corp. | 4.9% |
| PotlatchDeltic Corp. | 4.7% |
| Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida | 4.5% |
| Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. | 4.2% |
| FB Financial Corp. | 4.2% |
| Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | 4.0% |
| The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. | 3.9% |
| Haemonetics Corp. | 3.3% |
| Park Aerospace Corp. | 3.2% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.3% |
| Consumer Staples | 1.9% |
| Utilities | 3.0% |
| Materials | 5.1% |
| Energy | 7.9% |
| Information Technology | 8.1% |
| Health Care | 8.2% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 9.5% |
| Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Industrials | 18.9% |
| Financials | 26.9% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 99.7% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 0.3% |
HEARTLAND VALUE PLUS FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNVIX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Value Fund - Investor Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Value-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Value Fund - Investor | $57 | 1.13% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
Though small value stocks continued to be overlooked this year, the Heartland Value Fund - Investor Class experienced positive performance in the first half of 2024. Security selection was the primary reason for the Fund's performance, helping the Fund outpace the Russell 2000® Value Index in most sectors, including Financials, Industrials, Consumer Staples and Information Technology.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
Rather than joining in the speculation that drove large parts of the market, we stayed true to our 10 Principles of Value Investing,™ which focuses on well-managed, undervalued businesses with resilient balance sheets and sound business strategies - precisely the traits we believe are being targeted for acquisition. Among our holdings, Canadian Western Bank (CWB), which we initially purchased in 2021 at a cost of around $22 (USD) a share, agreed to be bought last month by National Bank of Canada. The stock was trading at more than $30 a share at the end of June. Another holding, Primo Water (PRMW), agreed to merge with Poland Spring-owner BlueTriton and was one of our top performers in the first half of the year.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Value Fund - Investor Class returned 3.29% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 0.85% loss for the Russell 2000® Value Index and the 13.56% gain for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Investor | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $9,435 | $10,525 | $10,001 |
| 2015 | $8,394 | $10,576 | $9,254 |
| 2016 | $9,763 | $11,922 | $12,192 |
| 2017 | $10,585 | $14,442 | $13,148 |
| 2018 | $9,299 | $13,685 | $11,456 |
| 2019 | $10,969 | $17,929 | $14,022 |
| 2020 | $12,410 | $21,675 | $14,672 |
| 2021 | $15,116 | $27,236 | $18,819 |
| 2022 | $13,605 | $22,005 | $16,094 |
| 2023 | $15,936 | $27,717 | $18,451 |
| 2024 | $16,460 | $31,475 | $18,294 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Value Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|
| Value Fund - Investor Class | 14.17% | 9.24% | 5.11% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.15% |
Russell 2000® Value Index | 10.90% | 7.07% | 6.23% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
- Total Net Assets$706,344,718
- # of Portfolio Holdings90
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Investor Class)17%
- Advisory Fees Paid$2,620,532
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Silicon Motion Technology Corp. | 2.9% |
| Canadian Western Bank | 2.7% |
| Lincoln Educational Services Corp. | 2.7% |
| Barrett Business Services, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Viper Energy, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. | 2.4% |
| National Storage Affiliates Trust | 2.3% |
| Radian Group, Inc. | 2.3% |
| Capital City Bank Group, Inc. | 2.2% |
| Chart Industries, Inc. | 2.0% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.8% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.2% |
| Information Technology | 5.2% |
| Health Care | 6.4% |
| Energy | 7.8% |
| Materials | 8.2% |
| Real Estate | 8.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 10.2% |
| Industrials | 17.6% |
| Financials | 28.6% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 98.5% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 1.5% |
HEARTLAND VALUE FUND - INVESTOR CLASS : HRTVX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNTVX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Heartland Value Fund - Institutional Class for the period of January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Strategies/Heartland-Value-Fund. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856 or by email at shareholderservices@heartlandfunds.com.
WHAT WERE THE FUND'S COSTS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
| Class Name | Cost of a $10,000 Investment | Cost Paid as a percentage of a $10,000 Investment |
|---|
| Heartland Value Fund - Institutional | $46 | 0.91% |
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM THIS PERIOD?
Though small value stocks continued to be overlooked this year, the Heartland Value Fund - Institutional Class experienced positive performance in the first half of 2024. Security selection was the primary reason for the Fund's performance, helping the Fund outpace the Russell 2000® Value Index in most sectors, including Financials, Industrials, Consumer Staples and Information Technology.
WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCED PERFORMANCE?
Rather than joining in the speculation that drove large parts of the market, we stayed true to our 10 Principles of Value Investing,™ which focuses on well-managed, undervalued businesses with resilient balance sheets and sound business strategies - precisely the traits we believe are being targeted for acquisition. Among our holdings, Canadian Western Bank (CWB), which we initially purchased in 2021 at a cost of around $22 (USD) a share, agreed to be bought last month by National Bank of Canada. The stock was trading at more than $30 a share at the end of June. Another holding, Primo Water (PRMW), agreed to merge with Poland Spring-owner BlueTriton and was one of our top performers in the first half of the year.
PERFORMANCE
The Heartland Value Fund - Institutional Class returned 3.42% over the past six months, ending June 30, 2024. This compares to the 0.85% loss for the Russell 2000® Value Index and the 13.56% gain for the Russell 3000® Index.
HOW DID THE FUND PERFORM OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?
The graph represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund over the past ten years (or since inception if shorter).
TOTAL RETURN BASED ON A $10,000 INVESTMENT
| Institutional | Russell 3000® Index | Russell 2000® Value Index |
|---|
| 2014 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 2014 | $9,440 | $10,525 | $10,001 |
| 2015 | $8,411 | $10,576 | $9,254 |
| 2016 | $9,801 | $11,922 | $12,192 |
| 2017 | $10,642 | $14,442 | $13,148 |
| 2018 | $9,367 | $13,685 | $11,456 |
| 2019 | $11,066 | $17,929 | $14,022 |
| 2020 | $12,538 | $21,675 | $14,672 |
| 2021 | $15,292 | $27,236 | $18,819 |
| 2022 | $13,777 | $22,005 | $16,094 |
| 2023 | $16,161 | $27,717 | $18,451 |
| 2024 | $16,714 | $31,475 | $18,294 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
| Heartland Value Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|
| Value Fund - Institutional Class | 14.39% | 9.39% | 5.27% |
Russell 3000® Index | 23.13% | 14.14% | 12.15% |
Russell 2000® Value Index | 10.90% | 7.07% | 6.23% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are total returns, which assume the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table and graph presented above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
- Total Net Assets$706,344,718
- # of Portfolio Holdings90
- Portfolio Turnover Rate (Institutional Class)17%
- Advisory Fees Paid$2,620,532
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Updated performance information
is available at
https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Performance.
WHAT DID THE FUND INVEST IN? (as of June 30, 2024)
TOP TEN HOLDINGS (% of Net Assets)
| Top 10 | Top 10 |
|---|
| Silicon Motion Technology Corp. | 2.9% |
| Canadian Western Bank | 2.7% |
| Lincoln Educational Services Corp. | 2.7% |
| Barrett Business Services, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Viper Energy, Inc. | 2.4% |
| Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. | 2.4% |
| National Storage Affiliates Trust | 2.3% |
| Radian Group, Inc. | 2.3% |
| Capital City Bank Group, Inc. | 2.2% |
| Chart Industries, Inc. | 2.0% |
SECTOR WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 1.5% |
| Utilities | 2.8% |
| Consumer Staples | 3.2% |
| Information Technology | 5.2% |
| Health Care | 6.4% |
| Energy | 7.8% |
| Materials | 8.2% |
| Real Estate | 8.5% |
| Consumer Discretionary | 10.2% |
| Industrials | 17.6% |
| Financials | 28.6% |
ASSET CLASS WEIGHTINGS
(% of Net Assets)
| Value | Value |
|---|
| Common Stock | 98.5% |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 1.5% |
HEARTLAND VALUE FUND - INSTITUTIONAL CLASS : HNTVX
Semi-Annual Tailored Shareholder Report - June 30, 2024
You can find additional information about the Fund at https://www.heartlandadvisors.com/Resources/Regulatory-Resources, including the Fund's prospectus, financial information, holdings, proxy voting policies, and proxy voting record. You can also request this information by contacting us at 800-432-7856.
Distributor: ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.heartlandadvisors.com
Phone: 800-432-7856
Not applicable to semi-annual report.
| Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Not applicable to semi-annual report.
| Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Not applicable to semi-annual report.
| Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable.
| (a) | The Schedules of Investments as of the close of the reporting period are included under Item 7 of this Report. |
| (b) | Not applicable to Registrant. |
| Item 7. | Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
| Item 7 – Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies | 1 |
| Schedules of Investments | 2 |
| Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 7 |
| Statements of Operations | 8 |
| Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 9 |
| Financial Highlights | 10 |
| Notes to Financial Statements | 13 |
| Item 8 – Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies | 20 |
| Item 9 – Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies | 21 |
| Item 10 – Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies | 22 |
| Item 11 – Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract | 23 |
HEARTLAND FUNDS
ITEM 7 – Financial Statements and Financial Highlights
for Open-End Management Investment Companies
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 1 |
| HEARTLAND MID CAP VALUE FUND | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| COMMON STOCKS (99.8%) | | | | | | |
| Banks (1.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | | | 38,050 | | | $ | 5,916,014 | |
| Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a) | | | 46,588 | | | | 2,848,390 | |
| | | | | | | | 8,764,404 | |
| Building Products (1.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| A.O. Smith Corp. | | | 101,706 | | | | 8,317,517 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Capital Markets (3.5%) | | | | | | | | |
| Northern Trust Corp. | | | 258,436 | | | | 21,703,455 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Chemicals (3.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| FMC Corp. | | | 80,652 | | | | 4,641,523 | |
| PPG Industries, Inc. | | | 123,536 | | | | 15,551,947 | |
| | | | | | | | 20,193,470 | |
| Commercial Services & Supplies (2.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Stericycle, Inc.(a) | | | 298,563 | | | | 17,355,467 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail (2.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Dollar General Corp. | | | 95,876 | | | | 12,677,684 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Containers & Packaging (4.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Ball Corp. | | | 267,570 | | | | 16,059,552 | |
| International Paper Co. | | | 57,776 | | | | 2,493,034 | |
| Packaging Corp. of America | | | 58,653 | | | | 10,707,692 | |
| | | | | | | | 29,260,278 | |
| Diversified Consumer Services (1.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Grand Canyon Education, Inc.(a) | | | 51,050 | | | | 7,142,406 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Electric Utilities (6.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Constellation Energy Corp. | | | 21,669 | | | | 4,339,651 | |
| Exelon Corp. | | | 506,105 | | | | 17,516,294 | |
| FirstEnergy Corp. | | | 511,102 | | | | 19,559,873 | |
| | | | | | | | 41,415,818 | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (4.1%) | | | | | | |
| TE Connectivity Ltd. | | | 33,436 | | | | 5,029,777 | |
| Teledyne Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 53,464 | | | | 20,742,963 | |
| | | | | | | | 25,772,740 | |
| Energy Equipment & Services (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| NOV, Inc. | | | 1,216,896 | | | | 23,133,193 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Financial Services (2.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | | | 181,779 | | | $ | 13,698,866 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Food Products (4.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. | | | 74,249 | | | | 4,537,356 | |
| Hershey Co. | | | 64,720 | | | | 11,897,478 | |
| Ingredion, Inc. | | | 108,383 | | | | 12,431,530 | |
| | | | | | | | 28,866,364 | |
| Ground Transportation (4.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | | | 110,238 | | | | 17,638,080 | |
| Knight-Swift Transportation, Inc. | | | 256,959 | | | | 12,827,393 | |
| | | | | | | | 30,465,473 | |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies (2.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Becton Dickinson & Co. | | | 45,830 | | | | 10,710,929 | |
| DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc. | | | 278,873 | | | | 6,946,727 | |
| | | | | | | | 17,657,656 | |
| Health Care Providers & Services (8.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Centene Corp.(a) | | | 339,022 | | | | 22,477,158 | |
| Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | | 197,453 | | | | 27,027,367 | |
| | | | | | | | 49,504,525 | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (0.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Vail Resorts, Inc. | | | 29,195 | | | | 5,258,895 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Household Durables (1.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 97,279 | | | | 11,049,922 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Household Products (2.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 128,115 | | | | 17,705,493 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance (5.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| First American Financial Corp. | | | 267,636 | | | | 14,438,962 | |
| Old Republic International Corp. | | | 192,200 | | | | 5,938,980 | |
| W R Berkley Corp. | | | 139,615 | | | | 10,970,947 | |
| Willis Towers Watson PLC | | | 14,257 | | | | 3,737,330 | |
| | | | | | | | 35,086,219 | |
| Machinery (3.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Donaldson Co., Inc. | | | 205,642 | | | | 14,715,742 | |
| Kennametal, Inc. | | | 220,666 | | | | 5,194,478 | |
| Middleby Corp.(a) | | | 22,050 | | | | 2,703,550 | |
| | | | | | | | 22,613,770 | |
| Marine Transportation (1.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| Kirby Corp.(a) | | | 71,828 | | | | 8,599,966 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (5.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Coterra Energy, Inc. | | | 623,990 | | | | 16,641,813 | |
| EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 116,289 | | | | 14,637,297 | |
| | | | | | | | 31,279,110 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Pharmaceuticals (2.5%) | | | | | | |
| Perrigo Co. PLC | | | 607,099 | | | $ | 15,590,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Professional Services (2.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Leidos Holdings, Inc. | | | 116,075 | | | | 16,933,021 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Residential REITs (4.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Camden Property Trust | | | 89,426 | | | | 9,757,271 | |
| Essex Property Trust, Inc. | | | 68,925 | | | | 18,761,385 | |
| | | | | | | | 28,518,656 | |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (2.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Micron Technology, Inc. | | | 16,012 | | | | 2,106,058 | |
| Qorvo, Inc.(a) | | | 120,598 | | | | 13,994,192 | |
| | | | | | | | 16,100,250 | |
| Software (1.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| Teradata Corp.(a) | | | 249,161 | | | | 8,611,004 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Specialized REITs (4.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Public Storage | | | 85,399 | | | | 24,565,022 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Specialty Retail (1.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| CarMax, Inc.(a) | | | 160,763 | | | | 11,790,358 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Trading Companies & Distributors (1.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Watsco, Inc. | | | 24,597 | | | | 11,394,314 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | | | | | | | | |
| (Cost $567,733,652) | | | | | | $ | 621,025,618 | |
| | | INTEREST
RATE | | | PAR
AMOUNT | | | VALUE | |
| SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (0.3%) |
| Time Deposits (0.3%) | | | | | |
| JPM Chase (New York)(b) | | | 4.68 | % | | $ | 2,159,152 | | | $ | 2,159,152 | |
| | | | | | |
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | | | | | |
| (Cost $2,159,152) | | | $ | 2,159,152 | |
| | | | | | |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS - (100.1%) | | | | | |
| (Cost $569,892,804) | | | $ | 623,184,770 | |
| OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET - (-0.1%)(c) | | | | (662,530 | ) |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS - (100.0%) | | | $ | 622,522,240 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 2 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND VALUE PLUS FUND | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| COMMON STOCKS (99.7%) | | | | | | |
| Aerospace & Defense (3.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Park Aerospace Corp. | | | 675,000 | | | $ | 9,234,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Banks (15.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| FB Financial Corp. | | | 315,000 | | | | 12,294,450 | |
| Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | | | 315,000 | | | | 11,755,800 | |
| Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida | | | 550,000 | | | | 13,002,000 | |
| Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a) | | | 140,000 | | | | 8,559,600 | |
| | | | | | | | 45,611,850 | |
| Building Products (1.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Hayward Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 250,000 | | | | 3,075,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Capital Markets (5.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc. (Class A) | | | 300,000 | | | | 12,381,000 | |
| Stifel Financial Corp. | | | 50,000 | | | | 4,207,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 16,588,500 | |
| Chemicals (2.5%) | | | | | | | | |
| Sensient Technologies Corp. | | | 100,000 | | | | 7,419,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Commercial Services & Supplies (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Brady Corp. (Class A) | | | 75,000 | | | | 4,951,500 | |
| Stericycle, Inc.(a) | | | 100,000 | | | | 5,813,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 10,764,500 | |
| Construction & Engineering (2.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Granite Construction, Inc. | | | 125,000 | | | | 7,746,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Containers & Packaging (0.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Sealed Air Corp. | | | 75,000 | | | | 2,609,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Electric Utilities (3.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Otter Tail Corp. | | | 10,000 | | | | 875,900 | |
| Portland General Electric Co. | | | 180,000 | | | | 7,783,200 | |
| | | | | | | | 8,659,100 | |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (4.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| CTS Corp. | | | 175,000 | | | | 8,860,250 | |
| Knowles Corp.(a) | | | 200,000 | | | | 3,452,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 12,312,250 | |
| Energy Equipment & Services (3.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| ChampionX Corp. | | | 175,000 | | | | 5,811,750 | |
| NOV, Inc. | | | 150,000 | | | | 2,851,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 8,663,250 | |
| Financial Services (1.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| MGIC Investment Corp. | | | 225,000 | | | | 4,848,750 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies (3.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| Haemonetics Corp.(a) | | | 115,000 | | | $ | 9,513,950 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Health Care Technology (2.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| HealthStream, Inc. | | | 275,000 | | | | 7,672,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Household Durables (5.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 130,000 | | | | 14,766,700 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Household Products (1.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Oil-Dri Corp. of America | | | 85,000 | | | | 5,447,650 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Insurance (3.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. | | | 90,000 | | | | 11,289,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Leisure Products (2.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| Acushnet Holdings Corp. | | | 120,000 | | | | 7,617,600 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Life Sciences Tools & Services (2.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a) | | | 32,500 | | | | 6,713,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Machinery (7.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 40,000 | | | | 1,186,400 | |
| Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (Class A) | | | 175,000 | | | | 6,681,500 | |
| Kennametal, Inc. | | | 275,000 | | | | 6,473,500 | |
| Lindsay Corp | | | 50,000 | | | | 6,144,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 20,485,400 | |
| Metals & Mining (1.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Materion Corp. | | | 45,000 | | | | 4,865,850 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (4.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Murphy Oil Corp. | | | 350,000 | | | | 14,434,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Professional Services (1.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| Science Applications International Corp. | | | 35,000 | | | | 4,114,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Residential REITs (3.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Camden Property Trust | | | 80,000 | | | | 8,728,800 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (3.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. | | | 115,000 | | | | 5,656,850 | |
| Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (ADR) | | | 70,000 | | | | 5,669,300 | |
| | | | | | | | 11,326,150 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Specialized REITs (7.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Lamar Advertising Co. (Class A) | | | 60,000 | | | $ | 7,171,800 | |
| PotlatchDeltic Corp. | | | 350,000 | | | | 13,786,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 20,958,300 | |
| Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (1.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Skechers USA, Inc. (Class A)(a) | | | 75,000 | | | | 5,184,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | | | | | | | | |
| (Cost $263,034,770) | | | | | | $ | 290,650,300 | |
| | | INTEREST
RATE | | | PAR
AMOUNT | | | VALUE | |
| SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (0.4%) |
| Time Deposits (0.4%) | | | | | |
| JPM Chase (New York)(b) | | | 4.68 | % | | $ | 1,286,520 | | | $ | 1,286,520 | |
| | | | | | |
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | | | | | |
| (Cost $1,286,520) | | | $ | 1,286,520 | |
| | | | | | |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS - (100.1%) | | | | | |
| (Cost $264,321,290) | | | $ | 291,936,820 | |
| OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET - (-0.1%)(c) | | | | (253,844 | ) |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS - (100.0%) | | | $ | 291,682,976 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 3 |
| HEARTLAND VALUE FUND | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| COMMON STOCKS (98.5%) | | | | | | |
| Aerospace & Defense (1.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Hexcel Corp. | | | 110,000 | | | $ | 6,869,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Automobile Components (1.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Linamar Corp. (CAD)(d) | | | 140,000 | | | | 6,804,284 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Automobiles (0.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Thor Industries, Inc. | | | 50,000 | | | | 4,672,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Banks (14.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Associated Banc-Corp | | | 400,000 | | | | 8,460,000 | |
| Axos Financial, Inc.(a) | | | 25,539 | | | | 1,459,554 | |
| Canadian Western Bank (CAD)(d) | | | 600,000 | | | | 19,025,620 | |
| Capital City Bank Group, Inc. | | | 550,000 | | | | 15,642,000 | |
| Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. | | | 150,000 | | | | 6,549,000 | |
| First Internet Bancorp | | | 200,000 | | | | 5,404,000 | |
| Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | | | 200,000 | | | | 7,464,000 | |
| Heritage Financial Corp. | | | 400,000 | | | | 7,212,000 | |
| Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida | | | 300,000 | | | | 7,092,000 | |
| Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.(a) | | | 275,000 | | | | 16,813,500 | |
| TriCo Bancshares | | | 250,000 | | | | 9,892,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 105,014,174 | |
| Beverages (2.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Primo Water Corp. | | | 650,000 | | | | 14,209,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Chemicals (1.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| FMC Corp. | | | 70,000 | | | | 4,028,500 | |
| Orion SA | | | 350,000 | | | | 7,679,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 11,707,500 | |
| Commercial Services & Supplies (2.6%) | | | | | | | | |
| CECO Environmental Corp.(a) | | | 250,000 | | | | 7,212,500 | |
| Healthcare Services Group, Inc.(a) | | | 600,000 | | | | 6,348,000 | |
| Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.(a) | | | 500,000 | | | | 5,065,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 18,625,500 | |
| Communications Equipment (1.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| AudioCodes, Ltd. | | | 650,000 | | | | 6,747,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Construction & Engineering (3.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| Northwest Pipe Co.(a) | | | 395,000 | | | | 13,418,150 | |
| Primoris Services Corp. | | | 200,000 | | | | 9,978,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 23,396,150 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Construction Materials (0.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Knife River Corp.(a) | | | 87,500 | | | $ | 6,137,250 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Consumer Finance (1.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| Ezcorp, Inc. (Class A)(a) | | | 900,000 | | | | 9,423,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Containers & Packaging (1.5%) | | | | | | | | |
| Sealed Air Corp. | | | 300,000 | | | | 10,437,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Diversified Consumer Services (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Carriage Services, Inc. | | | 275,000 | | | | 7,381,000 | |
| Lincoln Educational Services Corp.(a)(e) | | | 1,597,768 | | | | 18,949,529 | |
| | | | | | | | 26,330,529 | |
| Diversified REITs (1.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. | | | 500,000 | | | | 7,780,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Electrical Equipment (0.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Thermon Group Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 200,000 | | | | 6,152,000 | |
| |
| Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components (0.5%) | |
| Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | 91,227 | | | 3,599,817 | |
| |
| Energy Equipment & Services (2.7%) |
| Dril-Quip, Inc.(a) | | | 150,000 | | | | 2,790,000 | |
| NOV, Inc. | | | 600,000 | | | | 11,406,000 | |
| Seadrill, Ltd.(a) | | | 100,000 | | | | 5,150,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 19,346,000 | |
| Financial Services (8.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Cantaloupe, Inc.(a) | | | 700,000 | | | | 4,620,000 | |
| Cass Information Systems, Inc. | | | 250,682 | | | | 10,044,828 | |
| EVERTEC, Inc. | | | 90,000 | | | | 2,992,500 | |
| I3 Verticals, Inc. (Class A)(a) | | | 600,000 | | | | 13,248,000 | |
| MGIC Investment Corp. | | | 500,000 | | | | 10,775,000 | |
| Radian Group, Inc. | | | 525,000 | | | | 16,327,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 58,007,828 | |
| Food Products (1.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Mama's Creations, Inc.(a) | | | 850,000 | | | | 5,729,000 | |
| SunOpta, Inc.(a) | | | 500,000 | | | | 2,700,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 8,429,000 | |
| Gas Utilities (2.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| National Fuel Gas Co. | | | 100,000 | | | | 5,419,000 | |
| UGI Corp. | | | 400,000 | | | | 9,160,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 14,579,000 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Ground Transportation (0.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| Marten Transport, Ltd. | | | 150,000 | | | $ | 2,767,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies (1.8%) | | | | | | | | |
| Accuray, Inc.(a) | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 3,640,000 | |
| Haemonetics Corp.(a) | | | 50,000 | | | | 4,136,500 | |
| Integer Holdings Corp.(a) | | | 45,000 | | | | 5,210,550 | |
| | | | | | | | 12,987,050 | |
| Health Care Providers & Services (2.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(a) | | | 55,000 | | | | 2,817,650 | |
| InfuSystem Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 500,000 | | | | 3,415,000 | |
| Patterson Cos., Inc. | | | 350,000 | | | | 8,442,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 14,674,650 | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (0.9%) | | | | | | | | |
| Bloomin' Brands, Inc. | | | 100,000 | | | | 1,923,000 | |
| Potbelly Corp.(a) | | | 600,000 | | | | 4,818,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 6,741,000 | |
| Household Durables (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Century Communities, Inc. | | | 150,000 | | | | 12,249,000 | |
| Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 125,000 | | | | 14,198,750 | |
| | | | | | | | 26,447,750 | |
| Insurance (4.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| International General Insurance Holdings, Ltd. | | | 525,000 | | | | 7,350,000 | |
| Old Republic International Corp. | | | 150,000 | | | | 4,635,000 | |
| Stewart Information Services Corp. | | | 200,000 | | | | 12,416,000 | |
| Tiptree, Inc. | | | 325,000 | | | | 5,359,250 | |
| | | | | | | | 29,760,250 | |
| Life Sciences Tools & Services (0.5%) | | | | | | | | |
| Harvard Bioscience, Inc.(a) | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 3,420,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Machinery (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Astec Industries, Inc. | | | 125,000 | | | | 3,707,500 | |
| Chart Industries, Inc.(a) | | | 100,000 | | | | 14,434,000 | |
| Flowserve Corp. | | | 50,000 | | | | 2,405,000 | |
| Gates Industrial Corp. PLC(a) | | | 200,000 | | | | 3,162,000 | |
| Twin Disc, Inc. | | | 189,464 | | | | 2,231,886 | |
| | | | | | | | 25,940,386 | |
| Metals & Mining (4.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| Centerra Gold, Inc. | | | 1,800,000 | | | | 12,096,000 | |
| Major Drilling Group International, Inc. (CAD)(a)(d) | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 6,637,184 | |
| New Gold, Inc.(a) | | | 3,750,000 | | | | 7,312,500 | |
| Osisko Gold Royalties, Ltd. | | | 200,000 | | | | 3,116,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 29,161,684 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 4 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND VALUE FUND | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (5.1%) | | | | | | | | |
| Berry Corp. | | | 450,000 | | | $ | 2,907,000 | |
| Centrus Energy Corp.(a) | | | 100,000 | | | | 4,275,000 | |
| Delek US Holdings, Inc. | | | 175,000 | | | | 4,333,000 | |
| Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. (Class A) | | | 300,000 | | | | 7,602,000 | |
| Viper Energy, Inc. | | | 450,000 | | | | 16,888,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 36,005,500 | |
| Passenger Airlines (1.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Alaska Air Group, Inc.(a) | | | 175,000 | | | | 7,070,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Pharmaceuticals (2.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Perrigo Co. PLC | | | 550,000 | | | | 14,124,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Professional Services (3.0%) | | | | | | | | |
| Barrett Business Services, Inc. | | | 520,000 | | | | 17,040,400 | |
| Hudson Global, Inc.(a)(e) | | | 252,700 | | | | 4,197,347 | |
| | | | | | | | 21,237,747 | |
| Real Estate Management & Development (1.4%) | | | | | | | | |
| Forestar Group, Inc.(a) | | | 300,000 | | | | 9,597,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| Residential REITs (2.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| BSR Real Estate Investment Trust (CAD)(d) | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 14,280,180 | |
| UMH Properties, Inc. | | | 300,000 | | | | 4,797,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 19,077,180 | |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (3.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Photronics, Inc.(a) | | | 250,000 | | | | 6,167,500 | |
| Silicon Motion Technology Corp. (ADR) | | | 250,000 | | | | 20,247,500 | |
| | | | | | | | 26,415,000 | |
| Specialized REITs (3.3%) | | | | | | | | |
| National Storage Affiliates Trust | | | 400,000 | | | | 16,488,000 | |
| PotlatchDeltic Corp. | | | 175,000 | | | | 6,893,250 | |
| | | | | | | | 23,381,250 | |
| Specialty Retail (0.2%) | | | | | | | | |
| Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. | | | 25,000 | | | | 1,331,250 | |
| Duluth Holdings, Inc. (Class B)(a) | | | 126,386 | | | | 466,364 | |
| | | | | | | | 1,797,614 | |
| Trading Companies & Distributors (1.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Custom Truck One Source, Inc.(a) | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 5,220,000 | |
| DNOW, Inc.(a) | | | 500,000 | | | | 6,865,000 | |
| | | | | | | | 12,085,000 | |
| | | SHARES | | | VALUE | |
| Water Utilities (0.7%) | | | | | | | | |
| Pure Cycle Corp.(a) | | | 500,000 | | | $ | 4,775,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | | | | | | | | |
| (Cost $532,333,734) | | | | | | $ | 695,732,593 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | INTEREST
RATE | | | PAR
AMOUNT | | VALUE | |
| SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (1.6%) |
| Time Deposits (1.6%) | | | |
| JPM Chase (New York)(b) | | | 4.68 | % | | $ | 11,177,643 | | $ | 11,177,643 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | | | | |
| (Cost $11,177,643) | | $ | 11,177,643 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS - (100.1%) | | | | |
| (Cost $543,511,377) | | $ | 706,910,236 | |
| OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, NET - (-0.1%)(c) | | | (565,518 | ) |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS - (100.0%) | | $ | 706,344,718 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 5 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS - FOOTNOTES |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| (a) | Non-income producing security. Includes securities which did not pay at least one dividend in the year preceding the date of this statement. |
| (b) | Time deposits are considered short-term obligations and are payable on demand. Interest rates change periodically on specified dates. The rate listed is the 7-day yield as of June 30, 2024. |
| (d) | Traded in a foreign country. |
| (e) | Affiliated company. See Note 10 to Notes to Financial Statements. |
Common Abbreviations:
| ADR | American Depositary Receipt. |
| PLC | Public Limited Company is a publicly traded company which signifies that shareholders have limited liability. |
Currency Abbreviations:
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
Sector and Industry classifications are sourced from GICS®, The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) is the exclusive intellectual property of MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”) and S&P Global Market Intelligence ("S&P"). Neither MSCI, S&P, their affiliates, nor any of their third party providers (“GICS Parties”) makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to GICS or the results to be obtained by the use thereof, and expressly disclaims all warranties, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The GICS Parties shall not have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential, or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of such damages.
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 6 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | MID CAP VALUE FUND | | | VALUE PLUS FUND | | | VALUE FUND | |
| ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments in securities, at cost(a) | | $ | 569,892,804 | | | $ | 264,321,290 | | | $ | 543,511,377 | |
| Investments in securities, at value | | $ | 623,184,770 | | | $ | 291,936,820 | | | $ | 683,763,360 | |
| Investments in affiliates, at value (See Note 10) | | | – | | | | – | | | | 23,146,876 | |
| Total Investments, at value | | | 623,184,770 | | | | 291,936,820 | | | | 706,910,236 | |
| Receivable for securities sold | | | 951,259 | | | | 3,742,075 | | | | 1,146 | |
| Accrued dividends and interest | | | 880,692 | | | | 229,152 | | | | 431,612 | |
| Receivable for capital shares issued | | | 252,489 | | | | 39,189 | | | | 79,430 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | | 85,453 | | | | 18,496 | | | | 45,858 | |
| Total Assets | | | 625,354,663 | | | | 295,965,732 | | | | 707,468,282 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Payable for securities purchased | | | 2,482,796 | | | | 3,760,629 | | | | 599,291 | |
| Payable for capital shares redeemed | | | 281,273 | | | | 354,496 | | | | 304,950 | |
| Accrued expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Management fees | | | 16,548 | | | | 27,692 | | | | 71,757 | |
| Distribution fees - Investor Class | | | 7,827 | | | | 6,867 | | | | 14,908 | |
| Fund accounting fees | | | 7,883 | | | | 7,668 | | | | 12,759 | |
| Transfer agency fees | | | – | | | | 61,544 | | | | 58,892 | |
| Custody fees | | | 2,570 | | | | 11,042 | | | | 17,948 | |
| Audit fees | | | 11,737 | | | | 11,900 | | | | 11,016 | |
| Legal fees | | | 863 | | | | 1,980 | | | | 1,079 | |
| Printing fees | | | 20,926 | | | | 28,997 | | | | 20,307 | |
| Other | | | – | | | | 9,941 | | | | 10,657 | |
| Total Liabilities | | | 2,832,423 | | | | 4,282,756 | | | | 1,123,564 | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | | $ | 622,522,240 | | | $ | 291,682,976 | | | $ | 706,344,718 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Paid-in capital | | $ | 542,348,684 | | | $ | 278,430,589 | | | $ | 502,488,240 | |
| Total distributable earnings | | | 80,173,556 | | | | 13,252,387 | | | | 203,856,478 | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | | $ | 622,522,240 | | | $ | 291,682,976 | | | $ | 706,344,718 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE & REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| INVESTOR CLASS: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets | | $ | 229,470,944 | | | $ | 202,680,436 | | | $ | 611,386,170 | |
| Shares outstanding | | | 16,448,585 | | | | 5,821,154 | | | | 13,156,848 | |
| NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE & REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE | | $ | 13.95 | | | $ | 34.82 | | | $ | 46.47 | |
| INSTITUTIONAL CLASS: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets | | $ | 393,051,296 | | | $ | 89,002,540 | | | $ | 94,958,548 | |
| Shares outstanding | | | 27,988,592 | | | | 2,573,084 | | | | 1,988,025 | |
| NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING PRICE & REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE | | $ | 14.04 | | | $ | 34.59 | | | $ | 47.77 | |
| (a) | Includes cost of investments in affiliates of $– for the Mid Cap Value Fund, $- for the Value Plus Fund and $15,871,991 for the Value Fund. See Note 10 in the Notes to Financial Statements. |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 7 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS |
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| | | MID CAP VALUE FUND | | | VALUE PLUS FUND | | | VALUE FUND | |
| INVESTMENT INCOME: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends(a) | | $ | 6,342,054 | | | $ | 3,548,562 | | | $ | 7,296,658 | |
| Interest | | | 92,701 | | | | 19,282 | | | | 219,500 | |
| Foreign taxes withheld | | | (11,288 | ) | | | – | | | | (213,600 | ) |
| Total Investment Income | | | 6,423,467 | | | | 3,567,844 | | | | 7,302,558 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Management fees | | | 2,337,725 | | | | 1,158,671 | | | | 2,620,532 | |
| Distribution fees - Investor Class | | | 254,208 | | | | 261,328 | | | | 603,709 | |
| Transfer agency fees | | | 307,003 | | | | 218,118 | | | | 258,820 | |
| Fund accounting fees | | | 95,849 | | | | 54,985 | | | | 106,164 | |
| Custodian fees | | | 11,191 | | | | 10,078 | | | | 18,800 | |
| Printing, Postage and communication fees | | | 56,372 | | | | 31,605 | | | | 31,597 | |
| Legal fees | | | 46,098 | | | | 27,462 | | | | 53,158 | |
| Registration fees | | | 39,677 | | | | 16,523 | | | | 25,628 | |
| Directors' fees | | | 62,523 | | | | 36,025 | | | | 70,531 | |
| Audit and tax fees | | | 12,489 | | | | 12,652 | | | | 11,768 | |
| Insurance fees | | | 15,286 | | | | 18,176 | | | | 25,899 | |
| Other expenses | | | 22,589 | | | | 18,337 | | | | 28,037 | |
| Total Expenses before waivers | | | 3,261,010 | | | | 1,863,960 | | | | 3,854,643 | |
| Expenses waived by investment advisor (See Note 6) | | | (315,901 | ) | | | – | | | | – | |
| Total Expenses after waivers | | | 2,945,109 | | | | 1,863,960 | | | | 3,854,643 | |
| NET INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 3,478,358 | | | | 1,703,884 | | | | 3,447,915 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| REALIZED & UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS, AND TRANSLATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES IN FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net realized gains (losses) on: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | 27,104,495 | | | | (21,152,724 | ) | | | 33,899,346 | |
| Investments - Affiliated securities (See Note 10) | | | – | | | | – | | | | 15,285 | |
| Foreign currency translation | | | – | | | | – | | | | (18,167 | ) |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investments | | | (21,799,719 | ) | | | (1,590,040 | ) | | | (17,717,611 | ) |
| Investments - Affiliated securities (See Note 10) | | | – | | | | – | | | | 3,181,806 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL REALIZED & UNREALIZED NET GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS, AND TRANSLATION OF ASSETS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | 5,304,776 | | | | (22,742,764 | ) | | | 19,360,659 | |
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 8,783,134 | | | $ | (21,038,880 | ) | | $ | 22,808,574 | |
| (a) | Includes $- received from affiliated issuers held by the Value Fund. See Note 10 in the Notes to Financial Statements. |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 8 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | | MID CAP VALUE FUND | | | VALUE PLUS FUND | | | VALUE FUND | |
| | | For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024
(Unaudited) | | | For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023 | | | For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024
(Unaudited) | | | For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023 | | | For the
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2024
(Unaudited) | | | For the
Year Ended
December 31,
2023 | |
| FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 3,478,358 | | | $ | 4,978,399 | | | $ | 1,703,884 | | | $ | 4,122,933 | | | $ | 3,447,915 | | | $ | 5,197,107 | |
| Net realized gains (losses) | | | 27,104,495 | | | | 7,552,711 | | | | (21,152,724 | ) | | | 9,946,279 | | | | 33,896,464 | | | | 40,259,562 | |
| Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (21,799,719 | ) | | | 53,282,268 | | | | (1,590,040 | ) | | | (9,248,648 | ) | | | (14,535,805 | ) | | | 60,806,967 | |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | | 8,783,134 | | | | 65,813,378 | | | | (21,038,880 | ) | | | 4,820,564 | | | | 22,808,574 | | | | 106,263,636 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investor Class | | | – | | | | (4,597,374 | ) | | | – | | | | (3,505,645 | ) | | | – | | | | (33,639,351 | ) |
| Institutional Class | | | – | | | | (8,031,063 | ) | | | – | | | | (2,435,798 | ) | | | – | | | | (4,469,646 | ) |
| Total distributions to shareholders | | | – | | | | (12,628,437 | ) | | | – | | | | (5,941,443 | ) | | | – | | | | (38,108,997 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares issued | | | 8,964,215 | | | | 46,098,125 | | | | 3,417,389 | | | | 24,656,400 | | | | 6,024,693 | | | | 10,353,640 | |
| Dividends reinvested | | | – | | | | 4,514,195 | | | | – | | | | 3,436,209 | | | | – | | | | 32,120,792 | |
| Value of shares redeemed(a) | | | (27,314,353 | ) | | | (38,321,180 | ) | | | (33,091,680 | ) | | | (54,086,999 | ) | | | (38,688,381 | ) | | | (59,517,784 | ) |
| Total Investor Class | | | (18,350,138 | ) | | | 12,291,140 | | | | (29,674,291 | ) | | | (25,994,390 | ) | | | (32,663,688 | ) | | | (17,043,352 | ) |
| Institutional Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares issued | | | 85,467,954 | | | | 283,456,623 | | | | 10,592,128 | | | | 54,413,348 | | | | 11,440,399 | | | | 15,696,558 | |
| Dividends reinvested | | | – | | | | 8,019,356 | | | | – | | | | 2,230,224 | | | | – | | | | 4,359,976 | |
| Value of shares redeemed(a) | | | (80,969,430 | ) | | | (80,152,660 | ) | | | (58,362,152 | ) | | | (75,737,593 | ) | | | (2,098,169 | ) | | | (5,110,037 | ) |
| Total Institutional Class | | | 4,498,524 | | | | 211,323,319 | | | | (47,770,024 | ) | | | (19,094,021 | ) | | | 9,342,230 | | | | 14,946,497 | |
| Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital transactions | | | (13,851,614 | ) | | | 223,614,459 | | | | (77,444,315 | ) | | | (45,088,411 | ) | | | (23,321,458 | ) | | | (2,096,855 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | | | (5,068,480 | ) | | | 276,799,400 | | | | (98,483,195 | ) | | | (46,209,290 | ) | | | (512,884 | ) | | | 66,057,784 | |
| NET ASSETS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD | | | 627,590,720 | | | | 350,791,320 | | | | 390,166,171 | | | | 436,375,461 | | | | 706,857,602 | | | | 640,799,818 | |
| NET ASSETS AT THE END OF THE PERIOD | | $ | 622,522,240 | | | $ | 627,590,720 | | | $ | 291,682,976 | | | $ | 390,166,171 | | | $ | 706,344,718 | | | $ | 706,857,602 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS
Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares Issued | | | 647,363 | | | | 3,501,846 | | | | 95,916 | | | | 670,372 | | | | 132,877 | | | | 243,694 | |
| Reinvested Shares | | | – | | | | 326,581 | | | | – | | | | 91,510 | | | | – | | | | 703,940 | |
| Shares Redeemed | | | (1,964,653 | ) | | | (2,949,263 | ) | | | (927,038 | ) | | | (1,487,440 | ) | | | (850,013 | ) | | | (1,385,723 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) resulting from share transactions | | | (1,317,290 | ) | | | 879,164 | | | | (831,122 | ) | | | (725,558 | ) | | | (717,136 | ) | | | (438,089 | ) |
| Institutional Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares Issued | | | 6,133,515 | | | | 21,705,833 | | | | 298,928 | | | | 1,471,139 | | | | 243,476 | | | | 360,951 | |
| Reinvested Shares | | | – | | | | 576,517 | | | | – | | | | 59,872 | | | | – | | | | 93,062 | |
| Shares Redeemed | | | (5,791,879 | ) | | | (6,029,591 | ) | | | (1,644,639 | ) | | | (2,105,013 | ) | | | (45,344 | ) | | | (116,309 | ) |
| Net increase (decrease) resulting from share transactions | | | 341,636 | | | | 16,252,759 | | | | (1,345,711 | ) | | | (574,002 | ) | | | 198,132 | | | | 337,704 | |
| (a) | Value of shares redeemed includes amounts for early redemption fees. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 9 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
| | | Net asset value, beginning of period | | | Net investment income (loss)(a)(b) | | | Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)(c) | | | Total income (loss) from investment operations | | | Distributions from net investment income | | | Distributions from net realized gains on investments | | | Total distributions | | | Net asset value, end of period | |
| MID CAP VALUE FUND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 13.77 | | | $ | 0.07 | | | $ | 0.11 | | | $ | 0.18 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 13.95 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 12.38 | | | | 0.12 | | | | 1.53 | | | | 1.65 | | | | (0.09 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | (0.26 | ) | | | 13.77 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 13.47 | | | | 0.09 | | | | (0.50 | ) | | | (0.41 | ) | | | (0.07 | ) | | | (0.61 | ) | | | (0.68 | ) | | | 12.38 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 13.03 | | | | 0.14 | | | | 3.53 | | | | 3.67 | | | | (0.12 | ) | | | (3.11 | ) | | | (3.23 | ) | | | 13.47 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 12.24 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 0.72 | | | | 0.85 | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | – | | | | (0.06 | ) | | | 13.03 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 9.99 | | | | 0.11 | | | | 2.42 | | | | 2.53 | | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (0.28 | ) | | | 12.24 | |
| Institutional Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 13.85 | | | $ | 0.08 | | | $ | 0.11 | | | $ | 0.19 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 14.04 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 12.44 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 1.56 | | | | 1.71 | | | | (0.13 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | (0.30 | ) | | | 13.85 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 13.53 | | | | 0.13 | | | | (0.51 | ) | | | (0.38 | ) | | | (0.10 | ) | | | (0.61 | ) | | | (0.71 | ) | | | 12.44 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 13.08 | | | | 0.18 | | | | 3.54 | | | | 3.72 | | | | (0.16 | ) | | | (3.11 | ) | | | (3.27 | ) | | | 13.53 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 12.27 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 0.71 | | | | 0.88 | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | – | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | 13.08 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 10.00 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 2.41 | | | | 2.56 | | | | (0.11 | ) | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (0.29 | ) | | | 12.27 | |
| VALUE PLUS FUND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 37.02 | | | $ | 0.17 | | | $ | (2.37 | ) | | $ | (2.20 | ) | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 34.82 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 36.87 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 0.36 | | | | 0.68 | | | | (0.33 | ) | | | (0.20 | ) | | | (0.53 | ) | | | 37.02 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 39.68 | | | | 0.19 | | | | (2.17 | ) | | | (1.98 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | (0.66 | ) | | | (0.83 | ) | | | 36.87 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 39.55 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 9.54 | | | | 9.85 | | | | (0.27 | ) | | | (9.45 | ) | | | (9.72 | ) | | | 39.68 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 35.48 | | | | 0.20 | | | | 4.28 | | | | 4.48 | | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (0.23 | ) | | | (0.41 | ) | | | 39.55 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 28.57 | | | | 0.49 | | | | 6.94 | | | | 7.43 | | | | (0.52 | ) | | | – | | | | (0.52 | ) | | | 35.48 | |
| Institutional Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 36.73 | | | $ | 0.21 | | | $ | (2.35 | ) | | $ | (2.14 | ) | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 34.59 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 36.58 | | | | 0.40 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 0.78 | | | | (0.43 | ) | | | (0.20 | ) | | | (0.63 | ) | | | 36.73 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 39.39 | | | | 0.28 | | | | (2.16 | ) | | | (1.88 | ) | | | (0.27 | ) | | | (0.66 | ) | | | (0.93 | ) | | | 36.58 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 39.33 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 9.48 | | | | 9.90 | | | | (0.39 | ) | | | (9.45 | ) | | | (9.84 | ) | | | 39.39 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 35.28 | | | | 0.27 | | | | 4.29 | | | | 4.56 | | | | (0.28 | ) | | | (0.23 | ) | | | (0.51 | ) | | | 39.33 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 28.41 | | | | 0.55 | | | | 6.92 | | | | 7.47 | | | | (0.60 | ) | | | – | | | | (0.60 | ) | | | 35.28 | |
| VALUE FUND | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Investor Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 44.99 | | | $ | 0.22 | | | $ | 1.26 | | | $ | 1.48 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 46.47 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 40.55 | | | | 0.33 | | | | 6.65 | | | | 6.98 | | | | (0.33 | ) | | | (2.21 | ) | | | (2.54 | ) | | | 44.99 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 46.43 | | | | 0.17 | | | | (4.83 | ) | | | (4.66 | ) | | | (0.17 | ) | | | (1.05 | ) | | | (1.22 | ) | | | 40.55 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 43.27 | | | | 0.01 | | | | 9.41 | | | | 9.42 | | | | (0.07 | ) | | | (6.19 | ) | | | (6.26 | ) | | | 46.43 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 38.54 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 4.98 | | | | 5.06 | | | | (0.14 | ) | | | (0.19 | ) | | | (0.33 | ) | | | 43.27 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 33.70 | | | | 0.10 | | | | 5.94 | | | | 6.04 | | | | (0.11 | ) | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.20 | ) | | | 38.54 | |
| Institutional Class | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| June 30, 2024 (Unaudited) | | $ | 46.19 | | | $ | 0.28 | | | $ | 1.30 | | | $ | 1.58 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 47.77 | |
| December 31, 2023 | | | 41.58 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 6.82 | | | | 7.24 | | | | (0.42 | ) | | | (2.21 | ) | | | (2.63 | ) | | | 46.19 | |
| December 31, 2022 | | | 47.58 | | | | 0.23 | | | | (4.97 | ) | | | (4.74 | ) | | | (0.21 | ) | | | (1.05 | ) | | | (1.26 | ) | | | 41.58 | |
| December 31, 2021 | | | 44.21 | | | | 0.08 | | | | 9.62 | | | | 9.70 | | | | (0.14 | ) | | | (6.19 | ) | | | (6.33 | ) | | | 47.58 | |
| December 31, 2020 | | | 39.36 | | | | 0.13 | | | | 5.10 | | | | 5.23 | | | | (0.19 | ) | | | (0.19 | ) | | | (0.38 | ) | | | 44.21 | |
| December 31, 2019 | | | 34.40 | | | | 0.17 | | | | 6.06 | | | | 6.23 | | | | (0.18 | ) | | | (1.09 | ) | | | (1.27 | ) | | | 39.36 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 10 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
| Total Return | | | Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | | Percentage of expenses to average net assets | | | Percentage of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | | Percentage of expenses to average net assets before waivers | | | Percentage of expenses to average net assets after waivers | | | Percentage of net investment income (loss) to average net assets before waiver | | | Percentage of net investment income (loss) to average net assets after waivers | | | Portfolio turnover rate(d) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 1.31 | %(e)(f) | | $ | 229,471 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.17 | %(g) | | | 1.10 | %(g) | | | 0.88 | %(g) | | | 0.95 | %(g) | | | 35 | %(e) |
| | 13.37 | (f) | | | 244,716 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.17 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.83 | | | | 0.90 | | | | 84 | |
| | (3.01 | )(f) | | | 209,035 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.16 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.62 | | | | 0.68 | | | | 66 | |
| | 28.12 | (f) | | | 227,242 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.17 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.82 | | | | 0.89 | | | | 86 | |
| | 6.93 | (f) | | | 189,119 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.35 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.96 | | | | 1.21 | | | | 68 | (h) |
| | 25.30 | (f) | | | 7,627 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 2.11 | | | | 1.25 | | | | 0.12 | | | | 0.98 | | | | 62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 1.37 | %(e)(f) | | $ | 393,051 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.97 | %(g) | | | 0.85 | %(g) | | | 1.10 | %(g) | | | 1.22 | %(g) | | | 35 | %(e) |
| | 13.72 | (f) | | | 382,875 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.95 | | | | 0.85 | | | | 1.03 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 84 | |
| | (2.78 | )(f) | | | 141,756 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.04 | | | | 0.85 | | | | 0.78 | | | | 0.98 | | | | 66 | |
| | 28.39 | (f) | | | 81,916 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.98 | | | | 0.85 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 1.17 | | | | 86 | |
| | 7.18 | (f) | | | 40,960 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.20 | | | | 0.86 | | | | 1.13 | | | | 1.47 | | | | 68 | (h) |
| | 25.58 | (f) | | | 7,320 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.86 | | | | 0.99 | | | | 0.42 | | | | 1.30 | | | | 62 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (5.94 | )%(e) | | $ | 202,680 | | | | 1.21 | %(g) | | | 0.96 | %(g) | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 38 | %(e) |
| | 1.83 | | | | 246,240 | | | | 1.18 | | | | 0.87 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 53 | |
| | (4.95 | ) | | | 272,008 | | | | 1.22 | | | | 0.51 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 48 | |
| | 24.85 | | | | 313,703 | | | | 1.15 | | | | 0.64 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 58 | |
| | 12.64 | | | | 269,451 | | | | 1.23 | | | | 0.63 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 90 | |
| | 26.02 | | | | 279,737 | | | | 1.19 | | | | 1.48 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 51 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | (5.83 | )%(e) | | $ | 89,003 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.96 | %(g) | | | 0.96 | %(g) | | | 1.16 | %(g) | | | 1.16 | %(g) | | | 38 | %(e) |
| | 2.11 | | | | 143,926 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.92 | | | | 1.09 | | | | 1.09 | | | | 53 | |
| | (4.75 | ) | | | 164,367 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 1.01 | | | | 0.99 | | | | 0.74 | | | | 0.76 | | | | 48 | |
| | 25.11 | | | | 174,912 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 58 | |
| | 12.93 | | | | 108,110 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.97 | | | | 0.97 | | | | 0.84 | | | | 0.84 | | | | 90 | |
| | 26.29 | | | | 64,446 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.98 | | | | 0.98 | | | | 1.67 | | | | 1.67 | | | | 51 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.29 | %(e) | | $ | 611,386 | | | | 1.13 | %(g) | | | 0.96 | %(g) | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 17 | %(e) |
| | 17.13 | | | | 624,176 | | | | 1.07 | | | | 0.77 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 43 | |
| | (9.99 | ) | | | 580,421 | | | | 1.09 | | | | 0.41 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 45 | |
| | 21.81 | | | | 684,923 | | | | 1.04 | | | | 0.03 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 45 | |
| | 13.14 | | | | 606,172 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.22 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 49 | |
| | 17.96 | | | | 598,325 | | | | 1.10 | | | | 0.26 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 42 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 3.42 | %(e) | | $ | 94,959 | | | | 0.91 | %(g) | | | 1.20 | %(g) | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 17 | %(e) |
| | 17.31 | | | | 82,682 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.89 | | | | 0.89 | | | | 0.95 | | | | 0.95 | | | | 43 | |
| | (9.91 | ) | | | 60,379 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.98 | | | | 0.98 | | | | 0.52 | | | | 0.52 | | | | 45 | |
| | 21.96 | | | | 67,901 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 45 | |
| | 13.31 | | | | 58,060 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.95 | | | | 0.95 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 0.38 | | | | 49 | |
| | 18.14 | | | | 55,832 | | | | N/A | | | | N/A | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.92 | | | | 0.43 | | | | 0.43 | | | | 42 | |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 11 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
| (a) | Redemption fees represent less than $.01 on a per share basis. |
| (b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
| (c) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period. |
| (d) | Portfolio turnover rate is calculated at the Fund level. |
| (f) | Total returns would have been lower had various fees and expenses not been waived and reimbursed during the period. |
| (h) | For the year ended December 31, 2020, the portfolio turnover calculation excludes the value of securities purchases of $58,658,022 and sold of $36,894,276 in the effort to realign the Mid Cap Value Fund’s portfolio holdings after the reorganization of the ALPS | WMC Research Value Fund into the Mid Cap Value Fund and the value of securities purchased of $2,929,666 and sold of $1,852,981 after the reorganization of the Heartland Select Value Fund into the Mid Cap Value Fund. |
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of these Statements.
| 12 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
Heartland Group, Inc. (the “Corporation”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), as amended. The capital shares of the Mid Cap Value Fund, Value Plus Fund, and Value Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), each of which is a diversified fund, are issued by the Corporation. Each Fund has 150,000,000 shares authorized with a par value of $.001 per share and offers Investor Class and Institutional Class shares. Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) serves as investment advisor to the Corporation.
Under the Corporation’s organizational documents, its Officers and Directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Corporation. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into contracts with its vendors and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Corporation’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Corporation.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of the financial statements. Each Fund is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The Funds have applied the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 (“ASC 946”).
| (a) | Portfolio securities traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market are valued at the closing price on the principal exchange or market as of the close of regular trading hours on the day the securities are being valued, or, closing price on the composite market. Lacking any trades, securities are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices on the principal exchange or market. Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or using methods determined by Heartland Advisors, Inc. (the “Advisor”) as the valuation designee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) in accordance with policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act. The Funds may use a systematic fair valuation model provided by an independent pricing service to value foreign equity securities in order to capture events occurring between the time a foreign exchange closes and the close of the NYSE that may affect the value of the Funds’ securities traded on those foreign exchanges. These are generally categorized as Level 2 under GAAP. Debt securities purchased with maturities of 60 days or less are generally valued at acquisition cost, which approximates fair value, plus or minus any amortization or accretion, if applicable. Securities and other assets for which quotations are not readily available, are deemed unreliable, or have facts and circumstances that indicate otherwise, are valued at their fair value using methods determined by the Advisor as valuation designee, subject to oversight of the Board. The Advisor may also make a fair value determination if it reasonably determines that a significant event, which materially affects the value of a security, occurs after the time at which the market price for the security is determined, but prior to the time at which a Fund’s net asset value is calculated. Fair valuation of a particular security is an inherently subjective process, with no single standard to utilize when determining a security’s fair value. As such, different mutual funds could reasonably arrive at a different fair value price for the same security. In each case where a security is fair valued, consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation. This consideration includes reviewing various factors set forth in the pricing procedures approved by the Board in accordance with Rule 2a-5 and other factors as warranted. In making a fair value determination, factors that may be considered, among others, include: the type and structure of the security; unusual events or circumstances relating to the security’s issuer; general market conditions; prior day’s valuation; fundamental analytical data; size of the holding; cost of the security on the date of purchase; nature and duration of any restriction on disposition; trading activities; and prices of similar securities or financial instruments. |
| (b) | The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are applicable to regulated investment companies (“RICs”) and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. The Funds accordingly pay no Federal income taxes, and no Federal income tax provision is recorded. |
| (c) | Net investment income, if any, is distributed to each shareholder as a dividend. Dividends from the Funds are declared and paid at least annually. Dividends from the Funds are recorded on ex-date and determined in accordance with tax regulations. Net realized gains on investments, if any, are distributed at least annually. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Funds utilized earnings and profits distributions to shareholders on redemption of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. GAAP requires that permanent financial reporting and tax differences be reclassified based on their characterization for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, at December 31, 2023, the following reclassifications were made to increase (decrease) such amounts: |
| | | TOTAL DISTRIBUTABLE EARNINGS | | | PAID-IN CAPITAL | |
| MID CAP VALUE FUND | | $ | (2,029,417 | ) | | $ | 2,029,417 | |
| VALUE PLUS FUND | | | (2,965,513 | ) | | | 2,965,513 | |
| VALUE FUND | | | (2,366,730 | ) | | | 2,366,730 | |
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| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
| (d) | For financial reporting purposes, transactions are accounted for on trade date on the last business day of the reporting period. Net realized gains and losses on investments are computed on the identified cost basis. The portion of security gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates is disclosed in the Statements of Operations. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Certain dividends from foreign securities will be recorded as soon as the Corporation is informed of the dividend, if such information is obtained subsequent to the ex-dividend date. The Funds amortize premium and accrete discount on investments utilizing the effective interest method. Foreign dividend income may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and regulations. |
| (e) | Investment income and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, options, and translation of assets in foreign currency are allocated to each Fund’s share class based on their respective net assets. The Funds and share classes are charged for those expenses that are directly attributable to them. Expenses that are not directly attributable to any one Fund are typically allocated among the Funds and respective share classes in proportion to their respective net assets, number of open shareholder accounts, number of funds, or some combination thereof, as applicable. |
| (f) | The Funds may invest a portion of their assets in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) and are subject to certain risks associated with direct investment in REITs. REITs may be affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults by borrowers or tenants. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareowners, and certain REITs have self liquidation provisions by which mortgages held may be paid in full and distributions of capital returns may be made at any time. In addition, the performance of a REIT may be affected by its failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, or its failure to maintain exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. A Fund’s investments in REITs may result in such Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REITs’ earnings. If the Fund receives such distributions all or a portion of these distributions will constitute a return of capital to such Fund. Receiving a return of capital distribution from REITs will reduce the amount of income available to be distributed to Fund shareholders. Income from REITs may not be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income. As the final character of the distributions may not be known until reported by the REITs on their 1099s, the Funds may utilize an estimate for the current year character of distributions. |
| (g) | As of June 30, 2024, the Funds were not invested in any illiquid securities as defined pursuant to the Corporation’s Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “LRMP”). |
| (h) | Certain securities exempt from registration or issued in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), such as securities issued pursuant to the resale limitations provided under Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Act, may be considered to be liquid under the LRMP. As of June 30, 2024, the Funds did not hold any restricted securities. |
| (i) | The Funds do not isolate the portion of the results of operations from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from those resulting in market prices of securities held. These gains and losses are included in net realized gain (loss) on investments and net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the Statement of Operations. Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between trade and settlement date on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the respective Fund’s books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at the period end, resulting from changes in the exchange rate. Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse political, social, regulatory, and economic developments. Foreign security prices can be affected by exchange rate and foreign currency fluctuations, less publicly available information, and different accounting, auditing, legal, and financial standards. Foreign investments may also be less liquid than investments in U.S. issuers. This risk may be heightened in emerging or developing markets. Foreign securities usually are generally denominated and traded in foreign currencies, while the Funds value assets in U.S. dollars. The exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar fluctuate continuously. As a result, the values of the Funds’ non-U.S. investments will be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. |
| (j) | The accompanying financial statements were prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. |
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| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Funds follow GAAP, under which various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments.
The basis of the hierarchy is dependent upon the various “inputs” used to determine the value of the Funds’ investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
| Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date. |
| Level 2 – | Other significant observable inputs include quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly) for the asset or liability. Includes portfolio securities and other financial instruments lacking any sales referenced in Note 2. |
| Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (includes the Advisor's own assumptions, as the Board's valuation designee, in determining the fair value of investments). |
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of June 30, 2024:
MID CAP VALUE FUND
| INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES AT VALUE | | LEVEL 1 - QUOTED AND UNADJUSTED PRICES | | | LEVEL 2 - OTHER
SIGNIFICANT
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS(a) | | | LEVEL 3 -
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS(b) | | | TOTAL | |
| Common Stocks | | $ | 621,025,618 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 621,025,618 | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 2,159,152 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 2,159,152 | |
| Total | | $ | 623,184,770 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 623,184,770 | |
VALUE PLUS FUND
| INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES AT VALUE | | LEVEL 1 - QUOTED AND UNADJUSTED PRICES | | | LEVEL 2 - OTHER
SIGNIFICANT
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS(a) | | | LEVEL 3 -
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS(b) | | | TOTAL | |
| Common Stocks | | $ | 290,650,300 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 290,650,300 | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 1,286,520 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 1,286,520 | |
| Total | | $ | 291,936,820 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 291,936,820 | |
VALUE FUND
| INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES AT VALUE | | LEVEL 1 - QUOTED AND UNADJUSTED PRICES | | | LEVEL 2 - OTHER
SIGNIFICANT
OBSERVABLE
INPUTS(a) | | | LEVEL 3 -
SIGNIFICANT
UNOBSERVABLE
INPUTS(b) | | | TOTAL | |
| Common Stocks | | $ | 695,732,593 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 695,732,593 | |
| Short-Term Investments | | | 11,177,643 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 11,177,643 | |
| Total | | $ | 706,910,236 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 706,910,236 | |
| (a) | For detailed industry descriptions and securities identified as Level 2 within the hierarchy, see the accompanying Schedules of Investments. |
| (b) | The Funds measure Level 3 activity as of the beginning and end of the financial period. For the six month period ended June 30, 2024, the Funds did not have significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining fair value. Therefore, a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value is not applicable. |
4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
GAAP requires enhanced disclosure about the Funds’ derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effects on the Funds’ financial position, performance, and cash flows. The Funds may invest in a broad array of financial instruments and securities, the value of which is “derived” from the performance of an underlying asset or a “benchmark” such as a security index, an interest rate, or a currency. In particular, each Fund may engage in transactions in options, and options on futures contracts (a) to hedge against anticipated declines in the market value of its portfolio securities or currencies and against increases in the market values of securities or currencies it intends to acquire, (b) to manage exposure to changing interest rates (duration management), (c) to enhance total return, or (d) to invest in eligible asset classes with a greater efficiency and lower cost than is possible through direct investment. Each fund currently qualifies as a “limited derivatives user” under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act and limits its derivatives exposure to 10% of its net assets.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 15 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Options can be highly volatile investments and involve certain risks. These strategies require the ability to anticipate future movements in securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, and other economic factors. Attempts to use such investments may not be successful and could result in reduction of a Fund’s total return. Each Fund could experience losses if the prices of its options positions move in a direction different than anticipated, or if the Fund were unable to close out its positions due to disruptions in the market or lack of liquidity. Over-the -counter options generally involve greater credit and liquidity risks than exchange-traded options. Options traded on foreign exchanges generally are not regulated by U.S. authorities, and may offer less liquidity and less protection to a Fund if the other party to the contract defaults.
The Funds’ use of options and other investment techniques for hedging purposes involves the risk that changes in the value of a hedging investment will not match those of the asset or security being hedged. Hedging is the use of one investment to offset the effects of another investment. Imperfect or no correlation of the values of the hedging instrument and the hedged security or asset might occur because of characteristics of the instruments themselves or unrelated factors involving, for example, the markets on which the instruments are traded. As a result, hedging strategies may not always be successful. While hedging strategies can help reduce or eliminate portfolio losses, they can also reduce or eliminate portfolio gains.
Options Contracts
The Funds may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and will not use these instruments for speculation. Each Fund may write covered put and call options on any securities or futures contracts in which it may invest, on any securities index based on or related to securities in which it may invest, or on any currency in which Fund investments may be denominated. A call option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A put option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses. Each Fund may also purchase put options on any securities or futures contracts in which it may invest, on any securities index based on or related to securities in which it may invest, or on any currency in which Fund investments may be denominated. A Fund may enter into closing transactions with respect to such options by writing an option identical to the one it has purchased (for exchange-listed options) or by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option (for OTC options). A Fund may also exercise such options or allow them to expire. The Funds were not invested in options during the six month period ended June 30, 2024.
Offsetting Arrangements
Certain derivative contracts are executed under either standardized netting agreements or, for exchange-traded derivatives, the relevant contracts for a particular exchange which contain enforceable netting provisions. A derivative netting arrangement creates an enforceable right of set-off that becomes effective, and affects the realization of settlement on individual assets and liabilities, only following a specified event of default or early termination. There are no derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements or other similar agreements as of June 30, 2024.
5. SECURITIES LENDING
The Funds have entered into an agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the “Lending Agent”), dated November 30, 2011, as amended (“Securities Lending Agreement”), to provide securities lending services to the Funds. Under this program, the proceeds (cash collateral) received from borrowers are used to invest in money market funds. Under the Securities Lending Agreement, the borrowers may pay the Funds negotiated lender fees and the Funds receive cash collateral in an amount equal to not less than 102% of the value of loaned securities. The borrower pays fees at the Funds’ direction to the Lending Agent. Although the risk of lending is generally mitigated by the collateral, the Funds could experience a delay in recovering securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return them. The agreement provides the right in the event of default for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral and calculate a net exposure to the defaulting party or request additional collateral. In the event that a borrower defaults, the Funds, as lender, would offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. When the value of the collateral is greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, the lender is left with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of a counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Under the agreement, the borrower can resell or re- pledge the loaned securities, and the Funds can reinvest cash collateral, or, upon an event of default, resell or re-pledge the collateral. As of and for the six month period ended June 30, 2024, the Funds did not have any securities on loan.
6. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Corporation entered into an investment advisory agreement with the Advisor to serve as investment advisor and manager to the Funds (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Mid Cap Value Fund pays the Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets, the Value Plus Fund pays the Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.70% of the average daily net assets, and the Value Fund pays the Advisor a monthly management fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets.
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| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Mid Cap Value Fund to ensure that the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 1.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the Investor Class Shares and 0.85% for the Institutional Class Shares through at least April 5, 2026, and subject thereafter to annual renewal of the agreement by the Board. The operating expense limitation agreement can be terminated only with the consent of the Board. For the six month period ended June 30, 2024, expenses of $88,497 for Investor Class and $227,404 for Institutional Class were waived by the Advisor. The Advisor may not recoup amounts previously waived or reimbursed.
The Advisor has voluntarily agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses with respect to the Institutional Class Shares of the Value Plus Fund, to the extent necessary to maintain the Institutional Class total annual fund operating expenses at a ratio of 0.99% of average daily net assets. This voluntary waiver/reimbursement may be discontinued at any time. For the six month period ended June 30, 2024, expenses of $0 for the Institutional Class Shares of the Value Plus Fund were waived by the Advisor. The Advisor may not recoup amounts previously waived or reimbursed.
Previously, the Advisor voluntarily waived fees and/or reimburse certain annual expenses with respect to the Institutional Class Shares of the Value Fund, to the extent necessary to maintain the Institutional Class total annual fund operating expenses at a ratio of 0.99% of average daily net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2023, expenses of $0 for the Institutional Class of the Value Fund were waived by the Advisor. This voluntary waiver/reimbursement was discontinued effective May 1, 2023. The Advisor may not recoup amounts previously waived and reimbursed.
The Corporation has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, as amended (the “Plan”). Pursuant to the Plan, the Investor Class pays the Funds’ distributor, ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), an amount up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares of such Fund (limited to actual costs incurred), computed on an annual basis and paid monthly, for distributing Fund shares and providing shareholder services. Any fees paid to the Distributor under the Plan that are not used during a calendar year are reimbursed to the respective Fund’s Investor Class. Institutional Class shares are not subject to 12b-1 fees. During the six month period ended June 30, 2024, $226,241 of distribution related expenses incurred by the Advisor were reimbursed by fees collected under the Plan. The Advisor and/or Distributor may also contractually commit to pay these fees to other third parties who agree to provide various services to their customers who hold Fund shares. Fees paid pursuant to any such contractual commitment are not subject to reimbursement. The Distributor receives a fee for providing distribution services based on an annual rate of $225,000 for all Funds, plus 1/10 basis point for each Fund’s annual net assets.
Transfer agent, fund accounting and fund administration services are provided by ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”). ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor. From its own assets, the Advisor may pay retirement plan service providers, brokers, banks, financial advisors, and other financial intermediaries’ fees for providing recordkeeping, sub-accounting, marketing, and other administrative services to their customers in connection with investment in the Funds. These fees may be in addition to any distribution, administrative, or shareholder servicing fees paid from the Funds’ assets to these financial intermediaries.
Officers and certain directors of the Corporation are also officers and/or directors of the Advisor; however, they receive no compensation from the Funds.
7. EARLY REDEMPTION FEE
To discourage market timing and other short -term trading, certain shares of the Funds that are redeemed or exchanged within 10 days are assessed a 2% fee on the current net asset value of the shares. The fee applies to shares being redeemed or exchanged in the order in which they are purchased, treating shares that have been held the longest in an account as being redeemed first. The fee is retained by the applicable Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders. For financial statement purposes, these amounts are included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as “paid-in capital”. The Funds retained redemption fees during the six month period ended June 30, 2024, as follows:
| | | MID CAP VALUE FUND | | | VALUE PLUS FUND | | | VALUE FUND | |
| Investor Class | | $ | 77 | | | $ | 5 | | | $ | 4 | |
| Institutional Class | | | (1,546 | ) | | | 98 | | | | – | |
| Total | | $ | (1,469 | ) | | $ | 103 | | | $ | 4 | |
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 17 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
8. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
During the six month period ended June 30, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities (excluding securities maturing less than one year from acquisition) are noted below. During the same period, there were no purchases of long-term U.S. Government obligations.
| | | COST OF PURCHASES | | | PROCEEDS FROM SALES | |
| MID CAP VALUE FUND | | $ | 222,209,994 | | | $ | 223,994,064 | |
| VALUE PLUS FUND | | | 127,296,754 | | | | 200,215,599 | |
| VALUE FUND | | | 120,086,465 | | | | 142,884,641 | |
9. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION
The Funds have qualified and intend to qualify as RICs under Subchapter M of the Code for federal income tax purposes and to distribute substantially all taxable income and net capital gains. Passive foreign investment companies, foreign currency, and certain other investments could create book tax differences that may have an impact on the character of each Fund’s distributions.
As of and during the six month period ended June 30, 2024, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Funds file U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
The amount of net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and the cost of investment securities for tax purposes, including short-term securities as of June 30, 2024, are displayed in the table below.
| | | TAX COST OF INVESTMENTS | | | GROSS UNREALIZED APPRECIATION | | | GROSS UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION | | | NET APPRECIATION/ (DEPRECIATION) OF FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | NET TAX UNREALIZED APPRECIATION/ (DEPRECIATION) | |
| MID CAP VALUE FUND | | $ | 572,011,501 | | | $ | 71,470,034 | | | $ | (20,296,765 | ) | | $ | – | | | $ | 51,173,269 | |
| VALUE PLUS FUND | | | 264,799,047 | | | | 35,915,635 | | | | (8,777,862 | ) | | | – | | | | 27,137,773 | |
| VALUE FUND | | | 543,511,377 | | | | 191,822,624 | | | | (28,423,765 | ) | | | – | | | | 163,398,859 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to tax deferral of losses in wash sales.
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| HEARTLAND FUNDS | NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
10. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
The following investments are in companies deemed “affiliated” (as defined in Section 2(a)(3) of the 1940 Act) with the Value Fund; that is, the Fund held 5% or more of their outstanding voting securities during the six month period ended June 30, 2024. The Mid Cap Value and Value Plus Funds had no transactions with affiliates during the six month period ended June 30, 2024.
| SECURITY NAME | | FAIR VALUE
AS OF
DECEMBER 31,
2023 | | | PURCHASES | | | SALES | | | FAIR VALUE
AS OF
JUNE 30,
2024 | | | SHARE BALANCE
AS OF
JUNE 30,
2024 | | | DIVIDENDS | | | CHANGE IN UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | | | REALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) | |
| Hudson Global, Inc. | | $ | 3,914,323 | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 4,197,347 | | | | 252,700 | | | $ | – | | | $ | 283,024 | | | $ | – | |
| Lincoln Educational Services Corp. | | | 16,064,000 | | | | – | | | | (28,538 | ) | | | 18,949,529 | | | | 1,597,768 | | | | – | | | | 2,898,782 | | | | 15,285 | |
| Total | | $ | 19,978,323 | | | $ | – | | | $ | (28,538 | ) | | $ | 23,146,876 | | | | 1,850,468 | | | $ | – | | | $ | 3,181,806 | | | $ | 15,285 | |
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 19 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ITEM 8 – CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Not applicable for this reporting period.
| 20 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ITEM 9 – PROXY DISCLOSURES FOR OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Not applicable for this reporting period.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 21 |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ITEM 10 – REMUNERATION PAID TO DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND OTHERS OF OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
Included under Item 7 in the Statements of Operations.
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| | ITEM 11 – STATEMENT REGARDING BASIS |
| | FOR APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ADVISORY CONTRACT |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
The 1940 Act requires that the Funds’ Investment Advisory Agreement be approved by the vote of a majority of the Independent Directors, cast in the manner required by the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. At an in-person meeting held on May 9, 2024, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Directors, approved the continuation of the Funds’ Investment Advisory Agreement.
As part of the process of approving the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the directors reviewed the legal requirements governing their consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement and the relevant factors that should be considered to inform their judgement. The Independent Directors also met in separate executive sessions with their independent legal counsel to discuss the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The directors recognized that each Fund’s fee arrangements are the result of years of review and discussion between the Independent Directors and Heartland Advisors, that certain aspects of such arrangements may receive greater scrutiny in some years than in others and that the directors’ conclusions may be based, in part, on their consideration of these arrangements and information received during the course of the year and in prior years.
The directors’ approval of the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was based on their consideration and evaluation of a variety of factors, which included, among other things: (1) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by Heartland Advisors, including the investment process used by Heartland Advisors; (2) the performance of each Fund in comparison to its benchmark index, a peer group and a comparison universe of similar mutual funds; (3) the advisory fees and total net operating expenses of each Fund, including comparative information with respect to a peer group and a comparison universe of similar mutual funds; (4) a comparison of Heartland Advisors’ services and the amounts paid by the Funds with those under Heartland Advisors’ agreements with other clients; (5) the profitability of Heartland Advisors with respect to each Fund; (6) the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as the Funds grow and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors; and (7) any benefits accruing to Heartland Advisors from its relationship with the Funds.
The following is a more detailed summary of certain of the factors and information considered by the directors:
MATERIALS RELATING TO THE NATURE, EXTENT, AND QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY HEARTLAND ADVISORS:
| ● | A description of the services provided by the Advisor to each Fund; |
| ● | The Investment Advisory Agreement between the Advisor and Heartland Group, Inc. on behalf of each Fund; |
| ● | A summary of the qualifications and background of Heartland Advisors’ senior management personnel and portfolio management teams; |
| ● | A summary of Heartland Advisors’ investment process for the Funds; |
| ● | Information regarding Heartland Advisors’ risk management practices; |
| ● | Information regarding Heartland Advisors’ marketing activities on behalf of the Funds; |
| ● | Information regarding Heartland Advisors’ business continuity plan; |
| ● | Information regarding initiatives to improve operations and services; |
| ● | Heartland Advisors’ Form ADV Part 2A (brochure) and 2B (supplements); |
| ● | Information regarding Heartland Advisors’ compliance program; and |
| ● | Information regarding trading costs, brokerage commissions and best execution. |
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO FUND PERFORMANCE AND EXPENSES:
| ● | Discussions with management regarding Fund performance and related performance data; |
| ● | Discussions with management regarding the appropriateness of each Fund’s fee and expense levels; and |
| ● | A Section 15(c) Report and related materials prepared by FUSE Research Network, LLC (“FUSE”), an independent third-party Section 15(c) report provider, using Morningstar, Inc. data comparing advisory fees, other expenses and the performance of each class of each Fund against a comparison universe as well as a smaller peer group of funds consisting of such Fund and other open-end funds classified by FUSE as having a similar investment strategy and a comparable asset level as the Fund. |
| ● | Risk/return summary charts for each Fund, as provided by FUSE. |
The Board did not consider information regarding Heartland Advisors’ performance for other managed accounts to be a material factor.
MATERIALS RELATED TO HEARTLAND ADVISORS’ SERVICES TO OTHER ACCOUNTS:
| ● | A schedule of standard account minimums and fees for other accounts managed with investment strategies similar to the Funds; and |
| ● | Information regarding the level of services provided by Heartland Advisors to the Funds as compared to Heartland Advisors’ other clients with investment strategies similar to the Funds. |
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 23 |
| | ITEM 11 – STATEMENT REGARDING BASIS |
| | FOR APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ADVISORY CONTRACT |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
MATERIALS RELATING TO PROFITABILITY AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE:
| ● | A profitability analysis prepared by management; |
| ● | An independent study prepared by FUSE of the profitability of a group of publicly traded asset managers; |
| ● | A summary of revenue-sharing arrangements that Heartland Advisors has with various financial intermediaries; and |
| ● | A memorandum prepared by management discussing economies of scale. |
INFORMATION RELATING TO HEARTLAND ADVISORS’ FINANCIAL STRENGTH:
| ● | Heartland Advisors’ financial statements and independent auditor’s report for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022; |
| ● | Consolidated financial statements of Heartland Advisors and its parent company and independent auditor’s report for the years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022; |
| ● | Consolidated financial information for Heartland Advisors and its parent company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (unaudited); |
| ● | Heartland Advisors’ historical assets under management; |
| ● | Consolidated financial projections of Heartland Advisors’ parent company; and |
| ● | Heartland Advisors’ management succession and personnel contingency plan. |
The Board also considered a memorandum from independent legal counsel that outlined the duties and responsibilities of the Board in connection with approving the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement.
In considering the documents and information listed above, the Independent Directors were assisted by their independent legal counsel who was present at all times at the May Board meetings and at the related executive sessions of the Independent Directors. In reviewing and discussing this information, the Independent Directors took into account information regularly provided at the Board’s quarterly meetings throughout the year regarding the services provided by Heartland Advisors, the performance of each Fund, expenses, the Funds’ compliance program, asset flows, sales and marketing updates and other relevant matters. After considering this information, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Directors, reached the following conclusions:
| ● | The nature and extent of the services provided by Heartland Advisors are appropriate for the investment objectives and programs of the Value Plus Fund, Value Fund and Mid Cap Value Fund and are appropriate to assure that each Fund’s operations are conducted in compliance with their investment objectives and strategies, and in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. |
| ● | Heartland Advisors provides a high quality of services to the Funds, based upon: (a) Heartland Advisors’ consistent value investment process, which has been in place for over 40 years; (b) the background and experience of Heartland Advisors’ senior management and the expertise of, and the amount of attention given to the Funds by, investment personnel of Heartland Advisors; (c) the extensive other services provided by Heartland Advisors that benefit the Funds, including compliance services, serving as the Board’s valuation designee for purposes of fair value determinations, serving as the Funds’ liquidity risk management program administrator, risk management services, business continuity services, oversight of service providers and other operational services, such as the provision of Fund officers and office space; and (d) the overall reputation and capabilities of Heartland Advisors. In addition, the Board considered that the Funds and their shareholders benefit from Heartland Advisors’ payments to financial intermediaries for the provision of distribution services and shareholder services. |
| ● | The performance of the Mid Cap Value Fund and Value Fund has been satisfactory and the Value Fund has experienced improved relative performance. With respect to the performance of the Value Plus Fund, the directors considered the Advisor’s initiatives to improve performance and determined that the continuation of the Investment Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. The Board considered that the Mid Cap Fund has underperformed its benchmark index and peer group average for the one-year period ended December 31, 2023, has outperformed its index for the three-year, five-year and since-inception periods and has outperformed its FUSE peer group average for the five-year and since-inception periods while trailing the FUSE peer group average for the three-year period. With respect to the Value Plus Fund, the Board noted that the Fund has underperformed its benchmark index over most time periods and its FUSE peer group average over all time periods. The Board noted that the Value Fund has outperformed its benchmark index and FUSE peer group average over the one-year, three-year and five-year periods and underperformed the index and FUSE peer group average for the ten-year and since-inception periods. The directors concluded that each Fund and its shareholders were likely to benefit from Heartland Advisors’ continued management. |
| ● | The advisory fee charged to each Fund is fair and reasonable based on the nature, scope and quality of the services provided to the Fund, and those fees are competitive, considering all relevant circumstances, with fees paid by peer funds and fees charged by Heartland Advisors to other accounts it manages under similar investment strategies, as applicable. |
| ● | The level of profitability realized by Heartland Advisors from its provision of services to each Fund is reasonable. |
| ● | Heartland Advisors has sufficient financial resources and revenues to enable it to finance the provision and delivery of the services it is obligated to provide under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Heartland Advisors has used these resources and revenues to manage the operations of the Funds in an effective manner that is beneficial to shareholders. |
| 24 | www.heartlandadvisors.com |
| | ITEM 11 – STATEMENT REGARDING BASIS |
| | FOR APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT |
| HEARTLAND FUNDS | ADVISORY CONTRACT |
June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
The Board considered the extent to which economies of scale might be realized as each Fund grows and to the extent which each Fund’s advisory fee reflects those economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. The directors concluded that the Mid Cap Value Fund’s current fee level represents an appropriate sharing of economies of scale with its shareholders, also noting the benefits to shareholders from the operating expense limitation agreement in place between Heartland Advisors and the Mid Cap Value Fund. With respect to the Value Plus and Value Funds, the directors did not consider economies of scale to be a material factor in light of each Fund’s current asset size and management fee, and determined to continue to monitor these Funds should they experience substantial growth in assets.
The Board considered other benefits to Heartland Advisors from serving as advisor to the Funds (in addition to the advisory fee). The Board considered the benefits to Heartland Advisors from soft dollar arrangements whereby Heartland Advisors receives proprietary and third-party investment research and related services from broker-dealers that execute portfolio trades for the Funds. The Board considered that the research services received from such broker-dealers are used to service all accounts managed by Heartland Advisors, including the Funds, and that Heartland Advisors’ other clients also benefit from this research. The Directors concluded that the benefits Heartland Advisors receives are appropriate and that such products and services have been used for legitimate purposes beneficial to the Funds by providing assistance in the investment decision-making process. The Board noted that Heartland Advisors also experiences brand and name recognition and other modest benefits due to its association with the Funds. The Board concluded that the other benefits realized by Heartland Advisors from its relationship with the Funds were reasonable.
The Directors reached these conclusions after carefully considering all of the information provided by management and after taking into account recent developments and circumstances affecting the Funds. They concluded that the information and materials provided addressed all of the relevant matters that they considered necessary or advisable to assess the performance of the Funds and the performance of Heartland Advisors under the Investment Advisory Agreement. All of the factors discussed above were considered separately by the Board, including by the Independent Directors meeting in executive sessions and as part of the Audit Committee. The factors were viewed in their totality by the Board, with no single factor being the principal or determinative factor in the Board’s determination to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement. Based on its review of the information set forth above, the Board found that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable and in the best interests of the shareholders of each Fund.
| Semi-Annual Report | June 30, 2024 | 25 |
Heartland Advisors’ commitment to you:
Striving to achieve superior investment results and outstanding client service
Fundamental Research
We are committed to discovering opportunities through extensive fundamental analysis
Seasoned Investment Team
We leverage our investment team’s decades of experience to uncover out-of-favor, financially sound, and undervalued companies
Consistent and Disciplined Approach
We consistently adhere to our clearly defined, time-tested investment process driven by Heartland’s 10 Principles of Value InvestingTM
An investor should consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing or sending money. This and other important information can be found in the Funds’ prospectus. To obtain a prospectus, please call 1-800-432-7856 or visit www.heartlandadvisors.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.
| Distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. | HLF007178/0825 |
| Item 8. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
There have been no such changes in or disagreements with accountants as contemplated by Item 304 of Regulation S-K.
| Item 9. | Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
| Item 10. | Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies. |
The remuneration paid to directors, officers, and others is included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this Report.
| Item 11. | Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. |
A statement regarding the basis for approval of Investment Advisory Contract information is included as part of the Financial Statements and Financial Highlights filed under Item 7 of this Report.
| Item 12. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
| Item 13. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
| Item 14. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Companies and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Not applicable.
| Item 15. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
No material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Directors have been implemented after the registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.
| Item 16. | 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 Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
| (b) | No changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
| Item 17. | Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
| Item 18. | Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation. |
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.
HEARTLAND GROUP, INC.
| By: | /s/ William R. Nasgovitz | |
| | William R. Nasgovitz | |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| | | |
| Date: | August 21, 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: | /s/ William R. Nasgovitz | |
| | William R. Nasgovitz | |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| | | |
| Date: | August 21, 2024 | |
| | | |
| By: | /s/ Nicole J. Best | |
| | Nicole J. Best | |
| | Treasurer & Principal Accounting Officer | |
| | | |
| Date: | August 21, 2024 | |
