N-CSR 1 d621441dncsr.htm STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS Sterling Capital Funds

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            811-06719            

                             Sterling Capital Funds                            

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

434 Fayetteville Street, 5th Floor

                         Raleigh, NC 27601-0575                            

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

James T. Gillespie, President

Sterling Capital Funds

434 Fayetteville Street, 5th Floor

                             Raleigh, NC 27601-0575                            

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (800)-228-1872

Date of fiscal year end:   September 30

Date of reporting period:   September 30, 2013

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 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.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


LOGO

STERLING

CAPITAL FUNDS
ANNUAL REPORT
SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
May lose value Not FDIC insured Not insured by any government agency Not guaranteed by the bank Not a deposit


LOGO

Notice of Privacy Policy & Practices

Sterling Capital Funds recognizes and respects the privacy expectations of our customers.1 We provide this notice to you so that you will know what kinds of information we collect about our customers and the circumstances in which that information may be disclosed to third parties who are not affiliated with the Sterling Capital Funds.

Collection of Customer Information

We collect nonpublic personal information about our customers from the following sources:

 

   

Account Applications and other forms, which may include a customer’s name, address, social security number, and information about a customer’s investment goals and risk tolerance;

 

   

Account History, including information about the transactions and balances in a customer’s accounts; and

 

   

Correspondence, written, telephonic or electronic between a customer and the Sterling Capital Funds or service providers to the Sterling Capital Funds.

Disclosure of Customer Information

We may disclose all of the consumer information outlined above to third parties who are not affiliated with the Sterling Capital Funds:

 

   

as permitted by law — for example with service providers who maintain or service shareholder accounts for the Sterling Capital Funds or to a shareholder’s broker or agent; and

 

   

to perform marketing services on our behalf or pursuant to a joint marketing agreement with another financial institution.

Security of Customer Information

We require service providers to the Sterling Capital Funds:

 

   

to maintain policies and procedures designed to assure only appropriate access to, and use of information about customers of the Sterling Capital Funds; and

 

   

to maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with applicable legal standards to guard nonpublic personal information of customers of the Sterling Capital Funds.

We will adhere to the policies and practices described in this notice regardless of whether you are a current or former customer of the Sterling Capital Funds.

 

 

 

1 For purposes of this notice, the terms “customer” or “customers” includes both individual shareholders of the Sterling Capital Funds and individuals who provide nonpublic personal information to the Sterling Capital Funds, but do not invest in Sterling Capital Funds shares.


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

   Table of Contents

 

Management Discussion of Performance

  

Letter from the President and the Investment Advisor

     1   

Fund Summary

  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     2   

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

     4   

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

     6   

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

     8   

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

     10   

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

     12   

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

     14   

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

     16   

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

     18   

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

     20   

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

     22   

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     24   

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     26   

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     28   

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     30   

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     32   

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     34   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Funds

     36   

Summary of Portfolio Holdings

     40   

Expense Example

     42   

Schedules of Portfolio Investments

  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     46   

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

     48   

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

     49   

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

     52   

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

     53   

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

     54   

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

     59   

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

     63   

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

     64   

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

     70   

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

     73   

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     76   

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     78   

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     80   

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     84   

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     87   

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     90   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

     93   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

     94   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

     95   

Financial Statements

     96   

Notes to Financial Statements

     152   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     167   

Other Information

     169   

Board of Trustees

     170   


 

 

 

(This page has been left blank intentionally.)


    

 

Letter from the President and the Investment Advisor

 

Dear Shareholders:

We are pleased to present this Sterling Capital Funds annual report covering the 12 months between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013. Despite notable setbacks, equities posted strong gains for the period. Investors took encouragement from robust corporate profits, improvements in the housing market and the continuation of the Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) accommodative monetary policy. Meanwhile, fixed income securities experienced losses for the period.

A mixed picture

The economy continued to expand at a modest pace during the 12 months under review. Business confidence rose over the course of the period, but industrial production weakened on a year-over-year basis. Consumer spending and personal income growth also declined compared to levels reported a year ago.

The job market continued to be a weak point in the economic recovery. Although the unemployment rate fell slightly throughout the period, reaching 7.3% by August, analysts continued to believe that trend masked underlying challenges to a thorough job market recovery. In particular, the number of long-term unemployed, including those who have dropped out of the labor market entirely, remained high despite declining unemployment.

The housing market remained a bright spot in the economic landscape, continuing its recovery through the first three quarters of 2013. While new home sales and housing starts increased through the final quarter of the period under review, the pace of growth slowed.

Ongoing economic headwinds

Despite stocks’ strong performance during the period, the U.S. economy remained vulnerable to shocks. Fiscal and monetary policy in Washington weighed on investor confidence. Spending sequestration and tax hikes

threatened to dampen economic growth and to further challenge the employment picture. Expectations that the Fed might begin the process of “tapering” back its accommodative monetary policy led to an uptick in interest rates. However, those expectations declined when the Fed

confirmed on September 18th that it would not taper its stimulus efforts until the unemployment rate falls even further. Other factors undermining the overall strength of the U.S. economy included low consumer savings, weak personal income growth and increased pressure on corporate earnings.

U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”) grew at an annualized rate of 0.1% during the last quarter of 2012, and then accelerated to a rate of 1.1% in the following quarter. Preliminary estimates suggested that GDP growth picked up in the second quarter of 2013, increasing at a rate of 2.5%. Despite expectations that the Fed would ease its stimulus efforts, it maintained its aggressive stance toward monetary policy in the final months of the period under review. The Fed kept its target for short-term interest rates at the historically low range of between zero and 0.25% and continued its program of quantitative easing.

During the period, the economies of both Europe and Japan transitioned out of recession, providing a boost to international stocks. Ongoing eurozone sovereign debt problems continued to pose risks to the global economy, but aggressive steps by policymakers helped ease investors’ concerns about another crisis. Weak economic growth in China dragged on emerging market stocks and commodity prices.

Strong stocks; weak bonds

The stock market climbed somewhat steadily throughout the period. The S&P 500 Index gained 19.34% during the 12 months under review. Small-cap stocks outperformed larger companies, with the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap stocks gaining 30.06%. International stocks made strong gains as well, with the MSCIEAFE Index returning 23.77% for the period.

The U.S. fixed income market suffered losses during the period due to rising interest rates, widening credit spreads and uncertainty about government policy. Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index returned -1.68% during the period.

Our perspective

The U.S. economy remains weak four years

 

after the end of the recession that began in 2008. Recent economic data has been generally negative, and much uncertainty remains regarding fiscal and monetary policy. The Fed’s ongoing efforts to improve economic conditions will continue to have a limited but positive impact. The ongoing political standoff over the debt-ceiling and federal budget, which has pushed back to early 2014, will present additional risks to the struggling economic recovery.

Given the current economic environment, we expect the best performance from defensive portfolios with significant growth exposure. Stocks with strong financials and attractive valuations are likely to outperform, in our estimation. Overall, the stock market can be expected to present better relative value than the fixed income market, which continues to offer low yields.

We will continue to monitor the evolving economic and market climate, and will manage the Sterling Capital Funds accordingly.

Thank you for your confidence in Sterling Capital Management. We look forward to serving your investment needs during the months and years ahead, and we encourage you to call us at 1-800-228-1872 with any questions.

Sincerely,

LOGO

James T.Gillespie

President

Sterling Capital Funds

 

 

LOGO

Jeffrey J.Schappe, CFA

Managing Director-Chief Market Strategist

Sterling Capital Management LLC

 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Mutual fund investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.

 

This report is authorized for distribution only when preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”) serves as investment advisor to the Sterling Capital Funds (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and is paid a fee for its services. Shares of the Funds are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, Branch Banking and Trust Company or its affiliates. The Funds are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency. The Funds currently are distributed by Sterling Capital Distributors, LLC. The distributor is not affiliated with Branch Banking and Trust Company or its affiliates.

 

The foregoing information and opinions are for general information only. Sterling Capital does not guarantee their accuracy or completeness, nor assume liability for any loss, which may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions. Such information and opinions are subject to change without notice, are for general information only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security or as offering individual or personalized investment advice.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly known as Sterling Capital Select Equity Fund) (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert W. Bridges and Robert O.Weller, Directors and portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”).

Robert W. Bridges, CFA

Mr. Bridges joined Sterling Capital in 1996. He has investment experience since 1991. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BS in Business.

Robert O. Weller, CFA

Mr. Weller joined Sterling Capital in 2012. He has investment experience since 1996. He is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland where he received his BBA in Finance.

Investment Concerns

Value-based investments are subject to the risk that the broad market may not recognize their intrinsic value. Equity securities (stocks) are more volatile and carry more risk. The net asset value per share of this Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio changes. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which involve certain risks such as currency volatility and political, social and economic instability. There is no guarantee that the strategy used by the portfolio manager will produce the desired results.

 

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its prior benchmark, the S&P 500® Index, and its current benchmark, the Russell 1000 ® Value Index, during the period.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund, formerly known as Sterling Capital Select Equity Fund, was re-named on September 3, 2013 as the Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund. As part of this change, the Fund’s benchmark was changed to the Russell 1000® Value Index from the S&P 500® Index to better suit the new strategy. The Fund’s new investment strategy seeks to capitalize on investor behavior that leads to anomalies and opportunities in equity markets. The investment strategy employs techniques that seek to capitalize upon behavioral finance based principles. Our investment process, from the valuation and momentum factors we use to the portfolio construction techniques employed, are specifically designed to capitalize upon investor behavior.1

Equity markets performed exceptionally well during the 12-month period under review. While the Fund’s absolute return benefited from the overall rise in equity markets, large-cap stocks largely underperformed small-cap stocks for the period. Investors responded to the Federal Reserve’s accommodative monetary policy and widespread

anticipation of acceleration in the growth of the U.S. economy by targeting the growth potential of smaller companies.

The Fund underperformed its benchmarks, the S&P 500® Index and Russell 1000® Value Index, due largely to stock selection in the materials, consumer discretionary and energy sectors. The exposure to gold mining companies, as well as a company that produces materials used in crop fertilizers, put significant pressure on relative returns. Additional detractors included an underweight position to the consumer discretionary sector and an overweight position in a technology company whose stock fell sharply due to investor disappointment in recent product launches and an earnings report that fell short of expectations.

The Fund’s relative return benefited from an underweight position in utilities, as that sector was one of the worst-performing sectors during the period. Stock selection in consumer staples was another positive contributor to relative performance, specifically the overweight positions in a pharmacy health care provider and an organic and natural foods company. An overweight position in a biotech company also made a positive contribution to relative performance. The stock’s strong performance was driven by an inflow of investment funds to the biotechnology sector in general, as well as positive developments in the company’s drug development pipeline.

 

 

    Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  2  

 

 


    

 

 

LOGO

 

* Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
*** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

        

 

As of

September 30, 2013

 

Inception

Date

  1 Year     5 Years     10 Years

 

Class A Shares*

  10/9/92     5.30%   4.46%   4.28%

 

Class B Shares**

  1/1/96     6.83%   4.75%   4.28%

 

Class C Shares***

  2/1/01     10.88%   4.90%   4.12%

 

Institutional Shares

  10/9/92     11.94%   5.98%   5.17%

 

Russell 1000® Value Index1

  N/A     22.30%   8.86%   7.99%

 

S&P 500® Index1

  N/A     19.34%   10.02%   7.57%
 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1 As of September 3, 2013, the primary benchmark for the Fund changed from the S&P 500® Index to the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “New Benchmark”), as the New Benchmark was determined to be a more appropriate broad-based index for comparison purposes. The S&P 500® Index will not be shown in the future.

S&P 500® Index is generally considered to be representative of the performance of the stock market as a whole. The New Benchmark is a widely recognized index of common stocks that measures the performance of large- and mid-capitalization value sectors of the U.S. equity market. The indexes are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees has been waived. If the fees had not been waived, the Fund’s total return for the periods would have been lower.

 

 

 

  3  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

Portfolio Manager

Timothy P. Beyer, CFA

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund is managed by Timothy P. Beyer, CFA, portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Timothy joined Sterling Capital in 2004. He has investment experience since 1989. Timothy is a graduate of East Carolina University where he received his BSBA in Finance.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund has more than 104 combined years of investment experience and includes:

  Eduardo A. Brea, CFA, Managing Director
  Robert W. Bridges, CFA, Director
  Lee D. Houser, CFA, Director
  Patrick W. Rau, CFA, Executive Director

Investment Concerns

The Fund may invest in undervalued securities that may not appreciate in value as anticipated or remain undervalued for longer than anticipated. Investments made in small to mid-capitalization companies are subject to greater risks than large company stocks due to limited resources and inventory and are more sensitive to adverse conditions. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which may be more volatile and less liquid due to currency fluctuation and political, social and economic instability.

 

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Value Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The economy continued its recovery during the 12-month period, with markets responding positively to the Federal Reserve’s extraordinary efforts to keep interest rates low and boost economic growth. In the beginning of the period, stocks boasted attractive valuations, which expanded as the year went on, contributing to the Fund’s substantial absolute return for the 12 months. The interest-rate sensitive consumer discretionary and financial services sectors accounted for more than half of the Fund’s absolute return, with the more defensive health care sector accounting for another quarter.

The Fund benefited from a large overweight position in the financial services sector. Stock selection in the financial services sector, including

holdings of an insurance company and an online trading company, also boosted the Fund’s relative performance as these shares benefited from an increase in interest rates near the end of the period. In addition, overweight positions and stock selection in media stocks and health care holdings, contributed positively to relative return, due primarily to strong earnings and fundamentals. The Fund also benefited by avoiding income-oriented sectors of the market, namely utilities, which underperformed the broader markets.

Stock selection in the technology sector, particularly the underperformance of an IT services and communications company, contributed negatively to the Fund’s relative performance. Stock selection was also a negative factor in the industrials sector, with notable underperformance by a company that acts as a job site for the technology industry and a supply chain management company whose recovery has not gained traction.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  4  

 

 


    

 

 

 

LOGO

 

* Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
*** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

        

 

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception
Date
  1 Year     5 Years     10 Years

 

Class A Shares*

  8/1/96     24.76%   11.54%   9.93%

 

Class B Shares**

  7/25/01     27.34%   11.85%   9.90%

 

Class C Shares***

  7/25/01     31.37%   11.94%   9.72%

 

Institutional Shares

  8/1/96     32.65%   13.10%   10.83%

 

Class R Shares

  2/1/101     30.65%   12.49%   10.53%

 

Russell Midcap® Value Index

  N/A     27.77%   11.86%   10.91%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

1  Class R Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/10. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/10 is based on the performance of the Institutional Shares, but such performance does not reflect Class R Shares’ 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance to be lower.

The Fund is measured against the Russell Midcap® Value Index, an unmanaged index which measures the performance of those securities in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios or lower forecasted growth values. The index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly known as Sterling Capital Small Value Fund) (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert W. Bridges and Robert O.Weller, Directors and portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”).

Robert W. Bridges, CFA

Mr. Bridges joined Sterling Capital in 1996. He has investment experience since 1991. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BS in Business.

Robert O. Weller, CFA

Mr. Weller joined Sterling Capital in 2012. He has investment experience since 1996. He is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland where he received his BBA in Finance.

 The Investment Team supporting the Fund has 45 combined years of investment experience and includes:

  Rose L. Alexander, Director
  Kenneth L. Willson, Director

Investment Concerns

The Fund may invest in undervalued securities which may not appreciate in value as anticipated or remain undervalued for longer than anticipated. Investments made in small to mid-capitalization companies are subject to greater risks than large company stocks due to limited resources and inventory and are more sensitive to adverse conditions. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which may be more volatile and less liquid due to currency fluctuation and political, social and economic instability. There is no guarantee that the strategy used by the portfolio manager will produce the desired results.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The former Sterling Capital Small Value Fund was re-named on June 3, 2013 as the Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund. The Fund’s new investment strategy seeks to capitalize upon insights gained from behavioral finance to identify anomalies and opportunities in equity markets.

Equity markets performed exceptionally well during the 12-month period under review, boosting the Fund’s absolute return. In particular, small-cap stocks outperformed large-cap stocks as investors responded to the Federal Reserve’s accommodative monetary policy, along with widespread confidence in accelerating growth of the U.S. economy. Stock selection in the financial sector boosted the Fund’s returns relative to its benchmark. In particular, holdings of a Puerto Rico financial

 

services firm, a provider of financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance, and a company that provides technology for the financial services industry helped boost the Fund’s relative performance. Strong stock performance of specific holdings in health care also benefited the Fund’s relative performance. A company that specializes in animal health care and a provider of information services for the health care industry were among the largest positive contributors.

The energy and consumer discretionary sectors were two of the Fund’s largest detractors from relative performance. The volatility of crude oil prices during the period dragged on the performance of many of the Fund’s holdings in the energy sector. And though the consumer discretionary sector was the best performer during the year, stock selection in that sector dragged on the Fund’s relative performance. Specifically, the Fund had limited exposure to the top-performing companies in this sector, namely companies that produce durable goods with high price points and low-cost financing.

 

 

    Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  6  

 

 


    

 

 

LOGO

 

 

* Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
*** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

         

 

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception
Date
   1 Year      5 Years     10 Years

 

Class A Shares*

  2/1/101      21.36%   11.04%    8.87%

 

Class B Shares**

  2/1/101      22.74%   11.49%    9.21%

 

Class C Shares***

  2/1/101      27.77%   11.74%    9.21%

 

Institutional Shares

  1/2/97      29.03%   12.57%    9.61%

 

Class R Shares

  2/1/101      28.48%   12.38%    9.52%

 

Russell 2000® Value Index

  N/A      27.04%   9.13%    9.29%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class A, B, C and R Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/10. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/10 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares and have been adjusted for maximum CDSC to the applicable class but does not include 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance of Class A, B C and R Shares to be lower. The performance information for Institutional Shares (formerly known as Sterling Shares) prior to 12/18/06 is based on the performance of the Institutional Shares of the Fund’s Predecessor, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Fund, a series of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), which transferred all of its assets and liabilities to the Fund pursuant to a reorganization. The performance of the Fund’s Institutional Shares would have been different because the Fund’s Institutional Shares have different expenses than the Predecessor’s Institutional Shares.

The Russell 2000® Value Index is a widely recognized index of common stocks that measures the performance of small- to mid-sized companies. The index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager

George F. Shipp, CFA

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by George F. Shipp, CFA, Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC. George has been the Fund’s manager since 2003 and also manages the Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund. He has investment experience since 1982. George is a graduate of the University of Virginia and received his MBA at the Darden Graduate School of Business.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund has more than 132 combined years of investment experience and includes:

  Adam B. Bergman, CFA
  Joshua L. Haggerty, CFA
  R. Griffith Jones, Jr.
  Farley C. Shiner, CFA
  Colin R. Ducharme, CFA
  Guy W. Ford, CFA
  Michael S. Peasley, CFA

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to investment style risk which depends on the market segment in which the Fund is primarily invested. An investment in growth stocks may be particularly sensitive to market conditions while value stocks may be undervalued for longer than anticipated. The Fund may invest in foreign securities subject to risks such as currency volatility and political and social instability or small capitalization companies subject to greater volatility and less liquidity due to limited resources or product lines. The Fund may engage in writing covered call options on securities. By writing covered call options, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the price of the underlying stock above the premium and the strike price, but continues to bear the risk of a decline in the stock price. While the Fund receives premiums for writing covered call options, the price it realizes from the exercise of an option could be substantially below a stock’s current market price.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmarks, the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 3000® Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute performance was lifted by strong market performance during the period. Throughout the 12 months under review, investors increasingly gained confidence that the Federal Reserve would continue to keep interest rates at ultra-low levels for an extended period of time. As a result of the low rates, equity markets faced little competition from fixed income securities in terms of attracting investor dollars. The positive economic benefits of a rising market are offset, however, by an increasingly widening wealth gap between those who own financial assets and who can participate in the rising markets and those without the means to do so. The wages of the latter have not kept pace with the cost of living. The Fed nevertheless remains steadfast in its policy; its decision to keep its bond-buying program at full throttle provided another dose of confidence to equity investors, lending stocks a final kick going into the end of the 12-month period.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited strongly from its overweight positions in consumer discretionary and health care stocks, two of the three top-performing sectors in the S&P 500 during the 12-month

 

period. Stock selection, specifically the timely sale of two interest-rate sensitive holdings in the financial sector, as well as the timely addition of a large bank and a national hospital provider, also contributed positively to relative performance. In addition, beneficial corporate actions within specific holdings boosted the Fund’s relative performance. For example, the Fund benefited when a computer maker and a fresh foods company were taken private by controlling shareholders. The announcement of a potential leveraged recapitalization by a video game producer and a successful share repurchase effort by a leading energy services company also benefited the Fund’s relative performance.

The Fund’s cash performance was a drag on performance relative to its fully-invested benchmark. Other detractors from relative performance included the Fund’s focus on higher quality, larger-cap stocks relative to the benchmark’s holdings. Within the S&P 500, larger companies underperformed smaller companies as investors shifted their attention toward economically sensitive stocks with greater volatility and potential for gain, all in order to participate more fully in the market rally. An overweight position in the energy sector also hindered relative performance, given that the sector trailed the overall equity market’s gains.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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* Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
*** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

        

 

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception
Date
  1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

 

Class A Shares*

  6/2/03     14.59%   8.56%   10.40%

 

Class B Shares**

  6/2/03     16.64%   8.90%   10.39%

 

Class C Shares***

  6/2/03     20.69%   9.05%   10.23%

 

Institutional Shares

  6/2/03     21.90%   10.12%   11.34%

 

Class R Shares

  2/1/101     21.28%   9.82%   11.19%

 

S&P 500® Index

  N/A     19.34%   10.02%   7.57%

 

Russell 3000® Index2

  N/A     21.60%   10.58%   8.11%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

1  Class R Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/10. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/10 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares, but such performance does not reflect Class R Shares’ 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance to be lower.
2  The Fund now includes the Russell 3000® Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares with the overall performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe.

The Fund is measured against the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 3000® Index, unmanaged indexes that are generally considered to be representative of the performance of the stock market as a whole. The indexes do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

Portfolio Manager

George F. Shipp, CFA

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by George F. Shipp, CFA, Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC, advisor to the Fund. George has been the Fund’s manager since 2004 and also manages the Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund. He has investment experience since 1982. George is a graduate of the University of Virginia and received his MBA at the Darden Graduate School of Business.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund has more than 132 combined years of investment experience and includes:

  Adam B. Bergman, CFA
  Joshua L. Haggerty, CFA
  R. Griffith Jones, Jr.
  Farley C. Shiner, CFA
  Colin R. Ducharme, CFA
  Guy W. Ford, CFA
  Michael S. Peasley, CFA

Investment Concerns

The Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying securities. These securities may be undervalued and their value could be negatively affected by a rise in interest rates. The Fund may engage in writing covered call options on securities. By writing covered call options, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from an increase in the price of the underlying stock above the premium and the strike price, but continues to bear the risk of a decline in the stock price. While the Fund receives premiums for writing covered call options, the price it realizes from the exercise of an option could be substantially below a stock’s current market price.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmarks, the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 1000® Value Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute performance was boosted by strong market performance during the period. Throughout the 12-month period, investors increasingly gained confidence in the idea that the Federal Reserve would continue its efforts to maintain interest rates at ultra-low levels for an extended period of time. As a result of the low rates, equity markets faced little competition from fixed income securities in terms of attracting investor dollars. Equity markets rose as a result. The positive economic benefits of a rising market are offset, however, by an increasingly widening wealth gap between those who own financial assets and who can participate in the rising markets and those without the means to do so. The wages of the latter have not kept pace with the cost of living. The Fed nevertheless remains steadfast in its policy; its decision to keep its bond-buying program at full throttle provided another dose of confidence to stock investors, lending stocks a final kick going into the end of the period.

The Fund’s cash holdings hindered performance relative to its fully invested benchmark. Additionally, the Fund’s focus on large-cap, dividend-paying stocks contributed to its underperformance as investors gravitated to so-called “growth” stocks in a rising market. Within the S&P 500, larger companies underperformed smaller companies as investors shifted their attention toward economically sensitive stocks with greater volatility and potential for gain in order to participate in the market rally. An overweight position in energy stocks also detracted from relative performance, as that sector trailed the overall equity market’s gains. Likewise, an underweight position in financials, one of the stronger performing sectors for the period, contributed negatively to the Fund’s relative performance. However, stock selection in the Fund’s financial holdings helped offset some of the negative effects of that weighting decision.

Stock selection was a positive contributor to the Fund’s relative performance in other sectors. In particular, the Fund benefited from timely purchases of several new investments, including shares of a managed-care insurer, a national cable company, a diversified insurance company and a Canadian telecommunications company. Moreover, the underlying companies in the Fund’s holdings generally performed well, with the portfolio’s constituents which experienced dividend increases that were comfortably above historical averages.

 

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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* Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
*** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

          

 

As of

September 30, 2013

   Inception
Date
   1 Year      5 Years      Since
Inception

 

Class A Shares*

   6/30/04    9.34%    8.73%    9.48%

 

Class B Shares**

   6/30/04    11.13%    9.06%    9.46%

 

Class C Shares***

   6/30/04    15.17%    9.19%    9.36%

 

Institutional Shares

   6/30/04    16.33%    10.29%    10.45%

 

Class R Shares

   2/1/101    15.69%    9.90%    10.24%

 

S&P 500® Index

   6/30/04    19.34%    10.02%    6.48%

 

Russell 1000® Value Index2

   6/30/04    22.30%    8.86%    6.67%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class R Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/10. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/10 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares, but such performance does not reflect Class R Shares’ 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance to be lower.

 

2  The Fund now includes the Russell 1000® Value Index to show how the Fund’s performance compares with the overall performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe.

The Fund is measured against the S&P 500® Index and the Russell 1000® Value Index, unmanaged indexes that are generally considered to be representative of the performance of the stock market as a whole. The indexes do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Mark Montgomery, CFA and Richard LaCoff, portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund.

Mark Montgomery, CFA

Mark joined Sterling Capital in 1997 and has co-managed the Fund since 2012. He is head of Sterling’s Fixed Income Portfolio Management. He has investment experience since 1990 and is a graduate of West Chester University where he received his BS in Marketing and a Minor in Public Administration and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Richard T. LaCoff

Richard joined Sterling Capital in 2007 and has co-managed the Fund since 2012. He has investment experience since 1991 and is a graduate of Villanova University where he received his BS in Business Administration and a MS in Finance from Drexel University.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in more aggressive investments such as foreign securities which may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations; mortgage-backed securities sensitive to interest rates and high yield debt (also known as junk bonds) all of which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the Citi 6-Month Treasury Bill Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Short-term bond yields remained near historic lows during the period, anchored by the Federal Reserve’s accommodative monetary policy and market participants’ expectations that the federal funds target rate would remain near zero for an extended period of time. The Federal Reserve stated during the period that it was unlikely to raise the federal funds rate, which has a large influence on short-term bond yields, until mid-2015. This news encouraged market participants to invest in longer-term securities in search of higher yields and to de-emphasize money market instruments, which were yielding near zero percent, as well as focus on higher yielding risk assets such as corporate bonds.

The Fund benefited from its overweight position in various spread sectors — segments of the bond market such as corporate bonds and structured products that offered high yields relative to Treasury securities. Investor demand for these relatively high yielding bonds was strong during the period, and they outperformed other sectors of the bond market. Corporate bonds and structured products also benefited from the Federal Reserve’s continued asset purchase program and improvements in the U.S. economy and unemployment rate.

The Fund’s long duration relative to its benchmark was the biggest detractor from relative performance. During the period, market participants grew concerned that the Federal Reserve would end its asset purchase program. As a result, they sold longer-term bonds in favor of shorter-term securities, which pushed down longer-term bond prices. The Fund’s allocation to bonds in the two-year maturity range — on the longer end of maturities held by its benchmark — underperformed relative to shorter-term bonds in that environment.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 0.50% maximum sales charge.

Average Annual Total Returns

         

As of

September 30, 2013

   Inception Date    Since Inception

Class A Shares*

   11/30/12    -0.35%

Institutional Shares

   11/30/12    0.35%

Citi 6-Month Treasury Bill Index

   11/30/12    0.09%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

The Fund is measured against the Citi 6-Month Treasury Bill Index, which measures the performance of Treasury bills with a maturity of six months or less. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Mark Montgomery, CFA and Richard LaCoff, portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund.

Mark Montgomery, CFA

Mark joined Sterling Capital in 1997. He has co-managed the Fund since 2008. He is head of Sterling’s Fixed Income Portfolio Management. He has investment experience since 1990 and is a graduate of West Chester University where he received his BS in Marketing and a Minor in Public Administration and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Richard T. LaCoff

Richard joined Sterling Capital in 2007. He has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He has investment experience since 1991 and is a graduate of Villanova University where he received his BS in Business Administration and an MS in Finance from Drexel University.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in more aggressive investments such as foreign securities which may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations; mortgage-backed securities sensitive to interest rates and high yield debt (also known as junk bonds) all of which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Corporate Government Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Short-term bond yields were anchored by investor expectations that the Federal Reserve’s accommodative monetary policy would keep the federal funds target rate at historically low levels until 2015. In that environment, the yields on money market securities and other very short-term securities remained near zero throughout the period. This backdrop caused bond investors to seek the additional yield that was available from longer-term securities and risk assets such as corporate bonds.

The Fund’s performance relative to the benchmark benefited from overweight allocations to bond market sectors that offered relatively high yields, including short-term corporate bonds and structured

products. Investor demand for these relatively high yielding spread sectors was strong during the period, and they outperformed other sectors of the bond market. Corporate bonds and structured products also benefited from the Federal Reserve’s continued asset purchase program, as well as improvements in the U.S. economy and unemployment rate.

The Fund’s long duration relative to its benchmark was the biggest detractor from relative performance during the period. Longer-term bonds experienced larger losses than shorter-term bonds as investors grew concerned that the Federal Reserve would slow its asset purchase program. Investors shifted to the relative safety of short-term bonds, leading to a steepening of the yield curve and a decline in the prices of longer-term bonds. In that environment, the Fund’s holdings in bonds with maturities greater than two years underperformed relative to the Fund’s benchmark.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception Date   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years

Class A Shares*

  11/30/92   -1.26%   2.08%   2.40%

Class C Shares**

  2/1/121   -0.03%   2.23%   2.48%

Institutional Shares

  11/30/92   0.98%   2.74%   2.85%

BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Corporate Government Index

  N/A   0.72%   2.51%   2.91%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance could differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Corporate Government Index, which consists of securities with a maturity from one to three years. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees has been waived. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

Portfolio Manager

Brad D. Eppard, CFA

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Brad D. Eppard, CFA, Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Brad joined Sterling Capital in 2003. He has investment experience since 1985. He has been the portfolio manager for the Fund since 2003. Brad is a graduate of Radford University where he received his BS in Business Administration/Accounting. He is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities which tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies (such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac). Although U.S. government securities issued directly by the U.S. government are guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, other U.S. government securities issued by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government may not be. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Barclays Intermediate Government Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute performance during the period suffered from rising interest rates, which pushed bond prices lower. The income produced by Fund holdings was not sufficient to offset the loss in market value, leading to negative returns for the period. Interest rates on five-year Treasury bonds rose 0.76% during the period, while rates on 10-year Treasuries rose 0.98%.

The Fund underperformed its benchmark during the period largely due to the longer duration of its holdings. Rising interest rates pushed investors toward the relative safety of shorter-term bonds, causing the yield curve to steepen. The Fund’s exposure to agency mortgage-backed securities and agency step-up notes also dragged on relative

performance. Prices for both instruments fell due to the risk that rising interest rates would cause their maturities to lengthen, which happens when rising rates lead mortgage holders to slow prepayments on their mortgages. As a result, durations are extended on the mortgages that underly mortgage-backed securities.

The Fund’s performance relative to its benchmark benefited from the Fund’s exposure to the corporate sector, which generated relatively high levels of income. The Fund’s exposure to corporate bonds also boosted relative performance due to the compression of their spread to comparable Treasuries. Although interest rates rose and the Fund’s corporate bonds declined in price, they did not decline as much as the comparable Treasury. The Fund’s strategy of tactically substituting Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) for conventional Treasuries during periods when market inflation expectations appeared low, boosted the Fund’s performance when inflation expectations rose and the trade was reversed.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
  *** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns  

As of

September 30, 2013

    
 
Inception
Date
  
  
    1 Year        5 Years        10 Years   

Class A Shares*

     10/9/92        -4.48%        3.12%        3.19%   

Class B Shares**

     1/1/96        -7.09%        2.56%        2.79%   

Class C Shares***

     2/1/01        -3.29%        2.76%        2.66%   

Institutional Shares

     10/9/92        -2.30%        3.77%        3.66%   

Barclays Intermediate Government Index

     N/A        -0.50%        4.95%        4.10%   
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

The Fund is measured against the Barclays Intermediate Government Index, an unmanaged index comprised of all publicly issued non-convertible domestic debt of the U.S. government or any agency there of, or corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S. government all with outstanding principal of $1 million and maturity between one and ten years. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Mark Montgomery, CFA and Richard LaCoff, portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund.

Mark Montgomery, CFA

Mark joined Sterling Capital in 1997 and has co-managed the Fund since 2008. He is head of Sterling Capital’s Fixed Income Portfolio Management. He has investment experience since 1990 and is a graduate of West Chester University, where he received his BS in Marketing and a Minor in Public Administration and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Richard T. LaCoff

Richard joined Sterling Capital in 2007 and has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He has investment experience since 1991 and is a graduate of Villanova University where he received his BS in Business Administration and an MS in Finance from Drexel University.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in foreign securities which may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations, and mortgage-backed securities sensitive to interest rates and high yield debt (also known as junk bonds) all of which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute performance was driven by negative returns in the fixed-income markets. During the period, the U.S. economy showed signs of improvement, prompting the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) in May to suggest that its asset purchase program (commonly referred to as “QE3”) would likely be tapered before fiscal year-end 2013. Investors grew concerned about the impact on the bond market if the Fed slowed or ended QE3, and fled from fixed income securities as a result. As the result, bond yields rose and prices fell.

The Fund benefited from an overweight position in spread sectors such as corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and federal agency debt, which outperformed non-spread sectors during the period. The Fed’s asset purchase program provided support to spread sectors in general and agency mortgage-backed securities in particular. Moreover, the U.S. economy showed signs that growth was improving and the

unemployment rate was falling, which also helped boost the relative performance of risk assets.

Corporate bonds were the best performing sector on a duration-adjusted basis. The Fund held an overweight allocation to corporate bonds relative to its benchmark. Within the corporate bond sector, the Fund held an overweight position in the financials sector, which was the best performing sub-sector on an absolute and risk-adjusted basis.

The Fund also held an overweight position in the securitized sector, which outperformed during the period. Additionally, the Fund’s overweight allocation to non-agency mortgage-backed securities, which was the best performing sub-sector within the securitized sector, contributed to relative performance.

While the Fund’s overweight exposure to the corporate bond sector was positive for the period, the Fund’s allocation to the industrials sub-sector detracted from performance as it underperformed the overall corporate sector and broader index. Within the securitized sector, the Fund had an allocation to asset-backed securities that underperformed the broader index. In addition, the portfolio was underweight in agency mortgage-backed securities, which outperformed during the period.

 

 

    Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
  *** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns  

As of

September 30, 2013

   
 
Inception
Date
  
  
    1 Year        5 Years        10 Years   

Class A Shares*

    12/2/99        -7.18%        5.26%        4.08%   

Class B Shares**

    12/2/99        -6.02%        5.55%        4.08%   

Class C Shares***

    2/1/01        -2.24%        5.73%        3.94%   

Institutional Shares

    12/2/99        -1.26%        6.77%        4.97%   

Class R Shares

    2/1/101        -1.83%        6.30%        4.73%   

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

    N/A        -1.68%        5.41%        4.59%   
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class R Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/10. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/10 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares, but such performance does not reflect Class R Shares’ 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance to be lower.

The Fund is measured against the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is a market value-weighted performance benchmark for investment-grade fixed-rate debt issues, including government, corporate, asset-backed, and mortgage-backed securities, with maturities of at least one year. The index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees has been waived. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Mark Montgomery, CFA and Richard LaCoff, portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund.

Mark Montgomery, CFA

Mark joined Sterling Capital in 1997 and has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He is head of Sterling Capital’s Fixed Income Portfolio Management. He has investment experience since 1990 and is a graduate of West Chester University where he received his BS in Marketing and a Minor in Public Administration and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Richard T. LaCoff

Richard joined Sterling Capital in 2007 and has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He has investment experience since 1991 and is a graduate of Villanova University where he received his BS in Business Administration and an MS in Finance from Drexel University.

The investment team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in more aggressive investments such as foreign securities which may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations; mortgage-backed securities sensitive to interest rates and high yield debt (also known as junk bonds) all of which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in market conditions and may amplify risks.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment Grade Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute return was negative for the period, as the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) suggested in May that its asset purchase program (commonly referred to as “QE3”) would likely be tapered before fiscal year-end 2013. The Fed’s announcement caused investors to sell bonds in anticipation of tighter future monetary policy, which pushed bond yields sharply higher and bond prices sharply lower. The Fed’s asset purchase program provided support to corporate bonds, as did signs that U.S. economic growth was improving and the unemployment rate was falling.

The biggest contributor to relative performance was the Fund’s position

in below-investment-grade securities, which outperformed comparable Treasuries during the period under review. By contrast, investment grade corporate bonds outperformed comparable Treasuries. The Fund’s overweight position in the financials sector versus the industrials sector also boosted relative returns. Financial institutions benefitted from the recovery in the housing market during the period and were more insulated from event risk than were industrials. The Fund also had less interest rate sensitivity than the benchmark, which contributed positively to performance when rates rose sharply.

The Fund’s positioning on the yield curve was the biggest detractor from relative performance during the period. The Fund held an overweight position in the 5-year and 10-year sections of the yield curve. Interest rates in those areas rose more than did rates in the 2-year and 30-year points, as investors grew concerned that the Fed would taper its asset purchase program.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns  

As of

September 30, 2013

   
 
Inception
Date
  
  
    1 Year       
 
Since
Inception
  
  

Class A Shares*

    2/1/131        -2.84%        3.71%   

Class C Shares**

    2/1/131        -1.33%        4.40%   

Institutional Shares

    6/30/112        -0.65%        4.72%   

Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment Grade Index

    6/30/11        -1.59%        5.16%   
 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please call 1-888-228-1872.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class A and C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/13. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/13 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares and has been adjusted for maximum CDSC to the class applicable but does not include 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance of Class A and C Shares to be lower.

 

2  The Fund converted Class S Shares into Institutional Shares effective 2/1/13.

The Fund is measured against the Barclays U.S. Corporate Investment Grade Index, an unmanaged index consisting of publicly issued U.S. Corporate and specified foreign debentures and secured notes, all which have at least one year to final maturity. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees had been waived prior to 2/1/13. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect. There are currently no waiver agreements in effect.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Managers

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Mark Montgomery, CFA and Richard LaCoff, portfolio managers for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund.

Mark Montgomery, CFA

Mark joined Sterling Capital in 1997 and has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He is head of Sterling Capital’s Fixed Income Portfolio Management. He has investment experience since 1990 and is a graduate of West Chester University where he received his BS in Marketing and a Minor in Public Administration and an MBA from Drexel University. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Richard T. LaCoff

Richard joined Sterling Capital in 2007 and has co-managed the Fund since 2011. He has investment experience since 1991 and is a graduate of Villanova University where he received his BS in Business Administration and an MS in Finance from Drexel University.

The investment team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolio such as credit, prepayment, call and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund may invest in more aggressive investments such as foreign securities which may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations; mortgage-backed securities sensitive to interest rates and high yield debt (also known as junk bonds) all of which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund’s Institutional Shares outperformed its benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. The Fund’s absolute return was negative for the period. As signs of improvement in the U.S economy emerged, the Federal Reserve in May suggested that it might slow the pace of its asset purchase program (commonly referred to as “QE3”) before fiscal year-end 2013. Investors worried that a reduction in QE3 would lead to tighter monetary policy that would cause bond market performance to suffer. As a result, investors sold fixed income investments, pushing their yields sharply higher and their prices sharply lower.

The only sector to boost portfolio returns on an absolute basis was nonagency residential mortgage-backed securities, which were buoyed by their relatively high yields and by price appreciation as spreads between these securities and comparable Treasuries tightened during the period. All other sectors (including commercial mortgage-backed securities, agency mortgage-backed securities and Treasuries) had negative absolute returns, as their durations were long enough to cause negative returns

when bond prices fell.

The Fund’s relative return benefited from overweight positions in nonagency residential mortgage-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities, which performed well relative to other sectors of the market. The Fund also benefited from an underweight allocation to agency mortgage-backed securities, which performed relatively poorly over the period. Security selection within the agency mortgage-backed securities sector also added to the Fund’s relative performance during the period. For example, the Fund took an underweight position in the lowest coupon, longest duration mortgages, which performed poorly on a relative basis as yields rose. Instead, the Fund favored agency mortgage-backed securities with durations of around 15 to 20 years. These securities held up relatively well in the rising rate environment.

The Fund’s relative performance was dampened somewhat by an underweight position in agency adjustable rate mortgages, which posted positive relative performance over the period. The Fund also suffered from its exposure to Treasury securities, which were used as duration management tools and typically had longer durations than the benchmark.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

Average Annual Total Returns

   
As of
September 30, 2013
    
 
Inception
Date
  
  
   1 Year    Since
Inception
   

Class A Shares*

     2/1/131       -3.11%    1.87%    

Class C Shares**

     2/1/131       -1.62%    2.54%    

Institutional Shares

     6/30/112       -0.97%    2.84%    

Barclays U.S. Mortgage
Backed Securities Index

     6/30/11       -1.20%    2.14%    
 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please call 1-888-228-1872.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class A and C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/13. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/13 is based on the performance of Institutional Shares and has been adjusted for maximum CDSC to the class applicable but does not include 12b-1 fees, which if reflected, would have caused performance of Class A and C Shares to be lower.

 

2  The Fund converted Class S Shares into Institutional Shares effective 2/1/13.

The Fund is measured against the Barclays U.S. Mortgage Backed Securities Index. The index measures the performance of investment grade fixed-rate mortgage-backed pass-through securities of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. The index is unmanaged and does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees had been waived prior to 2/1/13. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect. There are currently no waiver agreements in effect.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by Kentucky and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting Kentucky.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto

Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

  

 

As of

September 30, 2013

   Inception
Date
     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

 

Class A Shares*

     2/24/03         -3.81%         4.54%         3.39%   

 

Class C Shares**

     2/1/121         -2.47%         4.71%         3.47%   

 

Institutional Shares

     2/24/03         -1.59%         5.20%         3.83%   

 

BofA Merrill Lynch
2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index

     N/A         -1.20%         5.74%         4.44%   
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index that is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by Maryland and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting Maryland.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto

Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.

 

  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

  

 

As of

September 30, 2013

   Inception
Date
     1 Year      5 Years      10 Years  

 

Class A Shares*

     2/24/03         -4.29%         4.43%         3.48%   

 

Class C Shares**

     2/1/121         -3.04%         4.58%         3.57%   

 

Institutional Shares

     2/24/03         -2.14%         5.08%         3.94%   

 

BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index

     N/A         -1.20%         5.74%         4.44%   
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1 Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

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Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by North Carolina and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting North Carolina.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain short-term interest rates at historically low levels contributed to a lack of attractive yields in short-term issues, which drove investors farther out along the yield curve. It also caused investors to seek out riskier assets in order to generate adequate yields, which resulted in a compression of the interest rate spreads.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week

outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

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  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception
Date
  1 Year   5 Years   10 Years

Class A Shares*

  10/16/92   -4.56%   4.28%   3.30%

Class C Shares**

  2/1/121   -3.27%   4.44%   3.38%

Institutional Shares

  10/16/92   -2.38%   4.97%   3.76%

BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index

  N/A   -1.20%   5.74%   4.44%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

  29  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by South Carolina and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting South Carolina.

 

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto

Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  30  

 

 


    

 

 

LOGO

  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception Date   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years

Class A Shares*

  10/20/97   -3.87%   4.61%   3.41%

Class C Shares**

  2/1/121   -2.67%   4.77%   3.48%

Institutional Shares

  10/20/97   -1.62%   5.29%   3.87%

BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index

  N/A   -1.20%   5.74%   4.44%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

1 Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

  31  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by Virginia and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting Virginia.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto

Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  32  

 

 


    

 

 

LOGO

  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns

As of

September 30, 2013

  Inception Date   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years

Class A Shares*

  5/17/99   -4.52%   4.14%   3.23%

Class C Shares**

  2/1/121   -3.25%   4.30%   3.30%

Institutional Shares

  5/17/99   -2.28%   4.83%   3.68%

BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index

  N/A   -1.20%   5.74%   4.44%
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

  33  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Manager

Robert F. Millikan, CFA

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund”) is managed by Robert F. Millikan, CFA, Executive Director and portfolio manager for Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital”), advisor to the Fund. Robert joined Sterling Capital in 2000. He manages the state-specific municipal bond fund portfolios and has investment experience since 1990. Robert is a graduate of Wake Forest University where he received his BA in Economics and is a CFA Charterholder.

The Investment Team supporting the Fund includes 21 investment professionals with an average of more than 18 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Fund is subject to the same risks as the underlying bonds in the portfolios such as credit, prepayment and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the value of bond prices will decline and an investor may lose money. The Fund is non-diversified and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a single issuer than funds that are more diversified. Furthermore, the Fund invests primarily in municipal obligations issued by West Virginia and its political subdivisions and therefore will be affected by economic, political or other events affecting West Virginia.

 

 

 

Q. How did the Fund perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. The Fund underperformed its benchmark, the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index.

Q. What factors affected the Fund’s performance?

A. Municipal bond markets experienced a violent sell-off in the latter half of the 12-month period. Improving economic data and expectations that the Federal Reserve would begin tapering its stimulus efforts drove Treasury rates higher, and municipal bonds followed suit.

However, municipal markets were hit in rapid succession by three major credit-related headlines, which further panicked municipal bond investors. During back-to-back days in July, Chicago was downgraded from Aa3 to A3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Detroit declared bankruptcy. The broad press coverage of the bankruptcy caused panic among municipal bond investors, triggering a $2 billion per week outflow of investor capital from muni funds. The resulting pressure on prices caused a steepening in the yield curve as investors sought out shorter, higher quality bonds. Then negative headlines out of Puerto

Rico drove prices down to a market bottom on September 9, at which point Puerto Rican bonds were trading above 10%. However, this bottom helped spur a broader market rally through the remaining three weeks of the period, which helped to mitigate some of the Fund’s losses to that point.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance occurred during May and June. During this two-month period, the Fund favored longer duration bonds than its benchmark, which dragged on performance as relatively shorter duration bonds outperformed those with longer durations. The Fund’s relative performance also suffered as the benchmark was buoyed by strong credit improvement in some large states, namely California, New York, Florida and Texas.

The Fund’s relative performance benefited from a lack of exposure to Puerto Rico bonds, which dragged on the national benchmark. The weighting in favor of longer duration bonds was a positive contributor to relative performance (with the exception of May and June) due to the higher income generated by these holdings.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  34  

 

 


    

 

 

LOGO

 

  * Reflects 2.00% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Average Annual Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).
Average Annual Total Returns  
As of
September 30, 2013
  Inception
Date
    1 Year     5 Years     10 Years  

Class A Shares*

    12/17/93        -4.56     4.11     3.18

Class C Shares**

    2/1/12 1      -3.28     4.29     3.27

Institutional Shares

    12/1/93        -2.30     4.81     3.66

BofA Merrill Lynch
2-17 Year Municipal
Bond Index

    N/A        -1.20     5.74     4.44
 

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmark, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1 Class C Shares were not in existence prior to 2/1/12. Performance for periods prior to 2/1/12 is based on the performance of Class A Shares. Such performance would differ only to the extent that the Classes have different expenses.

The Fund is measured against the BofA Merrill Lynch 2-17 Year Municipal Bond Index, an unmanaged index which is representative of municipal bonds. The index does not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

 

 

 

  35  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Funds

Portfolio Managers

Team Managed

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Funds (the “Funds”) are managed by the Sterling Capital Advisory Solutions Team which is led by James C. Willis, CFA and Jeffrey J. Schappe, CFA & Chief Market Strategist.

The Investment Team supporting the Funds includes 8 investment professionals with an average of more than 14 years of industry experience.

Investment Concerns

The Funds are primarily concentrated in underlying funds and are therefore subject to the same risks as the underlying funds and bear a portion of the expenses of the underlying funds. The underlying funds may be invested in equity securities and are subject to market risk. Investments in bonds are subject to credit risk, call risk and interest rate risk (as interest rates rise the value of bond prices will decline). The underlying funds may invest in foreign securities, which involve certain risks such as currency volatility, political and social instability and reduced market liquidity; small capitalization companies subject to greater volatility and less liquidity due to limited resources or product lines and more sensitive to economic factors; and high-yield (junk) debt securities, which involve greater risks than investment grade bonds. The underlying funds may also be money market funds.

An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency. Although a money market fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in them.

 

 

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

(Collectively, “Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Funds”)

Q. How did the Funds perform during the 12-month period between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013?

A. Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Funds and their benchmark returns can be found on pages 37 through 39.

Q. What factors affected the Funds’ performance?

A. As of March 15, 2013, the Strategic Allocation Funds held three underlying Funds: the Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, the Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund and the Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund.

A strong equity market fueled by extraordinarily accommodative monetary policy boosted the Funds’ absolute returns over the 12-month period. As investors grew more confident that the Federal Reserve would continue its efforts to maintain low interest rates for an extended period, funds flowed into equity investments at the expense of fixed-income markets. As a result, the Russell Global Index returned 19.51% over the period. U.S. government bond yields increased materially over the period, hurting fixed income returns and acting as a drag on the

Funds’ absolute returns. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond index returned -1.68% for the period.

The Funds’ exposure to commodities for much of the period contributed to their underperformance relative to the benchmark. The DJ UBS Commodity Index returned -14.35% for the 12-month period, which represents a significant underperformance of both equities and fixed income investments. Underweight positions in equities relative to the benchmarks also detracted from the Funds’ relative performance given the stark difference in performance between equities and fixed income markets.

The two Sterling Capital equity funds in which the Funds invest have some exposure to international securities, but they primarily hold U.S. equities. This underweight position in emerging markets equities contributed positively to the Funds’ performance relative to their benchmarks. The Russell Emerging Markets Index returned just 3.17% for the period, versus 19.51% for the Russell Global Index. The Funds also held an overweight position in U.S. small and mid-cap equities, which provided a boost to relative performance as those stock classes outperformed the broader equity markets. For the period, the Russell 2000® Index and mid-cap indices returned 30.06% and 27.91%, respectively, versus 21.60% for the Russell 3000® Index.

 

 

Portfolio composition is as of September 30, 2013 and is subject to change and risk.

 

 

 

  36  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

 

LOGO

  * Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
  *** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Annual Average Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

Average Annual Total Returns

   

As of

September 30, 2013

   
 
Inception
Date
  
  
  1 Year   5 Years   10 Years    

Class A Shares*

    1/29/98      -0.79%   5.39%   4.40%    

Class B Shares**

    1/29/99      0.49%   5.68%   4.39%    

Class C Shares***

    2/1/01      4.40%   5.82%   4.22%    

Institutional Shares

    10/2/97      5.46%   6.90%   5.27%    

Russell Global Index

    N/A      19.51%   8.94%   8.83%    

Russell 3000® Index1

    N/A      21.60%   10.58%   8.11%    

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

    N/A      -1.68%   5.41%   4.59%    
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmarks, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  As of March 1, 2013, the Russell 3000® Index is included to show how the Fund’s performance compares with the returns of the U.S. equity markets generally. The Russell 3000® Index represents approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market and comprises the 3,000 largest companies in the United States.

The Fund is measured against the Russell Global Index, the Russell 3000® Index and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and, fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees had been waived. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect. Currently all management fees are being waived.

 

 

 

  37  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

LOGO

  * Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
  *** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Annual Average Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

Average Annual Total Returns

As of

September 30, 2013

    
 
Inception
Date
  
  
   1 Year   5 Years   10 years    

Class A Shares*

     1/29/98       2.66%   5.59%   4.58%    

Class B Shares**

     1/29/99       4.14%   5.85%   4.59%    

Class C Shares***

     2/1/01       8.10%   6.02%   4.44%    

Institutional Shares

     10/2/97       9.28%   7.11%   5.49%    

Russell Global Index

     N/A       19.51%   8.94%   8.83%    

Russell 3000® Index1

     N/A       21.60%   10.58%   8.11%    

Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

     N/A       -1.68%   5.41%   4.59%    
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmarks, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  As of March 1, 2013, the Russell 3000® Index is included to show how the Fund’s performance compares with the returns of the U.S. equity markets generally. The Russell 3000® Index represents approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market and comprises the 3,000 largest companies in the United States.

The Fund is measured against the Russell Global Index, the Russell 3000® Index and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and, fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees had been waived. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect. Currently all management fees are being waived.

 

 

 

  38  

 

 


    

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

LOGO

  * Reflects 5.75% maximum sales charge.
  ** Reflects the applicable contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), maximum of 5.00%.
  *** Reflects the applicable maximum CDSC of 1.00% (applicable only to redemptions within one year of purchase, and as such, are not reflected in the Annual Average Total Returns table since the periods reflected are for a year or longer).

Average Annual Total Returns

As of

September 30, 2013

    
 
Inception
Date
  
  
   1 Year   5 Years   10 Years    

Class A Shares*

     1/29/98       5.42%   5.33%   4.56%    

Class B Shares**

     1/29/99       7.04%   5.65%   4.57%    

Class C Shares***

     2/1/01       11.07%   5.83%   4.41%    

Institutional Shares

     10/2/97       12.27%   6.90%   5.46%    

Russell Global Index

     N/A       19.51%   8.94%   8.83%    

Russell 3000® Index1

     N/A       21.60%   10.58%   8.11%    

Barclays U.S. Aggregate
Bond Index

     N/A       -1.68%   5.41%   4.59%    
 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. The performance data quoted represents past performance and current returns may be lower or higher. Total return figures include change in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or on the redemption of fund shares. The investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. To obtain performance information current to the most recent month end, please visit www.sterlingcapitalfunds.com.

The chart above represents a comparison of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the indicated share class versus a similar investment in the Fund’s benchmarks, and represents the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains.

 

1  As of March 1, 2013, the Russell 3000® Index is included to show how the Fund’s performance compares with the returns of the U.S. equity markets generally. The Russell 3000® Index represents approximately 98% of the U.S. equity market and comprises the 3,000 largest companies in the United States.

The Fund is measured against the Russell Global Index, the Russell 3000® Index and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The indices are unmanaged and do not reflect the deduction of expenses associated with a mutual fund, such as investment management and, fund accounting fees. The Fund’s performance reflects the deduction of fees for these services. Investors cannot invest directly in an index, although they can invest in its underlying securities.

A portion of the Fund’s fees had been waived. Fund performance for certain time periods would have been lower without fee waivers in effect. Currently all management fees are being waived.

 

 

 

  39  

 

 


Sterling Capital Funds

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

 

Sterling Capital Funds invested, as a percentage of net assets, in the following industry sectors, countries, states, funds or security types, as of September 30, 2013:

 

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Consumer Discretionary

       8.4 %

Consumer Staples

       5.5 %

Energy

       13.5 %

Financials

       26.9 %

Health Care

       13.1 %

Industrials

       12.0 %

Information Technology

       9.7 %

Materials

       2.3 %

Telecommunication Services

       1.6 %

Utilities

       5.1 %

Money Market Fund

       1.7 %
    

 

 

 
       99.8 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Consumer Discretionary

       18.7 %

Energy

       0.6 %

Financials

       30.7 %

Health Care

       16.4 %

Industrials

       4.3 %

Information Technology

       23.6 %

Money Market Fund

       6.0 %
    

 

 

 
       100.3 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Consumer Discretionary

       11.1 %

Consumer Staples

       2.5 %

Energy

       5.4 %

Financials

       37.5 %

Health Care

       4.5 %

Industrials

       13.5 %

Information Technology

       11.9 %

Materials

       5.1 %

Telecommunication Services

       1.6 %

Utilities

       4.9 %

Exchange Traded Fund

       0.6 %

Money Market Fund

       1.9 %
    

 

 

 
       100.5 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Consumer Discretionary

       12.5 %

Consumer Staples

       2.4 %

Energy

       12.7 %

Financials

       5.7 %

Health Care

       18.2 %

Industrials

       11.5 %

Information Technology

       27.7 %

Materials

       2.2 %

Money Market Fund

       7.3 %
    

 

 

 
       100.2 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Consumer Discretionary

       13.0 %

Consumer Staples

       13.1 %

Energy

       20.3 %

Financials

       7.6 %

Health Care

       14.7 %

Industrials

       1.9 %

Information Technology

       11.9 %

Telecommunication Services

       3.8 %

Money Market Fund

       14.6 %
    

 

 

 
       100.9 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Asset Backed Securities

       14.7 %

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       0.9 %

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       7.4 %

Corporate Bonds

       55.8 %

Municipal Bonds

       23.4 %

Money Market Fund

       1.3 %
    

 

 

 
       103.5 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Asset Backed Securities

       9.6 %

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       4.3 %

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       18.1 %

Corporate Bonds

       62.1 %

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       0.1 %

Municipal Bonds

       3.6 %

Preferred Stocks

       0.9 %

Money Market Fund

       1.3 %
    

 

 

 
       100.0 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       6.1 %

Corporate Bonds

       7.1 %

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       17.1 %

Municipal Bonds

       3.1 %

U.S. Government Agencies

       48.1 %

U.S. Treasury Notes

       17.3 %

Money Market Fund

       0.9 %
    

 

 

 
       99.7 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Asset Backed Securities

       6.1 %

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       10.4 %

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       15.9 %

Corporate Bonds

       42.9 %

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       11.5 %

Municipal Bonds

       8.0 %

Preferred Stocks

       1.9 %

U.S. Government Agencies

       4.8 %

U.S. Treasury Bonds

       1.0 %

U.S. Treasury Notes

       0.1 %

Money Market Fund

       0.1 %
    

 

 

 
       102.7 %
    

 

 

 
 

 

40


Sterling Capital Funds

Summary of Portfolio Holdings (Unaudited)

 

 

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Corporate Bonds

       94.7 %

Preferred Stocks

       4.5 %

Money Market Fund

       0.1 %
    

 

 

 
       99.3 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund    Percentage
of net assets

Asset Backed Securities

       10.1 %

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

       20.0 %

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

       28.4 %

Mortgage-Backed Securities

       42.8 %

U.S. Government Agencies

       3.6 %

U.S. Treasury Bonds

       4.0 %

Money Market Fund

       3.4 %
    

 

 

 
       112.3 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-
Free Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

Kentucky Municipal Bonds

       96.0 %

Money Market Fund

       3.1 %
    

 

 

 
       99.1 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-
Free Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

District of Columbia Municipal Bonds

       4.0 %

Maryland Municipal Bonds

       91.0 %

Money Market Fund

       4.4 %
    

 

 

 
       99.4 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

North Carolina Municipal Bonds

       96.8 %

Money Market Fund

       0.4 %
    

 

 

 
       97.2 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

South Carolina Municipal Bonds

       97.5 %

Money Market Fund

       1.6 %
    

 

 

 
       99.1 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free
Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

District of Columbia Municipal Bonds

       1.5 %

Virginia Municipal Bonds

       97.1 %

Money Market Fund

       2.6 %
    

 

 

 
       101.2 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

West Virginia Municipal Bonds

       95.2 %

Money Market Fund

       3.4 %
    

 

 

 
       98.6 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation
Conservative Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

Equity Funds

       40.5 %

Fixed Income Fund

       57.7 %

Money Market Fund

       1.7 %
    

 

 

 
       99.9 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced
Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

Equity Funds

       60.4 %

Fixed Income Fund

       37.7 %

Money Market Fund

       2.0 %
    

 

 

 
       100.1 %
    

 

 

 
Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth
Fund
   Percentage
of net assets

Equity Funds

       75.5 %

Fixed Income Fund

       22.8 %

Money Market Fund

       1.7 %
    

 

 

 
       100.0 %
    

 

 

 
 

 

41


Sterling Capital Funds

Expense Example (Unaudited)

 

 

As a shareholder of the Sterling Capital Funds (each “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchases and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses.

These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from April 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013.

Actual Example

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
4/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
9/30/13
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
4/1/13 - 9/30/13
   Annualized
Expense Ratio
During Period
4/1/13 - 9/30/13

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                   

Class A Shares

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,064.79        $ 5.69          1.10 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,060.22          9.50          1.84 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,060.10          9.55          1.85 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,065.84          4.40          0.85 %

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,137.07          6.27          1.17 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,132.66          10.26          1.92 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,133.09          10.27          1.92 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,139.16          4.93          0.92 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,124.84          7.56          1.42 %

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,110.78          6.72          1.27 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,106.24          10.67          2.02 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,106.31          10.67          2.02 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,112.20          5.40          1.02 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,107.59          8.24          1.56 %

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,094.16          6.40          1.22 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,089.85          10.27          1.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,090.34          10.32          1.97 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,095.80          5.10          0.97 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,093.10          7.66          1.46 %

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,041.54          6.19          1.21 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,037.76          10.01          1.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,037.29          10.01          1.96 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,042.70          4.92          0.96 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,039.90          7.47          1.46 %

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,000.16          3.71          0.74 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,001.42          2.46          0.49 %

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          999.75          3.81          0.76 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          996.02          7.56          1.51 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,001.01          2.56          0.51 %

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          978.26          4.46          0.90 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          973.52          8.16          1.65 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          973.60          8.16          1.65 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          978.59          3.22          0.65 %

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          979.21          4.02          0.81 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          975.54          7.73          1.56 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          975.58          7.73          1.56 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          980.48          2.78          0.56 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          977.68          5.21          1.05 %

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

  

         

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          976.76          4.21          0.85 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          973.08          7.91          1.60 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          978.18          2.98          0.60 %

 

42


Sterling Capital Funds

Expense Example (Unaudited)

 

 

     Beginning
Account Value
4/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
9/30/13
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
4/1/13 - 9/30/13
   Annualized
Expense Ratio
During Period
4/1/13 - 9/30/13

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                   

Class A Shares

     $ 1,000.00        $ 985.83        $ 4.48          0.90 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          981.96          8.20          1.65 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          987.05          3.24          0.65 %

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          973.96          4.75          0.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          970.33          8.45          1.71 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          975.12          3.52          0.71 %

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          974.11          4.70          0.95 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          969.63          8.34          1.69 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          974.53          3.46          0.70 %

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          973.39          4.55          0.92 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          969.74          8.25          1.67 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          974.64          3.32          0.67 %

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          975.36          4.65          0.94 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          971.69          8.35          1.69 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          976.38          3.42          0.69 %

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          972.76          4.60          0.93 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          969.11          8.29          1.68 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          973.97          3.32          0.67 %

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          970.56          4.59          0.93 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          967.89          8.29          1.68 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          972.81          3.36          0.68 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,014.39          2.22          0.44 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,010.03          6.00          1.19 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,010.35          6.00          1.19 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,014.53          0.96          0.19 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,031.50          2.04          0.40 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,027.75          5.90          1.16 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,028.43          5.85          1.15 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,032.61          0.51          0.10 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,045.00          2.20          0.43 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,040.64          5.83          1.14 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,041.39          6.09          1.19 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,046.23          0.87          0.17 %

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by 183 days divided by 365 (to reflect the six month period).

 

43


Sterling Capital Funds

Expense Example (Unaudited)

 

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the year. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

     Beginning
Account Value
4/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
9/30/13
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
4/1/13 - 9/30/13
   Annualized
Expense Ratio
During Period
4/1/13 - 9/30/13

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                   

Class A Shares

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,019.55        $ 5.57          1.10 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.84          9.30          1.84 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.79          9.35          1.85 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.81          4.31          0.85 %

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.20          5.92          1.17 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.44          9.70          1.92 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.44          9.70          1.92 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.46          4.66          0.92 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.95          7.18          1.42 %

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,018.70          6.43          1.27 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,014.94          10.20          2.02 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,014.94          10.20          2.02 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.95          5.16          1.02 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.25          7.89          1.56 %

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,018.95          6.17          1.22 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.24          9.90          1.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.19          9.95          1.97 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.21          4.91          0.97 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.75          7.38          1.46 %

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.00          6.12          1.21 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.24          9.90          1.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,015.24          9.90          1.96 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.26          4.86          0.96 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.75          7.38          1.46 %

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.36          3.75          0.74 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.61          2.48          0.49 %

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.26          3.85          0.76 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.50          7.64          1.51 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.51          2.59          0.51 %

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.56          4.56          0.90 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.80          8.34          1.65 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.80          8.34          1.65 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.81          3.29          0.65 %

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.01          4.10          0.81 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.25          7.89          1.56 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.25          7.89          1.56 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.26          2.84          0.56 %

Class R Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.80          5.32          1.05 %

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.81          4.31          0.85 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,017.05          8.09          1.60 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.06          3.04          0.60 %

 

44


Sterling Capital Funds

Expense Example (Unaudited)

 

 

     Beginning
Account Value
4/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
9/30/13
   Expenses Paid
During Period*
4/1/13 - 9/30/13
   Annualized
Expense Ratio
During Period
4/1/13 - 9/30/13

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                   

Class A Shares

     $ 1,000.00        $ 1,020.56        $ 4.56          0.90 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.80          8.34          1.65 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.81          3.29          0.65 %

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.26          4.86          0.96 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.50          8.64          1.71 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.51          3.60          0.71 %

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.31          4.81          0.95 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.60          8.54          1.69 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.56          3.55          0.70 %

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.46          4.66          0.92 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.70          8.44          1.67 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.71          3.40          0.67 %

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.36          4.76          0.94 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.60          8.54          1.69 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.61          3.50          0.69 %

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.41          4.71          0.93 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.65          8.49          1.68 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.71          3.40          0.67 %

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,020.41          4.71          0.93 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,016.65          8.49          1.68 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,021.66          3.45          0.68 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.86          2.23          0.44 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.10          6.02          1.19 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.10          6.02          1.19 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,024.12          0.96          0.19 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,023.06          2.03          0.40 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.25          5.87          1.16 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.30          5.82          1.15 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,024.57          0.51          0.10 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                   

Class A Shares

       1,000.00          1,022.91          2.18          0.43 %

Class B Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.35          5.77          1.14 %

Class C Shares

       1,000.00          1,019.10          6.02          1.19 %

Institutional Shares

       1,000.00          1,024.22          0.86          0.17 %

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by 183 days divided by 365 (to reflect the six month period).

 

45


Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

           Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS (98.1%)

  

  Consumer Discretionary (8.4%)   

26,693

 

Best Buy Co., Inc.

   $ 1,000,987   

262,487

 

Ford Motor Co.

     4,428,156   

19,139

 

GameStop Corp., Class A

     950,251   

57,443

 

Gap, Inc. (The)

     2,313,804   

16,156

 

Hanesbrands, Inc.

     1,006,680   

10,879

 

Lear Corp.

     778,610   

76,911

 

Time Warner, Inc.

     5,061,513   

40,262

 

Viacom, Inc., Class B

     3,365,098   
    

 

 

 
       18,905,099   
    

 

 

 
  Consumer Staples (5.5%)   

106,745

 

Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

     3,932,486   

15,751

 

Herbalife, Ltd.

     1,098,947   

18,839

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

     1,775,011   

87,521

 

Kroger Co. (The)

     3,530,597   

11,479

 

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A

     1,098,999   

33,194

 

Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A

     938,726   
    

 

 

 
       12,374,766   
    

 

 

 
  Energy (13.5%)   

139,002

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

     3,597,372   

79,558

 

ConocoPhillips

     5,530,077   

66,734

 

Halliburton Co.

     3,213,242   

15,244

 

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

     1,051,074   

50,784

 

Hess Corp.

     3,927,635   

52,423

 

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

     3,371,847   

16,516

 

Murphy Oil Corp.

     996,245   

55,337

 

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     5,176,223   

103,980

 

Valero Energy Corp.

     3,550,917   
    

 

 

 
       30,414,632   
    

 

 

 
  Financials (26.9%)   

40,652

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

     3,702,584   

18,118

 

Assurant, Inc.

     980,184   

48,314

 

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

     905,887   

23,905

 

Capital One Financial Corp.

     1,643,230   

144,046

 

Citigroup, Inc.

     6,987,671   

65,865

 

Duke Realty Corp., REIT

     1,016,956   

18,214

 

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd.

     978,456   

32,847

 

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)

     5,196,724   

32,465

 

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

     1,010,311   

35,565

 

Hospitality Properties Trust, REIT

     1,006,489   

160,174

 

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     8,279,394   

19,299

 

Lincoln National Corp.

     810,365   

92,004

 

MetLife, Inc.

     4,319,588   

31,373

 

National Retail Properties, Inc., REIT

     998,289   

33,837

 

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., REIT

     1,010,711   

55,936

 

Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Inc., Class A, REIT

     971,049   

57,916

 

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

     4,196,014   

23,484

 

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

     1,005,585   

50,193

 

Prudential Financial, Inc.

     3,914,050   

72,037

 

Retail Properties of America, Inc., Class A, REIT

     990,509   

40,057

 

SLM Corp.

     997,419   

38,547

 

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., REIT

     923,972   

8,506

 

Weingarten Realty Investors, REIT

     249,481   

201,699

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

     8,334,203   
    

 

 

 
       60,429,121   
    

 

 

 

    Shares    

           Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

  Health Care (13.1%)   

23,696

 

Actavis, Inc.(a)

   $ 3,412,224   

57,607

 

Aetna, Inc.

     3,688,000   

15,037

 

Biogen Idec, Inc.(a)

     3,620,308   

72,627

 

Cardinal Health, Inc.

     3,787,498   

20,868

 

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.(a)

     965,354   

23,387

 

Endo Health Solutions, Inc.(a)

     1,062,705   

10,958

 

Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC(a)

     1,007,807   

26,383

 

McKesson Corp.

     3,384,939   

27,192

 

Mylan, Inc.(a)

     1,037,919   

9,437

 

Omnicare, Inc.

     523,753   

45,127

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

     4,158,453   

13,552

 

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

     1,068,575   

20,752

 

WellPoint, Inc.

     1,735,075   
    

 

 

 
       29,452,610   
    

 

 

 
  Industrials (12.0%)   

16,990

 

AGCO Corp.

     1,026,536   

9,931

 

Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

     968,868   

7,348

 

Copa Holdings SA, Class A

     1,018,947   

174,261

 

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

     4,110,817   

65,327

 

Exelis, Inc.

     1,026,287   

46,173

 

General Dynamics Corp.

     4,041,061   

24,025

 

Lockheed Martin Corp.

     3,064,389   

40,733

 

Northrop Grumman Corp.

     3,880,226   

21,393

 

Oshkosh Corp.(a)

     1,047,829   

50,690

 

Raytheon Co.

     3,906,678   

57,612

 

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.

     910,270   

35,531

 

Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.,
Class A(a)

     861,271   

11,683

 

Towers Watson & Co., Class A

     1,249,614   
    

 

 

 
       27,112,793   
    

 

 

 
  Information Technology (9.7%)   

206,743

 

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

     3,446,406   

20,701

 

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

     1,004,619   

24,921

 

Avnet, Inc.

     1,039,455   

47,502

 

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.

     917,739   

129,862

 

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.(a)

     1,045,389   

135,764

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     3,179,593   

19,162

 

Computer Sciences Corp.

     991,442   

67,107

 

Freescale Semiconductor, Ltd.(a)

     1,117,332   

193,095

 

Hewlett-Packard Co.

     4,051,133   

43,483

 

Ingram Micro, Inc., Class A(a)

     1,002,283   

79,354

 

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

     912,571   

62,804

 

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)

     1,097,186   

17,415

 

SanDisk Corp.

     1,036,367   

15,499

 

Western Digital Corp.

     982,637   
    

 

 

 
       21,824,152   
    

 

 

 
  Materials (2.3%)   

12,644

 

Eastman Chemical Co.

     984,968   

45,663

 

Lyondellbasell Industries NV, Class A

     3,343,901   

8,648

 

Rock Tenn Co., Class A

     875,783   
    

 

 

 
       5,204,652   
    

 

 

 
  Telecommunication Services (1.6%)   

104,471

 

AT&T, Inc.

     3,533,209   
    

 

 

 
  Utilities (5.1%)   

28,422

 

Ameren Corp.

     990,222   

29,287

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

     1,614,885   

69,536

 

Dominion Resources, Inc.

     4,344,609   
 

 

Continued

 

46


Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

           Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  Utilities — (continued)   

119,644

 

PPL Corp.

   $ 3,634,785   

29,477

 

Vectren Corp.

     983,058   
    

 

 

 
       11,567,559   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $205,518,657)

     220,818,593   
    

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.7%)

  

3,776,347

 

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     3,776,347   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $3,776,347)

     3,776,347   
    

 

 

 
         Fair Value      

Total Investments — 99.8%
(Cost $209,295,004)

   $ 224,594,940   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.2%

     468,960   
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 225,063,900   
  

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents non-income producing security.

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

47


Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS (94.3%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (18.7%)   

819,900

  

Ascena Retail Group, Inc.(a)

   $ 16,340,607   

99,350

  

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

     1,655,171   

1,241,700

  

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)

     21,332,406   

200,925

  

Kohl’s Corp.

     10,397,869   

710,500

  

News Corp., Class B(a)

     11,673,515   

384,820

  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

     24,412,981   

245,819

  

Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

     2,981,784   

253,100

  

Viacom, Inc., Class B

     21,154,098   
     

 

 

 
        109,948,431   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (0.6%)   

605,526

  

Forest Oil Corp.(a)

     3,693,709   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (30.7%)   

1,191,275

  

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., REIT

     13,794,965   

537,092

  

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

     19,491,069   

397,303

  

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

     7,449,431   

47,100

  

CBRE Group, Inc., Class A(a)

     1,089,423   

1,170,000

  

E*TRADE Financial Corp.(a)

     19,305,000   

394,385

  

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd.

     21,186,362   

65,600

  

Enstar Group, Ltd.(a)

     8,960,960   

2,575

  

Granite REIT

     91,799   

844,400

  

Leucadia National Corp.

     23,001,456   

279,000

  

Lincoln National Corp.

     11,715,210   

43,741

  

Markel Corp.(a)

     22,647,777   

335,700

  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

     11,585,007   

462,584

  

Willis Group Holdings PLC

     20,043,765   
     

 

 

 
        180,362,224   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (16.4%)   

134,600

  

Becton Dickinson & Co.

     13,462,692   

197,813

  

Covidien PLC

     12,054,724   

136,028

  

Laboratory Corp. of America
Holdings(a)

     13,485,816   

250,700

  

Mallinckrodt PLC(a)

     11,053,363   

313,500

  

Omnicare, Inc.

     17,399,250   

223,542

  

WellPoint, Inc.

     18,690,347   

124,922

  

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

     10,261,093   
     

 

 

 
        96,407,285   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (4.3%)   

215,850

  

AerCap Holdings NV(a)

     4,200,441   

132,770

  

General Dynamics Corp.

     11,620,030   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Industrials — (continued)   

617,900

  

UTi Worldwide, Inc.

   $ 9,336,469   
     

 

 

 
        25,156,940   
     

 

 

 
   Information Technology (23.6%)   

1,054,761

  

Dice Holdings, Inc.(a)

     8,976,016   

142,200

  

DST Systems, Inc.

     10,723,302   

906,996

  

EarthLink, Inc.

     4,489,630   

319,200

  

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

     14,823,648   

326,300

  

Global Payments, Inc.

     16,667,404   

88,000

  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.(a)

     1,016,400   

77,325

  

Leidos Holdings, Inc.

     3,519,834   

181,800

  

Lender Processing Services, Inc.

     6,048,486   

318,725

  

MICROS Systems, Inc.(a)

     15,917,127   

119,155

  

MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A(a)

     12,363,523   

44,186

  

Science Applications International Corp.

     1,491,266   

467,200

  

Symantec Corp.

     11,563,200   

658,800

  

Western Union Co. (The)

     12,293,208   

1,846,367

  

Xerox Corp.

     18,999,116   
     

 

 

 
        138,892,160   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $432,559,866)

     554,460,749   
     

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (6.0%)

  

35,563,394

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     35,563,394   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $35,563,394)

     35,563,394   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.3%
(Cost $468,123,260)

     590,024,143   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.3)%

     (1,995,079
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 588,029,064   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents non-income producing security.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

48


Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS (98.0%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (11.1%)   

19,136

  

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp.

   $ 307,707   

27,722

  

Boyd Gaming Corp.(a)

     392,266   

27,980

  

Bridgepoint Education, Inc.(a)

     504,759   

11,353

  

Brown Shoe Co., Inc.

     266,455   

7,657

  

Capella Education Co.(a)

     433,080   

8,557

  

CEC Entertainment, Inc.

     392,424   

6,190

  

CSS Industries, Inc.

     148,622   

102,293

  

Cumulus Media, Inc., Class A(a)

     542,153   

30,853

  

Dana Holding Corp.

     704,683   

31,530

  

Digital Generation, Inc.(a)

     407,683   

77,789

  

Entravision Communications Corp.,
Class A

     458,955   

29,670

  

EW Scripps Co. (The) Class A(a)

     544,445   

40,187

  

Gray Television, Inc.(a)

     315,468   

9,558

  

Guess?, Inc.

     285,306   

24,011

  

hhgregg, Inc.(a)

     430,037   

45,634

  

Journal Communications, Inc.,
Class A(a)

     390,171   

5,632

  

Lear Corp.

     403,082   

37,842

  

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(a)

     701,969   

11,598

  

Marcus Corp.

     168,519   

12,250

  

MDC Partners, Inc., Class A

     342,755   

6,776

  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.(a)

     128,608   

6,891

  

NACCO Industries, Inc., Class A

     381,899   

45,447

  

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.(a)

     437,655   

5,832

  

Outerwall, Inc.(a)

     291,542   

3,857

  

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.(a)

     274,233   

30,826

  

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

     365,596   

7,964

  

Scholastic Corp.

     228,169   

2,730

  

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.(a)

     86,677   

32,816

  

Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.(a)

     360,648   

34,794

  

Stoneridge, Inc.(a)

     376,123   

10,408

  

Tower International, Inc.(a)

     208,056   

14,451

  

Unifi, Inc.(a)

     337,575   

11,343

  

Universal Electronics, Inc.(a)

     408,688   

542

  

Washington Post Co. (The) Class B

     331,352   
     

 

 

 
        12,357,360   
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Staples (2.5%)   

7,519

  

Andersons, Inc. (The)

     525,578   

16,659

  

Farmer Bros. Co.(a)

     250,885   

6,005

  

Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A

     172,524   

6,325

  

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

     146,677   

22,967

  

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)

     385,616   

14,072

  

Safeway, Inc.

     450,163   

5,007

  

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

     326,657   

54,132

  

SUPERVALU, Inc.(a)

     445,506   

415

  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.(a)

     36,018   
     

 

 

 
        2,739,624   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (5.4%)   

27,600

  

Alon USA Energy, Inc.

     281,796   

30,657

  

Cloud Peak Energy, Inc.(a)

     449,738   

10,564

  

Dawson Geophysical Co.(a)

     343,013   

18,923

  

Exterran Holdings, Inc.(a)

     521,707   

25,462

  

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.

     408,665   

49,251

  

Hercules Offshore, Inc.(a)

     362,980   

21,468

  

Nabors Industries, Ltd.

     344,776   

43,737

  

Newpark Resources, Inc.(a)

     553,710   

92,136

  

Parker Drilling Co.(a)

     525,175   

11,182

  

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

     239,071   

16,437

  

PBF Energy, Inc.

     369,011   

26,012

  

Renewable Energy Group, Inc.(a)

     394,082   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Energy — (continued)   

9,571

  

REX American Resources Corp.(a)

   $ 294,213   

18,273

  

Stone Energy Corp.(a)

     592,593   

53,337

  

Warren Resources, Inc.(a)

     156,277   

4,242

  

Western Refining, Inc.

     127,430   
     

 

 

 
        5,964,237   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (37.5%)   

13,146

  

1st Source Corp.

     353,890   

4,007

  

Allied World Assurance Co. Holdings AG

     398,256   

26,458

  

American Capital, Ltd.(a)

     363,797   

30,074

  

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

     638,170   

6,982

  

American Financial Group, Inc.

     377,447   

3,666

  

American National Insurance Co.

     359,415   

9,327

  

American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd.(a)

     281,675   

11,040

  

Amtrust Financial Services, Inc.

     431,222   

90,072

  

Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., REIT

     435,048   

18,634

  

Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc., REIT

     271,870   

12,572

  

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd.

     539,087   

14,535

  

Arlington Asset Investment Corp., Class A

     345,642   

137,283

  

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.

     576,589   

10,052

  

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd.

     364,787   

6,782

  

Assurant, Inc.

     366,906   

16,000

  

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

     300,000   

8,541

  

Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd.

     369,911   

18,676

  

Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA

     465,406   

13,222

  

Banner Corp.

     504,552   

15,012

  

Calamos Asset Management, Inc., Class A

     149,970   

11,928

  

Capital Southwest Corp.

     408,057   

42,111

  

Capstead Mortgage Corp., REIT

     495,646   

68,084

  

Cedar Realty Trust, Inc., REIT

     352,675   

21,776

  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

     385,435   

53,810

  

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

     774,864   

17,470

  

CoBiz Financial, Inc.

     168,760   

25,869

  

Colony Financial, Inc., REIT

     516,863   

33,073

  

Cousins Properties, Inc., REIT

     340,321   

10,123

  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.(a)

     162,980   

40,926

  

Dynex Capital, Inc., REIT

     358,921   

17,623

  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

     524,108   

7,027

  

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd.

     377,490   

9,890

  

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

     165,954   

9,696

  

FBL Financial Group, Inc., Class A

     435,350   

5,717

  

FBR & Co.(a)

     153,273   

10,400

  

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C

     347,152   

10,682

  

Fidelity Southern Corp.

     163,862   

8,448

  

Fidus Investment Corp.

     163,891   

1,848

  

First Citizens BancShares, Inc., Class A

     379,949   

19,154

  

First Interstate Bancsystem, Inc.

     462,569   

24,087

  

First Merchants Corp.

     417,428   

10,912

  

Flushing Financial Corp.

     201,326   

27,470

  

FXCM, Inc., Class A

     542,533   

32,854

  

Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A(a)

     420,203   

81,704

  

Gramercy Property Trust, Inc., REIT(a)

     339,072   

15,088

  

Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd., Class A(a)

     429,103   

26,319

  

Hanmi Financial Corp.

     436,106   

10,477

  

Hatteras Financial Corp., REIT

     196,025   

10,989

  

HCI Group, Inc.

     448,791   

31,027

  

Hercules Technology Growth Capital, Inc.

     473,162   

19,629

  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

     557,071   

21,933

  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A

     411,682   

18,860

  

International Bancshares Corp.

     407,942   
 

 

Continued

 

49


Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Financials — (continued)   

40,081

  

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc., REIT

   $ 616,847   

36,203

  

KCAP Financial, Inc.

     325,103   

10,647

  

Kemper Corp.

     357,739   

38,895

  

MaidenHoldings,Ltd.

     459,350   

18,629

  

Manning & Napier, Inc.

     310,732   

31,795

  

MBIA, Inc.(a)

     325,263   

59,256

  

MCG Capital Corp.

     298,650   

25,412

  

Medallion Financial Corp.

     378,131   

39,187

  

MFA Financial, Inc., REIT

     291,943   

19,664

  

Montpelier Re Holdings, Ltd.

     512,247   

1,932

  

National Western Life Insurance Co.,
Class A

     389,820   

6,541

  

Navigators Group, Inc. (The)(a)

     377,874   

12,079

  

Nelnet, Inc., Class A

     464,438   

26,521

  

OFG Bancorp

     429,375   

21,554

  

Old Republic International Corp.

     331,932   

14,954

  

One Liberty Properties, Inc., REIT

     303,267   

4,007

  

PartnerRe, Ltd.

     366,801   

40,081

  

PennantPark Investment Corp.

     451,312   

9,098

  

Phoenix Cos., Inc. (The)(a)

     351,820   

10,745

  

Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd.

     641,799   

12,478

  

Popular, Inc.(a)

     327,298   

24,686

  

PrivateBancorp, Inc.

     528,280   

65,937

  

Prospect Capital Corp.

     737,176   

9,232

  

Protective Life Corp.

     392,822   

7,771

  

Provident Financial Holdings, Inc.

     129,076   

29,443

  

Redwood Trust, Inc., REIT

     579,733   

7,162

  

Regional Management Corp.(a)

     227,752   

5,282

  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

     353,841   

4,182

  

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

     378,596   

11,540

  

Republic Bancorp, Inc., Class A

     317,927   

4,219

  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

     223,480   

18,936

  

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

     440,451   

7,207

  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

     193,292   

7,507

  

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.

     413,035   

8,753

  

State Auto Financial Corp.

     183,288   

14,929

  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

     477,579   

35,516

  

Symetra Financial Corp.

     632,895   

128,026

  

Synovus Financial Corp.

     422,486   

32,215

  

TICC Capital Corp.

     314,096   

4,991

  

Tree.com, Inc.

     131,064   

13,248

  

Trico Bancshares

     301,789   

62,080

  

Two Harbors Investment Corp., REIT

     602,797   

15,925

  

Union First Market Bankshares Corp.

     372,167   

21,879

  

United Community Banks, Inc.(a)

     328,185   

15,453

  

United Fire Group, Inc.

     470,853   

39,692

  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

     279,829   

8,191

  

Validus Holdings, Ltd.

     302,903   

17,551

  

Washington Federal, Inc.

     362,955   

25,714

  

Webster Financial Corp.

     656,478   

29,281

  

Western Alliance Bancorp(a)

     554,289   

565

  

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd.

     320,705   

60,111

  

Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.

     491,708   

13,661

  

Winthrop Realty Trust, REIT

     152,320   

13,442

  

Wintrust Financial Corp.

     552,063   

6,357

  

WSFS Financial Corp.

     383,009   
     

 

 

 
        41,832,864   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (4.5%)   

10,403

  

Addus HomeCare Corp.(a)

     301,375   

23,287

  

Albany Molecular Research, Inc.(a)

     300,169   

5,370

  

Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.(a)

     148,695   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Health Care — (continued)   

24,023

  

Amedisys, Inc.(a)

   $ 413,676   

10,837

  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

     259,655   

7,007

  

Centene Corp.(a)

     448,168   

13,330

  

Cornerstone Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

     125,435   

13,327

  

Lannett Co., Inc.(a)

     290,795   

5,935

  

LHC Group, Inc.(a)

     139,235   

6,857

  

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc.(a)

     319,742   

8,642

  

National Healthcare Corp.

     408,507   

18,878

  

NuVasive, Inc.(a)

     462,322   

17,935

  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

     620,372   

4,055

  

PDL BioPharma, Inc.

     32,318   

14,297

  

Providence Service Corp. (The)(a)

     410,181   

3,251

  

Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

     188,558   

2,529

  

United Therapeutics Corp.(a)

     199,412   
     

 

 

 
        5,068,615   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (13.5%)   

22,445

  

AAR Corp.

     613,422   

6,557

  

Alaska Air Group, Inc.

     410,599   

10,687

  

Albany International Corp., Class A

     383,343   

3,792

  

Alliant Techsystems, Inc.

     369,948   

31,050

  

ARC Document Solutions, Inc.(a)

     142,519   

22,304

  

Arkansas Best Corp.

     572,544   

5,957

  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

     400,966   

15,613

  

Celadon Group, Inc.

     291,495   

12,456

  

Coleman Cable, Inc.

     262,946   

7,494

  

Columbus McKinnon Corp.(a)

     180,081   

8,482

  

Consolidated Graphics, Inc.(a)

     475,501   

10,270

  

Ducommun, Inc.(a)

     294,544   

23,404

  

Ennis, Inc.

     422,208   

6,705

  

G&K Services, Inc., Class A

     404,915   

19,553

  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

     372,680   

5,395

  

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc.

     483,770   

9,894

  

ICF International, Inc.(a)

     350,347   

14,895

  

Insteel Industries, Inc.

     239,809   

5,226

  

Kadant, Inc.

     175,541   

32,627

  

Kimball International, Inc., Class B

     361,833   

9,902

  

Lydall, Inc.(a)

     170,017   

13,524

  

Matson, Inc.

     354,735   

7,213

  

Michael Baker Corp.

     291,910   

10,085

  

NN, Inc.

     156,923   

5,446

  

Northwest Pipe Co.(a)

     179,064   

32,191

  

Orion Marine Group, Inc.(a)

     335,108   

6,924

  

Oshkosh Corp.(a)

     339,138   

24,630

  

Pacer International, Inc.(a)

     152,460   

6,724

  

Park-Ohio Holdings Corp.(a)

     258,336   

18,304

  

Quad/Graphics, Inc.

     555,709   

26,416

  

Quality Distribution, Inc.(a)

     244,084   

36,288

  

Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.(a)

     431,827   

22,962

  

RPX Corp.(a)

     402,524   

22,187

  

RR Donnelley & Sons Co.

     350,555   

18,117

  

Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A(a)

     480,282   

30,920

  

SkyWest, Inc.

     448,958   

15,854

  

Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc.,
Class A(a)

     384,301   

18,033

  

Swift Transportation Co.(a)

     364,086   

6,448

  

Trinity Industries, Inc.

     292,417   

10,687

  

Twin Disc, Inc.

     279,251   

13,912

  

United Stationers, Inc.

     605,172   

3,349

  

VSE Corp.

     157,236   

39,161

  

Wabash National Corp.(a)

     456,617   
 

 

Continued

 

50


Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Industrials — (continued)   

10,859

  

Xerium Technologies, Inc.(a)

   $ 125,856   
     

 

 

 
        15,025,577   
     

 

 

 
   Information Technology (11.9%)   

16,946

  

Alpha & Omega Semiconductor, Ltd.(a)

     142,516   

6,054

  

Anaren, Inc.(a)

     154,377   

6,248

  

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

     303,215   

19,154

  

AVG Technologies NV(a)

     458,547   

55,899

  

Avid Technology, Inc.(a)

     335,394   

9,947

  

Avnet, Inc.

     414,889   

28,486

  

AVX Corp.

     374,021   

26,056

  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.(a)

     596,422   

1,803

  

Black Box Corp.

     55,244   

39,734

  

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.(a)

     319,859   

30,006

  

Checkpoint Systems, Inc.(a)

     501,100   

26,124

  

CTS Corp.

     411,975   

2,377

  

ePlus, Inc.

     122,843   

20,736

  

Fabrinet(a)

     349,194   

15,639

  

First Solar, Inc.(a)

     628,844   

19,023

  

Hackett Group, Inc. (The)

     135,634   

59,081

  

Harmonic, Inc.(a)

     454,333   

18,645

  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.(a)

     352,763   

25,591

  

International Rectifier Corp.(a)

     633,889   

15,541

  

Jabil Circuit, Inc.

     336,929   

11,481

  

Lexmark International, Inc., Class A

     378,873   

32,058

  

Marvell Technology Group, Ltd.

     368,667   

52,507

  

Photronics, Inc.(a)

     411,130   

14,622

  

Plexus Corp.(a)

     543,938   

36,785

  

Sanmina Corp.(a)

     643,370   

1,625

  

ScanSource, Inc.(a)

     56,225   

27,685

  

Silicon Graphics International Corp.(a)

     449,881   

22,338

  

SunPower Corp.(a)

     584,362   

12,513

  

Supertex, Inc.

     317,079   

12,057

  

SYNNEX Corp.(a)

     740,903   

37,104

  

TiVo, Inc.(a)

     461,574   

32,753

  

TTM Technologies, Inc.(a)

     319,342   

11,264

  

Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.

     378,358   

21,151

  

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.(a)

     146,153   

27,932

  

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.(a)

     360,043   
     

 

 

 
        13,241,886   
     

 

 

 
   Materials (5.1%)   

21,809

  

A.M. Castle & Co.(a)

     351,125   

18,589

  

Berry Plastics Group, Inc.(a)

     371,222   

57,004

  

Boise, Inc.

     718,250   

2,907

  

Domtar Corp.

     230,874   

4,790

  

Huntsman Corp.

     98,722   

9,051

  

Materion Corp.

     290,175   

15,787

  

Myers Industries, Inc.

     317,477   

8,095

  

Neenah Paper, Inc.

     318,214   

11,065

  

Olympic Steel, Inc.

     307,386   

16,207

  

OM Group, Inc.(a)

     547,472   

7,057

  

Packaging Corp. of America

     402,884   

18,437

  

PH Glatfelter Co.

     499,090   

1,386

  

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

     101,552   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Materials — (continued)   

7,932

  

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

   $ 480,124   

4,517

  

United States Steel Corp.

     93,005   

17,415

  

Worthington Industries, Inc.

     599,598   
     

 

 

 
        5,727,170   
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services (1.6%)   

12,063

  

Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc.(a)

     320,876   

19,904

  

IDT Corp., Class B

     353,296   

53,626

  

Iridium Communications, Inc.(a)

     368,947   

12,826

  

Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.

     379,008   

23,606

  

USA Mobility, Inc.

     334,261   
     

 

 

 
        1,756,388   
     

 

 

 
   Utilities (4.9%)   

7,568

  

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

     397,244   

10,913

  

Consolidated Water Co., Ltd.

     163,368   

31,252

  

Dynegy, Inc.(a)

     603,789   

15,274

  

El Paso Electric Co.

     510,152   

4,769

  

Empire District Electric Co.

     103,297   

15,261

  

IDACORP, Inc.

     738,632   

7,546

  

New Jersey Resources Corp.

     332,401   

26,828

  

PNM Resources, Inc.

     607,118   

13,601

  

Southwest Gas Corp.

     680,050   

9,182

  

UGI Corp.

     359,292   

10,840

  

Westar Energy, Inc.

     332,246   

15,461

  

WGL Holdings, Inc.

     660,339   
     

 

 

 
        5,487,928   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $103,119,306)

     109,201,649   
     

 

 

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (0.6%)

  

7,400

  

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF

     678,136   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Exchange Traded Fund
(Cost $638,602)

     678,136   
     

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.9%)

  

2,148,527

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     2,148,527   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $2,148,527)

     2,148,527   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.5%
(Cost $105,906,435)

     112,028,312   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.5)%

     (575,617
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 111,452,695   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents non-income producing security.

ETF — Exchange Traded Fund

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

51


Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS (92.9%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (12.5%)   

845,000

  

Comcast Corp., Class A

   $ 38,151,750   

529,000

  

DIRECTV(a)

     31,607,750   

1,960,000

  

Ford Motor Co.

     33,065,200   
     

 

 

 
        102,824,700   
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Staples (2.4%)   

637,000

  

Mondelez International, Inc., Class A

     20,014,540   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (12.7%)   

310,000

  

Apache Corp.

     26,393,400   

186,000

  

EOG Resources, Inc.(b)

     31,486,080   

644,000

  

Halliburton Co.

     31,008,600   

449,565

  

Williams Cos., Inc. (The)

     16,346,183   
     

 

 

 
        105,234,263   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (5.7%)   

352,000

  

Capital One Financial Corp.

     24,196,480   

669,000

  

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

     23,087,190   
     

 

 

 
        47,283,670   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (18.2%)   

541,300

  

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

     27,741,625   

605,500

  

HCA Holdings, Inc.

     25,885,125   

1,161,000

  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.(a)

     27,283,500   

784,000

  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR

     29,619,520   

550,000

  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.(b)

     39,385,500   
     

 

 

 
        149,915,270   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (11.5%)   

689,500

  

ADT Corp. (The)

     28,035,070   

86,000

  

FedEx Corp.

     9,813,460   

692,000

  

Nielsen Holdings NV

     25,223,400   

389,205

  

Robert Half International, Inc.(b)

     15,190,671   

242,000

  

Ryder System, Inc.

     14,447,400   

75,000

  

Xylem, Inc.

     2,094,750   
     

 

 

 
        94,804,751   
     

 

 

 
   Information Technology (27.7%)   

560,000

  

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a)

     28,952,000   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Information Technology — (continued)   

67,900

  

Apple, Inc.(b)

   $ 32,371,325   

1,044,000

  

Broadcom Corp., Class A(b)

     27,154,440   

655,000

  

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.(a)

     37,046,800   

1,510,000

  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

     35,364,200   

669,000

  

eBay, Inc.(a)

     37,323,510   

460,000

  

Intuit, Inc.

     30,502,600   
     

 

 

 
        228,714,875   
     

 

 

 
   Materials (2.2%)   

1,733,000

  

Yamana Gold, Inc.

     18,023,200   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $590,991,002)

     766,815,269   
     

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (7.3%)

  

60,636,436

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     60,636,436   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $60,636,436)

     60,636,436   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.2%
(Cost $651,627,438)

     827,451,705   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.2)%

     (1,907,345
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 825,544,360   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) All or a portion of security was held as collateral for written call options.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

52


Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS (86.3%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (13.0%)   

576,000

  

McDonald’s Corp.

   $ 55,416,960   

692,000

  

Omnicom Group, Inc.

     43,900,480   

1,013,000

  

Pearson PLC, ADR

     20,604,420   

989,000

  

Target Corp.

     63,276,220   

589,500

  

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

     65,788,200   
     

 

 

 
        248,986,280   
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Staples (13.1%)   

1,563,000

  

Coca-Cola Co. (The)

     59,206,440   

1,136,000

  

General Mills, Inc.

     54,437,120   

565,000

  

PepsiCo, Inc.

     44,917,500   

405,000

  

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     35,068,950   

1,525,000

  

Unilever PLC, ADR

     58,834,500   
     

 

 

 
        252,464,510   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (20.3%)   

360,000

  

Chevron Corp.

     43,740,000   

1,320,000

  

Ensco PLC, Class A

     70,950,000   

149,335

  

Kinder Morgan Management LLC(a)

     11,194,141   

1,763,000

  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     62,709,910   

1,018,596

  

Natural Resource Partners LP

     19,404,254   

715,000

  

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

     66,881,100   

188,000

  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class A, ADR

     12,347,840   

322,000

  

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B, ADR

     22,169,700   

1,987,200

  

Spectra Energy Corp.

     68,021,856   

275,000

  

Teekay LNG Partners LP

     12,130,250   
     

 

 

 
        389,549,051   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (7.6%)   

112,000

  

BlackRock, Inc.

     30,309,440   

1,299,000

  

MetLife, Inc.

     60,988,050   

634,500

  

Travelers Cos., Inc. (The)

     53,786,565   
     

 

 

 
        145,084,055   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (14.7%)   

1,029,000

  

Abbott Laboratories

     34,152,510   

775,999

  

AbbVie, Inc.

     34,710,435   

1,049,000

  

Baxter International, Inc.

     68,908,810   

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  

   Health Care — (continued)   

763,000

  

Novartis AG, ADR

   $ 58,529,730   

1,267,000

  

Pfizer, Inc.

     36,375,570   

594,005

  

WellPoint, Inc.

     49,664,758   
     

 

 

 
        282,341,813   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (1.9%)   

410,000

  

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

     37,461,700   
     

 

 

 
   Information Technology (11.9%)   

45,000

  

Accenture PLC, Class A

     3,313,800   

2,393,000

  

Intel Corp.

     54,847,560   

1,788,000

  

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     53,282,400   

1,379,000

  

Microsoft Corp.

     45,934,490   

1,049,702

  

QUALCOMM, Inc.

     70,707,927   
     

 

 

 
        228,086,177   
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services (3.8%)   

1,697,500

  

Rogers Communications, Inc., Class B

     73,009,475   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,377,515,244)

     1,656,983,061   
     

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (14.6%)

  

279,831,363

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     279,831,363   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $279,831,363)

     279,831,363   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.9%
(Cost $1,657,346,607)

     1,936,814,424   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.9)%

     (16,350,658
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 1,920,463,766   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents non-income producing security.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

53


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES (14.7%)

  

$    178,000

  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-1, Class A3, 0.930%, 2/16/16

   $ 178,546   

500,000

  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2011-2, Class A4, 1.980%, 4/15/16

     505,364   

300,000

  

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-4, Class A3, 0.590%, 1/17/17

     299,973   

500,000

  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2013-3, Class A2, 0.680%, 10/11/16

     500,208   

405,000

  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2011-5, Class B, 2.450%, 12/8/16

     412,152   

173,333

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2011-1A, Class A, 1.850%, 11/20/14(a)

     173,545   

560,000

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2011-2A, Class A, 2.370%, 11/20/14(a)

     567,997   

140,645

  

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2011-1, Class A3, 1.290%, 9/15/15

     140,882   

1,000,000

  

Citibank Omni Master Trust, Series 2009-A17, Class A17, 4.900%, 11/15/18(a)

     1,046,879   

110,990

  

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-6, Class M1,
0.669%, 12/25/35(b)

     110,371   

375,310

  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-FF5, Class M1, 0.629%, 3/25/35(b)

     373,374   

370,833

  

Hertz Vehicle Financing, LLC, Series 2010-1A, Class A1, 2.600%, 2/25/15(a)

     372,580   

264,000

  

Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2013-3, Class A2, 0.540%, 1/15/16

     264,249   

665,000

  

M&T Bank Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2013-1A, Class A2, 0.660%, 2/16/16(a)

     665,186   

171,585

  

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-NC1, Class A3, 0.369%, 1/25/36(b)

     167,303   

171,911

  

Option One Mortgage Loan Trust, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-4, Class A3, 0.439%, 11/25/35(b)

     168,668   

218,839

  

Park Place Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-WHQ1, Class M2, 0.679%, 3/25/35(b)

     217,547   

378,000

  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-1, Class A3, 1.490%, 10/15/15

     379,162   

500,000

  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2013-3, Class A2, 0.550%, 9/15/16

     499,576   

480,000

  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-5, Class A3, 0.830%, 12/15/16

     481,041   

304,035

  

Volkswagen Auto Loan Enhanced Trust, Series 2012-2, Class A2, 0.330%, 7/20/15

     303,881   

159,958

  

World Omni Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-A, Class A2, 0.520%, 6/15/15

     159,975   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $8,006,140)

     7,988,459   
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (0.9%)

  

412,507

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3944, Class LB, 2.000%, 2/15/25

     414,384   

71,679

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3128, Class BE, 5.000%, 5/15/33

     72,728   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $490,689)

     487,112   
     

 

 

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (7.4%)

  

$    200,000

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2004-2, Class B, 4.665%, 11/10/38(b)

   $ 204,299   

137,365

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2004-3, Class A5, 5.743%, 6/10/39(b)

     139,109   

345,000

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-2, Class AJ, 4.953%, 7/10/43(b)

     361,017   

309,122

  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-T16, Class A6, 4.750%, 2/13/46(b)

     318,235   

150,000

  

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-GG5, Class AM, 5.277%, 4/10/37(b)

     158,952   

248,000

  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-C1, Class AJ, 5.075%, 2/15/38(b)

     256,831   

300,000

  

Extended Stay America Trust, Series 2013-ESFL, Class A2FL, 0.882%, 12/5/31(a)(b)

     298,398   

240,000

  

GE Capital Commercial Mortgage, Series 2005-C2, Class AJ, 5.061%, 5/10/43(b)

     252,669   

200,000

  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-C1, Class AM, 4.754%, 5/10/43

     208,012   

200,000

  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II, Series 2013-KYO, Class A, 1.032%, 11/8/29(a)(b)

     198,155   

500,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-FL3, Class A2, 0.882%, 4/15/28(a)(b)

     497,722   

500,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-JWRZ, Class A, 0.962%, 4/15/30(a)(b)

     494,913   

185,000

  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-MCP1, Class AM, 4.805%, 6/12/43(b)

     193,492   

400,000

  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C8, Class E, 5.341%,
11/15/35(b)

     400,649   
     

 

 

 
   Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $4,053,420)
     3,982,453   
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (55.8%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (5.4%)   

485,000

  

Daimler Finance North America, LLC, 1.875%, 9/15/14(a)

     490,182   

370,000

  

DIRECTV Holdings, LLC/DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc., 4.750%, 10/1/14

     384,543   

250,000

  

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 5.600%, 5/1/15(a)

     267,365   

410,000

  

NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 2.100%, 4/1/14

     413,313   

335,000

  

Nordstrom, Inc., 6.750%, 6/1/14

     348,513   

255,000

  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 6.875%, 12/1/13

     256,594   

260,000

  

Viacom, Inc., 1.250%, 2/27/15

     260,704   

250,000

  

Volkswagen International Finance NV, 1.625%, 3/22/15(a)

     253,211   

235,000

  

WPP Finance, 5.875%, 6/15/14

     242,775   
     

 

 

 
        2,917,200   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

54


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Consumer Staples (2.8%)   
  $455,000      

Altria Group, Inc., 8.500%, 11/10/13

   $ 458,706   
  250,000      

ConAgra Foods, Inc., 5.875%, 4/15/14

     256,909   
  485,000      

Mondelez International, Inc., 5.250%, 10/1/13

     485,000   
  310,000      

SABMiller Holdings, Inc., 1.850%, 1/15/15(a)

     313,849   
     

 

 

 
        1,514,464   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (7.5%)   
  215,000      

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., 5.750%, 6/15/14

     222,203   
  310,000      

Cameron International Corp., 1.600%, 4/30/15

     312,293   
  360,000      

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd., 1.450%, 11/14/14

     362,691   
  468,000      

Devon Energy Corp., 5.625%, 1/15/14

     474,962   
  295,000      

EnCana Holdings Finance Corp., 5.800%, 5/1/14

     303,559   
  330,000      

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.500%, 4/15/14

     342,703   
  450,000      

Enterprise Products Operating, LLC, Series G, 5.600%, 10/15/14

     472,928   
  100,000      

Hess Corp., 7.000%, 2/15/14

     102,218   
  470,000      

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.000%, 12/15/13

     474,070   
  360,000      

Petrobras International Finance Co., 2.875%, 2/6/15

     365,224   
  300,000      

Petrohawk Energy Corp., 10.500%, 8/1/14

     309,990   
  315,000      

TransCanada PipeLines, Ltd., 0.875%, 3/2/15

     315,975   
     

 

 

 
        4,058,816   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (24.7%)   
  265,000      

ABN AMRO Bank NV, 3.000%, 1/31/14(a)

     266,966   
  230,000      

Allstate Corp. (The), 5.000%, 8/15/14

     238,905   
  290,000      

American International Group, Inc., 3.750%, 11/30/13(a)

     291,378   
  355,000      

Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd., 5.750%, 12/1/14

     374,520   
  675,000      

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 7.375%, 5/15/14

     702,562   
  300,000      

BNP Paribas SA, 3.250%, 3/11/15

     310,385   
  300,000      

Capital One Financial Corp., 6.250%, 11/15/13

     302,009   
  705,000      

Citigroup, Inc., 5.000%, 9/15/14

     731,574   
  200,000      

CME Group, Inc., 5.750%, 2/15/14

     203,820   
  361,000      

CNA Financial Corp., 5.850%, 12/15/14

     381,716   
  150,000      

Colonial Realty LP, 6.250%, 6/15/14

     155,504   
  225,000      

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 0.984%,
3/17/14(a)(b)

     225,856   
  180,000      

Duke Realty LP, REIT, 5.400%, 8/15/14

     186,600   
  263,000      

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., 6.150%, 10/15/15

     284,667   
  250,000      

ERP Operating LP, REIT, 5.250%, 9/15/14

     260,544   
  250,000      

Fixed Income Trust for Prudential Financial, Inc., 0.000%, 6/1/14

     247,931   
  380,000      

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 7.000%, 10/1/13

     380,000   
  375,000      

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 7.000%, 4/15/15

     406,901   
  350,000      

General Electric Capital Corp., 5.900%, 5/13/14

     362,042   
  575,000      

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 3.300%, 5/3/15

     594,571   
  360,000      

HCP, Inc., REIT, 2.700%, 2/1/14

     362,250   
  348,000      

Health Care REIT, Inc., 6.000%, 11/15/13

     350,066   
  410,000      

ING Bank NV, 2.000%,
9/25/15(a)

     415,580   
  365,000      

Jefferies Group, LLC, 5.875%, 6/8/14

     376,863   
  695,000      

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 5.125%, 9/15/14

     723,560   
  250,000      

KeyBank NA, BKNT, 5.800%, 7/1/14

     259,381   
  400,000      

Kimco Realty Corp., MTN, REIT, 4.820%, 6/1/14

     410,578   

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Financials — (continued)   
  $337,000      

Macquarie Group, Ltd., 7.300%, 8/1/14(a)

   $ 353,887   
  555,000      

Morgan Stanley, 2.875%, 1/24/14

     558,711   
  75,000      

Morgan Stanley, 2.875%, 7/28/14

     76,242   
  355,000      

PNC Funding Corp., 3.000%, 5/19/14

     360,633   
  250,000      

Simon Property Group LP, REIT, 6.750%, 5/15/14

     255,451   
  205,000      

Societe Generale SA, 2.500%, 1/15/14(a)

     205,881   
  665,000      

UBS AG, 2.250%, 1/28/14

     669,173   
  210,000      

Union Bank NA, 1.209%,
6/6/14(b)

     211,202   
  576,000      

Wachovia Corp., 5.250%, 8/1/14

     598,087   
  284,000      

XL Group PLC, 5.250%, 9/15/14

     295,923   
     

 

 

 
        13,391,919   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (2.1%)   
  190,000      

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 6.375%, 11/1/18

     199,500   
  255,000      

Express Scripts Holding Co., 2.750%, 11/21/14

     260,526   
  150,000      

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 5.000%, 8/15/14

     155,810   
  200,000      

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, 6.500%,
7/15/16(a)

     207,000   
  315,000      

Zimmer Holdings, Inc., 1.400%, 11/30/14

     317,193   
     

 

 

 
        1,140,029   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (3.3%)   
  416,000      

Equifax, Inc., 4.450%, 12/1/14

     432,203   
  390,000      

Penske Truck Leasing Co., LP/PTL Finance Corp., 2.500%, 7/11/14(a)

     394,356   
  200,000      

Textron, Inc., 6.200%, 3/15/15

     213,656   
  365,000      

Tyco Electronics Group SA, 1.600%, 2/3/15

     367,724   
  330,000      

Waste Management, Inc., 6.375%, 3/11/15

     354,905   
     

 

 

 
        1,762,844   
     

 

 

 
   Materials (4.2%)   
  410,000      

Anglo American Capital PLC, 9.375%, 4/8/14(a)

     427,134   
  250,000      

ArcelorMittal USA, LLC, 6.500%, 4/15/14

     255,782   
  355,000      

Ecolab, Inc., 2.375%, 12/8/14

     361,789   
  390,000      

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc., 1.400%, 2/13/15

     391,024   
  440,000      

Rio Tinto Finance USA, Ltd., 8.950%, 5/1/14

     461,203   
  360,000      

Xstrata Finance Canada, Ltd., 2.050%, 10/23/15(a)

     360,980   
     

 

 

 
        2,257,912   
     

 

 

 
  

Telecommunication Services (4.9%)

  
  305,000      

America Movil SAB de CV, 5.500%, 3/1/14

     310,777   
  395,000      

AT&T, Inc., 5.100%, 9/15/14

     411,951   
  250,000      

British Telecommunications PLC, 2.000%, 6/22/15

     254,574   
  150,000      

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 4.523%, 1/15/15(a) .

     155,615   
  340,000      

Qwest Corp., 7.500%, 10/1/14

     360,256   
  250,000      

SBA Tower Trust, 4.254%, 4/15/15(a)

     254,685   
  500,000      

Verizon Communications, Inc., 1.250%, 11/3/14

     502,937   
  220,000      

Verizon New England, Inc., Series C, 4.750%, 10/1/13

     220,000   
  210,000      

Vodafone Group PLC, 5.000%, 12/16/13

     211,983   
     

 

 

 
        2,682,778   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

55


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

    Principal    

    Amount    

             Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

  Utilities (0.9%)   
  $465,000     

Duke Energy Corp., 6.300%, 2/1/14

   $ 473,612   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Corporate Bonds

    (Cost $30,207,799)

     30,199,574   
    

 

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (23.4%)

  

  Alaska (0.2%)   
  100,000     

Alaska Housing Finance Corp., State Capital Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A (NATL-RE), 4.000%, 12/1/13

     100,641   
    

 

 

 
  California (2.9%)   
  100,000     

Alameda County Joint Powers Authority, Juvenile Justice Facilities, Correctional Facility Improvements Revenue, Series D (XLCA), 5.000%, 12/1/13

     100,802   
  310,000     

Beverly Hills Public Financing Authority, Various Projects Revenue, Series B, Taxable, 2.454%, 6/1/14

     313,026   
  100,000     

California State Public Works Board, Department of Corrections & Rehab, Refunding Revenue, Series J (AMBAC), 4.000%, 1/1/14

     100,965   
  100,000     

California State, Public Improvements, G.O. (AMBAC), 3.500%, 2/1/14

     101,121   
  100,000     

California State, Variable Purpose, Refunding G.O., Taxable, 3.750%, 10/1/13

     100,006   
  220,000     

California State, Various Purpose, Public Improvements Refunding G.O., 4.850%, 10/1/14

     228,701   
  175,000     

Long Beach Bond Finance Authority, Aquarium of The Pacific, Refunding Revenue, 3.000%, 11/1/13

     175,406   
  125,000     

Los Angeles County Public Works Financing Authority, L.A. Regulatory Park & Open Space, Special Assessment, Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 10/1/13

     125,016   
  300,000     

Orange County, CA, Pension Obligations, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Taxable, 0.680%, 2/1/14

     300,255   
    

 

 

 
       1,545,298   
    

 

 

 
  Colorado (0.3%)   
  135,000     

City & County of Denver, CO, Airport System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 11/15/14

     140,473   
    

 

 

 
  Connecticut (0.2%)   
  100,000     

Connecticut State Health & Educational Facility Authority, Quinnipiac University Health & Education Refunding Revenue, Series K1 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 7/1/14

     103,330   
    

 

 

 
  Delaware (0.9%)   
  500,000     

Delaware State Health Facilities Authority, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 7/1/14

     504,740   
    

 

 

 
  Florida (2.5%)   
  250,000     

Broward County Airport System, FL, Unrefunded, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, Series L (AMBAC), 5.000%, 10/1/13

     250,033   

    Principal    

    Amount    

             Fair Value      

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  Florida — (continued)   
  $300,000     

Cape Coral Water & Sewer, FL, Refunding Revenue, Series A (AGM), 3.000%, 10/1/13

   $ 300,021   
  100,000     

Florida Municipal Power Agency, All Requirements Power Supply, Electric Light & Power Improvements Revenue, Series A (AGM), OID, 3.750%, 10/1/13

     100,010   
  125,000     

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, FL, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Taxable, 4.780%, 10/1/14

     129,626   
  385,000     

Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Tampa International Airport, Refunding Revenue, Series A (AGM), 5.500%, 10/1/13

     385,058   
  175,000     

Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Tampa International Airport, Refunding Revenue, Series C (NATL-RE), 5.250%, 10/1/13

     175,023   
    

 

 

 
       1,339,771   
    

 

 

 
  Illinois (2.6%)   
  100,000     

Chicago Board of Education, Dedicated Refunding Revenue, G.O., Series D, 4.000%, 12/1/13

     100,646   
  500,000     

Chicago, IL, Midway Airport Refunding Revenue, Series C (NATL-RE), 5.500%, 1/1/15

     528,130   
  310,000     

Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport, Passenger Facility Charge, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 1/1/14

     313,596   
  150,000     

Chicago, IL, Wastewater Transmission Revenue, 2nd Lien, Sewer Improvements, 3.000%, 1/1/14

     150,765   
  300,000     

Illinois State, Pension Funding, G.O., Taxable, 4.071%, 1/1/14

     302,445   
    

 

 

 
       1,395,582   
    

 

 

 
  Kansas (0.2%)   
  100,000     

Kansas Development Finance Authority, Department of Administration, Comprehensive Program Transit Improvements, Revenue, Series A (NATL), 5.000%, 11/1/13

     100,412   
    

 

 

 
  Kentucky (0.4%)   
  230,000     

Fayette County School District Finance Corp., School Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, 2.000%, 10/1/14

     234,216   
    

 

 

 
  Massachusetts (0.6%)   
  100,000     

Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Northeastern University, Series Y1 (G.O. of Institution), 5.000%, 10/1/14

     104,545   
  225,000     

Massachusetts Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Worcester City Campus Corp., University & College Improvements Revenue, Series E (NATL), 4.500%, 10/1/13

     225,025   
    

 

 

 
       329,570   
    

 

 

 
  Michigan (0.8%)   
  450,000     

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority, Oakwood Obligated Group, Refunding Revenue, Prerefunded 11/1/13 @ 100, 5.500%, 11/1/14

     452,057   
    

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

56


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  
   Amount   

            Fair Value    

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

   Minnesota (0.6%)   

$    100,000

  

Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission, Subordinate Refunding Revenue, Series C, 4.000%, 1/1/15

   $ 104,404   

200,000

  

Osseo Independent School District #279, School Building, Refunding Revenue G.O., Series A (AGM, School District Credit Enhancement Program), 5.000%, 2/1/14

     203,264   
     

 

 

 
        307,668   
     

 

 

 
   New Hampshire (0.3%)   

145,000

  

New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Prerefunded 8/15/14 @ 100 (NATL-RE G.O. of Bond Bank), 5.000%, 8/15/19

     151,089   
     

 

 

 
   New Jersey (2.7%)   

450,000

  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Waste Management NJ, Inc. Project, Resource Recovery Improvements Revenue, 2.200%, 11/1/13(b)

     450,432   

190,000

  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Hospital Asset Transformation, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 10/1/13

     190,025   

320,000

  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 7/1/14

     328,304   

500,000

  

New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, Student Loan Revenue, Series 1A, 3.000%, 12/1/13

     502,120   
     

 

 

 
        1,470,881   
     

 

 

 
   New York (2.0%)   

200,000

  

Long Island Power Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series 2010A, 3.000%, 5/1/14

     202,852   

200,000

  

Long Island Power Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.250%, 6/1/14

     206,220   

150,000

  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Economic Development & Housing Improvements, Revenue, Series A, OID, 5.500%, 12/15/13

     151,572   

370,000

  

New York State Dormitory Authority, Mount Sinai Hospital, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 7/1/14

     380,227   

110,000

  

New York State Dormitory Authority, School District Bond Financing Program Revenue, Series D (Assured Guaranty G.O. of Authority), 5.375%, 10/1/14

     115,557   
     

 

 

 
        1,056,428   
     

 

 

 
   North Carolina (1.7%)   

250,000

  

Iredell County, NC, Public Facilities Project Improvements, Certificate of Participation (AMBAC), 5.000%, 10/1/13

     250,033   

275,000

  

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/13

     275,027   

250,000

  

Raleigh Durham Airport Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B (AMBAC), 5.000%, 5/1/14

     256,595   

  Principal  
   Amount   

            Fair Value    

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

   North Carolina — (continued)   

$    160,000

  

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 2/1/14

   $ 162,302   
     

 

 

 
        943,957   
     

 

 

 
   Ohio (0.2%)   

100,000

  

Ohio State Building Authority, State Facilities,

  
  

Administration Building Fund Project, Refunding Revenue, Series B (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 10/1/13

     100,013   
     

 

 

 
   Oklahoma (1.4%)   

500,000

  

Cleveland County Educational Facilities Authority, Moore Public Schools Project Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/14

     514,875   

250,000

  

Oklahoma County Finance Authority, Putnam City Public Schools Project Revenue, 4.000%, 3/1/14

     253,760   
     

 

 

 
        768,635   
     

 

 

 
   South Carolina (1.2%)   

465,000

  

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Libor Index, Refunding Revenue, Series D, Taxable, Callable 12/1/14 @ 100, 1.058%, 6/1/15(b)

     466,097   

100,000

  

South Carolina State Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 3.000%, 10/1/13

     100,008   

100,000

  

South Carolina State Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 10/1/13

     100,013   
     

 

 

 
        666,118   
     

 

 

 
   Texas (0.6%)   

200,000

  

Harris County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp., Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.250%, 12/1/13

     201,664   

140,000

  

Houston, TX, Airport System Refunding Revenue, Subordinate Lien, Series B (NATL), OID, 4.000%, 7/1/14

     143,837   
     

 

 

 
        345,501   
     

 

 

 
   Virginia (0.9%)   

100,000

  

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Silver Line Phase I Project , Transit Improvements Revenue, 3.000%, 4/1/14

     101,366   

200,000

  

Roanoke Economic Development Authority, Carilion Clinic Obligations Group, Hospital Improvements, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 7/1/14

     205,482   

200,000

  

Virginia Resources Authority, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, Subordinate, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/13

     200,022   
     

 

 

 
        506,870   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

57


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Washington (0.2%)   

$    115,000

  

King County Rural Library District, Public Improvements, G.O., 3.000%, 12/1/13

   $ 115,545   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $12,674,258)

     12,678,795   
     

 

 

 

    Shares    

           

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.3%)

  

716,735

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     716,735   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $716,735)

     716,735   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 103.5%
(Cost $56,149,041)

     56,053,128   
Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (3.5)%      (1,901,427
     

 

 

 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 54,151,701   
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security which is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.

(b)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Insurance Corp.

BKNT — Bank Note

G.O. — General Obligation

MTN — Medium Term Note

NATL -— National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

XLCA — XL Capital Assurance

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

58


Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES (9.6%)

  

$    595,000

  

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2011-5, Class B, 2.450%, 12/8/16

   $ 605,507   

216,033

  

Argent Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-W4, Class A2C, 0.479%, 2/25/36(a)

     214,486   

206,667

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2011-1A, Class A, 1.850%, 11/20/14(b)

     206,919   

310,000

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2011-2A, Class A, 2.370%, 11/20/14(b)

     314,427   

300,000

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2010-4A, Class A, 2.090%, 4/20/15(b)

     301,547   

1,020,000

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2012-1A, Class A, 2.054%, 8/20/16(b)

     1,036,490   

1,400,000

  

Citibank Omni Master Trust, Series 2009-A17, Class A17, 4.900%, 11/15/18(b)

     1,465,631   

552,025

  

First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-FF5, Class M1, 0.629%, 3/25/35(a)

     549,177   

400,000

  

Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2013-C, Class A3, 1.010%, 2/15/18

     401,500   

251,658

  

Mastr Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2006-NC1, Class A3, 0.369%, 1/25/36(a)

     245,378   

400,168

  

Nomura Home Equity Loan, Inc., Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-HE1, Class A3, 0.389%, 2/25/36(a)

     393,715   

157,672

  

Option One Mortgage Loan Trust, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-4, Class A3, 0.439%, 11/25/35(a)

     154,698   

480,034

  

Park Place Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-WHQ1, Class M2, 0.679%, 3/25/35(a)

     477,200   

1,000,000

  

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2012-6, Class A3, 0.620%, 7/15/16

     1,000,818   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $7,373,831)

     7,367,493   
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS (4.3%)

   

729,000

  

BCAP, LLC Trust, Series 2013-RR4, Class A4A2, 2.000%, 2/13/51(b)

     715,788   

212,359

  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-22CB, Class 1A1, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     216,621   

246,604

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2003-J7, Class 1A3, 5.250%, 8/25/33

     254,204   

413,495

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2003-66, Class PA, 3.500%, 2/25/33

     428,064   

357,109

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2012-121, Class NA, 3.000%, 11/25/42

     369,229   

312,116

  

Freddie Mac, Series 2770, Class UE, 4.500%, 3/15/19

     329,492   

198,177

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3414, Class A, 4.500%, 7/15/22

     201,082   

88,913

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3591, Class A, 4.000%, 1/15/23

     90,374   

192,194

  

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.648%, 12/18/37(a)

     198,522   

278,022

  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2003-10, Class A, 6.000%, 4/25/33

     284,724   

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)

   

$    162,310

  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-16, Class 1A1, 6.000%, 12/28/37

   $ 169,062   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $3,275,187)

     3,257,162   
     

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES (18.1%)

   

604,000

  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-3, Class A4, 5.889%, 7/10/44(a)

     662,962   

475,000

  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-4, Class A4, 5.634%, 7/10/46

     520,832   

475,000

  

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-5, Class A4, 5.414%, 9/10/47

     520,687   

549,461

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2004-3, Class A5, 5.743%, 6/10/39(a)

     556,435   

250,000

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class AJ, 5.463%, 11/10/42(a)

     264,489   

200,000

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-3, Class AM, 4.727%, 7/10/43

     207,986   

600,000

  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-2, Class AJ, 4.953%, 7/10/43(a)

     627,856   

500,000

  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-PWR9, Class A4B, 4.943%, 9/11/42

     532,268   

147,427

  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-T16, Class A6, 4.750%, 2/13/46(a)

     151,774   

475,000

  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series
2007-CD4, Class A4, 5.322%, 12/11/49

     525,087   

515,000

  

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-CD3, Class A5, 5.617%, 10/15/48

     564,827   

475,000

  

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C4, Class A3, 5.951%, 3/15/49(a)

     519,686   

396,000

  

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-GG5, Class AM, 5.277%, 4/10/37(a)

     419,633   

603,000

  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-C1, Class AJ, 5.075%, 2/15/38(a)

     624,471   

500,000

  

Extended Stay America Trust, Series 2013-ESFL, Class A2FL, 0.882%, 12/5/31(a)(b)

     497,329   

360,000

  

GE Capital Commercial Mortgage, Series
2005-C2, Class AJ, 5.061%, 5/10/43(a)

     379,003   

200,000

  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-C1, Class AM, 4.754%, 5/10/43

     208,012   

475,000

  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2006-C1, Class A4, 5.238%,
11/10/45(a)

     502,797   

420,000

  

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II, Series
2013-KYO, Class A, 1.032%, 11/8/29(a)(b)

     416,125   

700,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-FL3, Class A2, 0.882%, 4/15/28(a)(b)

     696,811   
 

 

Continued

 

59


Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

   

$    300,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-JWRZ, Class A, 0.962%, 4/15/30(a)(b)

   $ 296,948   

600,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-LDP2, Class AM, 4.780%, 7/15/42

     630,568   

427,185

  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2006-CB16, Class A4, 5.552%, 5/12/45

     468,421   

500,000

  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C3, Class A4, 5.661%, 3/15/39(a)

     543,155   

500,000

  

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series
2005-MKB2, Class AJ, 5.263%, 9/12/42(a)

     524,268   

445,311

  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2006-HQ9, Class A4, 5.731%, 7/12/44(a)

     488,840   

500,000

  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C8, Class E, 5.341%, 11/15/35(a)

     500,811   

600,000

  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-C20, Class AMFX, 5.179%, 7/15/42(a)

     637,250   

364,867

  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C27, Class A3, 5.765%, 7/15/45(a)

     393,581   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $14,174,119)

     13,882,912   
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (62.1%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (2.6%)   

205,000

  

Daimler Finance North America, LLC, 2.625%, 9/15/16(b)

     211,307   

260,000

  

Delphi Corp., 5.875%, 5/15/19

     275,925   

250,000

  

DIRECTV Holdings, LLC/DIRECTV Financing Co. Inc., 3.550%, 3/15/15

     258,879   

420,000

  

NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 3.650%, 4/30/15

     440,154   

250,000

  

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 6.875%, 12/1/13

     251,563   

525,000

  

Volkswagen International Finance NV, 1.150%, 11/20/15(b)

     527,636   
     

 

 

 
        1,965,464   
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Staples (0.7%)   

250,000

  

ConAgra Foods, Inc., 1.350%, 9/10/15

     252,035   

280,000

  

Lorillard Tobacco Co., 3.500%, 8/4/16

     293,306   
     

 

 

 
        545,341   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (7.4%)   

405,000

  

Boardwalk Pipelines LP, 5.875%, 11/15/16

     452,521   

410,000

  

BP Capital Markets PLC, 2.248%, 11/1/16

     422,015   

440,000

  

Cameron International Corp., 1.600%, 4/30/15

     443,255   

315,000

  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 3.250%, 3/15/16

     316,181   

200,000

  

CNOOC Finance 2013, Ltd., 1.125%, 5/9/16

     197,873   

250,000

  

Denbury Resources, Inc., 8.250%, 2/15/20

     274,375   

410,000

  

El Paso Natural Gas Co., LLC, 5.950%, 4/15/17

     461,399   

345,000

  

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 8.500%, 4/15/14

     358,281   

400,000

  

Hess Corp., 7.000%, 2/15/14

     408,872   

429,000

  

Petrobras International Finance Co., 2.875%, 2/6/15

     435,226   

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Energy — (continued)   

$    300,000

  

Petrohawk Energy Corp., 7.875%, 6/1/15

   $ 306,032   

265,000

  

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 7.625%, 4/1/20

     290,274   

325,000

  

Regency Energy Partners LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp., 6.875%, 12/1/18

     349,375   

250,000

  

Schlumberger Norge AS, 1.950%, 9/14/16(b)

     255,385   

350,000

  

Total Capital International SA, 0.835%, 8/10/18(a)

     351,676   

300,000

  

Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co., LLC, 6.400%, 4/15/16

     338,215   
     

 

 

 
        5,660,955   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (37.2%)   

500,000

  

ABN AMRO Bank NV, 1.375%, 1/22/16(b)

     500,050   

275,000

  

Aegon NV, 4.625%, 12/1/15

     294,757   

255,000

  

Aflac, Inc., 3.450%, 8/15/15

     267,763   

400,000

  

American Express Credit Corp., MTN, 1.750%, 6/12/15

     407,290   

410,000

  

American Honda Finance Corp., 1.000%,
8/11/15(b)

     411,850   

450,000

  

American International Group, Inc., 3.000%, 3/20/15

     463,148   

184,000

  

Associated Banc-Corp., 1.875%, 3/12/14

     184,202   

325,000

  

Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd., 5.750%, 12/1/14

     342,870   

1,000,000

  

Bank of America Corp., 5.750%, 12/1/17

     1,128,083   

500,000

  

Bank of Nova Scotia, 0.654%, 3/15/16(a)

     500,639   

480,000

  

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (The), 0.868%, 9/9/16(a)(b)

     481,950   

350,000

  

Capital One Financial Corp., 1.000%, 11/6/15

     348,237   

238,000

  

CBRE Services, Inc., 6.625%, 10/15/20

     254,065   

260,000

  

CIT Group, Inc., 4.750%, 2/15/15(b)

     269,100   

1,000,000

  

Citigroup, Inc., 1.964%, 5/15/18(a)

     1,038,260   

395,000

  

CNA Financial Corp., 6.500%, 8/15/16

     446,705   

315,000

  

Comerica Bank, BKNT, 5.750%, 11/21/16

     356,092   

500,000

  

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen- Boerenleenbank BA, 2.125%, 10/13/15

     512,233   

325,000

  

DDR Corp., REIT, 9.625%, 3/15/16

     385,474   

290,000

  

Duke Realty LP, REIT, 7.375%, 2/15/15

     313,018   

250,000

  

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., 6.150%, 10/15/15

     270,596   

250,000

  

Fifth Third Bancorp, 0.672%, 12/20/16(a)

     245,549   

550,000

  

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 7.000%, 4/15/15

     596,788   

948,000

  

General Electric Capital Corp., MTN, 5.625%, 9/15/17

     1,080,221   

130,000

  

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.750%, 5/15/16(b)

     129,675   

390,000

  

HCP, Inc., MTN, REIT, 6.300%, 9/15/16

     440,993   

325,000

  

Health Care REIT, Inc., 4.700%, 9/15/17

     353,651   

454,000

  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, REIT, 5.875%, 6/15/19

     490,187   

500,000

  

HSBC USA, Inc., 2.375%, 2/13/15

     511,223   

200,000

  

Hyundai Capital America, 1.875%, 8/9/16(b)

     200,836   

325,000

  

ING Bank NV, 2.000%, 9/25/15(b)

     329,423   

360,000

  

Jefferies Group, LLC, 5.500%, 3/15/16

     388,800   

935,000

  

JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, BKNT, 6.000%, 10/1/17

     1,069,784   

280,000

  

KeyCorp., MTN, 3.750%, 8/13/15

     294,189   

320,000

  

Kilroy Realty LP, REIT, 5.000%, 11/3/15

     343,331   

400,000

  

Kimco Realty Corp., REIT, MTN, 5.584%, 11/23/15

     436,886   

385,000

  

Loews Corp., 5.250%, 3/15/16

     423,773   
 

 

Continued

 

60


Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Financials — (continued)   

$    305,000

  

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 5.000%, 2/22/17(b)

   $ 332,633   

250,000

  

Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., BKNT, 0.558%, 3/7/16(a)

     249,108   

390,000

  

Manulife Financial Corp., 3.400%, 9/17/15

     406,343   

335,000

  

MetLife Institutional Funding II, 1.625%, 4/2/15(b)

     339,383   

880,000

  

Morgan Stanley, 4.750%, 3/22/17

     950,154   

625,000

  

PNC Bank NA, BKNT, 0.800%, 1/28/16

     622,798   

350,000

  

Principal Financial Group, Inc., 1.850%, 11/15/17

     346,979   

500,000

  

Prudential Financial, Inc., MTN, 3.000%, 5/12/16

     522,726   

330,000

  

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 5.625%, 3/15/17

     364,683   

250,000

  

Royal Bank of Canada, MTN, 2.625%, 12/15/15

     259,680   

328,000

  

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 5.000%, 10/1/14

     336,172   

325,000

  

Simon Property Group LP, REIT, 5.750%, 12/1/15

     355,595   

350,000

  

Sirius International Group, Ltd., 6.375%, 3/20/17(b)

     382,676   

400,000

  

Standard Chartered Bank, 6.400%, 9/26/17(b)

     456,052   

300,000

  

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 3.600%, 4/15/16

     316,719   

250,000

  

Tanger Properties LP, REIT, 6.150%, 11/15/15

     276,981   

375,000

  

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), MTN, 0.716%, 9/9/16(a)

     375,661   

400,000

  

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), MTN, Series 1, 0.815%, 4/30/18(a)

     400,908   

375,000

  

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 5.750%, 12/14/15

     412,447   

350,000

  

UBS AG, MTN, 5.875%, 7/15/16

     387,292   

280,000

  

Union Bank NA, BKNT, 3.000%, 6/6/16

     293,348   

500,000

  

US Bank NA, 3.778%, 4/29/20(a)

     521,175   

280,000

  

USAA Capital Corp., 1.050%, 9/30/14(b)

     281,506   

1,000,000

  

Vesey Street Investment Trust I, STEP, 4.404%, 9/1/16

     1,072,226   

800,000

  

Wachovia Corp., 5.625%, 10/15/16

     896,385   

395,000

  

WCI Finance LLC/WEA Finance LLC, 5.700%, 10/1/16(b)

     441,874   

355,000

  

WR Berkley Corp., 5.600%, 5/15/15

     375,955   
     

 

 

 
        28,489,150   
     

 

 

 
   Health Care (3.9%)   

425,000

  

AbbVie, Inc., 1.200%, 11/6/15

     426,538   

400,000

  

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 6.375%, 11/1/18

     420,000   

440,000

  

DENTSPLY International, Inc., 2.750%, 8/15/16

     453,195   

260,000

  

HCA, Inc., 8.500%, 4/15/19

     279,500   

250,000

  

Mylan, Inc., 7.875%, 7/15/20(b)

     285,267   

390,000

  

Providence Health & Services, 1.198%,
10/1/17(a)

     389,617   

250,000

  

Ventas Realty LP, 1.550%, 9/26/16

     250,335   

500,000

  

Zoetis, Inc., 1.150%, 2/1/16(b)

     502,012   
     

 

 

 
        3,006,464   
     

 

 

 
   Industrials (3.2%)   

270,000

  

Bombardier, Inc., 4.250%, 1/15/16(b)

     280,125   

300,000

  

CNH Capital, LLC, 3.875%, 11/1/15

     309,000   

350,000

  

Equifax, Inc., 4.450%, 12/1/14

     363,633   

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Industrials — (continued)   

$     445,000

  

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP/PTL Finance Corp., 3.125%, 5/11/15(b)

   $ 458,041   

350,000

  

Textron, Inc., 6.200%, 3/15/15

     373,899   

300,000

  

United Rentals North America, Inc., 10.250%, 11/15/19

     339,000   

310,000

  

Waste Management, Inc., 6.375%, 3/11/15

     333,396   
     

 

 

 
        2,457,094   
     

 

 

 
   Materials (2.8%)   

250,000

  

Anglo American Capital PLC, 9.375%,
4/8/14(b)

     260,447   

250,000

  

ArcelorMittal USA, LLC, 6.500%, 4/15/14

     255,782   

200,000

  

Barrick Gold Corp., 2.900%, 5/30/16

     202,537   

300,000

  

Ecolab, Inc., 1.000%, 8/9/15

     300,139   

350,000

  

Rio Tinto Finance USA PLC, 1.094%,
6/17/16(a)

     351,698   

450,000

  

Vale Overseas, Ltd., 6.250%, 1/11/16

     497,513   

240,000

  

Xstrata Finance Canada, Ltd., 2.050%,
10/23/15(b)

     240,653   
     

 

 

 
        2,108,769   
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services (2.5%)   

330,000

  

America Movil SAB de CV, 2.375%,
9/8/16

     335,544   

375,000

  

America Movil SAB de CV, 1.256%,
9/12/16(a)

     375,001   

300,000

  

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 4.523%,
1/15/15(b)

     311,230   

300,000

  

SBA Telecommunications, Inc., 8.250%, 8/15/19

     324,000   

220,000

  

Verizon Communications, Inc., 1.782%, 9/15/16(a)

     226,417   

300,000

  

Vodafone Group PLC, 2.875%, 3/16/16

     311,193   
     

 

 

 
        1,883,385   
     

 

 

 
   Utilities (1.8%)   

300,000

  

CMS Energy Corp., 4.250%, 9/30/15

     316,282   

250,000

  

Duke Energy Corp., 2.150%, 11/15/16

     257,135   

270,000

  

PSEG Power, LLC, 5.500%, 12/1/15

     294,662   

230,000

  

Southern California Edison Co., Series 05-A, 5.000%, 1/15/16

     251,570   

250,000

  

Southern Power Co., Series D, 4.875%, 7/15/15

     267,424   
     

 

 

 
        1,387,073   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $47,546,770)

     47,503,695   
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (0.1%)

  

   Fannie Mae (0.1%)   

72,144

  

6.500%, 4/1/16, Pool #253706

     75,656   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities

(Cost $72,346)

     75,656   
     

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (3.6%)

  

   Illinois (1.3%)   

1,000,000

  

State of Illinois, Build America Bonds, Transit Improvements G.O., 4.200%, 7/1/14

     1,019,050   
     

 

 

 
   Maine (0.3%)   

250,000

  

Maine Municipal Bond Bank, Taxable, Miscellaneous Purpose, Revenue Bonds, 1.708%, 6/1/16

     251,123   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

61


Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

   New Jersey (0.4%)   

$    320,000

  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction Refunding Revenue, Series 00, 1.059%, 3/1/16

   $ 317,894   
     

 

 

 
   South Carolina (0.7%)   

500,000

  

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Taxable Libor Index Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series D, Callable 12/1/15 @ 100, 1.283%,
6/1/16(a)

     501,330   
     

 

 

 
   Virginia (0.9%)   

115,000

  

City of Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, Taxable (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 4.200%, 3/1/14

     116,500   

100,000

  

City of Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, Taxable (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 4.200%, 3/1/14

     101,516   

230,000

  

City of Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, Taxable (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 4.550%, 3/1/15

     239,681   

200,000

  

City of Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, Taxable (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 4.550%, 3/1/15

     210,020   
     

 

 

 
        667,717   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $2,715,000)

     2,757,114   
     

 

 

 

    Shares    

           

PREFERRED STOCKS (0.9%)

  

   Financials (0.5%)   

6,925

  

Aegon NV, 7.250%

     173,541   

9,000

  

CubeSmart, Series A, REIT, 7.750%

     229,050   
     

 

 

 
        402,591   
     

 

 

 
   Utilities (0.4%)   

10,800

  

Dominion Resources, Inc., Series A, 8.375%

     281,664   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $710,539)

     684,255   
     

 

 

 

    Shares    

            Fair Value      

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.3%)

  

961,724

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

   $ 961,724   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $961,724)

     961,724   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $76,829,516)

     76,490,011   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.0%)

     (7,646
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 76,482,365   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security which is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.

BKNT — Bank Note

G.O. — General Obligation

MTN — Medium Term Note

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

62


Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

    Principal    

    Amount    

            Fair Value      

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS (6.1%)

  

$1,495,140

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2010-129, Class NA, 3.500%, 3/25/25

   $ 1,576,272   

1,336,087

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3644, Class BA, 4.500%, 2/15/29

     1,415,384   

561,742

  

Ginnie Mae, Series 1999-17, Class F, 0.482%, 5/16/29(a)

     565,738   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $3,479,599)

     3,557,394   
     

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (7.1%)

  

   Financials (7.1%)   

500,000

  

Barclays Bank PLC, 3.900%, 4/7/15

     522,195   

500,000

  

General Electric Capital Corp., MTN, 3.500%, 6/29/15

     522,955   

1,000,000

  

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 5.125%, 1/15/15

     1,051,865   

500,000

  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., GMTN, 1.100%, 10/15/15

     500,957   

1,000,000

  

MBNA Corp., 5.000%, 6/15/15

     1,062,085   

500,000

  

Morgan Stanley, 2.125%, 4/25/18

     487,324   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $4,020,286)

     4,147,381   
     

 

 

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (17.1%)

  

   Fannie Mae (10.5%)   

1,925,130

  

3.584%, 9/1/20, Pool #FN0000

     2,023,167   

308,767

  

5.500%, 1/1/33, Pool #678321

     335,956   

1,120,191

  

5.000%, 7/1/33, Pool #724965

     1,218,785   

326,162

  

6.000%, 7/1/37, Pool #938378

     357,751   

2,053,564

  

5.500%, 8/1/37, Pool #946238

     2,224,136   
     

 

 

 
        6,159,795   
     

 

 

 
   Freddie Mac (5.6%)   

3,104,741

   3.500%, 12/1/25, Pool #G14007      3,270,427   
     

 

 

 
   Ginnie Mae (1.0%)   

553,002

   5.000%, 11/20/38, Pool #4283      580,790   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $9,316,000)

     10,011,012   
     

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (3.1%)

  
   Illinois (3.1%)   

1,000,000

  

State of Illinois, Building Public Improvements Revenue, Taxable, 1.998%, 6/15/18

     997,530   

810,000

  

Village of Rosemont, IL, Corporate Purpose, Refunding G.O., Taxable, Series B (AGM), 2.389%, 12/1/17

     797,421   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $1,810,000)

     1,794,951   
     

 

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (48.1%)

  
   Fannie Mae (13.0%)   

1,550,000

  

1.125%, 4/10/28, STEP

     1,438,278   

1,150,000

  

1.000%, 4/17/28, STEP

     1,061,367   

2,000,000

  

6.250%, 5/15/29

     2,559,756   

    Principal    

    Amount    

            Fair Value      

U.S. GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES — (continued)

  
   Fannie Mae — (continued)   

$1,820,000

  

7.125%, 1/15/30

   $ 2,528,289   
     

 

 

 
        7,587,690   
     

 

 

 
   Federal Farm Credit Bank (9.7%)   

5,000,000

  

4.670%, 2/27/18

     5,686,615   
     

 

 

 
   Federal Home Loan Bank (5.0%)   

2,000,000

  

1.000%, 1/17/23, Series 0000, STEP

     1,926,066   

1,000,000

  

1.000%, 11/8/27, Series 0001, STEP

     983,242   
     

 

 

 
        2,909,308   
     

 

 

 
   Freddie Mac (18.8%)   

2,000,000

  

4.875%, 6/13/18

     2,299,458   

4,000,000

  

3.750%, 3/27/19

     4,401,684   

3,000,000

  

2.375%, 1/13/22

     2,919,888   

1,000,000

  

6.750%, 3/15/31

     1,355,451   
     

 

 

 
        10,976,481   
     

 

 

 
   Private Export Funding Corp. (1.6%)   

1,000,000

  

1.450%, 8/15/19, Series HH

     956,731   
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Government Agencies
(Cost $27,947,832)

     28,116,825   
     

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY NOTES (17.3%)

  

2,000,000

  

0.500%, 11/15/13

     2,001,094   

5,000,000

  

0.625%, 7/15/14

     5,020,705   

1,500,000

  

0.125%, 7/31/14

     1,500,351   

1,000,000

  

3.000%, 2/28/17

     1,073,438   

500,000

  

2.625%, 4/30/18

     530,508   
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Treasury Notes
(Cost $10,136,571)

     10,126,096   
     

 

 

 

    Shares    

           

MONEY MARKET FUND (0.9%)

  

557,710

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     557,710   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $557,710)

     557,710   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.7%
(Cost $57,267,998)

     58,311,369   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.3%

     159,312   
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 58,470,681   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

G.O. — General Obligation

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

MTN — Medium Term Note

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

63


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
  Amount  

            Fair Value      

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES (6.1%)

  

$1,487,038

  

Argent Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-W3, Class A2D, 0.519%, 11/25/35(a)

   $ 1,361,164   

8,272,000

  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2012-3A, Class A, 2.100%, 3/20/19(b)

     8,249,624   

1,825,000

  

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2012-A9, Class A9, 0.332%, 10/16/17(a)

     1,823,060   

6,255,000

  

Citibank Omni Master Trust, Series
2009-A14A, Class A14, 2.932%, 8/15/18(a)(b)

     6,386,005   

767,086

  

Credit-Based Asset Servicing and Securitization, LLC, Series 2005-CB5, Class AF2, STEP, 4.498%, 8/25/35

     777,649   

2,923,454

  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 0.379%, 1/25/36(a)

     2,629,793   

1,200,084

  

Park Place Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-WHQ1, Class M2, 0.679%,
3/25/35(a)

     1,192,999   

1,844,002

  

RAAC Trust, Series 2004-SP1, Class AI3, STEP, 5.618%, 3/25/34

     1,891,325   

5,967,768

  

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables, LLC Trust, Series 2005-OP2, Class A2C, 0.499%, 10/25/35(a)

     5,522,501   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $30,274,146)

     29,834,120   
     

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS (10.4%)

   

1,040,316

  

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-5, Class 4A1, 5.091%, 4/25/35(a)

     1,034,231   

1,089,978

  

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-10, Class 1CB1, 6.000%, 11/25/34

     1,130,349   

1,872,634

  

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2006-2, Class 3A1, 6.000%, 3/25/36

     1,866,864   

352,300

  

Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 1A24, 5.500%, 4/25/35

     358,513   

5,289,000

  

BCAP, LLC Trust, Series 2013-RR4, Class A4A2, 2.000%, 2/13/51(b)

     5,193,147   

552,545

  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 1A2, 5.000%, 2/25/35

     552,130   

314,406

  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-NCM2, Class 3CB2, 6.500%, 8/25/19

     336,068   

1,210,447

  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-22CB, Class 1A1, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     1,234,741   

655,451

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2002-38, Class A3, 5.000%, 2/25/18

     655,994   

120,801

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2003-28, Class A3, 4.500%, 8/25/33

     121,146   

275,648

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2003-J7, Class 1A3, 5.250%, 8/25/33

     284,143   

429,952

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A4, 5.750%, 4/25/34

     439,450   

187,912

  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2005-J4, Class A3, 5.500%, 11/25/35

     187,195   

323,118

  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-2, Class 4A1, 5.250%, 2/25/20

     325,277   

Principal
  Amount  

            Fair Value      

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)

   

$ 843,552

  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-1, Class 2A1, 6.500%, 2/25/34

   $ 900,813   

506,156

  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-6, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 7/25/35

     517,351   

847,546

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2003-33, Class A, 4.000%, 5/25/33

     874,707   

808,308

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2003-33, Class AQ, 4.000%, 5/25/33

     834,211   

3,171,335

  

Fannie Mae, Series 2011-38, Class D, 4.500%, 5/25/41

     3,497,631   

1,958,499

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3768, Class V, 4.000%, 11/15/23

     2,089,742   

1,153,964

  

Freddie Mac, Series 3632, Class PK, 5.000%, 2/15/40

     1,270,195   

5,042,196

  

Freddie Mac, Series 4077, Class PJ, 3.500%, 11/15/40

     5,341,178   

1,680,850

  

Ginnie Mae, Series 2008-51, Class PG, 5.000%, 6/20/38

     1,813,615   

1,240,463

  

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2003-5, Class 8A1, 5.500%, 6/25/33

     1,236,305   

1,123,789

  

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 1/25/35

     1,142,876   

249,848

  

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2003-4, Class 5A1, 5.500%, 5/25/33

     258,428   

138,335

  

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.250%, 11/25/35

     138,040   

601,846

  

MASTR Seasoned Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.130%, 10/25/32

     592,849   

1,848,022

  

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.648%, 12/18/37(a)

     1,908,861   

316,842

  

RAAC Trust, Series 2004-SP3, Class AI5, 4.890%, 12/25/32(a)

     320,463   

1,350,605

  

RALI Trust, Series 2005-QR1, Class A, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     1,387,686   

750,782

  

Residential Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2004-IP2, Class 4A, 2.645%, 12/25/34(a)

     739,702   

2,375,617

  

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Trust, Series 2004-AA1, Class 1A1, 5.000%, 10/25/34

     2,404,640   

1,880,756

  

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-6, Class 4A1, 2.540%, 6/25/34(a)

     1,919,637   

1,192,252

  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2003-10, Class A, 6.000%, 4/25/33

     1,220,990   

936,510

  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 5A2, 5.000%, 5/25/35

     957,794   

519,295

  

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 5A1, 5.000%, 5/25/35

     531,095   

389,524

  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-3, Class 3A1, 5.500%, 4/25/22

     401,482   

1,505,826

  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-BB, Class A2, 2.624%, 1/25/35(a)

     1,508,322   

870,240

  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-4, Class A4, 5.000%, 4/25/35

     886,294   

1,641,657

  

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR16, Class 6A3, 2.630%, 10/25/35(a)

     1,654,508   
 

 

Continued

 

64


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)

  
  $    522,962      

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-16, Class 1A1, 6.000%, 12/28/37

   $ 544,718   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $50,141,776)

     50,613,381   
     

 

 

 

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES (15.9%)

  
  5,000,000      

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-3, Class A4, 5.889%, 7/10/44(a)

     5,488,095   
  4,871,000      

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-5, Class A4, 5.414%, 9/10/47

     5,339,507   
  127,589      

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-2, Class A2, 5.634%, 4/10/49(a)

     129,089   
  2,500,000      

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class AJ, 5.463%,
11/10/42(a)

     2,644,895   
  1,560,000      

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-3, Class AM, 4.727%, 7/10/43

     1,622,292   
  1,750,000      

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-PWR9, Class A4B, 4.943%, 9/11/42

     1,862,936   
  2,000,000      

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-CD1, Class AM, 5.393%, 7/15/44(a)

     2,150,084   
  5,000,000      

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-CD4, Class A4, 5.322%, 12/11/49

     5,527,230   
  3,100,000      

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-CD3, Class A5, 5.617%, 10/15/48

     3,399,928   
  3,000,000      

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-LP5, Class AJ, 5.046%, 5/10/43(a)

     3,158,382   
  3,845,000      

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-GG5, Class AM, 5.277%, 4/10/37(a)

     4,074,470   
  600,000      

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-C5, Class AJ, 4.889%, 11/15/37(a)

     622,059   
  2,828,000      

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-C1, Class AJ, 5.075%, 2/15/38(a)

     2,928,697   
  2,000,000      

GE Capital Commercial Mortgage, Series 2005-C2, Class AJ, 5.061%, 5/10/43(a)

     2,105,574   
  3,400,000      

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-C1, Class AM, 4.754%, 5/10/43

     3,536,207   
  2,000,000      

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-LDP2, Class AM, 4.780%, 7/15/42.

     2,101,892   
  4,605,522      

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2006-CB16, Class A4, 5.552%, 5/12/45

     5,050,102   
  2,250,000      

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class B, 5.013%, 2/15/46(a)(b)

     2,405,237   
  2,500,000      

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-C1, Class A4, 5.424%, 2/15/40

     2,768,370   
  500,000      

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-MKB2, Class AJ, 5.263%, 9/12/42(a)

     524,268   
  2,390,000      

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2006-HQ8, Class AM, 5.646%, 3/12/44(a)

     2,584,861   
  1,995,000      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C8, Class E, 5.341%, 11/15/35(a)

     1,998,238   

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

 
  

  $    300,000      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C9, Class B, 5.109%, 12/15/35(a)

   $ 300,882   
  1,050,000      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-C11, Class B, 5.306%, 1/15/41(a)

     1,070,892   
  3,170,000      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-C20, Class AMFX, 5.179%, 7/15/42(a)

     3,366,806   
  790,772      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-C30, Class A3, 5.246%, 12/15/43

     793,453   
  2,134,345      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C27, Class A3, 5.765%, 7/15/45(a)

     2,302,311   
  4,995,000      

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C28, Class A4, 5.572%, 10/15/48

     5,483,851   
  2,000,000      

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class B, 5.174%, 2/15/44(a)(b)

     2,158,154   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

(Cost $77,728,434)

     77,498,762   
     

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (42.9%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (3.8%)   
  1,621,000      

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc., 9.455%,
11/15/22(c)

     2,285,164   
  1,287,000      

Delphi Corp., 5.875%, 5/15/19(c)

     1,365,829   
  1,124,000      

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 2.800%, 11/1/18(b)

     1,131,983   
  1,487,000      

Ford Motor Co., 7.450%, 7/16/31

     1,814,724   
  1,835,000      

George Washington University (The), 3.485%, 9/15/22

     1,812,415   
  905,000      

Grupo Televisa SAB, 6.000%, 5/15/18

     1,021,635   
  1,130,000      

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The), 3.750%, 2/15/23

     1,057,751   
  601,000      

NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 5.950%, 4/1/41

     678,794   
  753,000      

News America, Inc., 5.400%,
10/1/43(b)(d)

     753,894   
  636,000      

Nordstrom, Inc., 6.250%, 1/15/18

     740,161   
  791,000      

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 11.875%, 7/15/15

     927,447   
  1,575,000      

Service Corp. International, 7.000%, 5/15/19

     1,677,375   
  1,250,000      

Toll Brothers Finance Corp., 6.750%, 11/1/19

     1,381,250   
  1,050,000      

Viacom, Inc., 5.850%, 9/1/43

     1,068,921   
  862,000      

Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 5.625%, 3/1/21

     931,112   
     

 

 

 
        18,648,455   
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Staples (1.1%)   
  738,000      

Altria Group, Inc., 9.950%, 11/10/38

     1,101,672   
  1,052,000      

CVS Caremark Corp., 6.125%, 9/15/39(c)

     1,202,532   
  2,000,000      

Embotelladora Andina SA, 5.000%, 10/1/23(b)(d)

     2,005,000   
  917,000      

Lorillard Tobacco Co., 6.875%, 5/1/20

     1,054,554   
     

 

 

 
        5,363,758   
     

 

 

 
   Energy (5.7%)   
  1,140,000      

Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/1/23(b)

     1,071,600   
  1,533,000      

Boardwalk Pipelines LP, 3.375%, 2/1/23

     1,408,550   
  1,623,000      

BP Capital Markets PLC, 1.375%, 11/6/17

     1,598,454   
  1,028,000      

Buckeye Partners LP, 4.150%, 7/1/23

     1,003,171   
 

 

Continued

 

65


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Energy — (continued)   
  $1,158,000      

Cameron International Corp., 6.375%, 7/15/18

   $ 1,362,518   
  1,396,000      

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 3.250%, 3/15/16

     1,401,235   
  1,904,000      

CNOOC Finance, Ltd., 1.750%, 5/9/18

     1,840,713   
  1,203,000      

Denbury Resources, Inc., 8.250%, 2/15/20

     1,320,293   
  1,198,000      

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 9.000%, 4/15/19

     1,513,080   
  1,435,000      

Enterprise Products Operating, LLC, 5.950%, 2/1/41(c)

     1,546,541   
  1,133,000      

Hess Corp., 5.600%, 2/15/41

     1,164,802   
  1,949,000      

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.000%, 3/1/43

     1,762,580   
  856,000      

NuStar Logistics LP, 8.150%, 4/15/18(c)

     956,580   
  932,000      

Petrobras Global Finance BV, 2.000%, 5/20/16

     925,980   
  1,086,000      

Petrobras International Finance Co., 3.500%, 2/6/17(c)

     1,102,780   
  1,226,000      

Petrohawk Energy Corp., 6.250%, 6/1/19

     1,344,003   
  992,000      

Phillips 66, 5.875%, 5/1/42

     1,042,004   
  975,000      

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 6.500%, 11/15/20

     1,046,100   
  854,000      

Regency Energy Partners LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp., 6.500%, 7/15/21

     896,700   
  1,127,000      

Schlumberger Investment SA, 3.300%, 9/14/21(b)

     1,128,768   
  1,543,000      

Shell International Finance BV, 4.550%, 8/12/43

     1,520,127   
  850,000      

Western Gas Partners LP, 4.000%, 7/1/22

     824,935   
     

 

 

 
        27,781,514   
     

 

 

 
  

Financials (24.5%)

  
  586,000      

Aflac, Inc., 8.500%, 5/15/19

     757,410   
  892,000      

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., REIT, 4.600%, 4/1/22

     896,463   
  3,075,000      

American International Group, Inc., 3.800%, 3/22/17(c)

     3,270,296   
  1,279,000      

Associates Corp. of North America, 6.950%, 11/1/18

     1,519,272   
  1,147,000      

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 5.875%, 2/7/42

     1,273,493   
  1,074,000      

Bank of America Corp., Series K, 8.000%, 12/29/49(a)

     1,167,975   
  1,299,000      

Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The), STEP, 1.969%, 6/20/17

     1,310,594   
  1,938,000      

Bank of Nova Scotia, 0.654%, 3/15/16(a)

     1,940,479   
  2,573,000      

Bear Stearns Cos., LLC (The), 5.550%, 1/22/17(c)

     2,855,634   
  1,132,000      

Blackstone Holdings Finance Co., LLC, 6.625%, 8/15/19(b)

     1,332,556   
  1,300,000      

BNP Paribas SA, MTN, 3.250%, 3/3/23

     1,217,544   
  1,055,000      

Carlyle Holdings Finance, LLC, 3.875%, 2/1/23(b)

     1,031,326   
  1,772,000      

CBRE Services, Inc., 6.625%, 10/15/20

     1,891,610   
  1,455,000      

CIT Group, Inc., 4.750%, 2/15/15(b)

     1,505,925   
  960,000      

Citigroup, Inc., 5.875%, 1/30/42

     1,067,375   
  1,365,000      

CNA Financial Corp., 7.350%, 11/15/19

     1,661,306   
  1,376,000      

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen- Boerenleenbank BA, 3.950%, 11/9/22

     1,320,224   
  1,378,000      

Corrections Corp. of America, REIT, 4.125%, 4/1/20(b)

     1,305,655   
  1,474,000      

CubeSmart LP, REIT, 4.800%, 7/15/22

     1,532,858   
  1,308,000      

Duke Realty LP, REIT, 7.375%, 2/15/15

     1,411,820   
  1,381,000      

Fifth Third Bancorp, 3.625%, 1/25/16

     1,456,967   
  664,000      

First American Financial Corp., 4.300%, 2/1/23

     642,685   

  Principal  

   Amount   

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

   Financials — (continued)   
  $1,338,000      

General Electric Capital Corp., GMTN, 6.875%, 1/10/39(c)

     $1,639,783   
  3,499,000      

General Electric Capital Corp., Series B, 6.250%, 12/29/49(a)(c)

     3,533,990   
  1,624,000      

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.750%, 5/15/16(b)

     1,619,940   
  1,327,000      

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 6.250%, 2/1/41

     1,486,663   
  1,025,000      

Goodman Funding Pty, Ltd., REIT, 6.375%, 11/12/20(b)

     1,135,514   
  1,393,000      

HCP, Inc., REIT, 6.000%, 1/30/17

     1,566,565   
  2,107,000      

Health Care REIT, Inc., 4.125%, 4/1/19(c)

     2,219,181   
  1,300,000      

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc., REIT, 3.750%, 4/15/23

     1,209,064   
  1,676,000      

Healthcare Trust of America Holdings LP, REIT, 3.700%, 4/15/23(b)

     1,570,824   
  972,000      

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, REIT, Series D, 3.750%, 10/15/23

     899,728   
  2,500,000      

HSBC Finance Corp., 0.690%, 6/1/16(a)

     2,490,953   
  2,513,000      

HSBC Finance Corp., 6.676%, 1/15/21

     2,869,740   
  1,601,000      

ING Bank NV, 4.000%, 3/15/16(b)(c)

     1,690,576   
  1,596,000      

ING US, Inc., 2.900%, 2/15/18

     1,602,512   
  739,000      

ING US, Inc., 5.700%, 7/15/43(b)

     733,508   
  1,061,000      

Invesco Finance PLC, 3.125%, 11/30/22

     985,160   
  1,036,000      

Jefferies Group, LLC, 8.500%, 7/15/19(c)

     1,254,427   
  1,376,000      

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., 4.400%, 11/15/22

     1,347,887   
  570,000      

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 5.600%, 7/15/41

     614,540   
  742,000      

Kimco Realty Corp., REIT, MTN, 5.783%, 3/15/16

     818,100   
  1,390,000      

Lexington Realty Trust, REIT, 4.250%, 6/15/23(b)

     1,345,079   
  983,000      

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 6.500%, 5/1/42(b)

     1,060,793   
  980,000      

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 5.000%, 2/22/17(b)

     1,068,788   
  952,000      

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 6.625%,
4/7/21(b)(c)

     1,037,966   
  1,120,000      

Markel Corp., 7.125%, 9/30/19

     1,338,429   
  946,000      

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., 8.875%, 6/1/39(b)

     1,369,792   
  2,835,000      

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., MTN, 6.875%, 4/25/18

     3,341,062   
  4,026,000      

Morgan Stanley, 5.375%, 10/15/15

     4,329,291   
  3,486,000      

Morgan Stanley, GMTN, 6.625%,
4/1/18(c)

     4,047,096   
  5,502,000      

Murray Street Investment Trust I, STEP, 4.647%, 3/9/17(c)

     5,867,861   
  1,120,000      

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., 4.750%, 4/30/43(a)

     1,036,000   
  762,000      

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., 9.375%, 8/15/39(b)

     1,050,126   
  855,000      

OneBeacon US Holdings, Inc., 4.600%, 11/9/22

     846,187   
  1,187,000      

Pacific LifeCorp, 5.125%, 1/30/43(b)

     1,094,645   
  500,000      

PNC Bank NA, BKNT, 4.875%, 9/21/17

     554,762   
  1,007,000      

PNC Bank NA, BKNT, 6.000%,
12/7/17(c)

     1,165,903   
  1,305,000      

Prudential Financial, Inc., 8.875%,
6/15/38(a)(c)

     1,579,050   
  1,200,000      

Prudential Holdings, LLC, 8.695%, 12/18/23(b).

     1,508,388   
  1,065,000      

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 5.625%, 3/15/17

     1,176,933   
  1,340,000      

Royal Bank of Canada, GMTN, 2.200%, 7/27/18

     1,344,279   
  1,096,000      

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 5.000%, 10/1/14

     1,123,308   
 

 

Continued

 

66


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
    Amount    

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Financials — (continued)

  
$ 960,000      

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (The), 5.625%, 8/24/20

   $ 1,059,970   
  1,473,000      

Simon Property Group LP, REIT, 10.350%, 4/1/19(c)

     2,003,483   
  1,014,000      

Sirius International Group, Ltd., 6.375%, 3/20/17(b)

     1,108,667   
  1,350,000      

Standard Chartered Bank, 6.400%, 9/26/17(b)

     1,539,175   
  1,245,000      

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 3.500%, 1/20/17

     1,316,556   
  2,545,000      

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), MTN, 0.716%,
9/9/16(a)

     2,549,489   
  927,000      

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 8.000%, 11/30/39

     1,138,453   
  805,000      

Validus Holdings, Ltd., 8.875%, 1/26/40

     1,005,662   
  1,603,000      

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., REIT, 2.000%, 2/15/18

     1,570,696   
  2,109,000      

Wachovia Bank NA, MTN, 5.600%, 3/15/16(c)

     2,329,458   
  1,225,000      

Wachovia Corp., 5.500%, 8/1/35

     1,260,878   
  1,190,000      

Wells Fargo Bank NA, 0.473%, 5/16/16(a)

     1,177,380   
     

 

 

 
        119,003,727   
     

 

 

 
  

Health Care (1.9%)

  
  1,136,000      

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 6.625%, 11/1/20

     1,207,000   
  1,190,000      

DENTSPLY International, Inc., 2.750%, 8/15/16(c)

     1,225,686   
  1,554,000      

Edwards Lifesciences Corp., 2.875%, 10/15/18(d)

     1,547,882   
  766,000      

Fresenius US Finance II, Inc., 9.000%, 7/15/15(b)

     850,260   
  716,000      

HCA, Inc., 8.500%, 4/15/19

     769,700   
  814,000      

Mylan, Inc., 7.875%,
7/15/20(b)

     928,829   
  1,340,000      

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, 6.500%, 7/15/16(b)

     1,386,900   
  1,114,000      

Ventas Realty LP, 5.700%, 9/30/43

     1,126,430   
     

 

 

 
        9,042,687   
     

 

 

 
  

Industrials (2.0%)

  
  1,101,000      

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, 4.950%, 9/15/41

     1,073,004   
  1,205,000      

CNH Capital, LLC, 3.875%, 11/1/15

     1,241,150   
  389,000      

Ingersoll-Rand Global Holding Co., Ltd., 2.875%,
1/15/19(b)

     387,762   
  942,500      

Nielsen Finance, LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., 4.500%, 10/1/20

     907,156   
  1,335,000      

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP/PTL Finance Corp., 3.125%, 5/11/15(b)

     1,374,124   
  1,298,000      

Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.350%, 2/26/19

     1,268,299   
  925,000      

Textron, Inc., 4.625%,
9/21/16(c)

     998,097   
  976,000      

United Rentals North America, Inc., 10.250%, 11/15/19

     1,102,880   
  1,060,000      

Verisk Analytics, Inc., 5.800%, 5/1/21(c)

     1,171,436   
     

 

 

 
        9,523,908   
     

 

 

 
  

Information Technology (0.2%)

  

  1,214,000      

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., 1.750%, 4/10/17(b)

     1,211,572   
     

 

 

 
  

Materials (1.1%)

  
  2,783,000      

BHP Billiton Finance USA, Ltd., 0.498%,
9/30/16(a)(d)

     2,784,667   
  650,000      

Glencore Funding, LLC, 2.500%, 1/15/19(b)

     609,293   
  738,000      

Rock Tenn Co., 4.900%, 3/1/22

     762,776   

Principal
    Amount    

              Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Materials — (continued)

  
  $1,200,000      

Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., 4.625%, 10/15/20

   $ 1,206,000   
     

 

 

 
        5,362,736   
     

 

 

 
  

Telecommunication Services (1.5%)

  

  1,555,000      

America Movil SAB de CV, 1.256%, 9/12/16(a)

     1,555,005   
  681,000      

British Telecommunications PLC, 9.625%, 12/15/30

     1,008,417   
  1,185,000      

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 6.113%, 1/15/20(b)

     1,340,310   
  890,000      

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 5.134%, 4/27/20(c)

     911,212   
  2,226,000      

Verizon Communications, Inc., 6.550%, 9/15/43

     2,513,014   
     

 

 

 
        7,327,958   
     

 

 

 
  

Utilities (1.1%)

  
  1,088,000      

CMS Energy Corp., 8.750%, 6/15/19

     1,397,667   
  1,004,000      

Progress Energy, Inc., 3.150%, 4/1/22

     960,012   
  550,000      

PSEG Power, LLC, 5.500%, 12/1/15

     600,238   
  471,000      

PSEG Power, LLC, 2.750%, 9/15/16

     489,674   
  1,847,000      

Puget Energy, Inc., 5.625%, 7/15/22

     1,959,626   
     

 

 

 
        5,407,217   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $208,531,844)

     208,673,532   
     

 

 

 

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (11.5%)

  

  

Fannie Mae (7.5%)

  
  10      

6.000%, 10/1/13, Pool #252061

     10   
  55,504      

5.000%, 8/1/20, Pool #832058

     58,955   
  177,612      

6.000%, 7/1/22, Pool #944967

     194,840   
  231,141      

5.000%, 9/1/25, Pool #255892

     251,238   
  8,230,000      

3.000%, 10/15/28(d)

     8,520,622   
  1,863,787      

4.000%, 2/1/32, Pool #MA0977

     2,007,085   
  199,785      

6.500%, 1/1/35, Pool #809198

     220,807   
  82,182      

6.000%, 4/1/35, Pool #735503

     90,943   
  62,160      

7.000%, 6/1/35, Pool #255820

     70,948   
  151,354      

7.000%, 6/1/35, Pool #830686

     172,336   
  301,563      

6.500%, 3/1/36, Pool #866062

     333,780   
  205,856      

6.500%, 7/1/36, Pool #885493

     231,810   
  2,823,472      

5.500%, 8/1/37, Pool #995082

     3,075,142   
  1,123,785      

5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #AD4927

     1,225,271   
  724,890      

5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #AD8718

     788,011   
  3,111,996      

4.500%, 12/1/40, Pool #AH1100

     3,327,790   
  2,498,411      

4.500%, 5/1/41, Pool #AI1023

     2,671,272   
  3,318,213      

4.000%, 9/1/41, Pool #AI3940

     3,481,585   
  3,441,338      

4.000%, 1/1/42, Pool #MA0956

     3,611,748   
  5,983,000      

3.500%, 10/15/43(d)

     6,090,507   
     

 

 

 
        36,424,700   
     

 

 

 
  

Freddie Mac (3.2%)

  
  329,864      

5.500%, 10/1/21, Pool #G12425

     356,677   
  284,743      

5.000%, 12/1/21, Pool #J04025

     301,689   
  376,892      

5.000%, 7/1/25, Pool #C90908

     411,204   
  555,621      

4.000%, 11/1/31, Pool #C91410

     586,192   
  2,068,369      

3.500%, 4/1/32, Pool #C91437

     2,145,297   
  3,263,051      

3.500%, 7/1/32, Pool #C91467

     3,401,808   
  65,930      

6.000%, 7/1/35, Pool #A36304

     71,752   
  327,897      

5.000%, 3/1/36, Pool #G08115

     352,798   
  120,315      

6.500%, 5/1/36, Pool #A48509

     133,148   
  99,565      

5.000%, 7/1/36, Pool #G02291

     107,287   
  1,069,088      

6.500%, 9/1/36, Pool #G08152

     1,182,590   
  710,748      

5.000%, 2/1/37, Pool #A57714

     764,725   
 

 

Continued

 

67


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

  

   Freddie Mac — (continued)   

$    338,631

  

4.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #A89346

   $ 360,326   

1,259,526

  

5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #C03479

     1,359,765   

971,762

  

3.794%, 7/1/40, Pool #1B4948(a)

     1,018,907   

2,896,273

  

5.000%, 7/1/40, Pool #A93070

     3,128,676   
     

 

 

 
        15,682,841   
     

 

 

 
   Ginnie Mae (0.8%)   

752,479

  

5.000%, 2/15/40, Pool #737037

     821,487   

2,829,780

  

4.500%, 9/20/40, Pool #4801

     3,069,561   
     

 

 

 
        3,891,048   
     

 

 

 
   Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $55,017,643)
     55,998,589   
     

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (8.0%)

  
   California (1.2%)   

3,700,000

  

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Build America Bonds, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 6.538%, 7/1/39

     4,066,337   

1,285,000

  

State of California, Build America Bonds, School Improvements G.O., 7.625%, 3/1/40

     1,680,420   
     

 

 

 
        5,746,757   
     

 

 

 
   Colorado (0.4%)   

1,810,000

  

Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, Unemployment/Welfare Funding Revenue, Taxable, Series B, 1.600%, 5/15/16

     1,820,969   
     

 

 

 
   Connecticut (0.6%)   

3,000,000

  

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Build America Bonds, Transition Infrastructure,
Series B, 4.126%, 11/1/20

     3,151,500   
     

 

 

 
   Florida (0.9%)   

2,135,000

  

Brevard County School District, Refunding Certificates of Participation, Taxable, Series B, 1.981%, 7/1/18

     2,062,282   

2,500,000

  

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Airport Facilities Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series D, 3.733%, 10/1/20

     2,500,300   
     

 

 

 
        4,562,582   
     

 

 

 
   Georgia (0.4%)   

1,840,000

  

Rockdale County Water & Sewerage Authority, Refunding Revenue, Taxable (County GTD), 2.860%, 7/1/23

     1,741,707   
     

 

 

 
   Illinois (0.9%)   

4,500,000

  

State of Illinois, Building Public Improvements Revenue, Taxable, 3.081%, 6/15/23

     4,239,180   
     

 

 

 
   New Jersey (0.3%)   

1,305,000

  

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction, Refunding Revenue, Series 00, 1.648%, 3/1/18

     1,267,977   
     

 

 

 
   New York (1.4%)   

750,000

  

New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., State Revolving Funds, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 2.445%, 6/15/20

     713,467   

900,000

  

New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., State Revolving Funds, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 2.745%, 6/15/22

     840,960   

  Principal  

   Amount   

            Fair Value      

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

   New York — (continued)   

$    2,900,000

  

New York, NY, Build America Bonds, Public Improvements G.O., 4.774%, 3/1/20

   $ 3,210,793   

1,640,000

  

New York, NY, Build America Bonds, Public Improvements G.O., 4.874%, 3/1/21

     1,820,006   
     

 

 

 
        6,585,226   
     

 

 

 
   North Carolina (0.9%)   

4,500,000

  

North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 2.440%, 1/1/17

     4,431,915   
     

 

 

 
   Pennsylvania (0.4%)   

2,260,000

  

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, 3.664%, 4/15/22

     2,113,416   
     

 

 

 
   Washington (0.3%)   

1,680,000

  

Port of Vancouver, WA, Refunding G.O., Limited Tax, Taxable,
Series B, 2.714%, 12/1/21

     1,575,403   
     

 

 

 
   Wisconsin (0.3%)   

1,640,000

  

Milwaukee County, WI, Pension Promissory Notes, Refunding G.O., Taxable, Callable 12/1/22 @ 100, 3.862%, 12/1/30

     1,504,634   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $38,953,902)

     38,741,266   
     

 

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (4.8%)

  
   Fannie Mae (4.8%)   

16,815,000

  

7.125%, 1/15/30

     23,358,894   
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Government Agencies
(Cost $23,642,248)

     23,358,894   
     

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY BONDS (1.0%)

  

5,606,000

  

3.125%, 2/15/43

     5,022,628   
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Treasury Bonds
(Cost $4,959,852)

     5,022,628   
     

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY NOTES (0.1%)

  

736,000

  

1.875%, 6/30/20

     732,608   
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Treasury Notes
(Cost $723,410)

     732,608   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

68


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

    Shares    

              Fair Value      

 

PREFERRED STOCKS (1.9%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (0.0%)   
  5,522      

PulteGroup, Inc., 7.375%

   $ 137,940   
     

 

 

 
   Financials (1.5%)   
  48,595      

Aegon NV, 7.250%

     1,217,791   
  61,601      

Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875%

     1,692,179   
  52,505      

Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V, Series F, 7.280%

     1,316,825   
  35,765      

National Retail Properties, Inc., REIT, Series D, 6.625%

     820,807   
  77,135      

US Bancorp, Series F, 6.500%

     2,004,739   
     

 

 

 
        7,052,341   
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services (0.1%)   
  28,000      

Qwest Corp., 7.000%

     672,840   
     

 

 

 
   Utilities (0.3%)   
  45,650      

Dominion Resources, Inc., Series A, 8.375%

     1,190,552   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $9,257,946)

     9,053,673   
     

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (0.1%)

  
  290,798      

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     290,798   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $290,798)

     290,798   
     

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 102.7%
(Cost $499,521,999)

     499,818,251   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (2.7)%

     (13,092,825
     

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 486,725,426   
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security which is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.

(c)

Represents that all or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral for securities purchased on a when-issued basis.

(d)

Represents securities purchased on a when-issued basis. At September 30, 2013, total cost of investments purchased on a when-issued basis was $21,335,243.

BKNT — Bank Note

G.O. — General Obligation

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

GTD — Guaranteed

MTN — Medium Term Note

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

69


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Principal

    Amount    

             Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS (94.7%)

  
 

Consumer Discretionary (8.7%)

  

$ 465,000     

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc., 9.455%, 11/15/22(a)

   $ 655,522   
  641,000     

Delphi Corp., 5.875%, 5/15/19

     680,261   
  480,000     

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 2.800%, 11/1/18(b) .

     483,409   
  612,000     

Ford Motor Co., 7.450%, 7/16/31

     746,880   
  425,000     

Grupo Televisa SAB, 6.000%, 5/15/18

     479,774   
  545,000     

Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The), 3.750%, 2/15/23

     510,154   
  455,000     

NBCUniversal Media, LLC, 5.950%, 4/1/41

     513,896   
  325,000     

News America, Inc., 5.400%, 10/1/43(b)(c)

     325,386   
  375,000     

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 11.875%, 7/15/15

     439,687   
  850,000     

Service Corp. International, 7.000%, 5/15/19

     905,250   
  560,000     

Toll Brothers Finance Corp., 6.750%, 11/1/19

     618,800   
  475,000     

Viacom, Inc., 5.850%, 9/1/43

     483,559   
  648,000     

Wyndham Worldwide Corp., 2.950%, 3/1/17

     664,991   
    

 

 

 
       7,507,569   
    

 

 

 
 

Consumer Staples (2.0%)

  
  290,000     

Altria Group, Inc., 9.950%, 11/10/38

     432,906   
  825,000     

Embotelladora Andina SA, 5.000%, 10/1/23(b)(c)

     827,063   
  405,000     

Lorillard Tobacco Co., 6.875%, 5/1/20

     465,752   
    

 

 

 
       1,725,721   
    

 

 

 
 

Energy (15.8%)

  
  500,000     

Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline Finance Corp., 5.875%, 8/1/23(b)

     470,000   
  720,000     

Boardwalk Pipelines LP, 3.375%, 2/1/23

     661,550   
  479,000     

BP Capital Markets PLC, 1.375%, 11/6/17

     471,756   
  610,000     

Buckeye Partners LP, 4.875%, 2/1/21

     633,085   
  585,000     

Cameron International Corp., 6.375%, 7/15/18

     688,319   
  590,000     

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 3.250%, 3/15/16

     592,213   
  585,000     

CNOOC Finance, Ltd., 1.750%, 5/9/18

     565,555   
  692,000     

Denbury Resources, Inc., 8.250%, 2/15/20

     759,470   
  596,000     

Energy Transfer Partners LP, 9.000%, 4/15/19

     752,751   
  600,000     

Enterprise Products Operating, LLC, 6.450%, 9/1/40

     688,639   
  450,000     

Hess Corp., 5.600%, 2/15/41

     462,631   
  660,000     

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 5.000%, 3/1/43

     596,872   
  488,000     

NuStar Logistics LP, 4.750%, 2/1/22

     431,880   
  487,000     

Petrobras International Finance Co., 3.500%, 2/6/17

     494,525   
  665,000     

Petrohawk Energy Corp., 7.250%, 8/15/18

     721,525   
  425,000     

Phillips 66, 5.875%, 5/1/42

     446,423   
  550,000     

Pioneer Natural Resources Co., 6.650%, 3/15/17

     634,054   
  330,000     

Plains All American Pipeline LP/PAA Finance Corp., 8.750%, 5/1/19

     422,680   
  508,000     

Plains Exploration & Production Co., 6.500%, 11/15/20

     545,045   
  410,000     

Regency Energy Partners LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp., 6.500%, 7/15/21

     430,500   
  441,000     

Schlumberger Investment SA, 3.300%, 9/14/21(b)

     441,692   
  580,000     

Shell International Finance BV, 4.550%, 8/12/43

     571,402   
  480,000     

Spectra Energy Capital, LLC, 8.000%, 10/1/19 .

     583,732   
  485,000     

Western Gas Partners LP, 4.000%, 7/1/22

     470,698   
    

 

 

 
       13,536,997   
    

 

 

 

Principal

    Amount    

             Fair Value      

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
 

Financials (50.5%)

  
$ 395,000     

Aflac, Inc., 8.500%, 5/15/19

   $ 510,541   
  352,000     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., REIT, 4.600%, 4/1/22

     353,761   
  1,240,000     

American International Group, Inc., 3.800%, 3/22/17

     1,318,754   
  560,000     

Associates Corp. of North America, 6.950%, 11/1/18

     665,201   
  555,000     

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 5.875%, 2/7/42

     616,206   
  190,000     

Bank of America Corp., Series K, 8.000%, 12/29/49(d)

     206,625   
  710,000     

Bear Stearns Cos., LLC (The), 5.550%, 1/22/17 .

     787,991   
  500,000     

Blackstone Holdings Finance Co., LLC, 6.625%,
8/15/19(b)

     588,585   
  530,000     

BNP Paribas SA, MTN, 3.250%, 3/3/23

     496,383   
  450,000     

Carlyle Holdings Finance, LLC, 3.875%, 2/1/23(b)

     439,902   
  335,000     

CBRE Services, Inc., 6.625%, 10/15/20

     357,613   
  565,000     

CIT Group, Inc., 4.750%, 2/15/15(b)

     584,775   
  235,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 6.875%, 3/5/38

     290,512   
  700,000     

CNA Financial Corp., 7.350%, 11/15/19(a)

     851,952   
  500,000     

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen- Boerenleenbank BA, 3.950%, 11/9/22

     479,733   
  478,000     

Corrections Corp. of America, REIT, 4.125%, 4/1/20(b)

     452,905   
  687,000     

CubeSmart LP, REIT, 4.800%, 7/15/22

     714,433   
  355,000     

DDR Corp., REIT, 9.625%, 3/15/16

     421,056   
  635,000     

Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., 6.150%, 10/15/15

     687,314   
  355,000     

First American Financial Corp., 4.300%, 2/1/23 .

     343,604   
  755,000     

General Electric Capital Corp., GMTN, 6.875%, 1/10/39

     925,289   
  1,000,000     

General Electric Capital Corp., Series B, 6.250%,
12/29/49(d)

     1,010,000   
  485,000     

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.750%, 5/15/16(b)

     483,787   
  506,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 6.250%, 2/1/41

     566,881   
  550,000     

Goodman Funding Pty, Ltd., REIT, 6.375%, 11/12/20(b)

     609,300   
  598,000     

HCP, Inc., REIT, 6.000%, 1/30/17

     672,510   
  845,000     

Health Care REIT, Inc., 4.125%, 4/1/19

     889,989   
  609,000     

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc., REIT, 3.750%, 4/15/23

     566,400   
  679,000     

Healthcare Trust of America Holdings LP, REIT, 3.700%, 4/15/23(b)

     636,390   
  408,000     

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, REIT, Series D, 3.750%, 10/15/23

     377,664   
  892,000     

HSBC Finance Corp., 6.676%, 1/15/21

     1,018,626   
  500,000     

ING Bank NV, 4.000%,
3/15/16(b)

     527,975   
  930,000     

ING US, Inc., 2.900%, 2/15/18

     933,794   
  425,000     

ING US, Inc., 5.700%,
7/15/43(b)

     421,842   
  485,000     

Invesco Finance PLC, 3.125%, 11/30/22

     450,332   
  470,000     

Jefferies Group, LLC, 8.500%, 7/15/19

     569,093   
  308,000     

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., 4.400%, 11/15/22

     301,707   
  295,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 5.600%, 7/15/41

     318,051   
  500,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Series 1, 7.900%, 4/29/49(d)

     542,500   
  570,000     

Lexington Realty Trust, REIT, 4.250%, 6/15/23(b)

     551,579   
  415,000     

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 6.500%, 5/1/42(b)

     447,842   
  410,000     

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 5.000%, 2/22/17(b)

     447,146   
 

 

Continued

 

70


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

 

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

  Principal  
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

  Financials — (continued)  
$ 595,000     

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 6.625%, 4/7/21(a)(b)

  $ 648,729   
  450,000     

Markel Corp., 7.125%, 9/30/19

    537,762   
  380,000     

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., 8.875%, 6/1/39(b)

    550,234   
  1,290,000     

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., MTN, 6.875%, 4/25/18

    1,520,271   
  595,000     

Morgan Stanley, 5.375%, 10/15/15

    639,823   
  1,672,000     

Morgan Stanley, GMTN, 6.625%, 4/1/18

    1,941,120   
  1,814,000     

Murray Street Investment Trust I, STEP, 4.647%, 3/9/17(a)

    1,934,624   
  525,000     

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., 4.750%, 4/30/43(d)

    485,625   
  385,000     

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., 9.375%, 8/15/39(b)

    530,575   
  385,000     

OneBeacon US Holdings, Inc., 4.600%, 11/9/22

    381,031   
  610,000     

Pacific LifeCorp, 5.125%, 1/30/43(b)

    562,539   
  850,000     

PNC Bank NA, BKNT, 4.875%, 9/21/17

    943,095   
  290,000     

Prudential Financial, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/38(d)

    350,900   
  380,000     

Prudential Holdings, LLC, 8.695%,
12/18/23(b)

    477,656   
  583,000     

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 5.000%, 6/1/21(a)

    624,003   
  470,000     

Royal Bank of Canada, GMTN, 2.200%, 7/27/18

    471,501   
  445,000     

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (The), 5.625%, 8/24/20

    491,340   
  460,000     

Simon Property Group LP, REIT, 10.350%, 4/1/19

    625,663   
  467,000     

Sirius International Group, Ltd., 6.375%, 3/20/17(b)

    510,599   
  520,000     

Standard Chartered Bank, 6.400%, 9/26/17(b)

    592,868   
  400,000     

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 3.500%, 1/20/17

    422,990   
  363,000     

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 8.000%, 11/30/39

    445,802   
  625,000     

UBS AG, MTN, 5.875%, 7/15/16

    691,593   
  333,000     

Validus Holdings, Ltd., 8.875%, 1/26/40

    416,007   
  606,000     

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., REIT, 2.000%, 2/15/18

    593,788   
  405,000     

Wachovia Corp., 5.625%, 10/15/16

    453,795   
  536,000     

Wachovia Corp., 5.500%, 8/1/35

    551,698   
  495,000     

WEA Finance, LLC, 4.625%, 5/10/21(b)

    522,157   
   

 

 

 
      43,354,331   
   

 

 

 
  Health Care (4.5%)  
  453,000     

DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc., 6.625%, 11/1/20

    481,313   
  485,000     

DENTSPLY International, Inc., 2.750%, 8/15/16

    499,544   
  600,000     

Edwards Lifesciences Corp., 2.875%,
10/15/18(c)

    597,638   
  310,000     

Fresenius US Finance II, Inc., 9.000%,
7/15/15(b)

    344,100   
  445,000     

HCA, Inc., 8.500%, 4/15/19

    478,375   
  380,000     

Mylan, Inc., 7.875%, 7/15/20(b)

    433,605   
  624,000     

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, 6.500%, 7/15/16(b)

    645,840   
  420,000     

Ventas Realty LP, 5.700%, 9/30/43

    424,686   
   

 

 

 
      3,905,101   
   

 

 

 
  Industrials (5.3%)  
  695,000     

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, 5.150%, 9/1/43

    698,952   
  Principal  
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  

  Industrials — (continued)  
$ 500,000     

CNH Capital, LLC, 3.875%, 11/1/15

  $ 515,000   
  486,000     

Nielsen Finance, LLC/Nielsen Finance Co., 4.500%, 10/1/20

    467,775   
  600,000     

Norfolk Southern Corp., 4.800%, 8/15/43

    583,092   
  668,000     

Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.350%, 2/26/19

    652,715   
  485,000     

Textron, Inc., 4.625%, 9/21/16

    523,327   
  514,000     

United Rentals North America, Inc., 10.250%, 11/15/19

    580,820   
  445,000     

Verisk Analytics, Inc., 5.800%, 5/1/21

    491,782   
   

 

 

 
      4,513,463   
   

 

 

 
  Materials (2.7%)  
  368,000     

Glencore Funding, LLC, 2.500%, 1/15/19(b)

    344,954   
  485,000     

Rio Tinto Finance USA PLC, 1.094%, 6/17/16(d)

    487,353   
  489,000     

Rock Tenn Co., 4.900%, 3/1/22

    505,417   
  429,000     

Rockwood Specialties Group, Inc., 4.625%, 10/15/20

    431,145   
  500,000     

Vale Overseas, Ltd., 6.250%, 1/23/17

    560,469   
   

 

 

 
      2,329,338   
   

 

 

 
  Telecommunication Services (2.9%)  
  350,000     

British Telecommunications PLC, 9.625%, 12/15/30(a)

    518,276   
  450,000     

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 6.113%, 1/15/20(b)

    508,978   
  475,000     

Telefonica Emisiones SAU, 3.992%, 2/16/16(a)

    492,041   
  856,000     

Verizon Communications, Inc., 6.550%, 9/15/43

    966,370   
   

 

 

 
      2,485,665   
   

 

 

 
  Utilities (2.3%)  
  463,000     

CMS Energy Corp., 8.750%, 6/15/19

    594,779   
  495,000     

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, 6.100%, 6/1/37

    570,620   
  732,000     

Puget Energy, Inc., 5.625%, 7/15/22

    776,636   
   

 

 

 
      1,942,035   
   

 

 

 
 

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $81,377,086)

    81,300,220   
   

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

71


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

  Shares              Fair Value    

 

PREFERRED STOCKS (4.5%)

  

   Consumer Discretionary (0.1%)  
  2,841      

PulteGroup, Inc., 7.375%

  $ 70,968   
    

 

 

 
   Financials (3.2%)  
  18,071      

Aegon NV, 7.250%

    452,859   
  26,500      

Citigroup Capital XIII, 7.875%

    727,955   
  23,759      

Merrill Lynch Preferred Capital Trust V, Series F, 7.280%

    595,876   
  16,858      

National Retail Properties, Inc., REIT, Series D, 6.625%

    386,891   
  22,025      

US Bancorp, Series F, 6.500%

    572,430   
    

 

 

 
       2,736,011   
    

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services (0.6%)  
  7,920      

Qwest Corp., 7.000%

    190,318   
  12,825      

Qwest Corp., 7.375%

    321,138   
    

 

 

 
       511,456   
    

 

 

 
   Utilities (0.6%)  
  20,050      

Dominion Resources, Inc., Series A, 8.375%

    522,904   
    

 

 

 
  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $3,976,462)

    3,841,339   
    

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (0.1%)

  

  67,707      

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

    67,707   
    

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $67,707)

    67,707   
    

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.3%
(Cost $85,421,255)

    85,209,266   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.7%

    574,926   
    

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 85,784,192   
    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents that all or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral for securities purchased on a when-issued basis.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security which is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.

(c)

Represents securities purchased on a when-issued basis. At September 30, 2013, total cost of investments purchased on a when-issued basis was $1,744,047.

(d)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

BKNT — Bank Note

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

MTN — Medium Term Note

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

72


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount

         Fair Value    

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES (10.1%)

  

$   467,355  

Argent Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-W3, Class A2D, 0.519%, 11/25/35(a)

   $ 427,794   
1,182,000  

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2012-3A, Class A, 2.100%, 3/20/19(b)

     1,178,803   
650,000  

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2012-A7, Class A7, 2.160%, 9/16/24

     596,879   
1,300,000  

Hertz Vehicle Financing, LLC, Series 2013-1A, Class A2,
1.830%, 8/25/19(b)

     1,270,910   
753,468  

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 0.379%, 1/25/36(a)

     677,782   
305,746  

Nomura Home Equity Loan, Inc., Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2006-HE1, Class A3, 0.389%, 2/25/36(a)

     300,816   
847,118  

Park Place Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-WHQ1, Class M2, 0.679%, 3/25/35(a)

     842,117   
652,657  

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables, LLC Trust, Series 2005-OP2, Class A2C, 0.499%, 10/25/35(a)

     603,961   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $5,993,090)

     5,899,062   
    

 

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS (20.0%)

   

276,070  

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-10, Class 1CB1, 6.000%, 11/25/34

     286,295   
62,353  

Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 2A1, 5.000%, 3/25/20

     62,511   
234,866  

Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 1A24, 5.500%, 4/25/35

     239,009   
516,000  

BCAP, LLC Trust, Series 2013-RR4, Class A4A2, 2.000%, 2/13/51(b)

     506,649   
200,926  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 1A2, 5.000%, 2/25/35

     200,775   
261,782  

Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 1A4, 5.500%, 2/25/35

     270,560   
313,620  

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-NCM2, Class 3CB2, 6.500%, 8/25/19

     335,227   
318,539  

Countrywide Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-22CB, Class 1A1, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     324,932   
123,302  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2003-J7, Class 1A3, 5.250%, 8/25/33

     127,102   
257,971  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A4, 5.750%, 4/25/34

     263,670   
154,873  

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2005-J4, Class A3, 5.500%, 11/25/35

     154,282   
421,954  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-2, Class 4A1, 5.250%, 2/25/20

     424,773   
326,327  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-1, Class 2A1, 6.500%, 2/25/34

     348,478   
306,730  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-6, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 7/25/35

     313,515   
745,455  

Fannie Mae, Series 2013-90, Class VA, 4.000%, 9/25/24

     809,192   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)

 
  

  $   792,834     

Fannie Mae, Series 2011-38, Class D, 4.500%, 5/25/41

   $ 874,408   
  305,317     

Freddie Mac, Series 3768, Class V, 4.000%, 11/15/23

     325,777   
  233,273     

Freddie Mac, Series 2485, Class WG, 6.000%, 8/15/32

     261,369   
  457,411     

Freddie Mac, Series 4077, Class PJ, 3.500%, 11/15/40

     484,534   
  343,390     

Freddie Mac, Series 3803, Class PJ, 4.250%, 1/15/41

     363,741   
  473,842     

Ginnie Mae, Series 2002-45, Class OC, 6.000%, 6/16/32

     531,970   
  323,029     

Ginnie Mae, Series 2010-85, Class DQ, 3.000%, 12/20/39

     327,294   
  440,881     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2003-5, Class 8A1, 5.500%, 6/25/33

     439,403   
  107,352     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 1/25/35

     109,175   
  136,359     

MASTR Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.250%, 11/25/35

     136,068   
  226,655     

MASTR Seasoned Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.130%, 10/25/32

     223,267   
  332,644     

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.648%, 12/18/37(a)

     343,595   
  196,821     

RALI Trust, Series 2005-QR1, Class A, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     202,224   
  258,504     

RBSGC Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-B, Class 3A1, 5.113%, 7/25/35(a)

     257,663   
  484,820     

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Trust, Series 2004-AA1, Class 1A1, 5.000%, 10/25/34

     490,743   
  148,279     

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2003-10, Class A, 6.000%, 4/25/33

     151,853   
  191,417     

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 4A1, 5.000%, 5/25/35

     193,426   
  112,381     

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 5A1, 5.000%, 5/25/35

     114,935   
  74,734     

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 5A2, 5.000%, 5/25/35

     76,432   
  343,226     

Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust, Series 2005-6, Class 2A1, 5.500%, 5/25/35

     349,943   
  123,008     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-3, Class 3A1, 5.500%, 4/25/22

     126,784   
  643,221     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-4, Class A4, 5.000%, 4/25/35

     655,087   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $11,710,223)

     11,706,661   
    

 

 

 

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES (28.4%)

 
  

  1,000,000     

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-3, Class A4, 5.889%, 7/10/44(a)(c)

     1,097,619   
  80,000     

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-4, Class A4, 5.634%, 7/10/46

     87,719   
  700,000     

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-5, Class A4, 5.414%, 9/10/47(c)

     767,328   
  25,683     

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-2, Class A2, 5.634%, 4/10/49(a)

     25,986   
 

 

 

Continued

 

73


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount

         Fair Value    

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

   

$300,000  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2004-2, Class B, 4.665%, 11/10/38(a)

     $306,449   
418,000  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class AJ,
5.463%, 11/10/42(a)(c)

     442,227   
200,000  

Banc of America Merrill Lynch Commercial Mortgage, Inc., Series 2005-3, Class AM, 4.727%, 7/10/43

     207,986   
850,000  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-PWR9, Class A4B, 4.943%, 9/11/42(c)

     904,855   
250,000  

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2007-PW18, Class A4, 5.700%, 6/11/50(c)

     282,069   
210,000  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-CD1, Class AM, 5.393%, 7/15/44(a)(c)

     225,759   
800,000  

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-CD4, Class A4, 5.322%, 12/11/49(c)

     884,357   
420,000  

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-CD3, Class A5, 5.617%, 10/15/48(c)

     460,635   
500,000  

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-LP5, Class AJ, 5.046%, 5/10/43(a)

     526,397   
618,000  

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-GG5, Class AM, 5.277%, 4/10/37(a)

     654,882   
180,000  

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-GG9, Class A4,
5.444%, 3/10/39(c)

     199,163   
400,000  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-C5, Class AJ, 4.889%, 11/15/37(a)(c)

     414,706   
422,000  

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-C1, Class AJ, 5.075%, 2/15/38(a)(c)

     437,026   
400,000  

GE Capital Commercial Mortgage, Series 2005-C2, Class AJ, 5.061%, 5/10/43(a)

     421,115   
600,000  

GMAC Commercial Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-C1, Class AM, 4.754%, 5/10/43

     624,037   
175,000  

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.148%, 8/10/43(b)

     189,675   
385,500  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-LDP2, Class AM, 4.780%, 7/15/42(c)

     405,140   
530,000  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-LDP4, Class AM, 4.999%, 10/15/42(a)

     564,147   
400,000  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2006-CB15, Class A4, 5.814%, 6/12/43(a)(c)

     437,109   
728,379  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2006-CB16, Class A4, 5.552%, 5/12/45

     798,691   
500,000  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class B, 5.013%, 2/15/46(a)(b)

     534,497   
420,000  

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2007-LDPX, Class A3, 5.420%, 1/15/49(c)

     464,178   
300,000  

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-C1, Class A4, 5.424%, 2/15/40(c)

     332,204   
240,000  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2006-HQ10, Class A4, 5.328%, 11/12/41(c)

     263,133   

Principal
Amount

         Fair Value    

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

   

$   160,000  

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2006-HQ8, Class AM, 5.646%, 3/12/44(a)(c)

   $ 173,045   
500,000  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C8, Class E, 5.341%, 11/15/35(a)

     500,811   
200,000  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2003-C9, Class B, 5.109%, 12/15/35(a)(c)

     200,588   
622,000  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-C20, Class AMFX, 5.179%, 7/15/42(a)(c)

     660,616   
800,000  

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-C28, Class A4, 5.572%, 10/15/48

     878,294   
760,000  

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.276%, 11/15/43(a)(b)

     826,842   
400,000  

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class B, 5.174%, 2/15/44(a)(b)

     431,631   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $16,844,172)

     16,630,916   
    

 

 

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (42.8%)

  

 

Fannie Mae (26.1%)

  
916,465  

3.500%, 6/1/27, Pool #MA1096

     967,731   
3,580,000  

3.000%, 10/15/28(d)

     3,706,419   
597,681  

4.000%, 11/1/30, Pool #MA0563

     637,153   
292,096  

4.000%, 3/1/31, Pool #MA0667

     311,507   
835,135  

4.000%, 5/1/32, Pool #MA1074(c)

     910,386   
149,261  

5.500%, 2/1/35, Pool #735230

     162,964   
111,942  

5.500%, 12/1/35, Pool #AE0115

     122,393   
182,635  

5.500%, 3/1/36, Pool #745353

     199,000   
437,242  

5.500%, 9/1/36, Pool #938574

     477,559   
439,983  

5.500%, 6/1/38, Pool #984277(c)

     479,465   
393,504  

5.500%, 8/1/38, Pool #995072

     429,000   
308,696  

4.500%, 9/1/39, Pool #AC1830

     329,558   
276,585  

5.000%, 12/1/39, Pool #AC8518

     304,785   
583,452  

5.000%, 7/1/40, Pool #AD7595

     634,864   
198,263  

4.500%, 9/1/40, Pool #AE0411

     212,838   
497,477  

4.500%, 10/1/40, Pool #AE4855

     531,936   
286,398  

4.000%, 1/1/41, Pool #AH4732

     300,953   
379,513  

5.000%, 1/1/41, Pool #AH3373

     415,035   
61,241  

4.000%, 2/1/41, Pool #AH6188

     64,380   
738,365  

4.000%, 3/1/41, Pool #AH4008

     774,593   
574,258  

4.500%, 3/1/41, Pool #AB2467

     618,335   
248,456  

4.500%, 6/1/41, Pool #AC9298

     265,729   
2,351,000  

3.500%, 10/15/43(d)

     2,393,245   
    

 

 

 
       15,249,828   
    

 

 

 
 

Freddie Mac (14.9%)

  
962,637  

3.500%, 5/1/32, Pool #C91458

     998,714   
886,736  

4.000%, 5/1/32, Pool #C91449

     935,462   
833,716  

3.500%, 7/1/32, Pool #C91467

     869,169   
1,099,726  

3.500%, 8/1/32, Pool #D99351

     1,146,516   
1,278,423  

4.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #G05659

     1,359,936   
228,173  

5.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #A89387

     247,446   
290,830  

5.000%, 4/1/40, Pool #A91812

     314,181   
236,759  

5.500%, 4/1/40, Pool #C03467

     256,030   
303,079  

5.500%, 6/1/40, Pool #A92764

     329,435   
298,036  

5.000%, 8/1/40, Pool #C03491

     322,005   
247,713  

4.500%, 9/1/40, Pool #A93996

     263,644   
 

 

 

Continued

 

74


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount

         Fair Value    

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

  

 

Freddie Mac — (continued)

  
$402,340  

4.000%, 12/1/40, Pool #A95447

   $ 421,594   
556,550  

4.000%, 1/1/41, Pool #A96312

     581,974   
641,939  

4.000%, 5/1/42, Pool #G08492

     671,400   
    

 

 

 
       8,717,506   
    

 

 

 
 

Ginnie Mae (1.8%)

  
353,896  

4.500%, 6/15/39, Pool #720075

     383,873   
47,741  

4.000%, 12/20/40, Pool #755678

     50,684   
254,695  

4.500%, 3/20/41, Pool #4978

     275,297   
337,804  

4.500%, 5/15/41, Pool #738310

     366,428   
    

 

 

 
       1,076,282   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities

(Cost $24,820,401)

     25,043,616   
    

 

 

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (3.6%)

  

  Freddie Mac (3.6%)   
1,545,000  

  2.375%, 1/13/22

     1,503,742   
480,000  

  6.250%, 7/15/32

     625,503   
    

 

 

 
 

Total U.S. Government Agencies
(Cost $2,129,051)

     2,129,245   
    

 

 

 

U.S. TREASURY BONDS (4.0%)

  
790,000  

  4.500%, 2/15/36

     912,944   
1,682,000  

  2.875%, 5/15/43

     1,427,597   
    

 

 

 
 

Total U.S. Treasury Bonds
(Cost $2,406,865)

     2,340,541   
    

 

 

 

Shares

         Fair Value    

MONEY MARKET FUND (3.4%)

  

1,989,852  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

   $ 1,989,852   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $1,989,852)

     1,989,852   
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 112.3%
(Cost $65,893,654)

     65,739,893   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (12.3)%

     (7,196,186)   
    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 58,543,707   
    

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security which is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.

(c)

Represents that all or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral for securities purchased on a when-issued basis.

(d)

Represents securities purchased on a when-issued basis. At September 30, 2013, total cost of investments purchased on a when-issued basis was $5,954,352.

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

75


Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (96.0%)

  
  Kentucky (96.0%)   
  $500,000     

Christian County, KY, Public Courthouse Corp., Court Facility Project, Refunding Revenue, (AMBAC), 4.000%, 8/1/16

   $ 543,370   
  400,000     

Eastern Kentucky University, Refunding Revenue, Series A, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 4/1/24

     455,468   
  500,000     

Fayette County, KY, School District Finance Corp., Lease Payable from Local Revenues, Series A, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 10/1/21

     574,125   
  700,000     

Jefferson County, KY, School District Finance Corp., Jefferson County School Building, Refunding Revenue, Series A, (AGM), 5.250%, 1/1/19

     820,890   
  500,000     

Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission, Project Notes, Federal Highway Transit Improvements Revenue, First Series, (NATL-RE), 4.500%, 9/1/17

     559,105   
  510,000     

Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission, University of Kentucky Project Notes, Revenue, Series B, Callable 10/1/17 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/21

     577,922   
  300,000     

Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission, University of Kentucky Project Notes, University & College Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/17 @ 100, (AMBAC), 5.000%, 10/1/18

     338,961   
  690,000     

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Baptist Healthcare System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/15/18 @ 100, OID, 4.750%, 8/15/19

     763,043   
  500,000     

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Owensboro Medical Health System, Hospital Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 6/1/16

     543,805   
  555,000     

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, Inc. Refunding & Improvement Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/19 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 5/1/24

     609,035   
  500,000     

Kentucky Municipal Power Agency, Prairie State Project, Power Improvements Revenue, Series A, (AGM), 5.000%, 9/1/20

     578,495   
  500,000     

Kentucky Rural Water Finance Corp., Flexible Term Program, Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 2/1/20 @ 100, 4.000%, 2/1/21

     539,260   
  500,000     

Kentucky State Property & Buildings Commission, Project No. 101, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 10/1/19

     584,220   
  410,000     

Kentucky State Property & Buildings Commission, Project No. 76, Refunding Revenue, (AMBAC), 5.500%, 8/1/21

     492,799   
  460,000     

Kentucky State Property & Buildings Commission, Project No. 83, Refunding Revenue, (AMBAC), 5.000%, 10/1/19

     538,048   
  670,000     

Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Revitalization Projects, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/25

     764,396   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  Kentucky — (continued)   
  $525,000     

Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Revitalization Projects, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 7/1/15 @ 100, (AMBAC), 5.000%, 7/1/25

   $ 560,632   
  400,000     

Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Revitalization Projects, Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 7/1/21

     442,944   
  455,000     

Laurel County, KY, Judicial Center Public Properties Corp., Justice Center Projects, Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 3/1/18 @ 100, OID, 4.500%, 3/1/24

     478,983   
  525,000     

Lexington-Fayette Urban County, KY, Airport Board, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     611,279   
  500,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Sewer District, Sewer Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 11/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/15/30

     543,770   
  205,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Sewer District, Sewer Unrefunded Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/15/15 @ 100, (AGM), 5.000%, 5/15/19

     219,830   
  500,000     

Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, 3.000%, 7/1/15

     519,065   
  790,000     

Northern Kentucky University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 9/1/17 @ 100, (AMBAC, State Intercept), OID, 4.250%, 9/1/21

     834,753   
  535,000     

Owensboro, KY, Water Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Callable 9/15/18 @ 100, (Assured Guaranty), 5.250%, 9/15/21

     611,703   
  585,000     

Owensboro-Daviess County, KY, Regional Water Resource Agency, Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Series A, (XLCA), 4.000%, 1/1/16

     625,616   
  610,000     

Pike County, KY, School District Finance Corp., School Improvements Revenue, (State Intercept), 3.000%, 11/1/20

     633,961   
  660,000     

Pulaski County, KY, Public Properties Corp., Administration Office of the Court Judicial Facility, Public Improvement Revenue, Callable 12/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.500%, 12/1/24

     766,201   
  270,000     

Pulaski County, KY, Public Properties Corp., Administration Office of the Court Judicial Facility, Public Improvement Revenue, Callable 12/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.625%, 12/1/25

     308,556   
  200,000     

Russell, KY, Bon Secours Health System, Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/26

     212,232   
  380,000     

Warren County, KY, Community Hospital Corp. Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 8/1/17

     418,912   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $16,044,456)

     17,071,379   
    

 

 

 
 

 

 

Continued

 

76


Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Shares

         Fair Value    

MONEY MARKET FUND (3.1%)

  
549,575  

Federated Tax-Free Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

   $ 549,575   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $549,575)

     549,575   
    

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.1%
(Cost $16,594,031)

     17,620,954   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.9%

     154,046   
    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 17,775,000   
    

 

 

 

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

XLCA — XL Capital Assurance

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

77


Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (95.0%)

  
  District of Columbia (4.0%)   
  $   550,000     

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, DC, Transit Improvements Revenue, Refunding Notes, Series A, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 5.250%, 7/1/20

   $ 642,923   
  1,000,000     

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, DC, Transit Improvements Revenue, Refunding Notes, Series A, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 5.250%, 7/1/27

     1,104,370   
    

 

 

 
       1,747,293   
    

 

 

 
  Maryland (91.0%)   
  810,000     

Anne Arundel County, MD, Economic Development, Anne Arundel Community College Project, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 9/1/20

     879,401   
  500,000     

Baltimore, MD, Consolidated Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, 5.000%, 10/15/20

     591,370   
  600,000     

Baltimore, MD, Refunding Certificate of Participation, Series A, 5.000%, 10/1/17

     683,988   
  250,000     

Baltimore, MD, Waste Water Projects Revenue, Series C, Callable 7/1/16 @ 100 (AMBAC), 5.000%, 7/1/26

     275,093   
  1,000,000     

Charles County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements G.O., 5.000%, 7/15/22

     1,189,600   
  1,000,000     

Charles County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 7/15/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/24

     1,183,120   
  890,000     

Charles County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 7/15/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/25

     1,039,342   
  1,025,000     

Frederick County, MD, Public Facilities Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, 4.000%, 8/1/17

     1,141,020   
  125,000     

Howard County, MD, Miscellaneous Purpose Certificate of Participation, Series A, 8.050%, 2/15/21

     172,627   
  135,000     

Howard County, MD, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series B, 8.250%, 2/15/20

     182,637   
  690,000     

Maryland Community Development Administration, Residential Single Family Housing Revenue, Series A, Callable 9/1/18 @ 100, 4.750%, 9/1/29

     702,696   
  315,000     

Maryland Community Development Administration, Residential Single Family Housing Revenue, Series B, 3.750%, 9/1/14

     322,739   
  250,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Electricity Lights & Power Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100, 6.200%, 9/1/22

     294,985   
  165,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Lutheran World Relief Refugee, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/17 @ 100, 5.250%, 4/1/19

     178,627   
  900,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Public Health Laboratory Public Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     1,061,775   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  Maryland — (continued)   
  $   420,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Public Health Laboratory Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

   $ 466,964   
  735,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., University of Maryland College Park Projects, Refunding Revenue (AGC), 5.000%, 6/1/16

     797,975   
  555,000     

Maryland Environmental Service, Mid Shore II Regional Landfill, Resource Recovery Improvements Revenue, 4.000%, 11/1/17

     613,613   
  1,090,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Carroll Hospital, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     1,233,575   
  900,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, College of Notre Dame, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/19

     969,093   
  500,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/26

     539,465   
  1,260,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Helix Health Issue, Refunding Revenue (AMBAC), OID, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     1,461,008   
  1,000,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Johns Hopkins Health System, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/25

     1,109,420   
  530,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Maryland Institute College of Art, Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     581,097   
  80,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Medstar Health, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 8/15/19

     91,410   
  320,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/15

     343,808   
  725,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/16 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/26

     743,299   
  400,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, University of Maryland Medical System, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     456,140   
  400,000     

Maryland State Department of Transportation, Transit Improvements Revenue, 5.250%, 12/15/17

     469,896   
  500,000     

Maryland State Department of Transportation, Transit Improvements Revenue, Second Issue, Callable 9/1/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 9/1/23

     568,020   
 

 

 

Continued

 

78


Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  Maryland — (continued)   
  $1,070,000     

Maryland State Transportation Authority, Grant & Revenue Anticipation, Highway Improvements Revenue, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 3/1/20

   $ 1,238,568   
  1,005,000     

Maryland State Transportation Authority, Grant & Revenue Anticipation, Transit Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 3/1/16

     1,111,238   
  635,000     

Maryland State Transportation Authority, Transportation Facilities Project, Highway Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     747,484   
  2,290,000     

Maryland, State & Local Facilities, Loan Public Improvements G.O., First Series, 4.000%, 8/15/21

     2,566,426   
  590,000     

Maryland, State & Local Facilities, Loan Public Improvements G.O., Second Series, Callable 7/15/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/23

     670,665   
  1,660,000     

Maryland, State & Local Facilities, Loan Public Improvements G.O., Series C, 5.000%, 11/1/17

     1,928,887   
  250,000     

Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, Local Single Family Housing Revenue, Series A, 3.700%, 7/1/14

     255,573   
  250,000     

Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/16 @ 100 (FHA/VA Mortgages), 3.800%, 7/1/16

     262,120   
  1,000,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Consolidated Public Improvements G.O., Series A, Callable 6/1/15 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     1,071,380   
  775,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Consolidated Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/15

     838,341   
  500,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Department Liquor Control Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, OID, 4.500%, 4/1/26

     530,885   
  1,000,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Public Transportation Equipment Transit Improvements Certificate of Participation, 4.000%, 5/1/17

     1,096,540   
  750,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Water Quality Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/30

     812,513   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  Maryland — (continued)   
  $1,015,000     

Prince George’s County, MD, Consolidated Public Improvements G.O., Series A, 4.000%, 9/15/15

   $ 1,087,004   
  1,000,000     

Prince George’s County, MD, Consolidated Public Improvements G.O., Series A, Callable 9/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 9/15/28

     1,119,600   
  1,000,000     

Prince George’s County, MD, Equipment Acquisition Program, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, 4.000%, 10/15/15

     1,071,470   
  500,000     

Talbot County, MD, Public School Improvements G.O., 5.000%, 12/15/16

     567,695   
  1,140,000     

Washington County, MD, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 1/1/21

     1,269,550   
  1,180,000     

Washington County, MD, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 1/1/22

     1,307,499   
    

 

 

 
       39,897,241   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $40,709,486)

     41,644,534   
    

 

 

 
Shares             

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (4.4%)

  
  1,916,989     

Federated Tax-Free Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     1,916,989   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $1,916,989)

     1,916,989   
    

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.4%
(Cost $42,626,475)

     43,561,523   
  Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.6%      254,124   
    

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 43,815,647   
    

 

 

 

AGC — Assured Guaranty Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

FHA — Federal Housing Authority

G.O. — General Obligation

OID — Original Issue Discount

VA — Veterans Administration

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

79


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (96.8%)

  
  North Carolina (96.8%)   
  $2,335,000     

Appalachian State University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/24

     $2,655,269   
  2,655,000     

Appalachian State University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 4.750%, 10/1/27

     2,876,215   
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, NC, Refunding Limited G.O., Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     1,118,760   
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, NC, Refunding Limited G.O., Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,095,040   
  1,065,000     

Broad River Water Authority, NC, Water System Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/15 @ 100 (XLCA), 5.000%, 6/1/18

     1,117,462   
  1,935,000     

Buncombe County, NC, Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 6/1/17

     2,132,428   
  1,000,000     

Buncombe County, NC, University & College Improvements Certificate of Participation, Callable 4/1/16 @ 100 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 4/1/19

     1,098,530   
  1,060,000     

Burlington, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Callable 2/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 2/1/34

     1,113,731   
  1,000,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, Correctional Facility Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series C, Callable 6/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,123,000   
  1,960,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, 5.000%, 1/1/17

     2,202,883   
  1,520,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, Callable 1/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/20

     1,748,714   
  1,730,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, Callable 1/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/23

     1,958,896   
  1,240,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 8/1/21

     1,462,568   
  1,475,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/26

     1,646,307   
  1,535,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/28

     1,684,923   
  1,160,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Revenue, Callable 8/1/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/26

     1,306,392   
  1,030,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Revenue, Callable 8/1/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/31

     1,104,448   
  1,000,000     

Catawba County, NC, School Improvements Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/19

     1,109,160   
  1,000,000     

Catawba County, NC, School Improvements Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/20

     1,106,640   
  1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Airport Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 7/1/15

     1,076,790   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     $1,075,140   
  1,280,000     

Charlotte, NC, Storm Water Fee Public, Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/16 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     1,413,350   
  1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Storm Water Fee Public, Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/16 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,104,460   
  1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/25

     1,140,890   
  1,000,000     

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, NC, Carolinas Health Care System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 1/15/17

     1,123,740   
  3,000,000     

Chatham County, NC, Refunding Revenue (County Guaranteed), 5.000%, 12/1/28

     3,400,860   
  2,000,000     

Concord, NC, Utilities Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 12/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     2,238,500   
  1,000,000     

Durham Capital Financing Corp., Limited Obligation Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/21

     1,187,040   
  1,410,000     

Durham County, NC, Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority, Research Triangle Institute, University & College Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 2/1/20

     1,627,211   
  2,000,000     

Durham County, NC, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series A, Callable 6/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,229,580   
  380,000     

Elizabeth City State University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A (AGM), 4.000%, 4/1/14

     386,958   
  2,170,000     

Fayetteville, NC, Public Works Commission, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 3/1/16

     2,394,769   
  1,085,000     

Franklin County, NC, Public Facilities Projects, Certificate of Participation, Callable 9/1/17 @ 100 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 9/1/22

     1,200,260   
  1,000,000     

Henderson County, NC, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series A (AMBAC), 5.000%, 6/1/16

     1,105,820   
  1,030,000     

Henderson County, NC, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, 4.000%, 12/1/16

     1,126,315   
  1,150,000     

Iredell County, NC, School Improvements Project, Certificate of Participation, Callable 6/1/16 @ 100 (AMBAC), 5.000%, 6/1/22

     1,266,288   
  1,000,000     

Lee County, NC, Public Facilities Projects, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, Callable 4/1/17 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 4/1/19

     1,101,740   
  1,570,000     

Lenoir County, NC, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 2/1/19

     1,750,848   
  1,705,000     

Lenoir County, NC, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 2/1/20

     1,905,031   
  1,750,000     

Lincoln County, NC, Refunding G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 6/1/18

     2,034,813   
  2,535,000     

Lincoln County, NC, Refunding G.O., Series A, 4.000%, 6/1/19

     2,843,053   
 

 

 

Continued

 

80


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
$   800,000     

Lincolnton, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue, Callable 5/1/15 @ 100 (XLCA), 5.000%, 5/1/17

   $ 829,808   
  2,000,000     

Mecklenburg County, NC, Refunding G.O., 5.000%, 2/1/21

     2,398,840   
  1,280,000     

Monroe, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue (AGM), 4.000%, 3/1/19

     1,412,890   
  1,000,000     

Mooresville, NC, Enterprise System Refunding Revenue, Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/24

     1,061,700   
  1,000,000     

Mooresville, NC, Telecommunications Improvements Certificate of Participation, 5.000%, 9/1/15

     1,081,030   
  1,460,000     

Mooresville, NC, Telecommunications Improvements Certificate of Participation, 5.000%, 9/1/16

     1,624,746   
  1,855,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover County Projects, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/19

     2,170,535   
  1,015,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover County Projects, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/20

     1,194,218   
  2,500,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover Regional Medical, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/19

     2,723,475   
  1,270,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover Regional Medical, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     1,390,599   
  345,000     

New Hanover County, NC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/27

     382,750   
  1,050,000     

New Hanover County, NC, Regional Medical Center Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 10/1/22

     1,153,079   
  1,000,000     

New Hanover County, NC, Regional Medical Center, Health Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 10/1/21

     1,111,440   
  1,305,000     

North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency, Johnson & Wales University Project, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/21

     1,474,089   
  2,400,000     

North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Electric, Lights & Power Improvements Revenue, Series A, OID, 6.400%, 1/1/21

     2,839,272   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/16 @ 100 (AMBAC), 5.250%, 1/1/20

     1,092,310   
  2,015,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Blue Ridge Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 1/1/16

     2,128,445   
  2,045,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Caromont Health Facilities, Health Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue (Assured Guaranty), OID, 3.500%, 2/15/19

     2,189,806   
  1,005,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, First Mortgage Deerfield, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 11/1/18 @ 100, OID, 6.000%, 11/1/33

     1,029,210   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,515,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Firsthealth Carolina, Refunding Revenue, Series C, Callable 10/1/14 @ 100, OID, 4.000%, 10/1/18

     $1,612,914   
  915,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     1,016,876   
  1,180,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Series A, 5.375%, 7/1/20

     1,337,766   
  965,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Housing ARC Projects, Revenue, Series A (HUD Section 8), 4.650%, 10/1/14

     982,341   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Mission Health Combine Group, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/17 @ 100 (AGM-CR), 5.000%, 10/1/25

     1,043,890   
  3,030,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     3,454,291   
  1,530,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/20 @ 100, 5.250%, 6/1/29

     1,600,763   
  1,910,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Novant Health Obligation Group, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 11/1/13 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/14

     1,917,468   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Novant Health, Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/13 @ 100 (AGM-CR), 5.000%, 11/1/15

     1,003,410   
  2,600,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Rex Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/17

     2,923,232   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Stanly Memorial Hospital Project, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/31/13 @ 100, OID, 6.250%, 10/1/19

     1,002,050   
  2,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Universal Health System, Refunding Revenue, Series E2, 6.000%, 12/1/36(a)

     2,124,180   
  2,780,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Vidant Health Care Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     3,008,294   
  2,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Wakemed, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     2,144,480   
  1,115,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Wilson Medical Center, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 11/1/17

     1,244,741   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1, Electric & Power Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 1/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/29

     1,051,680   
 

 

 

Continued

 

81


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
  $  745,000     

North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1, Catawba Electric Power, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/18 @ 100, 5.250%, 1/1/20

   $ 833,849   
  2,000,000     

North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/28

     2,263,980   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina State, Annual Appropriation, Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/24

     1,142,800   
  1,080,000     

North Carolina State, Highway Improvements Vehicle, Revenue (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 3/1/16

     1,192,968   
  2,150,000     

North Carolina State, Highway Improvements Vehicle, Revenue (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 3/1/17

     2,437,563   
  1,085,000     

North Carolina State, Highway Improvements Vehicle, Revenue, Callable 3/1/17 @ 100 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 3/1/18

     1,208,332   
  4,000,000     

North Carolina State, Highway Improvements Vehicle, Revenue, Callable 9/1/17 @ 100, 4.000%, 3/1/23(a)

     4,348,000   
  4,900,000     

North Carolina State, Public Improvements, Revenue, Series C, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/23

     5,276,271   
  2,925,000     

North Carolina State, Refunding G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 9/1/16

     3,294,427   
  2,380,000     

North Carolina State, Refunding G.O., Series B, 5.000%, 4/1/17

     2,724,434   
  2,000,000     

North Carolina State, University & College Improvements G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/17 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/20

     2,251,440   
  1,000,000     

North Carolina State, Water Utility Improvements, Clean Water G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/16 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/17

     1,101,440   
  1,000,000     

Onslow County, NC, Refunding G.O., 5.000%, 12/1/21

     1,186,630   
  1,520,000     

Onslow Water & Sewer Authority, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 6/1/14 @ 100 (XLCA), 5.000%, 6/1/21

     1,564,217   
  1,365,000     

Orange County, NC, Public Facilities Co., Public Improvements, Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     1,545,235   
  1,105,000     

Pasquotank County, NC, Refunding Certificate of Participation (NATL-RE), 5.250%, 6/1/18

     1,257,236   
  1,000,000     

Pasquotank County, NC, Refunding Certificate of Participation (NATL-RE), 5.250%, 6/1/19

     1,148,310   
  1,210,000     

Pender County, NC, Limited Obligation Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,337,522   
  1,390,000     

Pitt County, NC, Certificate of Participation, Refunding, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/24

     1,557,398   
  1,395,000     

Pitt County, NC, Certificate of Participation, Refunding, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,547,780   
  1,535,000     

Pitt County, NC, Pitt County Memorial Hospital Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/31/13 @ 100, OID, 5.500%, 12/1/15

     1,603,215   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
  $2,150,000     

Raleigh Durham Airport Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B1, Callable 5/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/28

     $2,305,811   
  1,500,000     

Raleigh, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/27

     1,708,455   
  1,615,000     

Raleigh, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/28

     1,821,736   
  1,525,000     

Rockingham County, NC, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 4/1/17

     1,719,041   
  1,510,000     

Rockingham County, NC, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/18

     1,706,979   
  1,825,000     

Smithville Township, NC, Limited Tax Hospital, Refunding G.O., 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,104,553   
  1,085,000     

Surry County, NC, Northern Hospital District Revenue, Callable 4/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.500%, 10/1/21

     1,129,116   
  1,000,000     

Union County, NC, Enterprise Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 12/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/22

     1,098,860   
  1,260,000     

Union County, NC, Enterprise Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 12/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/24

     1,346,713   
  1,380,000     

Union County, NC, Enterprise Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 12/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/25

     1,455,458   
  2,205,000     

Union County, NC, Refunding G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 3/1/22

     2,640,399   
  1,000,000     

Union County, NC, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/23

     1,183,750   
  2,000,000     

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 12/1/17 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/36

     2,163,980   
  2,285,000     

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/23

     2,608,579   
  2,000,000     

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/36

     2,099,440   
  1,160,000     

University of North Carolina System, Appalachian State University, Refunding Revenue, Series B1, 4.000%, 10/1/15

     1,239,356   
  3,260,000     

University of North Carolina System, Appalachian State University, Refunding Revenue, Series B1, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100, 5.250%, 10/1/22

     3,788,609   
  3,095,000     

University of North Carolina System, Asheville/Wilmington, Refunding Revenue, Series C, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 10/1/20

     3,601,590   
  1,485,000     

University of North Carolina System, Asheville/Wilmington, Refunding Revenue, Series C, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty), 5.250%, 10/1/24

     1,671,249   
  1,975,000     

University of North Carolina System, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Refunding Revenue, Series B2, 5.000%, 4/1/17

     2,239,551   
 

 

 

Continued

 

82


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  North Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,005,000     

University of North Carolina System, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/16 @ 100 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 10/1/17

   $ 1,115,651   
  1,565,000     

University of North Carolina System, University & College Improvements, General Trust Indenture Revenue, Series C, 4.250%, 10/1/14

     1,621,950   
  1,000,000     

University of North Carolina System, University & College Improvements, General Trust Indenture Revenue, Series C, 4.500%, 10/1/17

     1,110,370   
  2,125,000     

Watauga Public Facilities Corp., Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,389,244   
  1,000,000     

Watauga Public Facilities Corp., Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,092,720   
  1,000,000     

Wilson, NC, Public Facilities Project, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series A (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 5/1/16

     1,101,680   
  1,000,000     

Winston-Salem State University Foundation LLC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,072,250   
  1,000,000     

Winston-Salem, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/17 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/19

     1,130,240   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $205,095,444)

     212,241,817   
    

 

 

 
Shares            Fair Value    

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (0.4%)

  
  798,336     

Federated North Carolina Municipal Cash Trust, Institutional Shares

   $ 798,336   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $798,336)

     798,336   
    

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 97.2%
(Cost $205,893,780)

     213,040,153   
  Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 2.8%      6,190,380   
    

 

 

 
  NET ASSETS — 100.0%    $ 219,230,533   
    

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

CR — Custodial Receipts

G.O. — General Obligation

HUD — Housing & Urban Development

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

XLCA — XL Capital Assurance

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

83


Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.5%)

  
  South Carolina (97.5%)   
  $1,000,000     

Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/25

   $ 1,112,700   
  1,000,000     

Anderson, SC, Water & Sewer, Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 7/1/17

     1,136,870   
  1,095,000     

Anderson, SC, Water & Sewer, Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 7/1/19

     1,267,846   
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, SC, School District, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/17 @ 100 (AGM, SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/27

     1,080,530   
  505,000     

Bennettsville, SC, Combined Utility System, Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Callable 2/1/14 @ 100 (AMBAC), OID, 3.625%, 2/1/16

     507,545   
  545,000     

Bennettsville, SC, Combined Utility System, Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Callable 2/1/14 @ 100 (AMBAC), OID, 3.875%, 2/1/18

     546,918   
  215,000     

Camden, SC, Combined Public Utility System, Unrefunded, Combined Refunding & Improvement Revenue, Callable 3/1/14 @ 100 (NATL-RE, FGIC), 5.000%, 3/1/15

     218,956   
  760,000     

Cayce, SC, Waterworks & Sewer Systems Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Series A (XLCA), 5.250%, 7/1/16

     845,720   
  595,000     

Cayce, SC, Waterworks & Sewer Systems Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Series A (XLCA), 5.250%, 7/1/20

     694,871   
  1,000,000     

Charleston County, SC, Capital Improvements Transportation Sales Tax, Public Improvements G.O., Callable 11/1/21 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 11/1/22

     1,188,940   
  2,500,000     

Charleston Educational Excellence Finance Corp., Charleston County School Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/21

     2,936,075   
  1,295,000     

College of Charleston, University & College Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,417,766   
  1,170,000     

Easley, SC, Combined Utility System Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/19 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 12/1/24

     1,293,611   
  1,135,000     

East Richland County Public Service District, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 1/1/22

     1,241,713   
  200,000     

Educational Facilities Authority, Wofford College, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 4/1/15

     209,526   
  1,820,000     

Fort Mill School District No. 4, School Improvements G.O., Series B (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/23

     2,163,088   
  165,000     

Fort Mill School Facilities Corp., School Improvements Revenue, Callable 12/1/16 @ 100, 5.250%, 12/1/18

     181,492   
  1,030,000     

Georgetown County, SC, Refunding G.O. (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 3/1/23

     1,139,077   
  1,000,000     

Greenville County, SC, School District Building Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     1,164,830   
  1,075,000     

Greenville County, SC, School District Building Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/16 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     1,192,777   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  South Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,340,000     

Greenville, SC, Hospital System Board, Facilities Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 5/1/21

     $1,521,262   
  1,085,000     

Greenville, SC, Hospital System Board, Facilities Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/18 @100, 5.250%, 5/1/22

     1,196,299   
  1,000,000     

Greenwood County, SC, Self Regional Healthcare Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/24

     1,079,330   
  530,000     

Greenwood County, SC, Self Regional Healthcare Revenue, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     563,777   
  1,175,000     

Greenwood, SC, Combined Public Utility Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 12/1/18

     1,296,213   
  500,000     

Kershaw County, SC, Kershaw County School District Project, Refunding Revenue (AGC), 5.000%, 12/1/16

     559,070   
  1,460,000     

Lancaster Educational Assistance Program, Inc., SC, Lancaster County School District Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 12/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/24

     1,635,214   
  825,000     

Lexington County, SC, Health Services District, Inc., Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 11/1/15

     890,975   
  250,000     

Lexington County, SC, Health Services District, Inc., Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 11/1/16

     277,405   
  1,000,000     

Lexington County, SC, Health Services District, Inc., Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/17 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/23

     1,094,600   
  760,000     

Lexington County, SC, Health Services District, Inc., Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/22

     845,500   
  1,000,000     

Lexington County, SC, School District No. 1, G.O., Series C (SCSDE), 5.000%, 2/1/21

     1,186,690   
  1,000,000     

Lexington One School Facilities Corp., Lexington County School District No. 1 Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/16

     1,122,240   
  940,000     

Lexington, SC, Combined Waterworks & Sewer System Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @100, 5.000%, 4/1/22

     1,076,873   
  565,000     

Lexington, SC, Combined Waterworks & Sewer System Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     624,043   
  790,000     

Newberry Investing in Children’s Education, Newberry County School District Project, School Improvements Revenue, 5.250%, 12/1/14

     828,742   
  145,000     

North Myrtle Beach, SC, Recreational Facility Improvements G.O. (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 3/1/19

     161,726   
  455,000     

Oconee County, SC, Duke Power Co. Project Refunding Revenue, 3.600%, 2/1/17

     490,554   
  810,000     

Orangeburg County, SC, School District No. 5, Refunding G.O. (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/21

     949,790   
  1,100,000     

Orangeburg County, SC, School District No. 5, Refunding G.O., Callable 3/1/17 @100 (NATL-RE, SCSDE), 4.000%, 3/1/19

     1,178,045   
  420,000     

Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Power System Refunding Revenue (NATL-RE), OID, 5.375%, 1/1/25

     480,350   
 

 

 

Continued

 

84


Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  South Carolina — (continued)   
  $    900,000     

Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Power System Refunding Revenue, Series A3, 5.000%, 1/1/16

   $ 982,305   
  325,000     

Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Power System Refunding Revenue, Series A3 (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 1/1/18

     370,679   
  1,000,000     

Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Power System Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 1/1/22 @ 100, 4.000%, 1/1/23

     1,045,750   
  1,000,000     

Renewable Water Resources Sewage System, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 1/1/20

     1,108,910   
  250,000     

Renewable Water Resources Sewage System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/21

     286,897   
  1,000,000     

Rock Hill, SC, Combined Utility System, Refunding & Improvements Revenue, Series B (AGM), 5.000%, 1/1/20

     1,157,010   
  1,000,000     

Rock Hill, SC, Combined Utility System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/22 @100 (AGM), 5.000%, 1/1/23

     1,142,850   
  1,090,000     

Rock Hill, SC. Ltd. Obligations, Hospitality Fee Pledge, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/21

     1,237,292   
  1,135,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Pickens School District, Pickens County Project, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 12/1/16 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 12/1/18

     1,267,591   
  825,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Pickens School District, Pickens County Project, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 12/1/16 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 12/1/19

     918,101   
  905,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Spartanburg School District No. 5, Spartanburg County Project, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/15 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 4/1/21

     968,848   
  500,000     

SCAGO Public Facilities Corp. for Georgetown County, Georgetown County Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 12/1/18

     568,295   
  500,000     

SCAGO Public Facilities Corp. for Georgetown County, Georgetown County Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 12/1/19

     572,160   
  550,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, AnMed Health Project, Refunding & Improvement Revenue, Series B (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 2/1/19

     625,917   
  1,000,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Bons Secours Health System, Inc., Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/24

     1,077,880   
  1,500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Conway Hospital Income Project, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/22 @ 100,5.000%,7/1/23

     1,642,830   
Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  South Carolina — (continued)   
  $    850,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Kershaw County Medical Center Project, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, OID, 5.000%, 9/15/18

   $ 924,307   
  500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 2.500%, 8/1/14

     506,215   
  500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A (AGM), 5.000%, 8/1/19

     565,130   
  500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health, Refunding & Improvement Facilities Revenue, OID, 5.000%, 8/1/18

     549,555   
  1,050,000     

South Carolina State Ports Authority, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     1,209,589   
  540,000     

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Electricity Lights & Power Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/17 @ 100 (AMBAC), 5.000%, 1/1/23

     596,689   
  1,030,000     

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/27

     1,122,896   
  1,015,000     

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/32

     1,051,966   
  1,225,000     

South Carolina State Public Service Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 1/1/16 @ 100 (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 1/1/22

     1,317,047   
  500,000     

South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Refunding Revenue, Series B (AMBAC), 5.250%, 10/1/15

     547,375   
  285,000     

South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Transit Improvements Revenue, Series A (XLCA), 5.000%, 10/1/15

     310,584   
  400,000     

Spartanburg County, SC, School District No. 1, School Improvements G.O., Callable 9/1/16 @ 100 (AGM, SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/22

     444,616   
  1,000,000     

Spartanburg Regional Health Services District, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 4/15/20

     1,131,380   
  600,000     

Spartanburg Regional Health Services District, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/15/18 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty), 5.250%, 4/15/21

     661,278   
  250,000     

Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Facilities, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/15/13

     252,302   
  830,000     

Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Facilities, Refunding Revenue, 4.500%, 12/15/16

     904,185   
  1,080,000     

University of South Carolina, Moore School Business Project, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/28

     1,179,122   
 

 

 

Continued

 

85


Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
           Fair Value    

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  South Carolina — (continued)   
  $500,000     

University of South Carolina, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/28

   $ 537,365   
  310,000     

York County, SC, Public Improvements G.O., Callable 11/1/16 @ 100, OID, 5.100%, 11/1/21

     344,366   
  270,000     

York County, SC, School District No. 1, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100 (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/20

     310,735   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $68,675,241)

     70,039,566   
    

 

 

 
Shares             

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.6%)

  

  1,126,531     

Federated Tax-Free Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     1,126,531   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $1,126,531)

     1,126,531   
    

 

 

 
           Fair Value    

Total Investments — 99.1%
(Cost $69,801,772)

   $ 71,166,097   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.9%

     640,940   
    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 71,807,037   
    

 

 

 

AGC — Assured Guaranty Corp.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

FGIC — Financial Guaranty Insurance Corp.

G.O. — General Obligation

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

SCAGO — South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations

SCSDE — South Carolina School District Enhancement

XLCA — XL Capital Assurance

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

86


Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

  Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (98.6%)

  

  

District of Columbia (1.5%)

  
  $    1,160,000      

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Port, Airport & Marina Improvement Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     $1,335,578   
  600,000      

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/21

     688,440   
     

 

 

 
        2,024,018   
     

 

 

 
  

Virginia (97.1%)

  
  2,760,000      

Albemarle County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     3,246,698   
  1,000,000      

Alexandria, VA, Public Improvements G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 6/15/16

     1,118,350   
  1,000,000      

Alexandria, VA, Refunding G.O. (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 6/15/21

     1,200,580   
  1,000,000      

Arlington County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, VA Hospital Center Arlington, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/18

     1,135,860   
  1,250,000      

Charlottesville, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, 4.000%, 7/15/21

     1,409,587   
  1,100,000      

Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District, General Resolution, Refunding Revenue, (BHAC-CR, NATL-RE), 5.500%, 7/1/25

     1,278,299   
  875,000      

Chesapeake, VA, Refunding G.O., Series A, (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 12/1/21

     978,031   
  1,100,000      

Chesterfield County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Electric & Power, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/23

     1,211,782   
  475,000      

Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 3/1/21

     538,113   
  550,000      

Danville, VA, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100, (Assured Guaranty, State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 3/1/22

     615,797   
  1,410,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Community Services Facilities Project, Health, Hospital, Nursing, Home Improvements, Revenue, Series A, 4.500%, 3/1/21

     1,582,358   
  2,500,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Laurel Hill Public Facilities Project, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/22

     2,929,825   
  1,000,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Inova Health System Project, Refunding Revenue, (AGM-CR), OID, 5.250%, 8/15/19

     1,145,830   
  795,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Inova Health Systems Project, Refunding Revenue, Series C, 5.000%, 5/15/18

     914,520   
  815,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Redevelopment & Housing Authority, Redevelopment & Housing Refunding Revenue, 3.500%, 10/1/18

     885,685   
  2,160,000      

Fairfax County, VA, Sewer Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/22

     2,562,646   
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

Virginia — (continued)

  
  $    1,000,000      

Hampton, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 1/15/19 @100, 5.000%, 1/15/21

     $1,146,780   
  1,525,000      

Harrisonburg, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 7/15/18

     1,776,289   
  1,830,000      

Henrico County, VA, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 5/1/17

     2,032,307   
  1,665,000      

Loudoun County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 12/15/22

     1,855,759   
  1,020,000      

Loudoun County, VA, Public Improvements G.O., Series B, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 12/1/16

     1,158,373   
  1,000,000      

Loudoun County, VA, School Improvements G.O., Series B, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 12/1/15

     1,099,180   
  1,465,000      

Montgomery County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Virginia Tech Foundation, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/27

     1,592,968   
  2,460,000      

Montgomery County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Virginia Tech Foundation, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,785,433   
  1,315,000      

Montgomery County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Public Projects, Public Improvements, Revenue, 5.000%, 2/1/18

     1,510,948   
  1,000,000      

Montgomery County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Public Projects, Public Improvements, Revenue, Callable 2/1/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 2/1/24

     1,076,980   
  2,000,000      

Newport News, VA, General Water Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, 4.000%, 7/15/20

     2,251,060   
  1,000,000      

Newport News, VA, General Water Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, 5.250%, 7/1/21

     1,207,600   
  1,105,000      

Newport News, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 2/1/15

     1,174,549   
  500,000      

Norfolk, VA, Bond Anticipation Notes Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 10/28/13 @ 100, 3.000%, 1/1/14

     501,590   
  1,000,000      

Norfolk, VA, Economic Development Authority, Bon Secours Health System, Inc., Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/29

     1,035,400   
  1,000,000      

Norfolk, VA, Economic Development Authority, Sentara Healthcare Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/25

     1,093,320   
  1,000,000      

Norfolk, VA, Economic Development Authority, Sentara Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/24

     1,107,100   
  1,000,000      

Norfolk, VA, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Callable 11/1/18 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/23

     1,132,180   
 

 

Continued

 

87


Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

Virginia — (continued)

  
  $    400,000      

Northern Transportation District Commission, Virginia Railway Express Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/28/13 @ 100, (AGM), 5.375%, 7/1/14

   $ 404,456   
  1,000,000      

Pittsylvania County, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, 3.000%, 3/1/16

     1,053,200   
  1,000,000      

Pittsylvania County, VA, School Improvements G.O., Series B, 5.000%, 2/1/19

     1,159,260   
  1,320,000      

Pittsylvania County, VA, School Improvements G.O., Series B, Callable 2/1/19 @ 100, OID, 5.200%, 2/1/20

     1,520,680   
  1,775,000      

Pittsylvania County, VA, School Improvements G.O., Series B, Callable 2/1/19 @ 100, OID, 5.375%, 2/1/21

     2,031,612   
  1,175,000      

Poquoson, VA, Refunding G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 2/15/19

     1,367,465   
  1,160,000      

Poquoson, VA, Refunding G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 2/15/21

     1,363,162   
  1,700,000      

Portsmouth, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 2/1/23 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 2/1/27

     1,917,158   
  1,330,000      

Portsmouth, VA, Public Utilities, Refunding G.O., Series A, (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 7/15/19

     1,486,448   
  1,325,000      

Portsmouth, VA, Public Utilities, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 7/15/22 @ 100, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 7/15/24

     1,537,981   
  1,440,000      

Portsmouth, VA, Refunding G.O., Series B, Callable 7/15/19 @ 100, 5.250%, 7/15/23

     1,667,578   
  1,055,000      

Portsmouth, VA, Refunding G.O., Series D, Callable 7/15/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/21

     1,231,892   
  1,400,000      

Prince William County, VA, County Facilities, Refunding Certificate of Participation, 3.500%, 10/1/18

     1,513,722   
  1,585,000      

Prince William County, VA, Public Improvement, Refunding G.O., Series A, 4.000%, 8/1/21

     1,787,278   
  1,035,000      

Richmond Metropolitan Authority, Expressway, Refunding Revenue, (NATL), 5.250%, 7/15/15

     1,115,761   
  1,520,000      

Richmond Metropolitan Authority, Expressway, Refunding Revenue, (NATL), 5.250%, 7/15/16

     1,685,391   
  1,400,000      

Riverside, VA, Regional Jail Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/20

     1,609,174   
  1,760,000      

Riverside, VA, Regional Jail Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/22

     2,018,245   
  1,415,000      

Roanoke, VA, Economic Development Authority, Carillion Health System, Remarketing, Refunding Revenue, Series C, (AGM), 5.000%, 7/1/17

     1,590,913   
  1,100,000      

Smyth County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Mountain States Health Alliance Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/15

     1,163,580   
  885,000      

Smyth County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Mountain States Health Alliance Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/20

     973,686   
  1,090,000      

Smyth County, VA, Public Improvement, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 11/1/21 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 11/1/23

     1,155,640   
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

Virginia — (continued)

  
  $    1,530,000      

Smyth County, VA, Public Improvement, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 11/1/21 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 11/1/25

   $ 1,697,168   
  1,000,000      

Spotsylvania County, VA, Public Improvements, G.O., Callable 1/15/16 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 1/15/17

     1,093,260   
  1,420,000      

Spotsylvania County, VA, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/28

     1,543,895   
  1,515,000      

Stafford County & Staunton Industrial Development Authority, Virginia Municipal League Association, Public Improvements Revenue, Series I, 4.000%, 2/1/16

     1,620,686   
  800,000      

Stafford County & Staunton Industrial Development Authority, Virginia Municipal League Association, Public Improvements Revenue, Series I, 4.000%, 2/1/17

     869,384   
  535,000      

Suffolk, VA, Pre-refunded, Refunding G.O., Callable 12/1/15 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/18

     587,264   
  1,300,000      

Suffolk, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 2/1/16

     1,434,290   
  2,425,000      

Suffolk, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 2/1/17

     2,754,339   
  465,000      

Suffolk, VA, Unrefunded, Refunding G.O., Callable 12/1/15 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/18

     508,268   
  1,100,000      

Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority, Constructions Laboratories Project, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 9/1/19

     1,291,378   
  2,500,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, 21st Century College & Equipment, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 2/1/22

     2,977,200   
  845,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, 21st Century College & Equipment, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 2/1/18 @ 100, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 2/1/21

     950,709   
  1,000,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, Educational Refunding Revenue, Series A, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 9/1/19

     1,172,760   
  1,805,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, Public Higher Education Financing Program, Refunding Revenue, Series B, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 9/1/20

     2,131,470   
  2,200,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, Public Higher Education Financing Program, Revenue, Series A, Callable 9/1/17 @ 100, (State Intercept), OID, 4.500%, 9/1/26

     2,326,016   
  1,505,000      

Virginia College Building Authority, Public Higher Education Financing Program, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 9/1/21 @ 100, (State Intercept), 4.000%, 9/1/22

     1,645,115   
  1,620,000      

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, Federal Transportation Grant, Transit Improvements, Anticipation Revenue, 5.000%, 9/15/18

     1,892,176   
 

 

Continued

 

88


Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

Virginia — (continued)

  
  $    1,850,000      

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, Federal Transportation Grant, Transit Improvements, Revenue, Series B, Callable 9/15/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/15/23

     $  2,183,000   
  1,285,000      

Virginia Commonwealth, Refunding G.O., Series B, 4.000%, 6/1/23

     1,440,742   
  1,000,000      

Virginia Commonwealth, University & College Improvements G.O., Series A1, 4.000%, 6/1/20

     1,132,450   
  1,075,000      

Virginia Housing Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series A1, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, (G.O. of Authority), 4.600%, 7/1/25

     1,121,333   
  1,500,000      

Virginia Housing Development Authority, State Single Family Housing Revenue, Series A, 3.900%, 3/1/19

     1,601,955   
  1,500,000      

Virginia Port Authority, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     1,627,425   
  1,025,000      

Virginia Public Building Authority, Public Facilities Building Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/1/17 @ 100, (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 8/1/18

     1,160,628   
  2,000,000      

Virginia Public Building Authority, Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/26

     2,233,740   
  1,000,000      

Virginia Public School Authority, School Financing 1997 Resolution, School Improvement Revenue, Series B, Callable 8/1/17 @100, (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 8/1/26

     1,106,830   
  1,150,000      

Virginia Resources Authority, State Revolving Fund, Refunding Revenue, 5.500%, 10/1/17

     1,354,171   
  1,835,000      

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Sentara Healthcare Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 11/1/16

     1,994,829   
  600,000      

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Sentara Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Callable 5/1/20 @ 100, OID, 4.000%, 11/1/20

     645,132   
  1,255,000      

Western Regional Jail Authority, Correctional Facilities Improvement Revenue, Callable 6/1/17 @ 100, (NATL-RE), 4.750%, 6/1/23

     1,383,876   
  2,000,000      

York County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Electric & Power, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 4.050%, 5/1/33(a)

     2,035,500   
     

 

 

 
        127,163,048   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $124,936,710)

     129,187,066   
     

 

 

 
Shares           Fair Value  

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (2.6%)

  

  3,437,170      

Federated Virginia Municipal Money Market Portfolio, Institutional Shares

     $  3,437,170   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $3,437,170)

     3,437,170   
     

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 101.2%
(Cost $128,373,880)

     132,624,236   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (1.2)%

     (1,617,726)   
     

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $131,006,510   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

BHAC — Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Corp.

CR — Custodial Receipts

G.O. — General Obligation

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

89


Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS (95.2%)

  

  

West Virginia (95.2%)

  
  $    1,460,000      

Berkeley County, WV, Board of Education, Refunding Public School, G.O., 2.000%, 5/1/16

     $1,500,836   
  975,000      

Berkeley County, WV, Public Service Sewer District, Sewer Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/15 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/22

     1,014,790   
  670,000      

Braxton County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/18 @ 100, (AGM, West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/23

     753,033   
  1,450,000      

Cabell County, WV, Board of Education, School Improvements G.O., (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 5/1/16

     1,606,484   
  1,215,000      

Fairmont State University, WV, University & College Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series B, 4.000%, 6/1/19

     1,332,053   
  1,005,000      

Fairmont State University, WV, University & College Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,128,414   
  1,495,000      

Fairmont State University, WV, University & College Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,678,586   
  1,260,000      

Fairmont, WV, Waterworks Refunding Revenue, Series D, (AGM), 3.000%, 7/1/18

     1,325,659   
  1,100,000      

Fairmont, WV, Waterworks Refunding Revenue, Series D, Callable 7/1/19 @100, (AGM), 4.000%, 7/1/24

     1,130,415   
  2,250,000      

Greenbrier County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., (AGM), 5.000%, 5/1/18

     2,597,108   
  535,000      

Jefferson County, WV, Board of Education Public School, Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/18.

     587,928   
  1,605,000      

Jefferson County, WV, Board of Education Public School, Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/19

     1,765,002   
  815,000      

Jefferson County, WV, Board of Education Public School, Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/20

     895,921   
  435,000      

Logan County, WV, 1st Mortgage, Logan County, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements, Revenue, 8.000%, 12/1/16

     489,236   
  1,700,000      

Marshall University, WV, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 5/1/19

     1,963,160   
  1,390,000      

Marshall University, WV, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/26

     1,518,172   
  1,560,000      

Marshall University, WV, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/27

     1,682,694   
  800,000      

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/19

     880,640   
  1,545,000      

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/20

     1,793,482   
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

West Virginia — (continued)

  
  $    1,000,000      

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/23

     $1,144,170   
  815,000      

Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission, Health System Obligated Group Refunding Revenue, Callable 7/1/21 @ 100, OID, 6.250%, 7/1/31

     864,682   
  1,345,000      

Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvement Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/15 @ 100, 5.250%, 7/1/20

     1,388,551   
  745,000      

Ohio County, WV, County Commission, Fort Henry Centre Financing District, Public Improvement, Tax Allocation, Series A, 5.350%, 6/1/17

     742,586   
  1,190,000      

Parkersburg, WV, Combined Waterworks & Sewer Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series C, (NATL), 5.000%, 9/1/14

     1,232,697   
  1,330,000      

Parkersburg, WV, Combined Waterworks & Sewer Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series C, (NATL), 5.000%, 9/1/15

     1,418,684   
  420,000      

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., 3.000%, 5/1/17

     444,898   
  960,000      

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., 4.000%, 5/1/21

     1,050,874   
  795,000      

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/22

     856,803   
  1,210,000      

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/23

     1,288,456   
  1,165,000      

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/24

     1,219,860   
  1,000,000      

Preston County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 3.000%, 5/1/19

     1,048,320   
  1,645,000      

Preston County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/21

     1,827,019   
  1,285,000      

Princeton, WV, Princeton Community Hospital Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 5/1/22

     1,375,335   
  1,365,000      

Princeton, WV, Princeton Community Hospital Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/27

     1,365,259   
  2,105,000      

Putnam County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/19

     2,358,463   
  1,000,000      

Putnam County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., Callable 5/1/20 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/22

     1,087,210   
  1,400,000      

Shepherd University Board of Governors, Residence Facilities Projects, University & College Improvements, Revenue, Callable 6/1/15 @ 100, (NATL-RE), 5.000%, 6/1/25

     1,490,734   
 

 

Continued

 

90


Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

West Virginia — (continued)

  
  $3,000,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Correctional Juvenile Public Safety Facilities Lease, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/25

     $3,279,900   
  4,685,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Correctional Juvenile Public Safety Facilities Lease, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     5,097,655   
  750,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Department of Environmental Protection Lease, Refunding Revenue, Series B, 4.000%, 11/1/21

     810,833   
  1,000,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Ohio Power Co. Amos Project, Resource Recovery Improvements Revenue, Series A, 3.125%, 3/1/43(a)

     1,025,190   
  1,710,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, The Diamond Project, Refunding Revenue, 3.000%, 12/15/18

     1,804,854   
  2,390,000      

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, The Diamond Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/15/18 @ 100, 3.000%, 12/15/19

     2,477,713   
  670,000      

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Community & Technology Capital Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/17

     758,541   
  1,600,000      

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Higher Education Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 4/1/20

     1,859,552   
  250,000      

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Higher Educational Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 4/1/14 @ 100, (NATL), 5.000%, 4/1/16

     255,207   
  640,000      

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Charleston Area Medical Center, Inc., Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 9/1/16 @ 100, OID, 6.500%, 9/1/16

     711,302   
  845,000      

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Health System Obligation, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements, Revenue, Callable 1/1/15 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 1/1/24

     884,901   
  1,575,000      

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, United Health System Obligation, Refunding Revenue, Series E, Callable 12/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.375%, 6/1/28

     1,614,470   
  1,555,000      

West Virginia Housing Development Fund, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 2.750%, 11/1/20

     1,583,581   
  2,325,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, Capital Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, (NATL), 5.000%, 7/1/16

     2,590,352   
  1,855,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, Capital Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/17 @ 100, (NATL), 5.000%, 7/1/18

     2,080,958   
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  

  

West Virginia — (continued)

  
  $1,650,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, Capital Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/17 @ 100, (NATL), 5.000%, 7/1/19

     $1,859,748   
  2,500,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, Capital Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/17 @ 100, (NATL), 5.000%, 7/1/20

     2,813,900   
  100,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, School Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/16

     111,355   
  1,300,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, School Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/18

     1,502,176   
  1,000,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/18 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     1,085,050   
  1,840,000      

West Virginia School Building Authority, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/18 @100, 5.250%, 7/1/21

     2,108,272   
  1,890,000      

West Virginia State Building Commission, Regional Jail Refunding Revenue, Series A, (AMBAC), 5.375%, 7/1/21

     2,045,339   
  1,020,000      

West Virginia State Parkways Economic Development & Tourism Authority, Refunding Revenue (NATL, G.O. of Authority), 5.250%, 5/15/17

     1,166,513   
  2,000,000      

West Virginia State Parkways Economic Development & Tourism Authority, Refunding Revenue (NATL, G.O. of Authority), 5.250%, 5/15/19

     2,348,560   
  1,380,000      

West Virginia University, University Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/35

     1,439,961   
  1,500,000      

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvement Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 10/1/20

     1,758,435   
  1,035,000      

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, (NATL-RE), 5.250%, 4/1/28

     1,194,876   
  500,000      

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 10/1/19

     583,295   
  3,665,000      

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/36

     3,796,977   
  1,110,000      

West Virginia Water Development Authority, Loan Program II, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 11/1/13 @ 101, (AMBAC), 5.250%, 11/1/23

     1,125,707   
  2,090,000      

West Virginia, State Road, Refunding G.O., (NATL), 5.000%, 6/1/15

     2,250,763   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $99,721,011)

     101,874,150   
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

91


Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

Shares          Fair Value  

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (3.4%)

  
  3,577,683     

Federated Tax-Free Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     $  3,577,683   
    

 

 

 
 

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $3,577,683)

     3,577,683   
    

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 98.6%
(Cost $103,298,694)

     105,451,833   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 1.4%

     1,513,344   
    

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 106,965,177   
    

 

 

 

 

 

(a) The interest rate for this variable rate note, which will change periodically, is based either on the prime rate or an index of market rates. The reflected rate is in effect as of September 30, 2013. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

G.O. — General Obligation

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

RE — Reinsurance

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

92


Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Shares           Fair Value  

 

EQUITY FUNDS (40.5%)

  

  207,334      

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     $  3,769,324   
  174,641      

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     3,835,116   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $6,749,518)

     7,604,440   
     

 

 

 

 

FIXED INCOME FUND (57.7%)

  

  1,030,767      

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     10,853,980   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Funds
(Cost $10,631,199)

     10,853,980   
     

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.7%)

  

  316,108      

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     316,108   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $316,108)

     316,108   
     

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost $17,696,825)

     18,774,528   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.1%

     21,032   
     

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 18,795,560   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

93


Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Shares           Fair Value  

 

EQUITY FUNDS (60.4%)

  

  573,512      

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     $10,426,456   
  483,055      

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     10,607,895   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $18,802,681)

     21,034,351   
     

 

 

 

 

FIXED INCOME FUND (37.7%)

  

  1,245,350      

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     13,113,537   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Funds
(Cost $12,873,018)

     13,113,537   
     

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (2.0%)

  

  683,769      

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     683,769   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $683,769)

     683,769   
     

 

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.1%
(Cost $32,359,468)

     34,831,657   

 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.1)%

     (39,650
     

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 34,792,007   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

94


Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

Schedule of Portfolio Investments

September 30, 2013

 

Shares         Fair Value  

EQUITY FUNDS (75.5%)

  

541,014   

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

   $ 9,835,643   
455,702   

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     10,007,224   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $17,726,356)

     19,842,867   
     

 

 

 

FIXED INCOME FUND (22.8%)

  

568,819   

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     5,989,668   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Funds
(Cost $5,970,641)

     5,989,668   
     

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND (1.7%)

  

453,268   

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares

     453,268   
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $453,268)

     453,268   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $24,150,265)

     26,285,803   

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.0)%

     (7,893
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 26,277,910   
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Investments in issuers considered to be an affiliate of the Fund for purposes of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

95


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
Large Cap Value
Diversified Fund
    Sterling Capital
Mid
Value Fund
 

Assets:

    

Investments at fair value (a)

   $ 224,594,940      $ 590,024,143   

Interest and dividends receivable

     328,284        1,047,115   

Receivable for investments sold

            5,075,570   

Receivable for capital shares issued

     327,214        3,281,992   

Deferred offering costs

              

Prepaid expenses

     17,488        19,771   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     225,267,926        599,448,591   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Call options written

    

(premiums received $ — , $ — , $ — , $719,815, $ — , $ — and $ — , respectively)

              

Distributions payable

              

Payable for investments purchased

            10,383,351   

Payable for capital shares redeemed

     24,385        586,584   

Accrued expenses and other payables:

    

Investment advisory fees

     111,251        314,358   

Administration fees

     17,721        42,909   

Audit fees

     11,815        22,622   

Compliance service fees

     197        431   

Distribution (12b-1) fees

     7,120        9,951   

Printing fees

     12,493        14,060   

Transfer agent fees

     10,805        29,596   

Other fees

     8,239        15,665   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     204,026        11,419,527   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 225,063,900      $ 588,029,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

    

Capital

   $ 274,985,306      $ 443,979,318   

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

     148,938        1,533,564   

Accumulated realized gain (loss)

     (65,370,280     20,615,299   

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     15,299,936        121,900,883   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 225,063,900      $ 588,029,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Class A Shares

   $ 28,682,454      $ 36,094,258   

Class B Shares

     1,261,414        2,001,633   

Class C Shares

     198,817        1,309,062   

Institutional Shares

     194,921,215        548,623,941   

Class R Shares

            170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 225,063,900      $ 588,029,064   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)

    

Class A Shares

     2,026,125        1,921,628   

Class B Shares

     90,674        112,675   

Class C Shares

     14,394        73,894   

Institutional Shares

     13,697,780        29,014,769   

Class R Shares

            9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     15,828,973        31,122,975   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

    

Class A Shares - redemption price per share

   $ 14.16      $ 18.78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B Shares - offering price per share*

   $ 13.91      $ 17.76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class C Shares - offering price per share*

   $ 13.81      $ 17.72   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Institutional Shares

   $ 14.23      $ 18.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class R Shares

   $      $ 18.47 ** 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Sales Charge - Class A Shares

     5.75     5.75
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Offering Price (100%/(100% - Maximum Sales Charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share - Class A Shares

   $ 15.02      $ 19.93   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments at cost

   $ 209,295,004      $ 468,123,260   

 

*

Redemption price per share varies by length of time shares are held.

**

The Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund and Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund net asset value for Class R Shares is calculated using unrounded net assets of $170.03 and $160.34 divided by the unrounded shares of 9.207 and 10.541, respectively.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

96


 

Sterling Capital
Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
    Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities Fund
    Sterling Capital
Equity
Income Fund
    Sterling Capital
Ultra Short
Bond Fund
    Sterling Capital
Short-Term
Bond Fund
 
       
$ 112,028,312      $ 827,451,705      $ 1,936,814,424      $ 56,053,128      $ 76,490,011   
  194,661        760,037        2,535,518        604,695        590,732   
  479,524                               
  285,419        1,781,800        9,282,858        28,287        240,438   
                       2,001          
  14,926        24,085        40,272        4,070        4,658   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  113,002,842        830,017,627        1,948,673,072        56,692,181        77,325,839   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
       
         1,166,900                        
                2,588        8,475        125,796   
  477,396        1,828,789        19,362,596        2,451,721        394,066   
  974,249        617,006        6,832,643        52,910        282,763   
       
  67,880        504,567        1,099,165        8,689        15,749   
  8,650        64,779        150,078        4,152        6,022   
  4,897        38,113        79,973        2,230        3,545   
  96        710        1,627        44        63   
  2,297        140,843        379,952        2,637        3,263   
  3,029        23,774        49,173        1,377        2,224   
  6,297        62,784        198,575        2,103        3,566   
  5,356        25,002        52,936        6,142        6,417   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,550,147        4,473,267        28,209,306        2,540,480        843,474   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 111,452,695      $ 825,544,360      $ 1,920,463,766      $ 54,151,701      $ 76,482,365   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 95,570,423      $ 568,940,699      $ 1,566,208,991      $ 54,251,752      $ 84,369,185   
  138,201        1,176,686        1,175,992        10,474        (16,260
  9,622,194        80,049,793        73,610,966        (14,612     (7,531,055
  6,121,877        175,377,182        279,467,817        (95,913     (339,505

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 111,452,695      $ 825,544,360      $ 1,920,463,766      $ 54,151,701      $ 76,482,365   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 8,813,394      $ 269,300,024      $ 690,106,475      $ 13,526,405      $ 13,811,687   
  424,614        8,920,959        10,335,471                 
  215,802        94,718,301        280,841,480               555,806   
  101,998,725        452,155,369        936,399,632        40,625,296        62,114,872   
  160        449,707        2,780,708                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 111,452,695      $ 825,544,360      $ 1,920,463,766      $ 54,151,701      $ 76,482,365   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  578,056        12,594,449        38,046,702        1,355,687        1,495,116   
  28,521        456,673        571,064                 
  14,505        4,845,389        15,591,552               60,170   
  6,650,335        20,593,218        51,516,936        4,071,515        6,724,319   
  11        20,708        154,111                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  7,271,428        38,510,437        105,880,365        5,427,202        8,279,605   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 15.25      $ 21.38      $ 18.14      $ 9.98      $ 9.24   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 14.89      $ 19.53      $ 18.10      $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 14.88      $ 19.55      $ 18.01      $      $ 9.24   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 15.34      $ 21.96      $ 18.18      $ 9.98      $ 9.24   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 15.21 **    $ 21.72      $ 18.04      $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5.75     5.75     5.75     0.50     2.00

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 16.18      $ 22.68      $ 19.25      $ 10.03      $ 9.43   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 105,906,435      $ 651,627,438      $ 1,657,346,607      $ 56,149,041      $ 76,829,516   

 

97


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
Intermediate U.S.
Government Fund
    Sterling Capital
Total Return
Bond Fund
 

Assets:

    

Investments at fair value (a)

   $ 58,311,369      $ 499,818,251   

Cash

            4,282   

Interest and dividends receivable

     291,358        4,043,908   

Receivable for investments sold

            3,609,897   

Receivable for capital shares issued

     73,315        933,396   

Prepaid expenses

     4,451        10,617   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     58,680,493        508,420,351   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Distributions payable

     93,620        776,078   

Payable for investments purchased

            20,002,275   

Payable for capital shares redeemed

     72,493        627,599   

Accrued expenses and other payables:

    

Investment advisory fees

     21,384        137,466   

Administration fees

     4,753        38,646   

Compliance service fees

     57        448   

Distribution (12b-1) fees

     3,450        14,945   

Other fees

     14,055        97,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     209,812        21,694,925   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 58,470,681      $ 486,725,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

    

Capital

   $ 64,555,674      $ 491,729,764   

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

     655,299        765,767   

Accumulated realized gain (loss)

     (7,783,663     (6,066,357

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,043,371        296,252   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 58,470,681      $ 486,725,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Class A Shares

   $ 10,171,813      $ 42,773,733   

Class B Shares

     532,558        1,942,734   

Class C Shares

     1,080,167        5,362,137   

Institutional Shares

     46,686,143        436,641,422   

Class R Shares

            5,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 58,470,681      $ 486,725,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)

    

Class A Shares

     988,928        4,064,420   

Class B Shares

     51,949        184,413   

Class C Shares

     105,167        508,764   

Institutional Shares

     4,533,584        41,467,934   

Class R Shares

            515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     5,679,628        46,226,046   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

    

Class A Shares - redemption price per share

   $ 10.29      $ 10.52   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B Shares - offering price per share*

   $ 10.25      $ 10.53   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class C Shares - offering price per share*

   $ 10.27      $ 10.54   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Institutional Shares

   $ 10.30      $ 10.53   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class R Shares

   $      $ 10.48 *** 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Sales Charge - Class A Shares

     2.00     5.75
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Offering Price (100%/(100% - Maximum Sales Charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest cent per share - Class A Shares

   $ 10.50      $ 11.16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a) Investments at cost

   $ 57,267,998      $ 499,521,999   

 

*

Redemption price per share varies by length of time shares are held.

**

The Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund net asset value for Class C Shares is calculated using unrounded net assets of $2,652.98 divided by the unrounded shares of 269.603.

***

The Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund net asset value for Class R Shares is calculated using unrounded net assets of $5,400.54 divided by the unrounded shares of 515.167.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

98


 

Sterling Capital
Corporate Fund
    Sterling Capital
Securitized
Opportunities
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Kentucky Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Maryland Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
North Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
       
$ 85,209,266      $ 65,739,893      $ 17,620,954      $ 43,561,523      $ 213,040,153   
                                
  1,125,413        221,331        193,698        461,133        3,054,171   
  1,560,083        361,726                      4,725,817   
  246,665        67,748        3,379        3,966        138,513   
  5,806        5,863        1,436        1,485        2,859   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  88,147,233        66,396,561        17,819,467        44,028,107        220,961,513   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  60,031        27,899        28,094        43,979        318,766   
  2,083,850        7,721,408                      1,158,160   
  168,602        67,546        1,351        136,525        95,835   
       
  24,904        16,403        6,753        16,165        80,849   
  6,801        4,480        1,435        3,434        17,172   
  80        51        18        39        198   
  45        10        1,413        2,662        15,449   
  18,728        15,057        5,403        9,656        44,551   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,363,041        7,852,854        44,467        212,460        1,730,980   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 85,784,192      $ 58,543,707      $ 17,775,000      $ 43,815,647      $ 219,230,533   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 85,698,191      $ 60,214,285      $ 16,757,777      $ 42,986,885      $ 212,674,743   
  (60,031     6,197        2,458        3,648        79,793   
  358,021        (1,523,014     (12,158     (109,934     (670,376
  (211,989     (153,761     1,026,923        935,048        7,146,373   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 85,784,192      $ 58,543,707      $ 17,775,000      $ 43,815,647      $ 219,230,533   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 160,296      $ 37,656      $ 5,848,982      $ 8,036,211      $ 55,415,628   
                                
  14,928        2,653        67,086        1,205,593        4,776,206   
  85,608,968        58,503,398        11,858,932        34,573,843        159,038,699   
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 85,784,192      $ 58,543,707      $ 17,775,000      $ 43,815,647      $ 219,230,533   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  15,787        3,824        548,291        733,478        5,157,727   
                                
  1,471        270        6,287        110,010        444,885   
  8,433,304        5,939,973        1,113,273        3,150,788        14,803,300   
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  8,450,562        5,944,067        1,667,851        3,994,276        20,405,912   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
$ 10.15      $ 9.85      $ 10.67      $ 10.96      $ 10.74   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$      $      $      $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 10.15      $ 9.84 **    $ 10.67      $ 10.96      $ 10.74   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 10.15      $ 9.85      $ 10.65      $ 10.97      $ 10.74   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$      $      $      $      $   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2.00     2.00     2.00     2.00     2.00

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 10.36      $ 10.05      $ 10.89      $ 11.18      $ 10.96   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 85,421,255      $ 65,893,654      $ 16,594,031      $ 42,626,475      $ 205,893,780   

 

99


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Assets and Liabilities
    September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
South Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

Assets:

    

Investments at fair value - unaffiliated (a)

   $ 71,166,097      $ 132,624,236   

Investments at fair value - affiliated (b)

              

Interest and dividends receivable - unaffiliated

     927,870        1,321,950   

Dividends receivable - affiliated

              

Receivable for capital shares issued

     11,393        127,052   

Prepaid expenses

     2,241        3,410   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

     72,107,601        134,076,648   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

    

Distributions payable

     81,724        159,582   

Payable for investments purchased

            2,184,114   

Payable for capital shares redeemed

     164,596        628,418   

Accrued expenses and other payables:

    

Investment advisory fees

     26,986        48,889   

Administration fees

     5,732        10,385   

Compliance service fees

     68        118   

Distribution (12b-1) fees

     5,251        11,802   

Other fees

     16,207        26,830   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     300,564        3,070,138   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 71,807,037      $ 131,006,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

    

Capital

   $ 70,640,834      $ 127,256,613   

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

     7,081        62,563   

Accumulated realized loss

     (205,203     (563,022

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     1,364,325        4,250,356   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 71,807,037      $ 131,006,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

    

Class A Shares

   $ 21,568,613      $ 46,616,391   

Class B Shares

              

Class C Shares

     898,548        2,686,782   

Institutional Shares

     49,339,876        81,703,337   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 71,807,037      $ 131,006,510   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares of Beneficial Interest Outstanding (Unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)

    

Class A Shares

     1,987,380        3,953,153   

Class B Shares

              

Class C Shares

     82,812        227,917   

Institutional Shares

     4,576,895        6,930,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     6,647,087        11,111,592   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

    

Class A Shares - redemption price per share

   $ 10.85      $ 11.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class B Shares - offering price per share*

   $      $   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class C Shares - offering price per share*

   $ 10.85      $ 11.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Institutional Shares

   $ 10.78      $ 11.79   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Sales Charge - Class A Shares

     2.00     2.00
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Maximum Offering Price (100%/(100% - Maximum Sales Charge)) of net asset value adjusted to the nearest
cent per share - Class A Shares

   $ 11.07      $ 12.03   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments at cost:

    

(a) Investments at cost - unaffiliated

   $ 69,801,772      $ 128,373,880   

(b) Investments at cost - affiliated

   $      $   

 

* Redemption price per share varies by length of time shares are held.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

100


 

Sterling Capital
West Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund

    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Conservative Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Balanced Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Growth Fund
 
     
$ 105,451,833      $ 316,108      $ 683,769      $ 453,268   
         18,458,420        34,147,888        25,832,535   
  1,516,281        3        6        4   
         41,179        49,752        22,725   
  316,659        1,101        433        777   
  2,984        3,134        4,478        3,787   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  107,287,757        18,819,945        34,886,326        26,313,096   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
  139,870        7,817        1,583        560   
                         
  104,817        8,790        76,796        22,312   
     
  39,197                        
  8,325                        
  94        16        30        23   
  8,229        4,008        9,507        7,390   
  22,048        3,754        6,403        4,901   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  322,580        24,385        94,319        35,186   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 106,965,177      $ 18,795,560      $ 34,792,007      $ 26,277,910   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
$ 104,840,860      $ 24,840,553      $ 41,929,368      $ 35,625,699   
  (21,791     9,685        17,821        8,231   
  (7,031     (7,132,381     (9,627,371     (11,491,558
  2,153,139        1,077,703        2,472,189        2,135,538   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 106,965,177      $ 18,795,560      $ 34,792,007      $ 26,277,910   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
$ 37,265,647      $ 14,381,467      $ 30,637,642      $ 21,832,642   
         1,020,113        3,263,843        2,986,372   
  763,683        241,446        569,647        452,107   
  68,935,847        3,152,534        320,875        1,006,789   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 106,965,177      $ 18,795,560      $ 34,792,007      $ 26,277,910   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
  3,762,392        1,445,569        3,136,517        2,335,488   
         102,232        341,036        327,463   
  77,096        24,382        59,353        49,752   
  6,952,084        313,576        32,629        107,449   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  10,791,572        1,885,759        3,569,535        2,820,152   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
$ 9.90      $ 9.95      $ 9.77      $ 9.35   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$      $ 9.98      $ 9.57      $ 9.12   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 9.91      $ 9.90      $ 9.60      $ 9.09   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 9.92      $ 10.05      $ 9.83      $ 9.37   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2.00     5.75     5.75     5.75

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

$

10.10

  

  $ 10.56      $ 10.37      $ 9.92   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
$ 103,298,694      $ 316,108      $ 683,769      $ 453,268   
$      $ 17,380,717      $ 31,675,699      $ 23,696,997   

 

101


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Operations
    For the Year or Period Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
Large Cap Value
Diversified Fund
    Sterling Capital
Mid
Value Fund
 

Investment Income:

    

Interest income

   $      $   

Dividend income

     4,626,754        8,392,891   

Foreign tax withholding

     (19,261     (16,161
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     4,607,493        8,376,730   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Investment advisory fees (See Note 5)

     1,562,538        2,995,416   

Administration fees (See Note 5)

     220,018        420,783   

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

     70,583        66,687   

Distribution fees - Class B Shares

     14,388        20,013   

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

     1,792        7,465   

Distribution fees - Class R Shares

            10   

Compliance service fees (See Note 5)

     2,511        4,725   

Trustee fees

     21,650        39,383   

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

     7,992        10,867   

Audit fees

     24,815        46,165   

Custodian fees

     11,477        21,864   

Fund accounting fees (See Note 5)

     16,734        32,091   

Legal fees

     50,301        47,429   

Offering costs

              

Printing fees

     31,967        46,226   

Transfer agent fees (See Note 5)

     94,918        211,595   

Other fees

     49,926        75,356   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before waivers

     2,181,610        4,046,075   

Less expenses waived by the Investment Advisor (See Note 5)

     (223,220       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     1,958,390        4,046,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     2,649,103        4,330,655   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investments

     52,816,685        44,311,848   

Litigation proceeds

     331,817        380,029   

Written options

              

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

    

Investments

     (30,764,619     71,663,696   

Written options

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     22,383,883        116,355,573   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

   $ 25,032,986      $ 120,686,228   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations was November 30, 2012.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

102


 

Sterling Capital
Small Cap
Value Diversified Fund

    Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities Fund
    Sterling Capital
Equity
Income Fund
    Sterling Capital
Ultra Short
Bond Fund*
    Sterling Capital
Short-Term
Bond Fund
 
       
$      $      $      $ 397,769      $ 1,657,918   
  1,526,865        11,195,654        44,195,695        585        90,998   
  (6,976     (236,797     (622,219              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,519,889        10,958,857        43,573,476        398,354        1,748,916   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  708,097        5,510,424        10,580,257        70,277        201,807   
  91,076        708,500        1,486,012        34,455        66,193   
  18,818        525,303        1,213,146        18,554        30,514   
  4,365        107,837        117,649                 
  1,630        870,173        2,369,125               3,372   
         2,023        10,138                 
  1,032        8,043        16,930        399        748   
  8,572        67,649        136,697        3,230        6,241   
  7,292        15,491        31,221        19,066        25,765   
  9,975        78,118        166,155        4,167        7,158   
  4,867        36,813        77,864        1,948        3,561   
  6,945        54,011        113,357        2,635        5,045   
  10,374        81,381        164,875        3,309        7,582   
                       6,670          
  17,101        78,553        163,996        3,998        7,746   
  48,992        404,514        1,277,090        14,471        28,721   
  44,614        94,088        173,441        4,882        13,977   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  983,750        8,642,921        18,097,953        188,061        408,430   
                              (23,642

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  983,750        8,642,921        18,097,953        188,061        384,788   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  536,139        2,315,936        25,475,523        210,293        1,364,128   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
       
  17,520,757        83,623,703        66,173,195        (3,406     344,743   
  46,033        189        3,347                 
         121,014        498,868                 
       
  4,942,679        55,615,077        114,577,007        (95,913     (1,151,061
         139,446        766,221                 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  22,509,469        139,499,429        182,018,638        (99,319     (806,318

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 23,045,608      $ 141,815,365      $ 207,494,161      $ 110,974      $ 557,810   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

103


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Operations
    For the Year Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
Intermediate U.S.
Government Fund
    Sterling Capital
Total Return
Bond Fund
 

Investment Income:

    

Interest income

   $ 1,870,349      $ 18,456,630   

Dividend income

     133        740,702   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     1,870,482        19,197,332   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Investment advisory fees (See Note 5)

     343,301        2,026,494   

Administration fees (See Note 5)

     75,524        540,093   

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

     30,051        123,287   

Distribution fees - Class B Shares

     7,361        25,893   

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

     10,930        64,025   

Distribution fees - Class R Shares

            28   

Compliance service fees (See Note 5)

     831        6,173   

Trustee fees

     7,955        54,294   

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

     7,521        58,573   

Audit fees

     7,575        62,261   

Custodian fees

     3,758        28,024   

Fund accounting fees (See Note 5)

     5,737        41,076   

Interest expense (See Note 7)

              

Legal fees

     9,562        65,810   

Printing fees

     8,441        63,392   

Transfer agent fees (See Note 5)

     34,199        233,032   

Other fees

     18,937        60,314   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before waivers

     571,683        3,452,769   

Less expenses waived by the Investment Advisor (See Note 5)

            (106,566
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     571,683        3,346,203   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,298,799        15,851,129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

    

Net realized gain (loss) from investments

     1,460,094        (100,158

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (4,584,101     (23,167,353
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized loss

     (3,124,007     (23,267,511
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

   $ (1,825,208   $ (7,416,382
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

104


 

Sterling Capital
Corporate
Fund

    Sterling Capital
Securitized
Opportunities Fund
    Sterling Capital
Kentucky Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Maryland Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
North Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
       
$ 3,647,196      $ 2,075,395      $ 790,495      $ 1,247,666      $ 7,889,581   
  306,603        228        121        562        487   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  3,953,799        2,075,623        790,616        1,248,228        7,890,068   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  358,019        270,549        112,116        212,250        1,124,936   
  80,036        56,864        24,605        46,558        246,613   
  169        40        26,171        23,097        158,701   
                                
  34        17        2,537        15,599        51,642   
                                
  1,109        859        283        530        2,818   
  9,566        7,516        2,539        4,635        24,824   
  21,656        28,101        9,750        12,656        28,773   
  11,145        9,179        2,809        5,230        27,952   
  5,103        3,814        1,382        2,511        12,739   
  7,324        5,472        1,868        3,537        18,749   
         19                        
  10,784        8,398        2,818        5,107        27,500   
  11,822        10,125        3,451        5,920        29,027   
  41,898        34,703        11,058        22,108        113,134   
  16,049        15,494        4,268        9,782        20,628   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  574,714        451,150        205,655        369,520        1,888,036   
  (81,220     (76,067                     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  493,494        375,083        205,655        369,520        1,888,036   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  3,460,305        1,700,540        584,961        878,708        6,002,032   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  441,685        (563,438     (9,823     (118,683     (692,531
  (4,499,342     (1,687,559     (1,034,032     (1,946,782     (11,475,550

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (4,057,657     (2,250,997     (1,043,855     (2,065,465     (12,168,081

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (597,352   $ (550,457   $ (458,894   $ (1,186,757   $ (6,166,049

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

105


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Operations
    For the Year Ended September 30, 2013

 

     Sterling Capital
South Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Virginia Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

Investment Income:

    

Interest income

   $ 2,282,210      $ 4,226,235   

Dividend income - unaffiliated

     579        405   

Dividend income - affiliated

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     2,282,789        4,226,640   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

    

Investment advisory fees (See Note 5)

     359,948        654,996   

Administration fees (See Note 5)

     78,887        143,512   

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

     60,425        127,291   

Distribution fees - Class B Shares

              

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

     8,480        31,334   

Compliance service fees (See Note 5)

     904        1,638   

Trustee fees

     7,799        14,372   

Audit fees

     8,917        16,261   

Custodian fees

     4,199        7,499   

Fund accounting fees (See Note 5)

     5,999        10,917   

Interest expense (See Note 7)

     87        16   

Insurance

     2,221        4,319   

Legal fees

     8,660        15,916   

Printing fees

     9,581        17,273   

Registration fees

     4,363        5,422   

Transfer agent fees (See Note 5)

     37,137        63,242   

Other fees

     21,643        27,688   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before waivers

     619,250        1,141,696   

Less expenses waived by the Investment Advisor (See Note 5)

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

     619,250        1,141,696   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     1,663,539        3,084,944   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

    

Net realized gain (loss) from:

    

Investment transactions - unaffiliated

     (218,607     (420,926

Investment transactions - affiliated

              

Distributions from unaffiliated funds

              

Distributions from affiliated funds

              

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     (3,084,794     (6,393,589
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (3,303,401     (6,814,515
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

   $ (1,639,862   $ (3,729,571
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

106


 

Sterling Capital
West Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund

    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Conservative
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Balanced
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Growth Fund
 
     
$ 3,674,839      $      $      $   
  470        49,211        126,070        99,316   
         468,389        628,808        345,582   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  3,675,309        517,600        754,878        444,898   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
  539,658        47,605        85,479        62,746   
  118,273                        
  101,966        35,859        72,849        50,457   
         12,027        42,732        37,094   
  8,333        2,363        4,664        3,555   
  1,356        216        379        279   
  12,002        1,964        3,143        2,274   
  13,574        2,127        3,773        2,754   
  6,195        1,096        1,808        1,362   
  8,994        1,428        2,564        1,882   
                         
  3,742        564        1,042        739   
  13,181        2,047        3,664        2,661   
  14,186        3,870        6,324        5,142   
  11,446        7,815        10,159        9,935   
  51,242        9,842        15,661        11,834   
  22,920        4,879        5,631        5,148   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  927,068        133,702        259,872        197,862   
         (28,134     (50,665     (37,961

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  927,068        105,568        209,207        159,901   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,748,241        412,032        545,671        284,997   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     
     
  (73,273     1,167,936        2,994,594        2,607,929   
         883,218        2,238,897        1,955,765   
         11,268        16,746        8,766   
         101,060        147,743        86,805   
  (5,529,269     (1,608,299     (3,072,799     (2,182,982

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (5,602,542     555,183        2,325,181        2,476,283   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (2,854,301   $ 967,215      $ 2,870,852      $ 2,761,280   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

107


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Large Cap Value
Diversified Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

From Investment Activities:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,649,103      $ 2,457,825   

Net realized gain

     53,148,502        3,798,125   

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (30,764,619     48,298,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

     25,032,986        54,554,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Class A Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (273,192     (258,767

Net realized gains

              

Distributions to Class B Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (3,413     (3,948

Net realized gains

              

Distributions to Class C Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (468     (542

Net realized gains

              

Distributions to Institutional Class Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (2,350,357     (2,127,270

Net realized gains

              

Distributions to Class R Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

              

Net realized gains

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (2,627,430     (2,390,527
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

    

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     (17,015,985     (16,021,699
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     5,389,571        36,142,116   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     219,674,329        183,532,213   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 225,063,900      $ 219,674,329   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

   $ 148,938      $ 127,265   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

108


Sterling Capital
Mid Value
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
    Sterling Capital
Special Opportunities
Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 4,330,655      $ 3,535,707      $ 536,139      $ 356,521      $ 2,315,936      $ 212,150   
  44,691,877        22,174,757        17,566,790        2,143,060        83,744,906        31,486,869   
  71,663,696        57,049,107        4,942,679        12,911,771        55,754,523        108,303,489   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  120,686,228        82,759,571        23,045,608        15,411,352        141,815,365        140,002,508   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (161,440     (165,158     (14,357            (54,587       
                (79,193     (547,335     (8,583,850     (3,787,895
         
  (3,710     (5,215                            
                (5,235     (45,967     (643,747     (326,596
         
  (1,160     (1,375                            
                (1,544     (8,215     (4,427,390     (1,523,626
         
  (2,997,558     (3,319,999     (375,644            (1,115,681       
                (872,669     (5,945,250     (18,269,580     (6,499,368
         
  (1     (1     (1                     
                (1     (9     (17,945     (5,704

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (3,163,869     (3,491,748     (1,348,644     (6,546,776     (33,112,780     (12,143,189

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  105,419,733        (34,231,132     10,785,032        (1,660,022     60,853,963        (88,356,869

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  222,942,092        45,036,691        32,481,996        7,204,554        169,556,548        39,502,450   
         
  365,086,972        320,050,281        78,970,699        71,766,145        655,987,812        616,485,362   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 588,029,064      $ 365,086,972      $ 111,452,695      $ 78,970,699      $ 825,544,360      $ 655,987,812   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 1,533,564      $ 406,587      $ 138,201      $      $ 1,176,686      $ 219,343   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

109


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Equity Income
Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

From Investment Activities:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 25,475,523      $ 15,936,707   

Net realized gain (loss)

     66,675,410        43,658,501   

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     115,343,228        120,629,987   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

     207,494,161        180,225,195   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Class A Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (7,241,498     (3,853,569

Net realized gains

     (3,938,641       

Distributions to Class B Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (78,258     (60,891

Net realized gains

     (121,503       

Distributions to Class C Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (1,774,142     (862,533

Net realized gains

     (2,047,025       

Distributions to Institutional Class Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (13,466,586     (7,828,151

Net realized gains

     (6,452,928       

Distributions to Class R Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (25,171     (9,825

Net realized gains

     (12,837       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (35,158,589     (12,614,969
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

    

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     532,656,895        323,453,318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     704,992,467        491,063,544   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of period

     1,215,471,299        724,407,755   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 1,920,463,766      $ 1,215,471,299   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

   $ 1,175,992      $ 1,132,934   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

110


Sterling Capital
Ultra Short
Bond Fund
    Sterling Capital
Short-Term
Bond Fund
    Sterling Capital
Intermediate U.S.
Government Fund
 

For the Period
November 30, 2012*
to September 30, 2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
       
       
$ 210,293      $ 1,364,128      $ 1,262,285      $ 1,298,799      $ 3,033,372   
  (3,406     344,743        229,158        1,460,094        6,285,092   
  (95,913     (1,151,061     1,186,455        (4,584,101     (4,256,203

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  110,974        557,810        2,677,898        (1,825,208     5,062,261   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  (31,876     (388,539     (269,952     (338,378     (355,244
                                
       
                       (15,323     (23,573
                                
       
         (8,152     (1,852     (22,496     (18,651
                                
       
  (187,443     (1,874,061     (1,754,266     (1,929,090     (3,900,325
                                
       
                                
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (219,319     (2,270,752     (2,026,070     (2,305,287     (4,297,793

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
  54,260,046        21,779,293        (7,600,136     (29,640,056     (79,955,641

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  54,151,701        20,066,351        (6,948,308     (33,770,551     (79,191,173
       
         56,416,014        63,364,322        92,241,232        171,432,405   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 54,151,701      $ 76,482,365      $ 56,416,014      $ 58,470,681      $ 92,241,232   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 10,474      $ (16,260   $ (97,384   $ 655,299      $ 1,178,198   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

111


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Total Return
Bond Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

From Investment Activities:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 15,851,129      $ 14,589,950   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (100,158     8,294,401   

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (23,167,353     13,355,995   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

     (7,416,382     36,240,346   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Class A Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (1,737,457     (1,498,746

Net realized gains

     (385,353     (972,586

Distributions to Class B Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (71,392     (97,020

Net realized gains

     (22,718     (91,479

Distributions to Class C Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (177,585     (133,490

Net realized gains

     (55,269     (105,048

Distributions to Institutional Class Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (18,470,970     (17,141,811

Net realized gains

     (3,851,849     (10,048,727

Distributions to Class R Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (177     (185

Net realized gains

     (42     (137
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (24,772,812     (30,089,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

    

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     (54,498,804     138,913,175   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     (86,687,998     145,064,292   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     573,413,424        428,349,132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 486,725,426      $ 573,413,424   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

   $ 765,767      $ 599,733   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

112


Sterling Capital
Corporate
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Securitized Opportunities
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Kentucky Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 3,460,305      $ 2,530,206      $ 1,700,540      $ 1,174,093      $ 584,961      $ 619,706   
  441,685        896,976        (563,438     268,767        (9,823     131,599   
  (4,499,342     4,641,012        (1,687,559     1,233,633        (1,034,032     706,779   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (597,352     8,068,194        (550,457     2,676,493        (458,894     1,458,084   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (2,181            (503            (230,512     (235,881
                              (59,631     (21,478
         
                                       
                                       
         
  (90            (45            (3,718     (1,190
                              (1,452       
         
  (3,458,034     (2,533,734     (2,476,396     (1,625,700     (349,035     (381,011
  (1,020,381     (32,802            (26,599     (78,818     (32,802
         
                                       
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (4,480,686     (2,566,536     (2,476,944     (1,652,299     (723,166     (672,362

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (2,084,076     41,116,246        (26,951,669     53,593,679        (6,766,426     2,451,157   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (7,162,114     46,617,904        (29,979,070     54,617,873        (7,948,486     3,236,879   
         
  92,946,306        46,328,402        88,522,777        33,904,904        25,723,486        22,486,607   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 85,784,192      $ 92,946,306      $ 58,543,707      $ 88,522,777      $ 17,775,000      $ 25,723,486   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (60,031   $ (17,151   $ 6,197      $ 3,289      $ 2,458      $ 2,456   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

113


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Maryland
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

From Investment Activities:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 878,708      $ 888,216   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (118,683     618,471   

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (1,946,782     761,535   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

     (1,186,757     2,268,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Class A Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (156,484     (201,126

Net realized gains

     (119,442     (62,182

Distributions to Class C Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (14,785     (6,230

Net realized gains

     (22,173       

Distributions to Institutional Class Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (705,517     (678,515

Net realized gains

     (453,539     (168,673
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (1,471,940     (1,116,726
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

    

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     1,301,297        9,615,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     (1,357,400     10,766,713   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     45,173,047        34,406,334   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 43,815,647      $ 45,173,047   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income

   $ 3,648      $ 3,632   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

114


Sterling Capital
North Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
South Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 6,002,032      $ 6,059,160      $ 1,663,539      $ 1,500,568      $ 3,084,944      $ 3,174,312   
  (692,531     2,021,592        (218,607     698,534        (420,926     1,659,383   
  (11,475,550     6,501,111        (3,084,794     1,900,048        (6,393,589     2,622,988   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (6,166,049     14,581,863        (1,639,862     4,099,150        (3,729,571     7,456,683   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (1,416,684     (1,375,822     (461,688     (421,586     (1,004,673     (1,009,563
  (459,916     (333,256     (180,619     (108,257     (438,802     (248,762
         
  (76,417     (16,041     (9,696     (1,338     (38,241     (19,681
  (38,065            (3,997            (27,453       
         
  (4,501,480     (4,657,350     (1,187,346     (1,071,805     (2,033,426     (2,132,796
  (1,369,438     (1,073,201     (404,480     (255,887     (789,514     (488,933

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (7,862,000     (7,455,670     (2,247,826     (1,858,873     (4,332,109     (3,899,735

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (25,591,152     38,943,769        264,958        16,988,719        (6,420,982     24,166,172   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (39,619,201     46,069,962        (3,622,730     19,228,996        (14,482,662     27,723,120   
         
  258,849,734        212,779,772        75,429,767        56,200,771        145,489,172        117,766,052   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 219,230,533      $ 258,849,734      $ 71,807,037      $ 75,429,767      $ 131,006,510      $ 145,489,172   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 79,793      $ 74,251      $ 7,081      $ 3,816      $ 62,563      $ 42,835   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

115


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
West Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

From Investment Activities:

    

Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 2,748,241      $ 3,149,696   

Net realized gain (loss)

     (73,273     1,453,300   

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (5,529,269     2,839,195   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from operations

     (2,854,301     7,442,191   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Class A Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (865,043     (952,616

Net realized gains

     (471,436     (138,148

Distributions to Class B Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

              

Distributions to Class C Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (11,386     (1,859

Net realized gains

     (9,918       

Distributions to Institutional Class Shareholders From:

    

Net investment income

     (1,855,804     (2,179,987

Net realized gains

     (976,219     (296,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (4,189,806     (3,569,329
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Transactions:

    

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     (11,863,793     16,758,372   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     (18,907,900     20,631,234   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of year

     125,873,077        105,241,843   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 106,965,177      $ 125,873,077   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income

   $ (21,791   $ (21,796
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

116


    
Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Conservative Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Balanced Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic
Allocation Growth Fund
 
For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 412,032      $ 380,749      $ 545,671      $ 521,593      $ 284,997      $ 280,662   
  2,163,482        308,621        5,397,980        730,254        4,659,265        428,285   
  (1,608,299     1,538,274        (3,072,799     3,998,714        (2,182,982     3,478,670   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  967,215        2,227,644        2,870,852        5,250,561        2,761,280        4,187,617   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (340,142     (267,399     (522,016     (458,188     (265,940     (231,372
                                       
         
  (17,973     (20,360     (42,929     (52,650     (22,463     (29,195
         
  (3,820     (2,578     (5,023     (3,592     (2,250     (1,653
                                       
         
  (83,023     (92,187     (5,684     (11,553     (12,353     (14,297
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (444,958     (382,524     (575,652     (525,983     (303,006     (276,517

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
  (380,849     201,953        (1,954,538     (2,902,316     (584,575     (2,627,059

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  141,408        2,047,073        340,662        1,822,262        1,873,699        1,284,041   
         
  18,654,152        16,607,079        34,451,345        32,629,083        24,404,211        23,120,170   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 18,795,560      $ 18,654,152      $ 34,792,007      $ 34,451,345      $ 26,277,910      $ 24,404,211   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 9,685      $ 15,305      $ 17,821      $ 16,318      $ 8,231      $ 13,143   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

117


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Large Cap Value
Diversified Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

Capital Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 1,335,415      $ 1,062,879   

Distributions reinvested

     267,423        253,756   

Value of shares redeemed

     (4,376,463     (4,211,469
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class A Share transactions

     (2,773,625     (2,894,834

Class B Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     13,477        12,498   

Distributions reinvested

     3,388        3,935   

Value of shares redeemed

     (532,727     (792,138
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class B Share transactions

     (515,862     (775,705

Class C Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     18,235        33,121   

Distributions reinvested

     449        526   

Value of shares redeemed

     (5,120     (93,964
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class C Share transactions

     13,564        (60,317

Institutional Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     20,881,987        14,298,868   

Distributions reinvested

     2,270,583        1,975,021   

Value of shares redeemed

     (36,892,632     (28,564,732
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Institutional Share transactions

     (13,740,062     (12,290,843

Class R Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

              

Distributions reinvested

              

Value of shares redeemed

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class R Share transactions

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

   $ (17,015,985   $ (16,021,699
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Issued

     100,801        90,084   

Reinvested

     20,402        21,538   

Redeemed

     (330,937     (361,768
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class A Shares

     (209,734     (250,146

Class B Shares:

    

Issued

     1,056        1,107   

Reinvested

     279        359   

Redeemed

     (40,913     (68,825
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class B Shares

     (39,578     (67,359

Class C Shares:

    

Issued

     1,404        2,923   

Reinvested

     37        48   

Redeemed

     (419     (7,754
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class C Shares

     1,022        (4,783

Institutional Shares:

    

Issued

     1,587,354        1,202,478   

Reinvested

     171,562        165,956   

Redeemed

     (2,771,181     (2,426,482
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Institutional Shares

     (1,012,265     (1,058,048

Class R Shares:

    

Issued

              

Reinvested

              

Redeemed

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class R Shares

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Shares

     (1,260,555     (1,380,336
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Fractional share.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

118


Sterling Capital
Mid Value
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Small Cap Value
Diversified Fund
    Sterling Capital
Special Opportunities
Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 12,852,239      $ 3,078,221      $ 1,398,154      $ 818,659      $ 100,921,179      $ 28,334,736   
  150,879        161,679        87,563        503,951        8,067,659        3,597,310   
  (5,977,270     (3,887,142     (1,191,239     (1,487,047     (47,899,191     (94,894,473

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  7,025,848        (647,242     294,478        (164,437     61,089,647        (62,962,427
         
  75,278        36,688        40,146        15,205        137,802        151,320   
  3,706        5,079        5,235        44,496        630,334        320,071   
  (616,627     (1,246,500     (154,601     (260,909     (5,678,864     (7,589,603

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (537,643     (1,204,733     (109,220     (201,208     (4,910,728     (7,118,212
         
  736,464        102,390        92,214        29,417        9,232,219        9,253,233   
  1,068        1,265        1,544        8,011        4,202,670        1,443,247   
  (162,004     (71,276     (24,476     (19,444     (13,102,889     (14,000,923

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  575,528        32,379        69,282        17,984        332,000        (3,304,443
         
  184,105,102        52,535,101        30,713,585        15,967,841        83,434,468        68,386,406   
  2,534,584        2,720,764        1,225,136        5,393,757        15,960,250        5,285,666   
  (88,281,889     (87,667,402     (21,408,231     (22,673,968     (95,084,481     (88,649,057

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  98,357,797        (32,411,537     10,530,490        (1,312,370     4,310,237        (14,976,985
         
  32,499                             15,102        730   
  1        1        2        9        17,705        4,468   
  (34,297                                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (1,797     1        2        9        32,807        5,198   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 105,419,733      $ (34,231,132   $ 10,785,032      $ (1,660,022   $ 60,853,963      $ (88,356,869

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  737,714        229,741        100,754        69,216        5,199,387        1,617,617   
  9,725        12,080        7,069        46,065        446,028        220,965   
  (364,244     (288,550     (89,179     (125,861     (2,455,453     (5,361,514

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  383,195        (46,729     18,644        (10,580     3,189,962        (3,522,932
         
  4,564        2,921        3,126        1,381        7,776        9,283   
  279        414        442        4,116        37,926        21,154   
  (39,448     (97,107     (11,649     (22,310     (317,696     (467,895

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (34,605     (93,772     (8,081     (16,813     (271,994     (437,458
         
  43,775        8,162        6,924        2,518        511,173        563,180   
  80        103        131        741        252,716        95,327   
  (9,793     (5,307     (1,685     (1,702     (739,623     (866,889

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  34,062        2,958        5,370        1,557        24,266        (208,382
         
  10,518,638        3,866,763        2,180,707        1,334,230        4,179,558        3,799,918   
  161,415        200,698        95,678        491,234        859,634        317,267   
  (5,372,186     (6,522,864     (1,562,333     (1,891,341     (4,802,874     (4,977,737

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5,307,867        (2,455,403     714,052        (65,877     236,318        (860,552
         
  2,003                             784        40   
  (a)      (a)      1        (a)      962        340   
  (2,003                                   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (a)      (a)      1        (a)      1,746        380   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5,690,519        (2,592,946     729,986        (91,713     3,180,298        (5,028,944

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

119


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Equity Income
Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

Capital Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 377,326,270      $ 167,670,442   

Distributions reinvested

     9,912,707        3,305,248   

Value of shares redeemed

     (119,758,060     (64,760,110
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class A Share transactions

     267,480,917        106,215,580   

Class B Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     711,264        596,547   

Distributions reinvested

     193,008        58,632   

Value of shares redeemed

     (4,710,846     (2,804,359
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class B Share transactions

     (3,806,574     (2,149,180

Class C Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     77,272,776        78,710,849   

Distributions reinvested

     3,556,067        775,793   

Value of shares redeemed

     (22,327,127     (14,554,947
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class C Share transactions

     58,501,716        64,931,695   

Institutional Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     386,071,912        284,061,419   

Distributions reinvested

     16,136,422        6,073,026   

Value of shares redeemed

     (192,840,624     (136,408,778
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Institutional Share transactions

     209,367,710        153,725,667   

Class R Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     1,926,718        902,903   

Distributions reinvested

     33,347        5,089   

Value of shares redeemed

     (846,939     (178,436
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class R Share transactions

     1,113,126        729,556   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

   $ 532,656,895      $ 323,453,318   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Issued

     21,232,193        11,015,927   

Reinvested

     590,857        214,666   

Redeemed

     (6,963,375     (4,241,406
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class A Shares

     14,859,675        6,989,187   

Class B Shares:

    

Issued

     40,291        39,988   

Reinvested

     11,904        3,859   

Redeemed

     (272,665     (184,294
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class B Shares

     (220,470     (140,447

Class C Shares:

    

Issued

     4,475,234        5,201,450   

Reinvested

     218,353        50,992   

Redeemed

     (1,306,060     (959,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class C Shares

     3,387,527        4,292,723   

Institutional Shares:

    

Issued

     22,029,491        18,485,078   

Reinvested

     958,239        393,313   

Redeemed

     (11,034,081     (8,899,253
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Institutional Shares

     11,953,649        9,979,138   

Class R Shares:

    

Issued

     112,882        57,024   

Reinvested

     1,973        327   

Redeemed

     (51,937     (11,986
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class R Shares

     62,918        45,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Shares

     30,043,299        21,165,966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Commencement of operations.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

120


Sterling Capital
Ultra Short
Bond Fund

    Sterling Capital
Short-Term
Bond Fund
    Sterling Capital
Intermediate U.S.
Government Fund
 

For the Period
November 30, 2012*
to September 30, 2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
       
       
$ 17,157,749      $ 8,623,311      $ 1,893,814      $ 1,258,807      $ 3,424,229   
  10,004        335,450        244,731        301,287        324,834   
  (3,614,242     (3,795,613     (951,586     (3,517,784     (4,383,481

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  13,553,511        5,163,148        1,186,959        (1,957,690     (634,418
       
                       6        7,979   
                       15,057        22,200   
                       (340,319     (756,698

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                       (325,256     (726,519
       
         429,711        243,382        356,639        739,041   
         7,516        1,780        21,658        17,125   
         (89,532     (29,256     (333,993     (324,483

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         347,695        215,906        44,304        431,683   
       
  45,611,386        40,074,634        18,872,983        11,347,763        40,930,823   
  133,161        483,148        464,837        564,444        1,142,234   
  (5,038,012     (24,289,332     (28,340,821     (39,313,621     (121,099,444

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  40,706,535        16,268,450        (9,003,001     (27,401,414     (79,026,387
       
                                
                                
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ 54,260,046      $ 21,779,293      $ (7,600,136   $ (29,640,056   $ (79,955,641

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
       
       
  1,716,922        917,830        200,476        117,598        317,350   
  1,002        35,898        25,948        28,465        30,028   
  (362,237     (405,262     (101,057     (335,030     (406,364

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,355,687        548,466        125,367        (188,967     (58,986
       
                              741   
                       1,423        2,060   
                       (32,295     (70,352

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                       (30,872     (67,551
       
         46,151        25,766        33,757        68,488   
         806        189        2,052        1,584   
         (9,633     (3,109     (31,786     (30,026

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         37,324        22,846        4,023        40,046   
       
  4,562,273        4,285,682        2,000,634        1,071,266        3,785,855   
  13,332        51,693        49,286        53,159        105,480   
  (504,090     (2,600,459     (3,012,888     (3,717,053     (11,189,931

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  4,071,515        1,736,916        (962,968     (2,592,628     (7,298,596
       
                                
                                
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  5,427,202        2,322,706        (814,755     (2,808,444     (7,385,087

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

121


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Total Return
Bond Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

Capital Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 11,899,923      $ 17,864,518   

Distributions reinvested

     1,889,297        2,255,520   

Value of shares redeemed

     (18,143,998     (7,830,831
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class A Share transactions

     (4,354,778     12,289,207   

Class B Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     72,201        347,460   

Distributions reinvested

     90,709        180,782   

Value of shares redeemed

     (1,205,548     (1,196,835
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class B Share transactions

     (1,042,638     (668,593

Class C Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     2,574,280        2,772,580   

Distributions reinvested

     212,669        204,372   

Value of shares redeemed

     (2,888,097     (1,417,093
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class C Share transactions

     (101,148     1,559,859   

Institutional Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     161,681,607        211,895,993   

Distributions reinvested

     11,055,357        13,066,517   

Value of shares redeemed

     (221,737,422     (99,229,731
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Institutional Share transactions

     (49,000,458     125,732,779   

Class R Shares:

    

Distributions reinvested

     218        323   

Value of shares redeemed

            (400
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class R Share transactions

     218        (77
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

   $ (54,498,804   $ 138,913,175   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Issued

     1,081,184        1,625,145   

Reinvested

     173,669        206,480   

Redeemed

     (1,680,724     (713,303
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class A Shares

     (425,871     1,118,322   

Class B Shares:

    

Issued

     6,547        31,675   

Reinvested

     8,310        16,565   

Redeemed

     (111,116     (108,855
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class B Shares

     (96,259     (60,615

Class C Shares:

    

Issued

     232,590        251,999   

Reinvested

     19,486        18,689   

Redeemed

     (266,740     (128,804
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class C Shares

     (14,664     141,884   

Institutional Shares:

    

Issued

     14,787,872        19,307,577   

Reinvested

     1,015,390        1,194,698   

Redeemed

     (20,444,175     (9,028,012
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Institutional Shares

     (4,640,913     11,474,263   

Class R Shares:

    

Reinvested

     20        30   

Redeemed

            (36
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class R Shares

     20        (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Shares

     (5,177,687     12,673,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

122


Sterling Capital
Corporate Fund
    Sterling Capital
Securitized Opportunities
Fund
    Sterling Capital
Kentucky Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 163,693      $      $ 37,973      $      $ 906,765      $ 2,102,672   
  2,070               503               173,299        149,655   
                              (5,646,964     (333,929

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  165,763               38,476               (4,566,900     1,918,398   
         
                                       
                                       
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                       
         
  15,004               2,693               72,500        206,000   
  90               45               4,894        1,190   
                              (203,422       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  15,094               2,738               (126,028     207,190   
         
  56,785,516        56,819,950        30,013,814        61,359,243        6,200,180        4,026,055   
  3,600,680        2,151,139        2,100,226        1,546,139        19,962        7,280   
  (62,651,129     (17,854,843     (59,106,923     (9,311,703     (8,293,640     (3,707,766

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (2,264,933     41,116,246        (26,992,883     53,593,679        (2,073,498     325,569   
         
                                       
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (2,084,076   $ 41,116,246      $ (26,951,669   $ 53,593,679      $ (6,766,426   $ 2,451,157   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  15,585               3,773               81,357        190,973   
  202               51               15,697        13,621   
                              (531,130     (30,493

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  15,787               3,824               (434,076     174,101   
         
                                       
                                       
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                       
         
  1,462               265               6,415        18,594   
  9               5               444        107   
                              (19,273       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,471               270               (12,414     18,701   
         
  5,385,772        5,564,408        2,963,654        6,010,600        561,421        367,004   
  342,342        207,803        208,191        151,588        1,831        660   
  (5,983,894     (1,742,368     (5,833,335     (914,631     (754,843     (338,328

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (255,780     4,029,843        (2,661,490     5,247,557        (191,591     29,336   
         
                                       
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                                       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (238,522     4,029,843        (2,657,396     5,247,557        (638,081     222,138   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

123


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
Maryland
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

Capital Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 1,678,060      $ 2,342,105   

Distributions reinvested

     225,617        208,003   

Value of shares redeemed

     (3,219,359     (2,179,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class A Share transactions

     (1,315,682     370,412   

Class C Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     781,298        1,294,459   

Distributions reinvested

     36,634        5,292   

Value of shares redeemed

     (846,290       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class C Share transactions

     (28,358     1,299,751   

Institutional Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     12,166,091        13,645,051   

Distributions reinvested

     299,492        152,722   

Value of shares redeemed

     (9,820,246     (5,852,719
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Institutional Share transactions

     2,645,337        7,945,054   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

   $ 1,301,297      $ 9,615,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Issued

     146,643        205,724   

Reinvested

     19,859        18,336   

Redeemed

     (287,414     (191,585
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class A Shares

     (120,912     32,475   

Class C Shares:

    

Issued

     68,124        113,789   

Reinvested

     3,214        461   

Redeemed

     (75,578       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class C Shares

     (4,240     114,250   

Institutional Shares:

    

Issued

     1,071,556        1,198,604   

Reinvested

     26,388        13,423   

Redeemed

     (881,634     (515,296
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Institutional Shares

     216,310        696,731   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Shares

     91,158        843,456   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

124


Sterling Capital
North Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
South Carolina
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
    Sterling Capital
Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 

For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013

    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 10,309,290      $ 17,255,510      $ 6,295,380      $ 6,175,005      $ 6,432,147      $ 12,566,917   
  1,482,006        1,234,786        519,304        446,118        1,144,777        940,960   
  (18,337,658     (5,987,904     (6,435,463     (1,244,999     (8,941,691     (3,129,732

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (6,546,362     12,502,392        379,221        5,376,124        (1,364,767     10,378,145   
         
  3,093,311        3,224,796        848,391        501,589        567,708        2,929,673   
  104,401        13,425        8,010        464        58,253        16,299   
  (1,364,016     (23,073     (416,194            (642,006     (100,920

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  1,833,696        3,215,148        440,207        502,053        (16,045     2,845,052   
         
  41,215,063        54,083,709        17,877,941        19,730,550        17,955,969        22,613,452   
  846,129        637,136        298,570        181,073        238,927        182,970   
  (62,939,678     (31,494,616     (18,730,981     (8,801,081     (23,235,066     (11,853,447

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (20,878,486     23,226,229        (554,470     11,110,542        (5,040,170     10,942,975   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (25,591,152   $ 38,943,769      $ 264,958      $ 16,988,719      $ (6,420,982   $ 24,166,172   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  916,510        1,542,881        557,683        553,727        522,869        1,025,951   
  133,189        110,720        46,405        40,070        93,738        76,789   
  (1,663,713     (537,040     (588,647     (111,158     (747,222     (255,473

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (614,014     1,116,561        15,441        482,639        (130,615     847,267   
         
  273,959        287,363        75,827        44,566        45,927        238,604   
  9,374        1,192        717        41        4,759        1,319   
  (124,926     (2,077     (38,339            (54,527     (8,165

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  158,407        286,478        38,205        44,607        (3,841     231,758   
         
  3,696,962        4,848,480        1,603,792        1,780,935        1,471,143        1,844,600   
  76,094        57,094        26,891        16,337        19,610        14,934   
  (5,706,939     (2,825,464     (1,709,077     (799,828     (1,934,587     (965,783

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (1,933,883     2,080,110        (78,394     997,444        (443,834     893,751   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (2,389,490     3,483,149        (24,748     1,524,690        (578,290     1,972,776   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

125


Sterling Capital Funds
    Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)
 

 

     Sterling Capital
West Virginia
Intermediate
Tax-Free Fund
 
     For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 

Capital Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 8,104,470      $ 9,155,672   

Distributions reinvested

     1,054,987        757,047   

Value of shares redeemed

     (9,469,654     (3,941,099
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class A Share transactions

     (310,197     5,971,620   

Class B Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

              

Distributions reinvested

              

Value of shares redeemed

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class B Share transactions

              

Class C Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     264,885        721,806   

Distributions reinvested

     19,120        1,366   

Value of shares redeemed

     (196,535       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Class C Share transactions

     87,470        723,172   

Institutional Shares:

    

Proceeds from shares issued

     18,311,821        23,223,921   

Distributions reinvested

     349,716        112,183   

Value of shares redeemed

     (30,302,603     (13,272,524
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from Institutional Share transactions

     (11,641,066     10,063,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

   $ (11,863,793   $ 16,758,372   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions:

    

Class A Shares:

    

Issued

     781,439        889,767   

Reinvested

     102,472        73,406   

Redeemed

     (930,596     (382,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class A Shares

     (46,685     581,173   

Class B Shares:

    

Issued

              

Reinvested

              

Redeemed

              
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class B Shares

              

Class C Shares:

    

Issued

     25,479        69,281   

Reinvested

     1,853        131   

Redeemed

     (19,648       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Class C Shares

     7,684        69,412   

Institutional Shares:

    

Issued

     1,787,975        2,244,831   

Reinvested

     33,737        10,929   

Redeemed

     (2,963,399     (1,286,425
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Institutional Shares

     (1,141,687     969,335   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Shares

     (1,180,688     1,619,920   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

126


Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Conservative Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Balanced Fund
    Sterling Capital
Strategic Allocation
Growth Fund
 
For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2013
    For the
Year Ended
September 30,
2012
 
         
         
$ 2,634,390      $ 3,180,882      $ 4,117,952      $ 3,042,700      $ 3,816,397      $ 2,730,572   
  303,414        241,018        516,486        453,657        263,733        229,377   
  (2,652,484     (1,648,778     (4,320,772     (4,068,653     (3,037,747     (3,212,435

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  285,320        1,773,122        313,666        (572,296     1,042,383        (252,486
         
  74,558        119,783        47,998        178,190        71,105        1,908   
  17,969        20,318        42,900        52,548        22,421        28,979   
  (503,529     (727,930     (2,307,127     (2,480,087     (1,825,711     (2,081,772

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (411,002     (587,829     (2,216,229     (2,249,349     (1,732,185     (2,050,885
         
  73,528        54,135        205,169        123,308        168,676        71,767   
  3,820        2,578        5,023        3,592        2,190        1,653   
  (49,294     (19,155     (89,669     (127,641     (47,205     (44,690

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  28,054        37,558        120,523        (741     123,661        28,730   
         
  448,719        388,233        96,478        374,010        711,976        96,677   
  79,789        90,703        4,361        10,649        11,873        13,864   
  (811,729     (1,499,834     (273,337     (464,589     (742,283     (462,959

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (283,221     (1,020,898     (172,498     (79,930     (18,434     (352,418

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
$ (380,849   $ 201,953      $ (1,954,538   $ (2,902,316   $ (584,575   $ (2,627,059

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         
         
  267,041        343,558        433,560        347,447        428,099        336,395   
  30,916        25,813        54,705        52,009        29,751        28,482   
  (268,156     (176,199     (459,926     (463,231     (346,061     (397,333

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  29,801        193,172        28,339        (63,775     111,789        (32,456
         
  7,618        12,664        5,126        20,794        8,131        247   
  1,829        2,188        4,688        6,230        2,669        3,752   
  (51,182     (77,881     (248,539     (289,470     (209,726     (263,366

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (41,735     (63,029     (238,725     (262,446     (198,926     (259,367
         
  7,472        5,790        21,678        14,247        19,003        9,126   
  391        278        543        423        258        213   
  (4,945     (2,053     (9,612     (14,903     (5,252     (5,765

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  2,918        4,015        12,609        (233     14,009        3,574   
         
  45,233        40,673        10,015        44,463        77,883        12,207   
  8,042        9,612        460        1,222        1,335        1,716   
  (81,670     (156,109     (29,412     (53,488     (82,142     (59,728

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (28,395     (105,824     (18,937     (7,803     (2,924     (45,805

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  (37,411     28,334        (216,714     (334,257     (76,052     (334,054

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

127


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class A Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Return
of
capital
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 12.80          0.13         1.36         1.49         (0.13 )                       (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $    9.90          0.11         2.90         3.01         (0.11 )                       (0.11 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 10.52          0.11         (0.62 )       (0.51 )       (0.11 )                       (0.11 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.08          0.10         0.45         0.55         (0.11 )                       (0.11 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 11.31          0.11         (1.22 )       (1.11 )       (0.12 )                       (0.12 )

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 14.28          0.13         4.47         4.60         (0.10 )                       (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 11.37          0.10         2.91         3.01         (0.10 )                       (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 12.08          0.04         (0.70 )       (0.66 )       (0.05 )                       (0.05 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.81          0.04         1.27         1.31         (0.04 )                       (0.04 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 10.50          0.02         0.31         0.33         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 12.01          0.05         3.37         3.42         (0.03 )       (0.15 )               (0.18 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 10.79          0.03         2.17         2.20                 (0.98 )               (0.98 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 11.19          (0.05 )       (0.35 )       (0.40 )                                

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

     $ 10.55          0.04         0.63         0.67         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 18.51          0.05 (g)       3.78         3.83         (0.01 )       (0.95 )               (0.96 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 15.25          (h)       3.57         3.57                 (0.31 )               (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 15.93          (0.06 )       (0.52 )       (0.58 )               (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 14.66          (0.06 )       1.33         1.27                                  

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 15.34          (h)       (h)       (h)       (h)       (0.57 )       (0.11 )       (0.68 )

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 16.03          0.29         2.23         2.52         (0.25 )       (0.16 )               (0.41 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 13.25          0.25         2.72         2.97         (0.19 )                       (0.19 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 13.05          0.25         0.14 (j)       0.39         (0.19 )                       (0.19 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 11.43          0.30         1.56         1.86         (0.24 )                       (0.24 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 12.35          0.30         (0.99 )       (0.69 )       (0.20 )       (0.03 )               (0.23 )

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

                                 

November 30, 2012 to
September 30, 2013(e)

     $ 10.00          0.03         (0.02 )       0.01         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $    9.47          0.17         (0.10 )       0.07         (0.30 )                       (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $    9.36          0.19         0.24         0.43         (0.32 )                       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $    9.68          0.17         (0.19 )       (0.02 )       (0.30 )                       (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $    9.66          0.16         0.10         0.26         (0.24 )                       (0.24 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $    9.54          0.24         0.19         0.43         (0.31 )                       (0.31 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 11.56%.

 

(e)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(f)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 6.01%.

 

(g)

Net investment income per share reflects a special dividend which amounted to $0.01 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.19% per share.

 

(h)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

(i)

Ratio is below 0.005%.

 

(j)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

128


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income

(loss) to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
           
$14.16   11.72%(d)   $    28,682   1.09%   0.97%   1.19%   164.27%
$12.80   30.52%   $    28,618   1.08%   0.98%   1.28%   68.75%
$   9.90   (5.01)%   $    24,603   1.08%   0.93%   1.47%   66.29%
$10.52   5.47%   $    28,849   1.09%   0.98%   1.48%   119.85%
$10.08   (9.67)%   $    29,290   1.06%   1.25%   1.45%   92.97%
           
$18.78   32.36%   $    36,094   1.17%   0.79%   1.17%   34.03%
$14.28   26.57%   $    21,976   1.19%   0.78%   1.20%   21.62%
$11.37   (5.51)%   $    18,017   1.18%   0.32%   1.22%   38.30%
$12.08   12.09%   $    18,890   1.20%   0.33%   1.30%   45.02%
$10.81   3.24%   $    10,717   1.21%   0.19%   1.26%   46.83%
           
$15.25   28.74%   $     8,813   1.29%   0.36%   1.29%   176.62%
$12.01   21.31%   $     6,720   1.33%   0.22%   1.44%   32.86%
$10.79   (3.57)%   $     6,152   1.33%   (0.39)%   1.69%   63.02%
$11.19   6.39%(f)   $     5,389   1.40%   0.49%   1.91%   95.89%
           
$21.38   21.59%   $269,300   1.24%   0.27%(g)   1.24%   53.76%
$18.51   23.67%   $174,085   1.29%   (0.00)%(i)   1.38%   19.38%
$15.25   (3.72)%   $197,138   1.28%   (0.35)%   1.53%   31.51%
$15.93   8.66%   $202,670   1.29%   (0.38)%   1.55%   25.65%
$14.66   1.74%   $175,319   1.28%   0.02%   1.54%   45.22%
           
$18.14   16.02%   $690,106   1.20%   1.69%   1.20%   30.56%
$16.03   22.47%   $371,659   1.19%   1.61%   1.26%   21.30%
$13.25   2.93%   $214,622   1.18%   1.80%   1.43%   16.64%
$13.05   16.42%   $143,283   1.19%   2.43%   1.45%   21.63%
$11.43   (5.33)%   $  99,480   1.18%   2.93%   1.45%   37.13%
           
$   9.98   0.15%   $  13,526   0.73%   0.41%   0.73%   55.18%
           
$   9.24   0.72%   $  13,812   0.77%   1.83%   0.81%   56.09%
$   9.47   4.68%   $    8,965   0.81%   2.04%   0.91%   85.13%
$   9.36   (0.20)%   $    7,684   0.85%   1.81%   1.20%   120.09%
$   9.68   2.75%   $    7,747   0.95%   1.66%   1.36%   55.50%
$   9.66   4.57%   $    4,909   0.98%   2.44%   1.38%   89.57%

 

129


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class A Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income (a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 10.86          0.16          (0.43 )       (0.27 )       (0.30 )               (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 10.79          0.20          0.16         0.36         (0.29 )               (0.29 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 10.80          0.24          0.06         0.30         (0.31 )               (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.56          0.29          0.27         0.56         (0.32 )               (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 10.03          0.33          0.55         0.88         (0.35 )               (0.35 )

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.15          0.29          (0.46 )       (0.17 )       (0.38 )       (0.08 )       (0.46 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 11.05          0.29          0.46         0.75         (0.38 )       (0.27 )       (0.65 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 11.32          0.38          0.01         0.39         (0.45 )       (0.21 )       (0.66 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.78          0.43          0.61         1.04         (0.49 )       (0.01 )       (0.50 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $   9.88          0.45          0.90         1.35         (0.45 )               (0.45 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

                              

February 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013(d)

     $ 10.53          0.22          (0.38 )       (0.16 )       (0.22 )               (0.22 )

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                              

February 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013(d)

     $ 10.16          0.11          (0.21 )       (0.10 )       (0.21 )               (0.21 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.17          0.24          (0.44 )       (0.20 )       (0.24 )       (0.06 )       (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 10.80          0.27          0.40         0.67         (0.27 )       (0.03 )       (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 10.83          0.29          0.02 (e)       0.31         (0.29 )       (0.05 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.68          0.29          0.25         0.54         (0.29 )       (0.10 )       (0.39 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $   9.88          0.33          0.89         1.22         (0.32 )       (0.10 )       (0.42 )

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.56          0.19          (0.45 )       (0.26 )       (0.19 )       (0.15 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 11.23          0.24          0.41         0.65         (0.24 )       (0.08 )       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 11.21          0.28          0.06         0.34         (0.28 )       (0.04 )       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.97          0.28          0.24         0.52         (0.28 )       (f)       (0.28 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 10.04          0.30          1.01         1.31         (0.30 )       (0.08 )       (0.38 )

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.36          0.25          (0.54 )       (0.29 )       (0.25 )       (0.08 )       (0.33 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 11.02          0.27          0.41         0.68         (0.27 )       (0.07 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 11.01          0.29          0.07         0.36         (0.29 )       (0.06 )       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.87          0.30          0.20         0.50         (0.30 )       (0.06 )       (0.36 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 10.09          0.33          0.88         1.21         (0.33 )       (0.10 )       (0.43 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(e)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

(f)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

130


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $10.29          (2.54 )%     $ 10,172         0.93 %       1.50 %       0.93 %       66.16 %
    $10.86          3.41 %     $ 12,788         0.97 %       1.81 %       1.10 %       71.68 %
    $10.79          2.86 %     $ 13,344         0.96 %       2.30 %       1.33 %       83.62 %
    $10.80          5.38 %     $ 14,235         0.96 %       2.76 %       1.34 %       83.92 %
    $10.56          8.90 %     $ 12,865         0.95 %       3.14 %       1.32 %       47.13 %
                         
    $10.52          (1.51 )%     $ 42,774         0.82 %       2.68 %       0.84 %       149.09 %
    $11.15          7.13 %     $ 50,063         0.88 %       2.65 %       0.99 %       110.82 %
    $11.05          3.68 %     $ 37,274         0.95 %       3.47 %       1.32 %       131.87 %
    $11.32          10.00 %     $ 31,465         0.96 %       3.90 %       1.34 %       122.94 %
    $10.78          13.89 %     $ 15,760         0.96 %       4.38 %       1.33 %       122.26 %
                         
    $10.15          (1.54 )%     $ 160         0.85 %       3.21 %       0.85 %       99.48 %
                         
    $  9.85          (1.00 )%     $ 38         0.90 %       1.71 %       0.90 %       193.21 %
                         
    $10.67          (1.83 )%     $ 5,849         0.96 %       2.21 %       0.96 %       22.05 %
    $11.17          6.21 %     $ 10,969         0.95 %       2.43 %       1.04 %       16.52 %
    $10.80          3.00 %     $ 8,729         0.93 %       2.76 %       1.28 %       15.73 %
    $10.83          5.25 %     $ 8,380         0.94 %       2.76 %       1.40 %       20.68 %
    $10.68          12.71 %     $ 6,999         0.92 %       3.18 %       1.37 %       33.56 %
                         
    $10.96          (2.31 )%     $ 8,036         0.95 %       1.70 %       0.95 %       70.60 %
    $11.56          5.80 %     $ 9,877         0.95 %       2.08 %       1.05 %       34.94 %
    $11.23          3.09 %     $ 9,232         0.92 %       2.52 %       1.28 %       21.89 %
    $11.21          4.81 %     $ 11,763         0.94 %       2.52 %       1.40 %       12.26 %
    $10.97          13.44 %     $ 8,273         0.90 %       2.84 %       1.38 %       37.11 %
                         
    $10.74          (2.63 )%     $ 55,416         0.92 %       2.23 %       0.92 %       22.38 %
    $11.36          6.25 %     $ 65,544         0.92 %       2.39 %       1.00 %       19.76 %
    $11.02          3.35 %     $ 51,294         0.92 %       2.67 %       1.22 %       15.15 %
    $11.01          4.79 %     $ 46,560         0.93 %       2.79 %       1.34 %       19.19 %
    $10.87          12.35 %     $ 29,765         0.92 %       3.17 %       1.32 %       38.42 %

 

131


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class A Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Year
   Net
investment
income(a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.36          0.21          (0.43 )       (0.22 )       (0.21 )       (0.08 )       (0.29 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.97          0.24          0.46         0.70         (0.24 )       (0.07 )       (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.93          0.26          0.07         0.33         (0.26 )       (0.03 )       (0.29 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.68          0.30          0.25         0.55         (0.30 )               (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.95          0.33          0.90         1.23         (0.33 )       (0.17 )       (0.50 )

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.45          0.24          (0.56 )       (0.32 )       (0.24 )       (0.10 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $12.12          0.28          0.40         0.68         (0.28 )       (0.07 )       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $12.14          0.31          0.02         0.33         (0.31 )       (0.04 )       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $12.07          0.33          0.18         0.51         (0.33 )       (0.11 )       (0.44 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $11.11          0.36          1.05         1.41         (0.36 )       (0.09 )       (0.45 )

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.51          0.22          (0.49 )       (0.27 )       (0.22 )       (0.12 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.16          0.27          0.39         0.66         (0.27 )       (0.04 )       (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.17          0.32                  0.32         (0.32 )       (0.01 )       (0.33 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.04          0.33          0.15         0.48         (0.33 )       (0.02 )       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.36          0.33          0.69         1.02         (0.33 )       (0.01 )       (0.34 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  9.68          0.22          0.28         0.50         (0.23 )               (0.23 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  8.74          0.20          0.94         1.14         (0.20 )               (0.20 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  9.06          0.22          (0.26 )       (0.04 )       (0.28 )               (0.28 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  8.50          0.26          0.57         0.83         (0.27 )               (0.27 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  8.43          0.23          0.21         0.44         (0.23 )       (0.14 )       (0.37 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  9.13          0.16          0.65         0.81         (0.17 )               (0.17 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  7.95          0.14          1.18         1.32         (0.14 )               (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  8.39          0.15          (0.41 )       (0.26 )       (0.18 )               (0.18 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  7.79          0.18          0.60         0.78         (0.18 )               (0.18 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  7.77          0.16          0.02         0.18         (0.16 )               (0.16 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  8.47          0.11          0.89         1.00         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  7.20          0.10          1.27         1.37         (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  7.69          0.10          (0.48 )       (0.38 )       (0.11 )               (0.11 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  7.11          0.13          0.58         0.71         (0.13 )               (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  7.33          0.12          (0.22 )       (0.10 )       (0.12 )               (0.12 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

The expense ratios exclude the impact of fees/expenses paid by each underlying fund.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

132


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Year

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge)
  Net Assets,
End of
Year

(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets
  Ratio of net
investment
income to
average net
assets
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*
  Portfolio
turnover rate**
                         
    $10.85          (1.93 )%     $ 21,569         0.94 %       1.92 %       0.94 %       35.38 %
    $11.36          6.48 %     $ 22,398         0.95 %       2.16 %       1.02 %       26.49 %
    $10.97          3.11 %     $ 16,338         0.96 %       2.43 %       1.26 %       25.83 %
    $10.93          5.25 %     $ 15,290         0.98 %       2.81 %       1.39 %       14.60 %
    $10.68          12.78 %     $ 11,255         0.98 %       3.18 %       1.38 %       42.06 %
                         
    $11.79          (2.60 )%     $ 46,616         0.93 %       1.98 %       0.93 %       40.00 %
    $12.45          5.68 %     $ 50,835         0.93 %       2.25 %       1.01 %       21.63 %
    $12.12          2.85 %     $ 39,231         0.93 %       2.64 %       1.23 %       15.33 %
    $12.14          4.39 %     $ 35,284         0.94 %       2.79 %       1.35 %       9.54 %
    $12.07          13.11 %     $ 20,230         0.92 %       3.05 %       1.32 %       35.90 %
                         
    $  9.90          (2.65 )%     $ 37,266         0.93 %       2.13 %       0.93 %       22.18 %
    $10.51          6.59 %     $ 40,019         0.93 %       2.60 %       0.93 %       26.70 %
    $10.16          3.22 %     $ 32,791         0.94 %       3.19 %       0.94 %       23.34 %
    $10.17          4.87 %     $ 29,858         0.94 %       3.33 %       0.95 %       6.60 %
    $10.04          11.14 %     $ 19,518         0.93 %       3.45 %       0.93 %       24.19 %
                         
    $  9.95          5.25 %     $ 14,381         0.54 %       2.18 %       0.69 %       60.51 %
    $  9.68          13.10 %     $ 13,704         0.69 %       2.09 %       0.77 %       7.99 %
    $  8.74          (0.55 )%     $ 10,689         0.64 %       2.34 %       0.97 %       8.36 %
    $  9.06          9.93 %     $ 7,230         0.46 %       3.01 %       0.97 %       33.33 %
    $  8.50          5.95 %     $ 5,929         0.43 %       2.95 %       0.93 %       21.56 %
                         
    $  9.77          8.95 %     $ 30,638         0.51 %       1.70 %       0.66 %       81.00 %
    $  9.13          16.76 %     $ 28,375         0.66 %       1.65 %       0.75 %       17.65 %
    $  7.95          (3.29 )%     $ 25,227         0.58 %       1.68 %       0.91 %       9.96 %
    $  8.39          10.18 %     $ 25,419         0.41 %       2.27 %       0.92 %       47.76 %
    $  7.79          2.67 %     $ 24,426         0.38 %       2.36 %       0.88 %       22.46 %
                         
    $  9.35          11.89 %     $ 21,833         0.52 %       1.24 %       0.68 %       96.94 %
    $  8.47          19.14 %     $ 18,827         0.68 %       1.30 %       0.76 %       20.21 %
    $  7.20          (5.10 )%     $ 16,246         0.59 %       1.26 %       0.93 %       9.06 %
    $  7.69          10.13 %     $ 17,838         0.42 %       1.81 %       0.93 %       57.35 %
    $  7.11          (1.25 )%     $ 16,609         0.39 %       1.89 %       0.89 %       24.08 %

 

133


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class B Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Return
of
capital
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.58          0.03         1.33         1.36         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  9.73          0.03         2.84         2.87         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.33          0.02         (0.60 )       (0.58 )       (0.02 )                       (0.02 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  9.90          0.02         0.44         0.46         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $11.11          0.05         (1.21 )       (1.16 )       (0.05 )                       (0.05 )

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $13.55          (e)       4.24         4.24         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.80          (e)       2.77         2.77         (0.02 )                       (0.02 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.52          (0.06 )       (0.66 )       (0.72 )                                

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.35          (0.05 )       1.22         1.17         (e)                       (e)

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.14          (0.05 )       0.27         0.22         (0.01 )                       (0.01 )

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.80          (0.05 )       3.29         3.24                 (0.15 )               (0.15 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.69          (0.06 )       2.15         2.09                 (0.98 )               (0.98 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.17          (0.15 )       (0.33 )       (0.48 )                                

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(f)

       $10.55          (0.02 )       0.64         0.62                                  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $17.11          (0.08 )(h)       3.45         3.37                 (0.95 )               (0.95 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $14.22          (0.12 )       3.32         3.20                 (0.31 )               (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $14.97          (0.18 )       (0.47 )       (0.65 )               (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $13.89          (0.16 )       1.24         1.08                                  

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $14.65          (0.05 )       (0.05 )       (0.10 )       (e)       (0.57 )       (0.09 )       (0.66 )

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $15.99          0.16         2.22         2.38         (0.11 )       (0.16 )               (0.27 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $13.21          0.13         2.72         2.85         (0.07 )                       (0.07 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $13.01          0.14         0.14 (i)       0.28         (0.08 )                       (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $11.39          0.20         1.57         1.77         (0.15 )                       (0.15 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $12.31          0.22         (0.98 )       (0.76 )       (0.13 )       (0.03 )               (0.16 )

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.82          0.08         (0.43 )       (0.35 )       (0.22 )                       (0.22 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.75          0.12         0.16         0.28         (0.21 )                       (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.77          0.17         0.04         0.21         (0.23 )                       (0.23 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.52          0.21         0.28         0.49         (0.24 )                       (0.24 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.00          0.25         0.54         0.79         (0.27 )                       (0.27 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 10.59%.

 

(e)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

(f)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(g)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 5.50%.

 

(h)

Net investment loss per share reflects a special dividend which amounted to $0.02 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (0.55)% per share.

 

(i)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

134


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income
(loss) to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $13.91          10.83 %(d)     $ 1,261         1.84 %       0.23 %       1.94 %       164.27 %
    $12.58          29.55 %     $ 1,638         1.83 %       0.24 %       1.95 %       68.75 %
    $  9.73          (5.67 )%     $ 1,922         1.83 %       0.18 %       1.97 %       66.29 %
    $10.33          4.64 %     $ 3,121         1.83 %       0.17 %       1.98 %       119.85 %
    $  9.90          (10.31 )%     $ 4,501         1.82 %       0.54 %       1.96 %       92.97 %
                         
    $17.76          31.34 %     $ 2,002         1.92 %       (0.01 )%       1.92 %       34.03 %
    $13.55          25.72 %     $ 1,996         1.93 %       (0.01 )%       1.95 %       21.62 %
    $10.80          (6.25 )%     $ 2,604         1.93 %       (0.45 )%       1.97 %       38.30 %
    $11.52          11.32 %     $ 3,796         1.94 %       (0.48 )%       2.05 %       45.02 %
    $10.35          2.17 %     $ 3,454         1.96 %       (0.60 )%       2.01 %       46.83 %
                         
    $14.89          27.74 %     $ 425         2.04 %       (0.41 )%       2.04 %       176.62 %
    $11.80          20.43 %     $ 432         2.08 %       (0.53 )%       2.11 %       32.86 %
    $10.69          (4.30 )%     $ 571         2.08 %       (1.15 )%       2.19 %       63.02 %
    $11.17          5.88 %(g)     $ 932         2.15 %       (0.28 )%       2.41 %       95.89 %
                         
    $19.53          20.64 %     $ 8,921         1.99 %       (0.45 )%(h)       1.99 %       53.76 %
    $17.11          22.76 %     $ 12,466         2.04 %       (0.77 )%       2.04 %       19.38 %
    $14.22          (4.43 )%     $ 16,582         2.03 %       (1.10 )%       2.03 %       31.51 %
    $14.97          7.78 %     $ 22,538         2.04 %       (1.13 )%       2.05 %       25.65 %
    $13.89          1.04 %     $ 24,068         2.03 %       (0.39 )%       2.04 %       45.22 %
                         
    $18.10          15.13 %     $ 10,335         1.95 %       0.94 %       1.95 %       30.56 %
    $15.99          21.60 %     $ 12,653         1.93 %       0.85 %       1.93 %       21.30 %
    $13.21          2.13 %     $ 12,314         1.93 %       1.02 %       1.93 %       16.64 %
    $13.01          15.59 %     $ 13,959         1.94 %       1.67 %       1.94 %       21.63 %
    $11.39          (6.05 )%     $ 13,567         1.93 %       2.18 %       1.95 %       37.13 %
                         
    $10.25          (3.30 )%     $ 533         1.69 %       0.77 %       1.69 %       66.16 %
    $10.82          2.64 %     $ 896         1.72 %       1.10 %       1.76 %       71.68 %
    $10.75          1.99 %     $ 1,617         1.71 %       1.58 %       1.83 %       83.62 %
    $10.77          4.71 %     $ 2,690         1.71 %       1.99 %       1.84 %       83.92 %
    $10.52          8.01 %     $ 3,256         1.70 %       2.42 %       1.82 %       47.13 %

 

135


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class B Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Year
   Net
investment
income

(loss)(a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.16          0.21          (0.46 )       (0.25 )       (0.30 )       (0.08 )       (0.38 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 11.06          0.22          0.45         0.67         (0.30 )       (0.27 )       (0.57 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 11.33          0.30          0.01         0.31         (0.37 )       (0.21 )       (0.58 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.78          0.35          0.62         0.97         (0.41 )       (0.01 )       (0.42 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 9.89          0.37          0.89         1.26         (0.37 )               (0.37 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 9.70          0.14          0.29         0.43         (0.15 )               (0.15 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 8.76          0.12          0.94         1.06         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 9.07          0.15          (0.25 )       (0.10 )       (0.21 )               (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 8.50          0.20          0.57         0.77         (0.20 )               (0.20 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 8.43          0.17          0.21         0.38         (0.17 )       (0.14 )       (0.31 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 8.94          0.09          0.63         0.72         (0.09 )               (0.09 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 7.79          0.07          1.16         1.23         (0.08 )               (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 8.22          0.08          (0.40 )       (0.32 )       (0.11 )               (0.11 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 7.63          0.12          0.59         0.71         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 7.62          0.11          0.01         0.12         (0.11 )               (0.11 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund(b)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 8.26          0.05          0.86         0.91         (0.05 )               (0.05 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 7.03          0.04          1.24         1.28         (0.05 )               (0.05 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 7.51          0.04          (0.46 )       (0.42 )       (0.06 )               (0.06 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 6.95          0.08          0.56         0.64         (0.08 )               (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 7.17          0.07          (0.22 )       (0.15 )       (0.07 )               (0.07 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

The expense ratios exclude the impact of fees/expenses paid by each underlying fund.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

136


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Year

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge)
  Net Assets,
End of
Year

(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets
  Ratio of net
investment
income
(loss) to
average net
assets
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*
  Portfolio
turnover rate**
                         
    $10.53          (2.25 )%     $ 1,943         1.57 %       1.93 %       1.59 %       149.09 %
    $11.16          6.33 %     $ 3,132         1.63 %       1.97 %       1.67 %       110.82 %
    $11.06          2.91 %     $ 3,776         1.70 %       2.74 %       1.82 %       131.87 %
    $11.33          9.18 %     $ 4,762         1.71 %       3.21 %       1.83 %       122.94 %
    $10.78          13.03 %     $ 5,362         1.71 %       3.62 %       1.83 %       122.26 %
                         
    $  9.98          4.49 %     $ 1,020         1.30 %       1.41 %       1.44 %       60.51 %
    $  9.70          12.16 %     $ 1,397         1.44 %       1.34 %       1.44 %       7.99 %
    $  8.76          (1.24 )%     $ 1,813         1.37 %       1.61 %       1.47 %       8.36 %
    $  9.07          9.15 %     $ 2,403         1.21 %       2.25 %       1.47 %       33.33 %
    $  8.50          5.15 %     $ 3,184         1.18 %       2.20 %       1.43 %       21.56 %
                         
    $  9.57          8.14 %     $ 3,264         1.28 %       0.94 %       1.41 %       81.00 %
    $  8.94          15.80 %     $ 5,184         1.41 %       0.87 %       1.41 %       17.65 %
    $  7.79          (4.01 )%     $ 6,560         1.31 %       0.96 %       1.41 %       9.96 %
    $  8.22          9.40 %     $ 9,771         1.16 %       1.48 %       1.41 %       47.76 %
    $  7.63          1.81 %     $ 11,734         1.13 %       1.63 %       1.38 %       22.46 %
                         
    $  9.12          11.04 %     $ 2,986         1.28 %       0.53 %       1.41 %       96.94 %
    $  8.26          18.19 %     $ 4,346         1.43 %       0.52 %       1.43 %       20.21 %
    $  7.03          (5.68 )%     $ 5,521         1.33 %       0.52 %       1.43 %       9.06 %
    $  7.51          9.22 %     $ 8,275         1.17 %       1.05 %       1.43 %       57.35 %
    $  6.95          (1.89 )%     $ 9,973         1.15 %       1.17 %       1.40 %       24.08 %

 

137


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class C Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Return
of
capital
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.49          0.03         1.32         1.35         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  9.67          0.03         2.82         2.85         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.28          0.01         (0.59 )       (0.58 )       (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  9.85          0.02         0.45         0.47         (0.04 )                       (0.04 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $11.08          0.04         (1.21 )       (1.17 )       (0.06 )                       (0.06 )

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $13.51          0.01         4.23         4.24         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.78          (e)       2.76         2.76         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.50          (0.05 )       (0.67 )       (0.72 )                                

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.34          (0.05 )       1.21         1.16         (e)                       (e)

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.14          (0.05 )       0.26         0.21         (0.01 )                       (0.01 )

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.79          (0.05 )       3.29         3.24                 (0.15 )               (0.15 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.69          (0.06 )       2.14         2.08                 (0.98 )               (0.98 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.17          (0.15 )       (0.33 )       (0.48 )                                

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(f)

       $10.55          (0.01 )       0.64         0.63         (0.01 )                       (0.01 )

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $17.12          (0.08 )(h)       3.46         3.38                 (0.95 )               (0.95 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $14.23          (0.12 )       3.32         3.20                 (0.31 )               (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $14.98          (0.18 )       (0.47 )       (0.65 )               (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $13.89          (0.16 )       1.25         1.09                                  

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $14.66          (0.06 )       (0.05 )       (0.11 )       (e)       (0.57 )       (0.09 )       (0.66 )

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $15.92          0.16         2.22         2.38         (0.13 )       (0.16 )               (0.29 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $13.17          0.13         2.70         2.83         (0.08 )                       (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $12.98          0.15         0.13 (i)       0.28         (0.09 )                       (0.09 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $11.37          0.21         1.56         1.77         (0.16 )                       (0.16 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $12.30          0.22         (0.99 )       (0.77 )       (0.13 )       (0.03 )               (0.16 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  9.47          0.09         (0.09 )               (0.23 )                       (0.23 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(f)

       $  9.45          0.08         0.10         0.18         (0.16 )                       (0.16 )

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.84          0.08         (0.43 )       (0.35 )       (0.22 )                       (0.22 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.77          0.11         0.17         0.28         (0.21 )                       (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.79          0.16         0.05         0.21         (0.23 )                       (0.23 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.53          0.21         0.29         0.50         (0.24 )                       (0.24 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.01          0.24         0.55         0.79         (0.27 )                       (0.27 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 10.72%.

 

(e)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

(f)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(g)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 5.55%.

 

(h)

Net investment loss per share reflects a special dividend which amounted to $0.02 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (0.55)% per share.

 

(i)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

138


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes

sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income
(loss) to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $13.81          10.88 %(d)     $ 199         1.84 %       0.21 %       1.94 %       164.27 %
    $12.49          29.51 %     $ 167         1.83 %       0.22 %       1.95 %       68.75 %
    $  9.67          (5.72 )%     $ 176         1.84 %       0.13 %       1.99 %       66.29 %
    $10.28          4.75 %     $ 110         1.84 %       0.23 %       1.99 %       119.85 %
    $  9.85          (10.43 )%     $ 93         1.81 %       0.49 %       1.95 %       92.97 %
                         
    $17.72          31.37 %     $ 1,309         1.92 %       0.04 %       1.92 %       34.03 %
    $13.51          25.67 %     $ 538         1.94 %       0.03 %       1.95 %       21.62 %
    $10.78          (6.26 )%     $ 398         1.93 %       (0.42 )%       1.97 %       38.30 %
    $11.50          11.26 %     $ 436         1.95 %       (0.42 )%       2.06 %       45.02 %
    $10.34          2.08 %     $ 176         1.96 %       (0.59 )%       2.01 %       46.83 %
                         
    $14.88          27.77 %     $ 216         2.03 %       (0.38 )%       2.03 %       176.62 %
    $11.79          20.33 %     $ 108         2.08 %       (0.52 )%       2.11 %       32.86 %
    $10.69          (4.30 )%     $ 81         2.09 %       (1.13 )%       2.19 %       63.02 %
    $11.17          5.93 %(g)     $ 57         2.16 %       (0.11 )%       2.38 %       95.89 %
                         
    $19.55          20.69 %     $ 94,718         1.99 %       (0.46 )%(h)       1.99 %       53.76 %
    $17.12          22.75 %     $ 82,536         2.04 %       (0.75 )%       2.04 %       19.38 %
    $14.23          (4.43 )%     $ 71,564         2.03 %       (1.10 )%       2.03 %       31.51 %
    $14.98          7.85 %     $ 73,282         2.04 %       (1.12 )%       2.05 %       25.65 %
    $13.89          0.97 %     $ 58,479         2.03 %       (0.51 )%       2.04 %       45.22 %
                         
    $18.01          15.17 %     $ 280,841         1.95 %       0.93 %       1.95 %       30.56 %
    $15.92          21.54 %     $ 194,345         1.94 %       0.86 %       1.94 %       21.30 %
    $13.17          2.13 %     $ 104,208         1.93 %       1.05 %       1.93 %       16.64 %
    $12.98          15.62 %     $ 69,549         1.94 %       1.69 %       1.95 %       21.63 %
    $11.37          (6.10 )%     $ 39,164         1.93 %       2.18 %       1.95 %       37.13 %
                         
    $  9.24          (0.03 )%     $ 556         1.52 %       1.02 %       1.56 %       56.09 %
    $  9.47          1.90 %     $ 216         1.57 %       1.22 %       1.57 %       85.13 %
                         
    $10.27          (3.29 )%     $ 1,080         1.68 %       0.74 %       1.68 %       66.16 %
    $10.84          2.64 %     $ 1,097         1.72 %       1.06 %       1.75 %       71.68 %
    $10.77          1.99 %     $ 658         1.71 %       1.54 %       1.83 %       83.62 %
    $10.79          4.80 %     $ 536         1.71 %       2.00 %       1.84 %       83.92 %
    $10.53          8.00 %     $ 426         1.70 %       2.31 %       1.82 %       47.13 %

 

139


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class C Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income(a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.17          0.21          (0.46 )       (0.25 )       (0.30 )       (0.08 )       (0.38 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.07          0.21          0.46         0.67         (0.30 )       (0.27 )       (0.57 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.34          0.30          0.01         0.31         (0.37 )       (0.21 )       (0.58 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.79          0.34          0.63         0.97         (0.41 )       (0.01 )       (0.42 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.89          0.37          0.90         1.27         (0.37 )               (0.37 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

                              

February 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013(d)

       $10.53          0.18          (0.39 )       (0.21 )       (0.17 )               (0.17 )

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                              

February 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013(d)

       $10.16          0.08          (0.23 )       (0.15 )       (0.17 )               (0.17 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.16          0.16          (0.43 )       (0.27 )       (0.16 )       (0.06 )       (0.22 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $11.08          0.11          0.09         0.20         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.56          0.11          (0.45 )       (0.34 )       (0.11 )       (0.15 )       (0.26 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $11.47          0.09          0.09         0.18         (0.09 )               (0.09 )

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.35          0.16          (0.53 )       (0.37 )       (0.16 )       (0.08 )       (0.24 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $11.25          0.11          0.11         0.22         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.36          0.13          (0.43 )       (0.30 )       (0.13 )       (0.08 )       (0.21 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $11.25          0.10          0.11         0.21         (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.44          0.15          (0.55 )       (0.40 )       (0.15 )       (0.10 )       (0.25 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $12.37          0.11          0.07         0.18         (0.11 )               (0.11 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

140


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $10.54          (2.24 )%     $ 5,362         1.57 %       1.92 %       1.59 %       149.09 %
    $11.17          6.32 %     $ 5,845         1.63 %       1.90 %       1.66 %       110.82 %
    $11.07          2.91 %     $ 4,224         1.70 %       2.68 %       1.82 %       131.87 %
    $11.34          9.18 %     $ 2,140         1.71 %       3.09 %       1.85 %       122.94 %
    $10.79          13.14 %     $ 400         1.71 %       3.61 %       1.83 %       122.26 %
                         
    $10.15          (2.02 )%     $ 15         1.59 %       2.58 %       1.59 %       99.48 %
                         
    $  9.84          (1.49 )%     $ 3         1.64 %       1.17 %       1.64 %       193.21 %
                         
    $10.67          (2.47 )%     $ 67         1.71 %       1.48 %       1.71 %       22.05 %
    $11.16          1.82 %     $ 209         1.71 %       1.45 %       1.71 %       16.52 %
                         
    $10.96          (3.04 )%     $ 1,206         1.70 %       0.95 %       1.70 %       70.60 %
    $11.56          1.57 %     $ 1,321         1.71 %       1.12 %       1.71 %       34.94 %
                         
    $10.74          (3.27 )%     $ 4,776         1.67 %       1.48 %       1.67 %       22.38 %
    $11.35          1.93 %     $ 3,251         1.67 %       1.49 %       1.67 %       19.76 %
                         
    $10.85          (2.67 )%     $ 899         1.69 %       1.14 %       1.69 %       35.38 %
    $11.36          1.86 %     $ 507         1.69 %       1.29 %       1.69 %       26.49 %
                         
    $11.79          (3.25 )%     $ 2,687         1.68 %       1.22 %       1.68 %       40.00 %
    $12.44          1.48 %     $ 2,884         1.68 %       1.36 %       1.68 %       21.63 %

 

141


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class C Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income

(loss)(a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.51          0.14          (0.48 )       (0.34 )       (0.14 )       (0.12 )       (0.26 )

February 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012(d)

       $10.38          0.11          0.14         0.25         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund(e)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  9.64          0.14          0.28         0.42         (0.16 )               (0.16 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  8.71          0.12          0.94         1.06         (0.13 )               (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  9.03          0.15          (0.26 )       (0.11 )       (0.21 )               (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  8.47          0.20          0.57         0.77         (0.21 )               (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  8.41          0.17          0.21         0.38         (0.18 )       (0.14 )       (0.32 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund(e)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  8.98          0.09          0.63         0.72         (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  7.82          0.08          1.16         1.24         (0.08 )               (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  8.26          0.08          (0.40 )       (0.32 )       (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  7.68          0.12          0.59         0.71         (0.13 )               (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  7.67          0.11          0.01         0.12         (0.11 )               (0.11 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund(e)

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $  8.24          0.04          0.87         0.91         (0.06 )               (0.06 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  7.01          0.04          1.24         1.28         (0.05 )               (0.05 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $  7.50          0.04          (0.46 )       (0.42 )       (0.07 )               (0.07 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $  6.94          0.08          0.56         0.64         (0.08 )               (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  7.17          0.07          (0.22 )       (0.15 )       (0.08 )               (0.08 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(e)

The expense ratios exclude the impact of fees/expenses paid by each underlying fund.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

142


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes
sales charge) (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income
(loss) to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $  9.91          (3.28 )%     $ 764         1.68 %       1.38 %       1.68 %       22.18 %
    $10.51          2.41 %     $ 729         1.64 %       1.63 %       1.64 %       26.70 %
                         
    $  9.90          4.40 %     $ 241         1.28 %       1.42 %       1.44 %       60.51 %
    $  9.64          12.23 %     $ 207         1.44 %       1.33 %       1.44 %       7.99 %
    $  8.71          (1.30 )%     $ 152         1.39 %       1.57 %       1.47 %       8.36 %
    $  9.03          9.17 %     $ 127         1.21 %       2.28 %       1.47 %       33.33 %
    $  8.47          5.09 %     $ 101         1.17 %       2.19 %       1.43 %       21.56 %
                         
    $  9.60          8.10 %     $ 570         1.25 %       0.94 %       1.41 %       81.00 %
    $  8.98          15.88 %     $ 420         1.41 %       0.91 %       1.41 %       17.65 %
    $  7.82          (3.97 )%     $ 367         1.35 %       0.93 %       1.42 %       9.96 %
    $  8.26          9.34 %     $ 186         1.16 %       1.49 %       1.42 %       47.76 %
    $  7.68          1.85 %     $ 89         1.13 %       1.58 %       1.38 %       22.46 %
                         
    $  9.09          11.07 %     $ 452         1.27 %       0.50 %       1.43 %       96.94 %
    $  8.24          18.29 %     $ 294         1.43 %       0.55 %       1.43 %       20.21 %
    $  7.01          (5.78 )%     $ 226         1.36 %       0.50 %       1.43 %       9.06 %
    $  7.50          9.33 %     $ 157         1.17 %       1.07 %       1.43 %       57.35 %
    $  6.94          (1.90 )%     $ 99         1.14 %       1.13 %       1.39 %       24.08 %

 

143


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Institutional Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
    

Net Asset

Value,

Beginning

of Period

   Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments
  Total from
investment
Activities
  Net
Investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Return
of
capital
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.87          0.16         1.36         1.52         (0.16 )                       (0.16 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  9.95          0.14         2.92         3.06         (0.14 )                       (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.57          0.14         (0.62 )       (0.48 )       (0.14 )                       (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.13          0.13         0.45         0.58         (0.14 )                       (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $11.36          0.13         (1.22 )       (1.09 )       (0.14 )                       (0.14 )

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $14.37          0.17         4.50         4.67         (0.13 )                       (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.43          0.14         2.94         3.08         (0.14 )                       (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $12.14          0.08         (0.71 )       (0.63 )       (0.08 )                       (0.08 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.86          0.07         1.27         1.34         (0.06 )                       (0.06 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.56          0.04         0.29         0.33         (0.03 )                       (0.03 )

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.08          0.08         3.39         3.47         (0.06 )       (0.15 )               (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.82          0.06         2.18         2.24                 (0.98 )               (0.98 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.19          (0.02 )       (0.35 )       (0.37 )                                

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.27          0.06         0.92         0.98         (0.06 )                       (0.06 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.89          0.02         0.65         0.67                 (0.29 )               (0.29 )

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $18.99          0.11 (f)       3.87         3.98         (0.06 )       (0.95 )               (1.01 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $15.60          0.04         3.66         3.70                 (0.31 )               (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $16.25          (0.02 )       (0.53 )       (0.55 )               (0.10 )               (0.10 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $14.92          (0.02 )       1.35         1.33                                  

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $15.58          0.04         (0.01 )       0.03         (g)       (0.58 )       (0.11 )       (0.69 )

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $16.06          0.33         2.25         2.58         (0.30 )       (0.16 )               (0.46 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $13.27          0.28         2.74         3.02         (0.23 )                       (0.23 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $13.07          0.29         0.14 (h)       0.43         (0.23 )                       (0.23 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $11.44          0.33         1.57         1.90         (0.27 )                       (0.27 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $12.37          0.32         (0.99 )       (0.67 )       (0.23 )       (0.03 )               (0.26 )

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

                                 

November 30, 2012 to
September 30, 2013(i)

       $10.00          0.05         (0.01 )       0.04         (0.06 )                       (0.06 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                                 

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $9.47          0.19         (0.10 )       0.09         (0.32 )                       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $9.36          0.22         0.24         0.46         (0.35 )                       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $9.68          0.20         (0.19 )       0.01         (0.33 )                       (0.33 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $9.67          0.19         0.09         0.28         (0.27 )                       (0.27 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $9.54          0.25         0.22         0.47         (0.34 )                       (0.34 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 11.78%.

 

(e)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 9.10%.

 

(f)

Net investment income per share reflects a special dividend which amounted to $0.02 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been 0.45% per share.

 

(g)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

(h)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

(i)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

144


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return (b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets (c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income
(loss) to
average net
assets (c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $14.23          11.94 %(d)     $ 194,921         0.84 %       1.23 %       0.94 %       164.27 %
    $12.87          30.89 %     $ 189,252         0.83 %       1.22 %       0.95 %       68.75 %
    $  9.95          (4.74 )%     $ 156,832         0.83 %       1.18 %       0.98 %       66.29 %
    $10.57          5.71 %     $ 183,791         0.84 %       1.23 %       0.99 %       119.85 %
    $10.13          (9.40 )%     $ 177,725         0.81 %       1.51 %       0.95 %       92.97 %
                         
    $18.91          32.65 %     $ 548,624         0.92 %       1.03 %       0.92 %       34.03 %
    $14.37          27.00 %     $ 340,577         0.93 %       1.02 %       0.95 %       21.62 %
    $11.43          (5.29 )%     $ 299,032         0.93 %       0.58 %       0.97 %       38.30 %
    $12.14          12.39 %     $ 319,451         0.94 %       0.58 %       1.05 %       45.02 %
    $10.86          3.21 %     $ 200,331         0.96 %       0.44 %       1.02 %       46.83 %
                         
    $15.34          29.03 %     $ 101,999         1.04 %       0.61 %       1.04 %       176.62 %
    $12.08          21.65 %     $ 71,711         1.08 %       0.47 %       1.11 %       32.86 %
    $10.82          (3.31 )%     $ 64,962         1.08 %       (0.14 )%       1.19 %       63.02 %
    $11.19          9.59 %(e)     $ 60,073         1.20 %       0.56 %       1.42 %       95.89 %
    $10.27          8.68 %     $ 25,790         1.42 %       0.23 %       1.79 %       89.00 %
                         
    $21.96          21.90 %     $ 452,155         0.99 %       0.53 %(f)       0.99 %       53.76 %
    $18.99          23.97 %     $ 386,543         1.04 %       0.25 %       1.04 %       19.38 %
    $15.60          (3.46 )%     $ 330,913         1.04 %       (0.09 )%       1.04 %       31.51 %
    $16.25          8.91 %     $ 254,834         1.04 %       (0.13 )%       1.05 %       25.65 %
    $14.92          1.91 %     $ 228,421         1.03 %       0.30 %       1.04 %       45.22 %
                         
    $18.18          16.33 %     $ 936,400         0.95 %       1.92 %       0.95 %       30.56 %
    $16.06          22.80 %     $ 635,360         0.94 %       1.86 %       0.94 %       21.30 %
    $13.27          3.17 %     $ 392,660         0.93 %       2.06 %       0.93 %       16.64 %
    $13.07          16.77 %     $ 236,580         0.94 %       2.68 %       0.95 %       21.63 %
    $11.44          (5.18 )%     $ 177,281         0.93 %       3.19 %       0.95 %       37.13 %
                         
    $  9.98          0.35 %     $ 40,625         0.48 %       0.65 %       0.48 %       55.18 %
                         
    $  9.24          0.98 %     $ 62,115         0.52 %       2.08 %       0.56 %       56.09 %
    $  9.47          4.94 %     $ 47,235         0.56 %       2.30 %       0.58 %       85.13 %
    $  9.36          0.05 %     $ 55,680         0.60 %       2.07 %       0.70 %       120.09 %
    $  9.68          2.90 %     $ 60,089         0.70 %       1.93 %       0.86 %       55.50 %
    $  9.67          4.94 %     $ 59,123         0.70 %       2.58 %       0.85 %       89.57 %

 

145


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Institutional Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
   Net
investment
income(a)
   Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investment
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investments
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.87          0.19          (0.44 )       (0.25 )       (0.32 )               (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.80          0.23          0.16         0.39         (0.32 )               (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.82          0.27          0.05         0.32         (0.34 )               (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.57          0.32          0.28         0.60         (0.35 )               (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.05          0.35          0.55         0.90         (0.38 )               (0.38 )

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.16          0.32          (0.46 )       (0.14 )       (0.41 )       (0.08 )       (0.49 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.06          0.32          0.46         0.78         (0.41 )       (0.27 )       (0.68 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.33          0.41          0.01         0.42         (0.48 )       (0.21 )       (0.69 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.78          0.46          0.62         1.08         (0.52 )       (0.01 )       (0.53 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.89          0.47          0.89         1.36         (0.47 )               (0.47 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.70          0.37          (0.44 )       (0.07 )       (0.37 )       (0.11 )       (0.48 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $  9.94          0.36          0.77         1.13         (0.36 )       (0.01 )       (0.37 )

June 30, 2011 to September 30, 2011(d)

       $10.00          0.08          (0.07 )       0.01         (0.07 )               (0.07 )

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $10.29          0.24          (0.34 )       (0.10 )       (0.34 )               (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.11          0.26          0.30         0.56         (0.37 )       (0.01 )       (0.38 )

June 30, 2011 to September 30, 2011(d)

       $10.00          0.06          0.12         0.18         (0.07 )               (0.07 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.15          0.27          (0.44 )       (0.17 )       (0.27 )       (0.06 )       (0.33 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.79          0.29          0.39         0.68         (0.29 )       (0.03 )       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $10.81          0.32          0.03 (e)       0.35         (0.32 )       (0.05 )       (0.37 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.67          0.32          0.24         0.56         (0.32 )       (0.10 )       (0.42 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $  9.87          0.35          0.90         1.25         (0.35 )       (0.10 )       (0.45 )

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.58          0.22          (0.46 )       (0.24 )       (0.22 )       (0.15 )       (0.37 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.25          0.26          0.41         0.67         (0.26 )       (0.08 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.22          0.31          0.06         0.37         (0.30 )       (0.04 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.99          0.30          0.23         0.53         (0.30 )       (f)       (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.06          0.33          1.01         1.34         (0.33 )       (0.08 )       (0.41 )

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

                              

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.36          0.28          (0.54 )       (0.26 )       (0.28 )       (0.08 )       (0.36 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.02          0.30          0.40         0.70         (0.29 )       (0.07 )       (0.36 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.01          0.31          0.07         0.38         (0.31 )       (0.06 )       (0.37 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

       $10.87          0.33          0.20         0.53         (0.33 )       (0.06 )       (0.39 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

       $10.09          0.36          0.88         1.24         (0.36 )       (0.10 )       (0.46 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(e)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the change in aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio of securities during the period because of the timing of sales and purchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values during the period.

 

(f)

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

146


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return (b)
  Net Assets,
End of

Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average

net assets (c)
 

 

Ratio of net
investment
income to
average net
assets (c)

  Ratio of
expenses to
average

net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
  $ 10.30         (2.30 )%     $ 46,686         0.68 %       1.76 %       0.68 %       66.16 %
  $ 10.87         3.67 %     $ 77,460         0.72 %       2.12 %       0.77 %       71.68 %
  $ 10.80         3.02 %     $ 155,814         0.71 %       2.55 %       0.83 %       83.62 %
  $ 10.82         5.74 %     $ 176,096         0.71 %       3.00 %       0.84 %       83.92 %
  $ 10.57         9.06 %     $ 177,141         0.70 %       3.35 %       0.82 %       47.13 %
                         
  $ 10.53         (1.26 )%     $ 436,641         0.57 %       2.93 %       0.59 %       149.09 %
  $ 11.16         7.39 %     $ 514,368         0.62 %       2.90 %       0.66 %       110.82 %
  $ 11.06         3.94 %     $ 383,070         0.70 %       3.73 %       0.82 %       131.87 %
  $ 11.33         10.27 %     $ 383,868         0.71 %       4.19 %       0.84 %       122.94 %
  $ 10.78         14.16 %     $ 339,730         0.71 %       4.61 %       0.83 %       122.26 %
                         
  $ 10.15         (0.65 )%     $ 85,609         0.51 %       3.54 %       0.59 %       99.48 %
  $ 10.70         11.54 %     $ 92,946         0.34 %       3.52 %       0.59 %       73.74 %
  $ 9.94         0.12 %     $ 46,328         0.30 %       3.27 %       0.58 %       6.86 %
                         
  $ 9.85         (0.97 )%     $ 58,503         0.51 %       2.33 %       0.62 %       193.21 %
  $ 10.29         5.61 %     $ 88,523         0.34 %       2.54 %       0.59 %       113.69 %
  $ 10.11         1.84 %     $ 33,905         0.34 %       2.50 %       0.64 %       26.17 %
                         
  $ 10.65         (1.59 )%     $ 11,859         0.71 %       2.47 %       0.71 %       22.05 %
  $ 11.15         6.39 %     $ 14,546         0.70 %       2.68 %       0.72 %       16.52 %
  $ 10.79         3.34 %     $ 13,757         0.68 %       3.01 %       0.79 %       15.73 %
  $ 10.81         5.42 %     $ 15,284         0.69 %       3.01 %       0.90 %       20.68 %
  $ 10.67         13.00 %     $ 12,814         0.67 %       3.44 %       0.87 %       33.56 %
                         
  $ 10.97         (2.14 )%     $ 34,574         0.70 %       1.94 %       0.70 %       70.60 %
  $ 11.58         6.05 %     $ 33,974         0.70 %       2.31 %       0.72 %       34.94 %
  $ 11.25         3.44 %     $ 25,174         0.67 %       2.77 %       0.78 %       21.89 %
  $ 11.22         4.97 %     $ 26,322         0.68 %       2.77 %       0.89 %       12.26 %
  $ 10.99         13.70 %     $ 20,704         0.65 %       3.10 %       0.87 %       37.11 %
                         
  $ 10.74         (2.38 )%     $ 159,039         0.67 %       2.49 %       0.67 %       22.38 %
  $ 11.36         6.51 %     $ 190,055         0.67 %       2.64 %       0.67 %       19.76 %
  $ 11.02         3.60 %     $ 161,486         0.67 %       2.92 %       0.72 %       15.15 %
  $ 11.01         5.05 %     $ 147,848         0.68 %       3.05 %       0.84 %       19.19 %
  $ 10.87         12.63 %     $ 130,113         0.67 %       3.42 %       0.82 %       38.42 %

 

147


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Institutional Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
     Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Year
   Net
investment
income(a)
  

 

Net realized/
unrealized
gains (losses)
on investments

  Total from
Investment

Activities
  Net
investment

income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 11.28          0.24          (0.42 )       (0.18 )       (0.24 )       (0.08 )       (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 10.90          0.27          0.45         0.72         (0.27 )       (0.07 )       (0.34 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 10.86          0.29          0.06         0.35         (0.28 )       (0.03 )       (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.61          0.32          0.25         0.57         (0.32 )               (0.32 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 9.89          0.35          0.89         1.24         (0.35 )       (0.17 )       (0.52 )

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 12.44          0.27          (0.55 )       (0.28 )       (0.27 )       (0.10 )       (0.37 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 12.12          0.31          0.39         0.70         (0.31 )       (0.07 )       (0.38 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 12.14          0.34          0.02         0.36         (0.34 )       (0.04 )       (0.38 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 12.07          0.36          0.18         0.54         (0.36 )       (0.11 )       (0.47 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 11.10          0.39          1.06         1.45         (0.39 )       (0.09 )       (0.48 )

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 10.52          0.24          (0.48 )       (0.24 )       (0.24 )       (0.12 )       (0.36 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 10.17          0.29          0.39         0.68         (0.29 )       (0.04 )       (0.33 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 10.18          0.34                  0.34         (0.34 )       (0.01 )       (0.35 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 10.05          0.36          0.15         0.51         (0.36 )       (0.02 )       (0.38 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 9.37          0.36          0.68         1.04         (0.35 )       (0.01 )       (0.36 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund(b)

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 9.79          0.24          0.28         0.52         (0.26 )               (0.26 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 8.83          0.22          0.96         1.18         (0.22 )               (0.22 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 9.15          0.25          (0.27 )       (0.02 )       (0.30 )               (0.30 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 8.58          0.29          0.57         0.86         (0.29 )               (0.29 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 8.50          0.30          0.17         0.47         (0.25 )       (0.14 )       (0.39 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund(b)

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 9.18          0.18          0.66         0.84         (0.19 )               (0.19 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 8.00          0.17          1.18         1.35         (0.17 )               (0.17 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 8.44          0.19          (0.43 )       (0.24 )       (0.20 )               (0.20 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 7.83          0.20          0.61         0.81         (0.20 )               (0.20 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 7.81          0.24          (0.04 )       0.20         (0.18 )               (0.18 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund(b)

  

Year Ended September 30, 2013

     $ 8.48          0.13          0.90         1.03         (0.14 )               (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

     $ 7.21          0.12          1.27         1.39         (0.12 )               (0.12 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

     $ 7.70          0.13          (0.49 )       (0.36 )       (0.13 )               (0.13 )

Year Ended September 30, 2010

     $ 7.12          0.15          0.58         0.73         (0.15 )               (0.15 )

Year Ended September 30, 2009

     $ 7.34          0.22          (0.31 )       (0.09 )       (0.13 )               (0.13 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

(a)

Per share net investment income has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

(b)

The expense ratios exclude the impact of fees/expenses paid by each underlying fund.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

148


 

 

 

 

        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Year

  Total
Return
  Net Assets,
End of
Year

(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets
 

 

Ratio of net
investment
income to
average net
assets

  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*
  Portfolio
turnover rate**
                         
  $ 10.78         (1.62 )%     $ 49,340         0.69 %       2.17 %       0.69 %       35.38 %
  $ 11.28         6.68 %     $ 52,526         0.70 %       2.41 %       0.70 %       26.49 %
  $ 10.90         3.37 %     $ 39,863         0.71 %       2.68 %       0.76 %       25.83 %
  $ 10.86         5.53 %     $ 30,183         0.73 %       3.05 %       0.89 %       14.60 %
  $ 10.61         13.01 %     $ 17,274         0.73 %       3.45 %       0.88 %       42.06 %
                         
  $ 11.79         (2.28 )%     $ 81,703         0.68 %       2.23 %       0.68 %       40.00 %
  $ 12.44         5.87 %     $ 91,770         0.68 %       2.50 %       0.68 %       21.63 %
  $ 12.12         3.11 %     $ 78,535         0.68 %       2.90 %       0.73 %       15.33 %
  $ 12.14         4.65 %     $ 77,222         0.69 %       3.05 %       0.85 %       9.54 %
  $ 12.07         13.39 %     $ 71,599         0.67 %       3.36 %       0.82 %       35.90 %
                         
  $ 9.92         (2.30 )%     $ 68,936         0.68 %       2.38 %       0.68 %       22.18 %
  $ 10.52         6.85 %     $ 85,125         0.68 %       2.85 %       0.68 %       26.70 %
  $ 10.17         3.48 %     $ 72,451         0.69 %       3.44 %       0.69 %       23.34 %
  $ 10.18         5.13 %     $ 70,760         0.69 %       3.58 %       0.70 %       6.60 %
  $ 10.05         11.41 %     $ 63,599         0.68 %       3.71 %       0.68 %       24.19 %
                         
  $ 10.05         5.35 %     $ 3,153         0.29 %       2.42 %       0.44 %       60.51 %
  $ 9.79         13.47 %     $ 3,346         0.44 %       2.33 %       0.44 %       7.99 %
  $ 8.83         (0.31 )%     $ 3,954         0.37 %       2.61 %       0.47 %       8.36 %
  $ 9.15         10.22 %     $ 4,798         0.21 %       3.26 %       0.47 %       33.33 %
  $ 8.58         6.28 %     $ 5,316         0.14 %       3.84 %       0.39 %       21.56 %
                         
  $ 9.83         9.28 %     $ 321         0.26 %       1.85 %       0.39 %       81.00 %
  $ 9.18         16.94 %     $ 474         0.42 %       1.98 %       0.42 %       17.65 %
  $ 8.00         (3.02 )%     $ 475         0.29 %       2.13 %       0.41 %       9.96 %
  $ 8.44         10.53 %     $ 1,169         0.16 %       2.52 %       0.41 %       47.76 %
  $ 7.83         2.91 %     $ 1,322         0.13 %       3.61 %       0.38 %       22.46 %
                         
  $ 9.37         12.27 %     $ 1,007         0.28 %       1.46 %       0.42 %       96.94 %
  $ 8.48         19.40 %     $ 936         0.43 %       1.54 %       0.43 %       20.21 %
  $ 7.21         (4.86 )%     $ 1,127         0.32 %       1.62 %       0.43 %       9.06 %
  $ 7.70         10.39 %     $ 1,684         0.17 %       2.05 %       0.43 %       57.35 %
  $ 7.12         (0.87 )%     $ 1,650         0.14 %       3.54 %       0.38 %       24.08 %

 

149


Sterling Capital Funds

Financial Highlights, Class R Shares

 

 

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the past 5 years or, if shorter, the period of the Funds’ operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).

 

          Investment Activities   Distributions
    

Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period

   Net
investment
income (loss)(a)
  Net realized/
unrealized
gains (loss)
on investments
  Total from
Investment
Activities
  Net
investment
income
  Net realized
gains on
investments
  Total
Distributions

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                             

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $14.20          (0.18 )       4.51         4.33         (0.06 )               (0.06 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.36          0.08         2.90         2.98         (0.14 )               (0.14 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $12.12          0.05         (0.73 )       (0.68 )       (0.08 )               (0.08 )

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

       $11.11          0.03         1.01         1.04         (0.03 )               (0.03 )

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                             

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $12.03          0.03         3.36         3.39         (0.06 )       (0.15 )       (0.21 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $10.79          0.05         2.17         2.22                 (0.98 )       (0.98 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.18          (0.02 )       (0.37 )       (0.39 )                        

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

       $10.55          0.06         0.62         0.68         (0.05 )               (0.05 )

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                             

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $18.83          0.01 (g)       3.83         3.84                 (0.95 )       (0.95 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $15.54          (0.04 )       3.64         3.60                 (0.31 )       (0.31 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $16.26          (0.11 )       (0.51 )       (0.62 )               (0.10 )       (0.10 )

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

       $15.32          (0.03 )       0.97         0.94                          

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

                             

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $15.95          0.24         2.22         2.46         (0.21 )       (0.16 )       (0.37 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $13.19          0.20         2.72         2.92         (0.16 )               (0.16 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $13.03          0.24         0.13         0.37         (0.21 )               (0.21 )

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

       $11.94          0.23         1.04         1.27         (0.18 )               (0.18 )

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

                             

Year Ended September 30, 2013

       $11.11          0.25         (0.45 )       (0.20 )       (0.35 )       (0.08 )       (0.43 )

Year Ended September 30, 2012

       $11.02          0.26         0.46         0.72         (0.36 )       (0.27 )       (0.63 )

Year Ended September 30, 2011

       $11.32          0.37         (0.03 )       0.34         (0.43 )       (0.21 )       (0.64 )

February 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010(e)

       $10.87          0.25         0.50         0.75         (0.30 )               (0.30 )

 

*

During the periods certain fees were waived (See Note 5 in the Notes to the Financial Statements). If such reductions had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

**

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

(a)

Per share net investment income (loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

 

(b)

Not annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(c)

Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

(d)

Net Assets are below $1,000.

 

(e)

Period from commencement of operations.

 

(f)

Includes proceeds received from a settlement of litigation, which impacted the Fund’s total return. Not including these proceeds, the Fund’s total return would have been 6.08%.

 

(g)

Net investment income per share reflects a special dividend which amounted to $0.02 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment income to average net assets would have been (0.05)% per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.

 

150


        Ratios/Supplementary Data

Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period

  Total
Return
(excludes

sales charge)(b)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period
(000)
  Ratio of
net expenses
to average
net assets(c)
  Ratio of net
investment
income

loss to
average net
assets(c)
  Ratio of
expenses to
average
net assets*(c)
  Portfolio
turnover rate**(b)
                         
    $18.47          30.65 %     $ (d)       1.42 %       (1.04 )%       1.42 %       34.03 %
    $14.20          26.17 %     $ (d)       1.44 %       0.59 %       1.44 %       21.62 %
    $11.36          (5.71 )%     $ (d)       1.44 %       0.36 %       1.56 %       38.30 %
    $12.12          9.47 %     $ (d)       1.44 %       0.42 %       1.68 %       45.02 %
                         
    $15.21          28.48 %     $ (d)       1.55 %       0.24 %       1.55 %       176.62 %
    $12.03          21.49 %     $ (d)       1.57 %       0.44 %       1.59 %       32.86 %
    $10.79          (3.49 )%     $ (d)       1.57 %       (0.12 )%       1.58 %       63.02 %
    $11.18          6.46 %(f)     $ (d)       1.65 %       0.82 %       3.44 %       95.89 %
                         
    $21.72          21.28 %     $ 450         1.49 %       0.04 %(g)       1.49 %       53.76 %
    $18.83          23.41 %     $ 357         1.54 %       (0.25 )%       1.54 %       19.38 %
    $15.54          (3.95 )%     $ 289         1.54 %       (0.62 )%       1.54 %       31.51 %
    $16.26          6.20 %     $ (d)       1.54 %       (0.29 )%       1.57 %       25.65 %
                         
    $18.04          15.69 %     $ 2,781         1.45 %       1.40 %       1.45 %       30.56 %
    $15.95          22.19 %     $ 1,454         1.44 %       1.35 %       1.44 %       21.30 %
    $13.19          2.74 %     $ 604         1.43 %       1.72 %       1.43 %       16.64 %
    $13.03          10.76 %     $ (d)       1.45 %       2.86 %       1.49 %       21.63 %
                         
    $10.48          (1.83 )%     $ 5         1.07 %       2.34 %       1.08 %       149.09 %
    $11.11          6.79 %     $ 6         1.12 %       2.41 %       1.16 %       110.82 %
    $11.02          3.24 %     $ 6         1.20 %       3.32 %       1.33 %       131.87 %
    $11.32          7.03 %     $ 42         1.21 %       3.45 %       1.37 %       122.94 %

 

151


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements

September 30, 2013

 

 

  1. Organization:

Sterling Capital Funds (the “Trust”) commenced operations on October 5, 1992 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust.

As of the date of these financial statements, the Trust offers shares of Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly known as Sterling Capital Select Equity Fund), Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly known as Sterling Capital Small Value Fund), Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Corporate Fund, Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund and Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund (referred to individually as a “Fund” and collectively as the “Funds”). Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund and Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund are referred to as the “Tax-Free Funds.” Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund and Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund are referred to as the “Funds of Funds.” The Funds, excluding the Funds of Funds, are referred to as the “Variable Net Asset Value Funds.” The Funds of Funds invest in underlying mutual funds as opposed to individual securities.

All Funds, other than the Tax-Free Funds, are “diversified” funds, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Tax-Free Funds are non-diversified funds, which means they may invest in the securities of a limited number of issuers.

By owning shares of underlying investment companies, each of the Funds of Funds invests, to varying degrees, in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including small and medium sized companies, and in fixed-income securities. Funds of Funds with exposure to underlying equity funds may include funds that invest in real estate of other similar securities. In addition, underlying investment companies may invest in derivatives.

The Funds are authorized to issue an unlimited amount of shares. As of September 30, 2013, the Funds discussed herein offered up to five classes of shares: Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, Class R Shares and Institutional Shares. Class B Shares of the Funds are closed to new accounts and additional purchases by existing shareholders. Sterling Capital Corporate Fund and Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund converted Class S Shares into Institutional Shares effective February 1, 2013. Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund and Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund offer Class R Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after eight years. Class A Shares of the Variable Net Asset Value Funds and Funds of Funds, excluding Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Corporate Fund, Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund, and the Tax-Free Funds, have a maximum sales charge of 5.75% as a percentage of original purchase price. Class A Shares of Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund has a maximum sales charge of 0.50%, Class A Shares of Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Corporate Fund, Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund, and the Tax-Free Funds have a maximum sales charge of 2.00%, as a percentage of the original purchase price. Prior to February 1, 2013 for Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, and the Tax-Free Funds, the maximum sales charge on Class A Shares were 2.50%. Purchases of $1 million or more of Class A Shares are not subject to a front-end sales charge but will be subject to a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% of the purchase price if redeemed within two years after purchase for all Funds except Tax-Free Funds, Intermediate U.S. Government Fund and Short-Term Bond Fund. With respect to Tax-Free Funds, Intermediate U.S. Government Fund and Short-Term Bond Fund, sales over $500,000 are not subject to a sales load but will be subject to a CDSC of 0.50% of the purchase price if redeemed within 18 months of purchase. This charge is based on the lower of the price paid for the shares or their net asset value at the time of redemption. In addition, a CDSC of up to 1.00% of the purchase price of Class A Shares will be charged to the following shareholders who received a sales charge waiver and then redeem their shares within two years after purchase: employees of the Trust, Sterling Capital Management LLC (“Sterling Capital” or the “Advisor”) and its

 

152


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

affiliates purchased prior to February 1, 2012. This charge is based on the lower of the price paid for the shares or their net asset value at the time of redemption. The Class B Shares of the Funds will be subject to a CDSC ranging from a maximum of 5.00% if redeemed less than one year after purchase to 0.00% if redeemed more than six years after purchase. Class C Shares of the Funds are offered without any front-end sales charge but will be subject to a maximum CDSC of 1.00% if redeemed less than one year after purchase.

Each class of shares has identical rights and privileges except with respect to the fees paid under the distribution plan, voting rights on matters affecting a single class of shares and the exchange privilege of each class of shares.

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its Officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts with their vendors and others that provide for general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds. However, based on experience, the Funds expect that risk of loss to be remote.

 

  2. Significant Accounting Policies:

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements 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 income and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Standards — In June 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standard Update No. 2013-08 (“ASU No. 2013-08”) that creates a two-tiered approach to assess whether an entity is an investment company. ASU No. 2013-08 will also require an investment company to measure noncontrolling ownership interests in other investment companies at fair value and will require additional disclosures relating to investment company status, any changes thereto and information about financial support provided or contractually required to be provided to any of the investment company’s investees. ASU No. 2013-08 is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Funds’ financial statement disclosures.

Securities Valuation — Investments in securities held by the Variable Net Asset Value Funds, the principal market for which is a securities exchange or an over-the-counter market, are valued at their latest available sale price (except for those securities that are traded on NASDAQ, which will be valued at the NASDAQ official closing price) or in the absence of such a price, by reference to the latest available bid price in the principal market in which such securities are normally traded. The Variable Net Asset Value Funds may also use an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) to value certain securities, including the use of electronic and matrix techniques. Short-term obligations without significant credit risk that mature in 60 days or less are valued at either amortized cost or original cost plus interest, which approximates fair value. Investments in open-end investment companies, including underlying funds invested in by the Funds of Funds, are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such companies. Investments in closed-end investment companies and exchange traded funds are valued at their market values based upon the latest available sale price or, absent such a price, by reference to the latest available bid prices in the principal market in which such securities are normally traded. The differences between cost and fair value of investments are reflected as either unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or deemed unreliable (e.g., an approved pricing service does not provide a price, a furnished price is in error, certain stale prices, or an event occurs that materially affects the furnished price) will be fair valued in accordance with procedures established in good faith under the general supervision of the Board. At September 30, 2013, Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund has a written option valued by Pricing Committee recorded at fair value of $3,000 and represents 0.000% of net assets.

Fair Value Measurements — The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

153


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

• Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

• Level 2 – based on other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

• Level 3 – based on significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions 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. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, there were no significant changes to the valuation policies and procedures.

The summary of inputs used to determine the fair value of each Fund’s investments as of September 30, 2013 is as follows:

 

    

Level 1–

Quoted Prices

     Level 2–
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
     Level 3–
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
     Total  

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities

           

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

   $ 224,594,940(a)       $ —               $—                   $ 224,594,940   

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

     590,024,143(a)         —               —                     590,024,143   

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

     112,028,312(a)         —               —                     112,028,312   

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

     827,451,705(a)         —               —                     827,451,705   

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

     1,936,814,424(a)         —               —                     1,936,814,424   

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

     716,735(b)         55,336,393(a)             —                     56,053,128   

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

     1,645,978(b)         74,844,033(a)             —                     76,490,011   

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

     557,710(b)         57,753,659(a)             —                     58,311,369   

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

     9,344,471(b)         490,473,780(a)             —                     499,818,251   

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

     3,909,046(b)         81,300,220(a)             —                     85,209,266   

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

     1,989,852(b)         63,750,041(a)             —                     65,739,893   

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     549,575(b)         17,071,379(a)             —                     17,620,954   

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     1,916,989(b)         41,644,534(a)             —                     43,561,523   

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     798,336(b)         212,241,817(a)             —                     213,040,153   

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     1,126,531(b)         70,039,566(a)             —                     71,166,097   

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     3,437,170(b)         129,187,066(a)             —                     132,624,236   

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     3,577,683(b)         101,874,150(a)             —                     105,451,833   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

     18,774,528(a)         —               —                     18,774,528   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

     34,831,657(a)         —               —                     34,831,657   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

     26,285,803(a)         —               —                     26,285,803   

Liabilities:

           

Other Financial Instruments-

           

Written Options (Equity Risk)

           

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund (c)

   $ 1,163,900       $ 3,000             $—                   $ 1,166,900   

 

  (a)   Industries, countries or security types are disclosed in the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.
  (b)   Represents money market funds and/or certain preferred stocks.
  (c)   Other financial instruments are written options shown at value.

The Funds’ policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

Options Contracts — Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund and Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund write (sell) “covered” call options on securities and purchase options on securities to close out options previously written by them. These transactions are entered into to hedge against changes in security prices (equity risk) or for the purposes of earning additional income (i.e., speculation).

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Funds bear the risk of loss of the premium and change in value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options purchased are accounted for in the same manner as other securities owned. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

 

154


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

In writing an option, the Funds contract with a specified counterparty to purchase (put option written) or sell (call option written) a specified quantity (notional amount) of an underlying asset at a specified price during a specified period upon demand of the counterparty. The risk associated with writing an option is that the Funds bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of an underlying asset and are required to buy or sell an underlying asset under the contractual terms of the option at a price different from the current value. The Funds execute transactions in both listed and over-the-counter options. When purchasing over-the-counter options, the Fund bears the risk of economic loss from counterparty default, equal to the market value of the option. Listed options involve minimal counterparty risk since the listed options are guaranteed against default by the exchange on which they trade. Transactions in over-the-counter options expose the Funds to the risk of default by the counterparty to the transaction. In the event of default by the counterparty to the over-the-counter transaction, the Funds’ maximum amount of loss is the premium paid (as the purchaser) or the unrealized depreciation of the contract (as the writer).

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities and Sterling Capital Equity Income Funds invested in written options to economically hedge the downside exposure by collecting a premium when sold against the equity holding. Details of written option activity for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:

 

     Sterling Capital        
     Special   Sterling Capital
     Opportunities   Equity
     Fund   Income Fund
     Number of   Premiums   Number of   Premiums

Covered Call Options

   Contracts   Received   Contracts   Received

Balance at beginning of year.

       9,228       $ 1,059,728         8,813       $ 640,609  

Options written

       16,404         2,026,574         7,256         726,549  

Options closed

       (7,319 )       (997,824 )       (8,328 )       (495,142 )

Options expired

       (7,078 )       (735,359 )       (1,900 )       (154,638 )

Options exercised

       (7,500 )       (633,304 )       (5,841 )       (717,378 )

Options split

       475                          
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

       4,210       $ 719,815               $  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

The following is a summary of written call options outstanding as of September 30, 2013:

 

     Number of
Contracts
   Value

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

         

Apple, Inc., $550.00, 4/19/14

       60        $ (95,400 )

Broadcom Corp., Class A, $42.00, 11/16/13(a)

       1,000          (3,000 )

EOG Resources, Inc., $165.00, 10/19/13

       700          (437,500 )

EOG Resources, Inc., $175.00, 1/18/14

       450          (342,000 )

Robert Half International, Inc., $40.00, 12/21/13

       1,000          (135,000 )

UnitedHealth Group, Inc., $75.00, 12/21/13

       1,000          (154,000 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

 
       4,210        $ (1,166,900 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  (a)   Security was fair valued under methods approved by the Board.

Derivative Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure — Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund’s derivative contracts held at September 30, 2013, are not accounted for as hedging instruments under U.S. GAAP. The following is a summary of the location of the derivative instruments held by the Funds on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the category of primary risk exposure as of September 30, 2013:

 

FairValues of Derivative Instruments

   Statements of Assets
and Liabilities Location
   Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities
Fund

Liabilities

     

Equity contracts

   Call options written    $1,166,900

 

155


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

The effect of derivative financial instruments on the Statements of Operations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013:

 

Net Realized Gain

   Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities
Fund
  Sterling Capital
Equity
Income Fund

Written options (equity contracts)

     $ 121,014       $ 498,868  

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities
Fund
  Sterling Capital
Equity

Income Fund

Written options (equity contracts)

     $ 139,446       $ 766,221  

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the average quarterly balance of derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

     Sterling Capital
Special
Opportunities
Fund
  Sterling Capital
Equity

Income
Fund

Written Options (Equity Risk)

        

Average number of written option contracts

       4,570         2,082  

Average premium

     $ 531,036       $ 124,154  

Securities Transactions and Related Income — During the period, security transactions are accounted for no later than one business day following the trade date. For financial reporting purposes, however, security transactions as of the last business day of the reporting period are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis and includes, where applicable, the amortization/accretion of premium or discount. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Gains or losses realized from sales of securities are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.

When-Issued and Forward Commitments — The Funds may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, and Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund may also purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis. The Funds record when-issued securities on the trade date and pledge assets with a value at least equal to the purchase commitment for payment of the securities purchased. The value of the securities underlying when-issued or forward commitments to purchase securities, and any subsequent fluctuation in their value, is taken into account when determining the net asset value of the Funds commencing with the date the Funds agree to purchase the securities. The Funds do not accrue interest or dividends on “when-issued” securities until the underlying securities are received.

Mortgage Dollar Rolls — The Variable Net Asset Value Funds may sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specific future date at an agreed-upon price. The market value of the securities that the Fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. Pools of mortgages collateralizing those securities may have different prepayment histories than those sold. During the period between the sale and repurchase, the Fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Proceeds of the sale will be invested in additional instruments for the Fund, and the income from these investments will generate income for the Fund. If such income does not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what the performance would have been without the use of dollar rolls. The Funds account for mortgage dollar roll transactions as purchases and sales.

 

156


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Expenses and Allocation Methodology — Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Expenses not directly attributable to a Fund are allocated proportionately among all Funds daily in relation to the net assets of each

Fund or on another reasonable basis. Each class of shares bears its pro-rata portion of expenses attributable to its series, except that each class separately bears expenses related specifically to that class, such as distribution fees. Expenses that are attributable to both the Trust and the Sterling Capital Variable Insurance Funds are allocated across the Funds and Sterling Capital Variable Insurance Funds, based upon relative net assets or on another reasonable basis. Income and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets or another appropriate basis.

Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly for Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Corporate Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund and the Tax-Free Funds. Dividends from net investment income are declared and paid quarterly for Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund and the Funds of Funds if the annualized yield of the distribution exceeds an amount determined annually by the Board. Distributable net realized gains, if any, are declared and distributed at least annually. Distributions to shareholders which exceed net investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes are reported as distributions of capital.

Credit Enhancements — Certain obligations held in the Funds have credit enhancement or liquidity features that may, under certain circumstances, provide for repayment of principal and interest on the obligation upon demand date, interest rate reset date or final maturity. These enhancements may include: letters of credit; liquidity guarantees; security purchase agreements; tender option purchase agreements; and third party insurance (i.e., AMBAC).

Offering Costs — Offering costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over one year from each Fund’s respective commencement of operations. In the event that any of the initial shares are redeemed during the period of amortization of the Fund’s offering costs, the redemption proceeds will be reduced by any such unamortized offering costs in the same proportion as the number of shares being redeemed bears to the number of those shares outstanding at the time of redemption.

 

  3. Purchases and Sales of Securities:

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding U.S. Government securities and securities maturing less than one year from acquisition) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

     Purchases     Sales  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

   $ 354,569,492      $ 370,844,393   

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

     226,129,280        140,489,089   

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

     169,243,386        158,775,820   

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

     369,232,125        357,369,440   

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

     815,896,425        405,638,867   

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

     82,093,641        24,013,922   

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

     63,067,837        36,569,987   

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

     4,756,962        16,470,914   

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

     639,228,014        651,926,014   

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

     93,908,907        95,071,004   

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

     135,366,198        151,386,686   

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     5,220,411        12,330,734   

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     32,058,025        31,448,358   

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     54,203,621        78,711,279   

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     29,714,304        26,617,603   

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     56,198,742        61,953,890   

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     25,726,860        41,049,336   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

     11,264,748        12,186,898   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

     27,148,316        28,911,943   

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

     23,757,206        24,220,141   

 

157


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Securities (excluding securities maturing less than one year from acquisition) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

     Purchases   Sales

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

     $ 405,840       $ 405,823  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       44,673,305         57,177,429  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       196,680,359         186,157,733  

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       1,232,389         1,226,035  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       17,992,018         13,365,224  

 

  4. Investments in Affiliated Issuers:

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the shares of affiliated issuers during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 is set forth below:

 

     Shares Held at
September 30,

2012
   Shares
Purchased
   Shares
Sold
   Shares Held at
September 30,

2013
   Value at
September 30,
2013
   Dividend
Income
October 1, 2012-
September 30, 2013
   Distributions
and Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
October 1, 2012-
September 30, 2013

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

                                  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Class

       32,730          215,906          41,302          207,334        $ 3,769,324        $ 47,794        $ 48,363  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Institutional Class

       50,109                   50,109                            2,456          415,011  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       112,321          18,454          130,775                            7,613          356,600  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       14,866          179          15,045                                     36,555  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Class

       17,928          187,834          31,121          174,641          3,835,116          819          62,610  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Class

       958,838          161,211          89,282          1,030,767          10,853,980          409,274          65,437  

Sterling Capital U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, Institutional Class

       477,966          20,566,389          21,044,355                            41           

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Institutional Class

                62,691          62,691                            392          (298 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Affiliates

       1,664,758          21,212,664          21,464,680          1,412,742        $ 18,458,420        $ 468,389        $ 984,278  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                                  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Class

       87,512          579,727          93,727          573,512        $ 10,426,456        $ 128,670        $ 103,496  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Institutional Class

       134,044                   134,044                            6,384          1,029,081  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       300,570          48,975          349,545                            20,347          966,790  

 

158


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Shares Held at
September 30,
2012
   Shares
Purchased
   Shares
Sold
   Shares Held at
September 30,
2013
   Value at
September 30,
2013
   Dividend
Income
October 1, 2012-
September 30, 2013
   Distributions
and Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
October 1, 2012-
September 30, 2013

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       39,791          478          40,269                 $        $        $ 95,415  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Class

       47,953          500,098          64,996          483,055          10,607,895          2,098          108,777  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Class

       1,079,666          273,368          107,684          1,245,350          13,113,537          470,704          83,232  

Sterling Capital U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, Institutional Class

       695,238          23,952,005          24,647,243                            66           

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Institutional Class

                55,154          55,154                            539          (151 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Affiliates

       2,384,774          25,409,805          25,492,662          2,301,917        $ 34,147,888        $ 628,808        $ 2,386,640  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                                  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Class

       77,829          524,166          60,981          541,014        $ 9,835,643        $ 119,470        $ 59,089  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Institutional Class

       119,207                   119,207                            6,292          913,825  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       267,337          78,418          345,755                            19,504          866,774  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Institutional Class

       35,401          426          35,827                                     89,722  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Class

       42,644          462,320          49,262          455,702          10,007,224          2,095          86,894  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Class

       412,720          226,238          70,139          568,819          5,989,668          197,643          26,385  

Sterling Capital U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund, Institutional Class

       524,724          17,199,969          17,724,693                            53           

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Institutional Class

                49,147          49,147                            525          (119 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Affiliates

       1,479,862          18,540,684          18,455,011          1,565,535        $ 25,832,535        $ 345,582        $ 2,042,570  
    

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

  5. Related Party Transactions:

Under the terms of the investment advisory agreement, Sterling Capital is entitled to receive fees based on a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Funds. These fees are accrued daily and payable on a monthly basis and are reflected on the Statements of Operations as “Investment advisory fees.” Sterling Capital waived investment advisory fees are included on the Statements of Operations as “Less expenses waived by the Investment Advisor.” Information regarding these transactions is as follows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013:

 

159


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Prior to February 1, 2013   Effective February 1, 2013
         Fee Rate after       Fee Rate after
     Contractual   Contractual   Contractual   Contractual
     Fee Rate   Waivers   Fee Rate   Waivers

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

       0.70 %       0.60 %(1)       0.70 %       0.60 %(2)

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

       0.70 %       0.70 %       0.70 %       0.70 %

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       0.80 %       0.80 %       0.75 %       0.75 %

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

       0.80 %       0.80 %       0.75 %       0.75 %

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       0.70 %       0.70 %       0.70 %       0.70 %

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       0.20 %       0.20 %       0.20 %       0.20 %

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       0.30 %       0.30 %       0.30 %       0.25 %(2)

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       0.48 %       0.48 %       0.43 %       0.43 %

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       0.37 %       0.37 %       0.37 %       0.34 %(2)

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       0.40 %       0.15 %(3)       0.35 %       0.35 %

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       0.40 %       0.15 %(3)       0.35 %       0.35 %

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %       0.45 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.00 %(2)

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.00 %(2)

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.25 %       0.00 %(2)

 

 

  (1)     Sterling Capital contractually agreed to limit the advisory fees paid by the Fund from February 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013.
  (2)     Sterling Capital contractually agreed to limit the advisory fees paid by the Fund from March 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.
  (3)     Sterling Capital contractually agreed to limit the advisory fees paid by the Fund from June 30, 2011 through January 31, 2013.

Sterling Capital serves as the administrator to the Funds pursuant to an administration agreement. The Funds (except the Funds of Funds) pay their portion of a fee to Sterling Capital for providing administration services based on the aggregate assets of the Funds and the Sterling Capital Variable Insurance Funds, excluding the assets of the Funds of Funds, at a rate at a rate of 0.1075% on the first $3.5 billion of average net assets, 0.075% on the next $1 billion of average net assets; 0.06% on the next $1.5 billion of average net assets; and 0.04% of average net assets over $6 billion. Expenses incurred are reflected on the Statements of Operations as “Administration fees.” Pursuant to a sub-administration agreement with Sterling Capital, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (“BNY Mellon” or the “Sub-Administrator”), serves as the sub-administrator to the Funds subject to the general supervision of the Board and Sterling Capital. For these services, BNY Mellon is entitled to a fee payable by Sterling Capital.

BNY Mellon serves as the Funds’ fund accountant and transfer agent and receives compensation by the Funds for these services. Expenses incurred are reflected on the Statements of Operations as “Fund accounting fees” and “Transfer agent fees.”

Prior to September 19, 2013, Sterling Capital’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) served as the Funds’ CCO. The CCO’s compensation is reviewed and approved by the Funds’ Board and paid by Sterling Capital. However, the Funds reimburse Sterling Capital for their allocable portion of the CCO’s salary. Expenses incurred for the Funds are reflected on the Statements of Operations as “Compliance service fees.”

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the Funds paid $74,419 in brokerage fees to BB&T Securities LLC (formerly known as Scott & Stringfellow LLC) on the execution of purchases and sales of the Funds’ portfolio investments.

The Funds have adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Sterling Capital Distributors, LLC (“the Distributor”) serves as distributor to the Funds pursuant to an underwriting agreement. The Plan provides for payments to the Distributor of up to 0.25%, 1.00%, 1.00% and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares, and Class R Shares, respectively. The Distributor is entitled to receive commissions on sales of shares of the Variable Net Asset Value Funds. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the Distributor received $1,047,132 from commissions earned on sales of shares of the Variable Net Asset Value Funds. Commissions paid to affiliated broker-dealers during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 were $351,833. The fees may be used by the Distributor to pay banks, broker dealers and other institutions, including affiliates of the Advisor.

 

160


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Sterling Capital and/or its affiliates may pay out of their own bona fide profits compensation to broker-dealers and other persons for the sale and distribution of the shares and/or for the servicing of the shares. These are additional payments over and above the sales charge (including Rule 12b-1 fees) and service fees paid by the Funds. The payments, which may be different for different financial institutions, will not change the price an investor will pay for shares or the amount that a Fund will receive for the sale of shares.

Certain Officers and a Trustee of the Funds are affiliated with Sterling Capital or the Sub-Administrator. Such Officers and Trustee receive no compensation from the Funds for serving in their respective roles. Each of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust who serve on the Board are compensated at the annual rate of $44,000 plus $5,000 for each regularly scheduled quarterly meeting attended, $4,000 for each special meeting attended in person and $1,500 for each special meeting attended by telephone, plus reimbursement for certain out of pocket expenses. The Trustee who is an interested person, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust, but not affiliated with Sterling Capital is compensated at the annual rate of $44,000 plus $4,000 for each regularly scheduled quarterly meeting attended, $3,200 for each special meeting attended in person and $1,200 for each special meeting attended by telephone, plus reimbursement for certain out of pocket expenses. Each Trustee serving on a Committee of the Board receives a fee of $4,000 for each Committee meeting attended in person and $3,000 for each Committee meeting attended by telephone, plus reimbursement for certain out of pocket expenses. Committee meeting fees are only paid when such Committee meetings are not held in conjunction with a regular board meeting. Additionally, the Chairman of the Board and the Audit Committee Chairman each receive an annual retainer of $15,000, and the Chairman of the Nominations Committee receives additional compensation at the rate of $1,000 for each meeting over which he or she presides as Chairman. The fees are allocated across the Trust and the Sterling Capital Variable Insurance Funds based upon relative net assets.

 

  6. Concentration of Credit Risk:

The Tax-Free Funds invest primarily in debt instruments of municipal issuers in their respective states. The issuers’ abilities to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific state or region.

 

  7. Line of Credit:

U.S. Bank, N.A. has made available a credit facility to the Trust, pursuant to an umbrella credit agreement (“the Agreement”). The primary purpose of the Agreement is to allow the Trust to avoid security liquidations that Sterling Capital believes are unfavorable to shareholders. Under the Agreement, an aggregate commitment amount of $50,000,000 has been made available for use by all funds of the Trust. Outstanding principal amounts under the Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate minus two percent (2%), but never at a rate of less than one percent (1%) per annum. The Agreement expires on March 31, 2014. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 the following Funds utilized lines of credit:

 

     Average   Average    Number of    Interest Expense    Maximum Amount
     Interest Rate   Loan Balance    Days Outstanding    Incurred    Borrowed

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       1.25 %     $ 555,000          1        $ 19        $ 555,000  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       1.25 %       834,000          3          87          834,000  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax- Free Fund

       1.25 %       470,000          1          16          470,000  

 

  8. Federal Tax Information:

It is the policy of each Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax was required in the Funds’ financial statements.

Management evaluates its tax positions to determine if the tax positions taken meet the minimum recognition threshold in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken for the purposes of measuring and recognizing tax liabilities in the financial statements. Recognition of tax benefits of an uncertain tax position is required only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by taxing authorities. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. During the period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

161


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (current and prior three tax years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax was required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal income and excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, capital losses originating in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment capital losses”) are carried forward indefinitely. Furthermore, post-enactment capital losses will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term capital losses as under previous law.

At September 30, 2013, the following Funds had net capital loss carryforwards available to offset future net capital gains, if any, to the extent provided by the Treasury regulations:

 

     Amount With No Expiration*          
     Short-term    Long-term          
     Losses    Losses    Amount    Expires

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $        $        $ 53,582,400          2017  

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

                         10,325,708          2018  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                         12,708,364          2017  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                         2,085,627          2016  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

                         2,655,981          2017  

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       14,612                             

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                         1,246,269          2014  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                         3,940,976          2015  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                         160,380          2016  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                         385,647          2019  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       731,499          348,335                    

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                         7,417,640          2016  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                         37,850          2019  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       1,495,375          5,299                    

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

                         7,049,711          2018  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                         5,467,557          2018  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                         3,964,763          2019  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                         6,627,772          2018  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                         4,640,596          2019  

 

 

  *   Post-Enactment Losses: Must be utilized prior to losses subject to expiration.

Capital loss carryforwards utilized in the current year were $51,893,067, $6,900,884, $1,185,402, $827,680, $1,829,505, $4,400,714 and $3,727,036 for Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund and Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund, respectively. Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund had capital loss carryforwards of $2,094,190 expire in the current year. For Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified and Sterling Capital Mid Value Funds capital losses acquired in the reorganization are subject to limitations under Internal Revenue Code Section 381-384.

The character of income and gains distributed are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature (e.g., reclass of net operating losses, disposition of market discount and market premium bonds, paydown gains and losses, mortgage dollar roll gains and losses, RICs and the character of distributions), such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or net asset values per share.

 

162


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

As of September 30, 2013, these reclassifications were as follows:

 

     Decrease
Paid-in-Capital
  Increase/
(Decrease)
Net Investment
Income (Loss)
  Increase/
(Decrease)
Realized
Gain (Loss)

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

     $       $ (39,809 )     $ 39,809  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

               (7,936 )       7,936  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

               (188,325 )       188,325  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

               (2,846,810 )       2,846,810  

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       (8,294 )       19,500         (11,206 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       (2,065,612 )       987,748         1,077,864  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

               483,589         (483,589 )

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

               4,772,486         (4,772,486 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

               (42,880 )       42,880  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

               779,312         (779,312 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               (1,694 )       1,694  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               (1,906 )       1,906  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               (1,909 )       1,909  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               (1,544 )       1,544  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               11,124         (11,124 )

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

               (16,003 )       16,003  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

               27,306         (27,306 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

               31,484         (31,484 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

               13,097         (13,097 )

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

     Distributions paid from               
     Ordinary
Income
   Net
Long-Term
Gains
   Total
Taxable

Distributions
   Tax Exempt
Distributions
   Total
Distributions
Paid*

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $ 2,627,430        $        $ 2,627,430        $        $ 2,627,430  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

       3,163,869                   3,163,869                   3,163,869  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       390,002          958,642          1,348,644                   1,348,644  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

       3,138,407          29,974,373          33,112,780                   33,112,780  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       22,799,561          12,358,244          35,157,805                   35,157,805  

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       210,844                   210,844                   210,844  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       2,242,340                   2,242,340                   2,242,340  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       2,332,671                   2,332,671                   2,332,671  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       21,987,404          2,841,224          24,828,628                   24,828,628  

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       4,269,831          195,109          4,464,940                   4,464,940  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       2,486,095                   2,486,095                   2,486,095  

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       678          139,225          139,903          592,984          732,887  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       62,436          532,735          595,171          888,679          1,483,850  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       186,244          1,685,743          1,871,987          6,046,630          7,918,617  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       118,000          473,705          591,705          1,660,745          2,252,450  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       15,821          1,255,769          1,271,590          3,084,117          4,355,707  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       89,006          1,368,572          1,457,578          2,786,247          4,243,825  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

       442,806                   442,806                   442,806  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

       574,997                   574,997                   574,997  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

       302,995                   302,995                   302,995  

 

  * Total distributions paid may differ from the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because distributions are recognized when actually paid for tax purposes.

 

163


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

     Distributions paid from              Current Year     
          Net              Distributions    Total
     Ordinary    Long-Term    Total Taxable    Tax Exempt    of Earnings    Distributions
     Income    Gains    Distributions    Distributions    and Profits    Paid*

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $ 2,390,527        $        $ 2,390,527        $        $        $ 2,390,527  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

       3,491,965                   3,491,965                            3,491,965  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       570,145          5,976,631          6,546,776                            6,546,776  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

                12,143,189          12,143,189                            12,143,189  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       12,616,604                   12,616,604                            12,616,604  

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       2,091,408                   2,091,408                            2,091,408  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       4,460,688                   4,460,688                            4,460,688  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       19,420,164          10,539,121          29,959,285                            29,959,285  

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       2,545,491                   2,545,491                            2,545,491  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       1,615,249                   1,615,249                            1,615,249  

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       11          54,280          54,291          619,583                   673,874  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       2,596          230,855          233,451          878,029                   1,111,480  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       4,068          1,406,457          1,410,525          6,036,740                   7,447,265  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       59          364,144          364,203          1,487,515                   1,851,718  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       1,040          737,695          738,735          3,170,117                   3,908,852  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       11,793          434,867          446,660          3,138,207                   3,584,867  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

       379,625                   379,625                            379,625  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

       525,866                   525,866                            525,866  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

       276,162                   276,162                            276,162  

 

  * Total distributions paid may differ from the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because distributions are recognized when actually paid for tax purposes.

As of September 30, 2013, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

     Undistributed                          Total
     Ordinary    Undistributed             Accumulated   Unrealized   Accumulated
     Income/Tax    Long Term    Accumulated    Distributions   Capital and   Appreciation   Earnings
     Exempt Income    Capital Gains    Earnings    Payable   Other Losses   (Depreciation)*   (Deficit)

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $ 148,938        $        $ 148,938        $       $ (63,908,108 )     $ 13,837,764       $ (49,921,406 )

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

       1,755,356          36,019,845          37,775,201                  (12,708,364 )       118,982,909         144,049,746  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       4,431,134          10,213,989          14,645,123                  (4,741,608 )       5,978,757         15,882,272  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

       1,176,686          80,832,718          82,009,404                          174,594,257         256,603,661  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       5,486,361          63,034,772          68,521,133          (2,588 )               285,736,230         354,254,775  

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       18,949                   18,949          (8,475 )       (14,612 )       (95,913 )       (100,051 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       109,536                   109,536          (125,796 )       (6,813,106 )       (1,057,454 )       (7,886,820 )

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       748,919                   748,919          (93,620 )       (7,455,490 )       715,198         (6,084,993 )

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       1,541,843                   1,541,843          (776,078 )       (3,360,087 )       (2,410,016 )       (5,004,338 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

                790,769          790,769          (60,031 )       (431,130 )       (213,607 )       86,001  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       34,096                   34,096          (27,899 )       (1,500,674 )       (176,101 )       (1,670,578 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       30,553                   30,553          (28,094 )       (19,857 )       1,034,621         1,017,223  

 

164


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Undistributed
Ordinary
Income/Tax

Exempt Income
   Undistributed
Long Term
Capital Gains
   Accumulated
Earnings
   Distributions
Payable
  Accumulated
Capital and
Other Losses
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)*
   Total
Accumulated
Earnings
(Deficit)

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

     $ 47,627        $        $ 47,627        $ (43,979 )     $ (88,739 )     $ 913,853        $ 828,762  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax- Free Fund

       398,560                   398,560          (318,767 )       (689,792 )       7,165,789          6,555,790  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax- Free Fund

       88,805                   88,805          (81,724 )       (221,089 )       1,380,211          1,166,203  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       222,145                   222,145          (159,582 )       (536,898 )       4,224,232          3,749,897  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       118,078                   118,078          (139,870 )       (71,814 )       2,217,923          2,124,317  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

       17,502                   17,502          (7,817 )       (7,049,711 )       995,033          (6,044,993 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

       19,404                   19,404          (1,583 )       (9,432,320 )       2,277,138          (7,137,361 )

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

       8,791                   8,791          (560 )       (11,268,368 )       1,912,348          (9,347,789 )

 

  * The primary differences between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) were due to the deferral of losses on wash sales and straddles, mark-to-market adjustments on passive foreign investment companies, basis adjustments on partnership interests, hybrid securities and the deferral of market discount and premium until point of sale.

Under current tax law, capital losses realized after October 31 and ordinary losses realized after December 31 of a Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The following Funds had deferred qualified late-year losses, which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014:

 

     Qualified
Late-Year
Capital
Losses

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

     $ 431,130  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       3,360,087  

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       19,857  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       88,739  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       689,792  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       221,089  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       536,898  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       71,814  

At September 30, 2013, federal income tax cost, gross unrealized appreciation and gross unrealized depreciation on securities were as follows:

 

     Tax Cost    Gross Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
   Gross Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $ 210,757,176        $ 17,048,912        $ (3,211,148 )     $ 13,837,764  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

       471,041,234          129,846,923          (10,864,014 )       118,982,909  

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       106,049,555          8,401,122          (2,422,365 )       5,978,757  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

       652,410,363          190,081,491          (15,040,149 )       175,041,342  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       1,651,078,194          299,658,965          (13,922,735 )       285,736,230  

 

165


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

Notes to Financial Statements — (continued)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Tax Cost   Gross Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
  Gross Tax
Unrealized
Depreciation
  Net Tax
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

     $ 56,149,041       $ 34,536       $ (130,449 )     $ (95,913 )

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

       77,547,465         322,145         (1,379,599 )       (1,057,454 )

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       57,596,171         1,881,391         (1,166,193 )       715,198  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       502,228,267         8,588,117         (10,998,133 )       (2,410,016 )

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       85,422,873         1,291,004         (1,504,611 )       (213,607 )

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       65,915,994         548,257         (724,358 )       (176,101 )

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       16,586,333         1,040,119         (5,498 )       1,034,621  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       42,647,670         1,121,381         (207,528 )       913,853  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       205,874,364         8,380,960         (1,215,171 )       7,165,789  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       69,785,886         1,926,686         (546,475 )       1,380,211  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       128,400,004         4,859,704         (635,472 )       4,224,232  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       103,233,910         3,048,209         (830,286 )       2,217,923  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

       17,779,495         1,077,703         (82,670 )       995,033  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

       32,554,519         2,472,189         (195,051 )       2,277,138  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

       24,373,455         2,135,538         (223,190 )       1,912,348  

 

  9. Subsequent Events:

Management has evaluated the need for the disclosure and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued, and has noted the following item:

On November 21, 2013 the Board approved the re-name of the Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund to the Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund.

 

166


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Sterling Capital Funds:

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly Sterling Capital Select Equity Fund), Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund (formerly Sterling Capital Small Value Fund), Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund, Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Corporate Fund, Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund, Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund, and Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund, twenty of the funds constituting Sterling Capital Funds (the “Funds”), including the schedules of portfolio investments, as of September 30, 2013, and the related statements of operations for the year or period then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years or periods in the two year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods in the five year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of September 30, 2013, by correspondence with the custodian, transfer agent of the underlying funds and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the aforementioned funds of Sterling Capital Funds as of September 30, 2013, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the years or periods in the two-year period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the years or periods in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 22, 2013

 

167


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

Notice to Shareholders (Unaudited)

All amounts and percentages below are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly are subject to change. For each item it is the intention of the Funds to report the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, each Fund is reporting the following items with regard to distributions paid during the year.

 

     Long-Term
Capital
Gain
   Qualified
Dividend
Income %
  (for corporate
shareholders)
Dividends
Received
Deduction %
  Exempt-
Interest
Dividend
   U.S.
Government
Income

Sterling Capital Large Cap Value Diversified Fund

     $          100.00 %       100.00 %     $           

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

                100.00 %       100.00 %                 

Sterling Capital Small Cap Value Diversified Fund

       958,642          18.23 %       17.42 %                 

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

       29,974,373          100.00 %       100.00 %                 

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

       12,358,244          100.00 %       100.00 %                 

Sterling Capital Short-Term Bond Fund

                0.24 %       0.43 %                 

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                                         23.26 %

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       2,841,224          0.86 %       0.86 %                1.05 %

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

       195,109          0.96 %       0.96 %                0.04 %

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

                                         0.76 %

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       139,225                          592,984           

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       532,735                          888,679           

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       1,685,743                          6,046,630           

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       473,705                          1,660,745           

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       1,255,769                          3,084,117           

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

       1,368,572                          2,786,247           

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Conservative Fund

                22.98 %       15.11 %                0.93 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                44.43 %       29.71 %                0.73 %

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                76.80 %       53.85 %                0.08 %

 

168


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

September 30, 2013

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited)

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-228-1872; and (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-228-1872 and (ii) on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Funds file complete Schedules of Portfolio Holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available without charge on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov, or may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

 

169


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

 

 

Information about Trustees and Officers (Unaudited)

Overall responsibility for the management of the Funds rests with its Board of Trustees (“Trustees”), who are elected by the Shareholders of the Funds. The Trustees elect the officers of the Funds to supervise actively its day-to-day operations. The names of the Trustees, birthdates, term of office and length of time served, principal occupations during the past five years, number of portfolios overseen and directorships held outside of the Funds are listed in the two tables immediately following. The business address of the persons listed below is 434 Fayetteville Street, 5th Floor, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601.

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

 

Name and Birthdate

  

Position(s) Held

    With the Funds    

  

    Term of Office/    

Length of

Time Served

  

Principal Occupation

            During the Last 5 Years             

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
    by Trustee*    
  

Other

Directorships

Held by

Trustee

Thomas W. Lambeth

Birthdate: 01/35

  

Trustee, Chairman of the Board of

Trustees

  

Indefinite,

08/92 — Present

  

From January 2001 to present, Senior Fellow,

Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation

   23    None

Drew T. Kagan

Birthdate: 02/48

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

08/00 — Present

   Retired; from September 2010 to March 2013, Chairman, Montecito Advisors, Inc.; from December 2003 to September 2010, CEO, Montecito Advisors, Inc.; from March 1996 to December 2003, President, Investment Affiliate, Inc.    23    None

Laura C. Bingham

Birthdate: 11/56

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

02/01 — Present

   From March 2013 to present, Partner, Newport Board Group; from July 2010 to February 2013, governance and leadership consultant; from July 1998 to June 2010, President of Peace College    23    None

Douglas R. Van Scoy

Birthdate: 11/43

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

05/04 — Present

   Retired; from November 1974 to July 2001, employee of Smith Barney (investment banking), most recently as Director of Private Client Group and Senior Executive Vice President    23    None

James L. Roberts

Birthdate: 11/42

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

11/04 — Present

   Retired; from November 2006 to present, Director, Grand Mountain Bancshares, Inc.; from January 1999 to December 2003, President, CEO and Director, Covest Bancshares, Inc.    23    None

 

170


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

 

 

The following table shows information for the trustee who is an “interested person” of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act:

INTERESTED TRUSTEES

 

Name and Birthdate

  

Position(s) Held

    With the Funds    

  

    Term of Office/    

Length of

Time Served

  

Principal Occupation

            During the Last 5 Years             

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
    by Trustee*    
  

Other

Directorships

Held by

Trustee

Alexander W. McAlister**

Birthdate: 03/60

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

11/10 — Present

   President, Sterling Capital Management LLC    23    Director, Sterling Capital Management LLC

Alan G. Priest***

Birthdate: 05/52

   Trustee   

Indefinite,

7/12 — Present

   Retired; from April 1993 to April 2012, Partner, Ropes & Gray LLP    23    None

 

    * The Sterling Capital Funds Complex consists of two open-end investment management companies: Sterling Capital Funds and Sterling Capital Variable Insurance Funds.

 

    **  Mr. McAlister is treated by the Funds as an “interested person” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Funds because he is an officer of the Advisor.

 

    *** Mr. Priest is treated by the Fund as an “interested person” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Funds because he was a partner of a law firm that acted as counsel to the Funds in the Sterling Capital Funds Complex during the past two fiscal years.

The following table shows information for officers of Funds:

 

            Name and Birthdate             

  

Position(s) Held

            With the Funds             

  

        Term of Office/        

Length of

Time Served

  

Principal Occupation

During the Last 5 Years

James T. Gillespie

Birthdate: 11/66

   President   

Indefinite,

12/12 — Present

   From March 2012 to present, Executive Director, Sterling Capital Management LLC; From June 2010 to March 2012, Director, Sterling Capital Management LLC and its predecessors; from August 2008 to June 2010, Vice President Relationship Management, JPMorgan Chase & Co.; from February 2005 to August 2008, Senior Vice President and Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Sterling Capital Management LLC and its predecessors

Kenneth R. Cotner

Birthdate: 02/59

   Treasurer   

Indefinite,

12/12 — Present

   From September 2013 to present, Chief Compliance Officer and from June 2001 to present, Chief Operating Officer, Sterling Capital Management LLC and its predecessors

Todd M. Miller

Birthdate: 09/71

  

Vice President

and Secretary

  

Indefinite,

Vice President,

08/05 — Present;

Secretary,

08/10 — Present

   From June 2009 to present, Director, Sterling Capital Management LLC and its predecessors; from June 2005 to May 2009, Mutual Fund Administrator; from May 2001 to May 2005, Manager, BISYS Fund Services

Salvatore Faia

Birthdate: 12/62

   Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer   

Indefinite,

09/13 — Present

   President and Founder of Vigilant Compliance Services since 2004

 

171


 

Sterling Capital Funds

 

 

 

            Name and Birthdate             

  

Position(s) Held

            With the Funds             

  

        Term of Office/        

Length of Time

Served

  

Principal Occupation

During the Last 5 Years

Andrew J. McNally

Birthdate: 12/70

   Assistant Treasurer   

Indefinite,

Assistant

Treasurer,

06/10 — Present;

Treasurer,

04/07 — 06/10

   From January 2007 to present, Vice President and Senior Director, and from July 2000 to December 2006, Vice President and Director, Fund Accounting and Administration Department, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

Julie M. Powers

Birthdate: 10/69

   Assistant Secretary   

Indefinite,

11/11 — Present

   From November 2011 to present, Vice President; from March 2009 to October 2011, Senior Manager and Vice President; from August 2005 to February 2009, Manager and Assistant Vice President, Regulatory Administration Department, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Funds’ Trustees and Officers. To receive your free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, call toll free: 1-800-228-1872.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Sterling Capital Management LLC

Two Morrocroft Centre

4064 Colony Road, Suite 300

Charlotte, NC 28211

DISTRIBUTOR

Sterling Capital Distributors, LLC

400 Berwyn Park

899 Cassatt Road

Berwyn, PA 19312

LEGALCOUNSEL

Ropes & Gray LLP

Prudential Tower

800 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199

TRANSFER AGENT

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

301 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

KPMG LLP

1601 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103


 

LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party (the “Code of Ethics”).

 

  (c)

There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 2(b) of Form N-CSR.

 

  (d)

The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in Item 2(b) of Form N-CSR.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s board of trustees has determined that Drew Kagan is qualified to serve as an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee and that he is “independent,” as defined by Item 3 of Form N-CSR.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $373,350 for 2013 and $402,600 for 2012.

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $2,500 for 2013 and $0 for 2012. These audit-related services include issuance of consents to use the name of the auditor in new Fund filings.


Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $92,980 for 2013 and $85,270 for 2012. Fees for both 2013 and 2012 relate to the preparation of federal income and excise tax returns and review of capital gains distribution calculations.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 for 2013 and $0 for 2012.

 

(e)(1)

Except as permitted by Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X, the Trust’s Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent accountants relating to the operations or financial reporting of the funds. Prior to the commencement of any audit or non-audit services to a fund, the Audit Committee reviews the services to determine whether they are appropriate and permissible under applicable law.

 

(e)(2)

The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

  (b)

100%

 

  (c)

100%

 

  (d)

N/A

 

  (f)

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was zero percent.

 

  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $2,019,487 for 2013 and $154,000 for 2012.

 

  (h)

The audit committee of the registrant’s board of trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)

Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant 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 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that the


 

design and operation of such procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the reports that it files or submits on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

  (b)

There were 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))) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of 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 12. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

The registrant’s Code of Ethics is attached hereto.

 

  (a)(2)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

(12.other) Not applicable.


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)  

 Sterling Capital Funds

  
By (Signature and Title)  

        /s/ James T. Gillespie

  
            James T. Gillespie, President   
            (principal executive officer)   

Date        12/4/13

  

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

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

        /s/ James T. Gillespie

 
 

        James T. Gillespie, President

 
 

        (principal executive officer)

 

Date        12/4/13

 

By (Signature and Title)

 

        /s/ Kenneth R. Cotner

 
 

        Kenneth R. Cotner, Treasurer

 
 

        (principal financial officer)

 

Date        12/4/13