================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNITED STATES Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 22, 2003 ----------------- HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) California 000-49872 68-0176227 ---------- --------- ---------- (State or other jurisdiction Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 750 Grant Avenue, Suite 100 94945 ----- Novato, California (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number including area code: (415) 899-1555 -------------- Not Applicable (Former name or former address, if changed since last report) ================================================================================ ITEM 12. Results of Operation and Financial Condition -------------------------------------------- On December 22, 2003, Hennessy Advisors, Inc. issued a release regarding earnings for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. The text of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99. 2 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. HENNESSY ADVISORS, INC. (registrant) December 22, 2003 By: /s/ Teresa M. Nilsen ------------------------------------- Teresa M. Nilsen Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President 3 EXHIBIT INDEX No. Description of Exhibit 99 Press Release 4