N-Q 1 d537196dnq.htm STERLING CAPITAL FUNDS Sterling Capital Funds

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-Q

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number            811-06719                     

                                                           Sterling Capital Funds                                                           

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

3605 Glenwood Ave., Suite 100

                                         Raleigh, NC 27612                                        

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

James T. Gillespie, President

Sterling Capital Funds

3605 Glenwood Ave., Suite 100

                                         Raleigh, NC 27612                                        

(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: December 31, 2017

Form N-Q is to be used by management investment companies, other than small business investment companies registered on Form N-5 (§§ 239.24 and 274.5 of this chapter), to file reports with the Commission, not later than 60 days after the close of the first and third fiscal quarters, pursuant to rule 30b1-5 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30b1-5). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-Q in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

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


Item 1. Schedule of Investments.

The Schedules of Investments are attached herewith.


Sterling Capital Behavioral Large Cap Value Equity Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

   Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.1%

 
   Automobiles & Components — 1.0%  
  26,650     

BorgWarner, Inc.

  $  1,361,549
  1     

Delphi Technologies PLC(a)

  35
  9,779     

Lear Corp

  1,727,558
    

 

     3,089,142
    

 

   Banks — 11.9%  
  292,250     

Bank of America Corp

  8,627,220
  36,750     

BankUnited, Inc

  1,496,460
  135,350     

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  14,474,329
  77,200     

People’s United Financial, Inc

  1,443,640
  45,550     

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)

  6,572,409
  65,150     

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

  4,208,039
  70,850     

TCF Financial Corp

  1,452,425
    

 

     38,274,522
    

 

   Capital Goods — 7.5%  
  32,950     

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

  1,419,157
  16,200     

Boeing Co. (The)

  4,777,542
  33,850     

Caterpillar, Inc

  5,334,083
  29,800     

Cummins, Inc.

  5,263,872
  27,300     

Eaton Corp. PLC

  2,156,973
  18,000     

Owens Corning

  1,654,920
  17,150     

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A

  1,496,338
  10,850     

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

  1,865,224
    

 

     23,968,109
    

 

   Commercial & Professional Services — 0.4%
  11,350     

ManpowerGroup, Inc

  1,431,349
    

 

   Consumer Durables & Apparel — 2.1%  
  29,100     

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.(a)

  1,831,845
  51,350     

PulteGroup, Inc.

  1,707,387
  10,700     

PVH Corp.

  1,468,147
  4,200     

Ralph Lauren Corp.

  435,498
  29,500     

Toll Brothers, Inc.

  1,416,590
    

 

     6,859,467
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 1.7%

 
  14,150     

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

  983,283
  38,200     

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

  4,556,496
    

 

     5,539,779
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 8.8%

 
  28,700     

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

  4,863,789
  43,200     

Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A

  1,706,400
  107,300     

BGC Partners, Inc., Class A

  1,621,303
  31,400     

Federated Investors, Inc., Class B

  1,132,912
  39,350     

Invesco, Ltd.

  1,437,849
  124,200     

Morgan Stanley

  6,516,774
  56,950     

State Street Corp.

  5,558,890
  50,950     

T Rowe Price Group, Inc

  5,346,183
    

 

     28,184,100
    

 

  

Energy — 9.8%

 
  13,350     

Andeavor

  1,526,439
  78,300     

Exxon Mobil Corp.

  6,549,012
  36,500     

HollyFrontier Corp.

  1,869,530
  86,600     

Kosmos Energy, Ltd.(a)

  593,210
  86,350     

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

  5,697,373
  50,900     

PBF Energy, Inc., Class A

  1,804,405
  56,900     

Phillips 66

  5,755,435
   Shares           

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Energy — (continued)

 
  65,500     

RPC, Inc.

  $  1,672,215
  65,675     

Valero Energy Corp

  6,036,189
    

 

     31,503,808
    

 

  

Food & Staples Retailing — 2.6%

 
  83,000     

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

  8,196,250
    

 

  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 2.9%

 
  10,300     

Ingredion, Inc.

  1,439,940
  7,050     

JM Smucker Co. (The)

  875,892
  49,550     

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)

  1,539,023
  66,050     

Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A

  5,354,674
    

 

     9,209,529
    

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 6.1%

 
  27,950     

Anthem, Inc.

  6,289,029
  24,250     

Cigna Corp.

  4,924,933
  23,050     

McKesson Corp.

  3,594,647
  21,850     

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

  4,817,051
    

 

     19,625,660
    

 

  

Household & Personal Products — 1.4%

 
  31,650     

Energizer Holdings, Inc

  1,518,567
  7,300     

Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A

  928,852
  16,000     

Herbalife, Ltd.(a)

  1,083,520
  12,900     

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., Class A

  880,167
    

 

     4,411,106
    

 

  

Insurance — 5.0%

 
  60,300     

Aflac, Inc.

  5,293,134
  27,800     

First American Financial Corp.

  1,557,912
  19,350     

Lincoln National Corp.

  1,487,435
  24,850     

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

  1,753,416
  53,000     

Prudential Financial, Inc.

  6,093,940
    

 

     16,185,837
    

 

  

Materials — 4.0%

 
  1,450     

AdvanSix, Inc.(a)

  61,001
  23,500     

Berry Global Group, Inc.(a)

  1,378,745
  27,250     

Chemours Co. (The)

  1,364,135
  46,100     

Huntsman Corp.

  1,534,669
  49,400     

LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A

  5,449,808
  16,550     

Olin Corp.

  588,849
  54,500     

Owens-Illinois, Inc.(a)

  1,208,265
  12,100     

Westlake Chemical Corp.

  1,289,013
    

 

     12,874,485
    

 

  

Media — 1.3%

 
  23,650     

AMC Networks, Inc., Class A(a)

  1,278,992
  81,200     

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc., Class B

  2,770,544
    

 

     4,049,536
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 8.6%

  50,600     

AbbVie, Inc.

  4,893,526
  36,950     

Amgen, Inc.

  6,425,605
  14,250     

Biogen, Inc.(a)

  4,539,623
  65,800     

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

  4,713,912
  11,350     

Johnson & Johnson

  1,585,822
  29,050     

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

  5,516,014
    

 

     27,674,502
    

 

 

 

Continued

 

1


Sterling Capital Behavioral Large Cap Value Equity Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                 Fair Value  
  COMMON STOCKS — (continued)   
  

Real Estate — 3.2%

  
  47,550     

CubeSmart, REIT

   $   1,375,146
  37,350     

Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc., REIT

   1,381,950
  71,500     

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT

   1,419,275
  32,500     

Liberty Property Trust, REIT

   1,397,825
  104,350     

Medical Properties Trust, Inc., REIT

   1,437,943
  48,450     

Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc., REIT

   1,392,937
  79,900     

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc., REIT

   685,542
  19,450     

WP Carey, Inc., REIT

   1,340,105
     

 

      10,430,723
     

 

  

Retailing — 2.6%

  
  26,600     

Best Buy Co., Inc.

   1,821,302
  2,650     

Liberty Ventures(a)

   143,736
  22,200     

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

   537,018
  90,350     

Target Corp.

   5,895,338
     

 

      8,397,394
     

 

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.8%

  82,050     

Applied Materials, Inc

   4,194,396
  14,900     

Broadcom, Ltd

   3,827,810
  4,400     

Lam Research Corp

   809,908
  80,200     

Micron Technology, Inc.(a)

   3,297,824
     

 

        12,129,938
     

 

  

Software & Services — 2.0%

  
  97,000     

Oracle Corp.

   4,586,160
  14,950     

VMware, Inc., Class A(a)

   1,873,534
     

 

      6,459,694
     

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 4.0%

  25,250     

Apple, Inc.

   4,273,057
  256,150     

HP, Inc.

   5,381,711
  40,600     

Western Digital Corp.

   3,228,918
     

 

      12,883,686
     

 

   Shares            

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Telecommunication Services — 2.0%

  
  164,450     

AT&T, Inc.

   $    6,393,816
     

 

  

Transportation — 0.4%

  
  10,150     

Copa Holdings SA, Class A

   1,360,709
     

 

  

Utilities — 5.0%

  
  29,050     

AES Corp.

   314,611
  133,950     

Exelon Corp.

   5,278,969
  130,700     

PPL Corp.

   4,045,165
  96,650     

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

   4,977,475
  27,900     

Southern Co. (The)

   1,341,711
     

 

      15,957,931
     

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $255,259,964)

   315,091,072
     

 

Shares            
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.7%

  5,470,074     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

   5,470,074
     

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $5,470,074)

   5,470,074
     

 

 

Total Investments — 99.8%
(Cost $260,730,038)

   320,561,146
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.2%

   598,817
     

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $321,159,963
     

 

              
(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

2


Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                 Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — 97.6%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 3.6%

 
  1,333,450     

Gentex Corp.

  $   27,935,777
    

 

  

Capital Goods — 8.0%

 
  343,275     

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

  14,784,854
  220,575     

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

  14,549,127
  536,500     

Sensata Technologies Holding NV(a)

  27,420,515
  107,875     

Trinity Industries, Inc.

  4,040,998
    

 

     60,795,494
    

 

  

Commercial & Professional Services — 1.4%

  1,405,200     

Civeo Corp.(a)

  3,836,196
  96,237     

Stericycle, Inc.(a)

  6,543,154
    

 

     10,379,350
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 1.7%

 
  957,830     

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.(a)

  12,997,753
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 19.3%

 
  165,440     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

  33,956,560
  885,980     

Annaly Capital Management, Inc., REIT

  10,534,302
  713,600     

E*TRADE Financial Corp.(a)

  35,373,152
  1,231,575     

Leucadia National Corp.

  32,624,422
  388,575     

Synchrony Financial

  15,002,881
  191,375     

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

  20,080,979
    

 

      147,572,296
    

 

  

Energy — 2.0%

 
  605,375     

Noble Corp. PLC(a)

  2,736,295
  2,231,300     

Southwestern Energy Co.(a)

  12,450,654
    

 

     15,186,949
    

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 12.3%

  285,200     

HCA Healthcare, Inc.(a)

  25,051,968
  152,250     

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(a)

  24,285,397
  116,235     

McKesson Corp.

  18,126,848
  216,925     

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

  26,176,340
    

 

     93,640,553
    

 

  

Insurance — 8.2%

 
  187,345     

Assured Guaranty, Ltd

  6,345,375
  84,050     

Enstar Group, Ltd.(a)

  16,873,038
  223,455     

Lincoln National Corp

  17,176,986
  19,375     

Markel Corp.(a)

  22,070,644
    

 

     62,466,043
    

 

  

Materials — 5.4%

 
  933,500     

Axalta Coating Systems, Ltd.(a)

  30,208,060
  535,660     

Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc

  10,954,247
    

 

     41,162,307
    

 

  

Media — 8.4%

 
  358,825     

CBS Corp., Class B

  21,170,675
   Shares                 Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Media — (continued)

 
  1,416,725     

News Corp., Class B

  $  23,517,635
  271,375     

Omnicom Group, Inc

  19,764,241
    

 

     64,452,551
    

 

  

Real Estate — 6.1%

 
  710,150     

CBRE Group, Inc., Class A(a)

  30,756,597
  601,200     

Realogy Holdings Corp.

  15,931,800
    

 

     46,688,397
    

 

  

Retailing — 3.7%

 
  1,319,100     

Ascena Retail Group, Inc.(a)

  3,099,885
  691,300     

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

  6,097,266
  206,350     

Dollar General Corp.

  19,192,613
    

 

     28,389,764
    

 

  

Software & Services — 11.3%

 
  939,660     

DHI Group, Inc.(a)

  1,785,354
  247,200     

DST Systems, Inc.

  15,343,704
  602,650     

eBay, Inc.(a)

  22,744,011
  218,950     

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.

  20,601,005
  59,600     

MicroStrategy, Inc., Class A(a)

  7,825,480
  957,855     

Western Union Co. (The)

  18,208,824
    

 

     86,508,378
    

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 6.2%

  757,950     

Knowles Corp.(a)

  11,111,547
  1,073,555     

NCR Corp.(a)

  36,490,134
    

 

     47,601,681
    

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $588,013,095)

  745,777,293
    

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.3%

 
  17,283,294     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

  17,283,294
    

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $17,283,294)

  17,283,294
    

 

 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost $605,296,389)

  763,060,587
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.1%

  653,717
    

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $763,714,304
    

 

                
(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

3


Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                 Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — 97.9%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 1.4%

  9,584     

Cooper-Standard Holding, Inc.(a)

  $  1,174,040
  6,678     

Lear Corp

  1,179,735
  30,112     

Tower International, Inc.

  919,922
    

 

     3,273,697
    

 

  

Banks — 24.0%

 
  31,192     

Associated Banc-Corp.

  792,277
  19,763     

BankUnited, Inc.

  804,749
  29,746     

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

  1,088,704
  3,541     

BofI Holding, Inc.(a)

  105,876
  24,312     

Camden National Corp.

  1,024,264
  22,621     

Carolina Financial Corp.

  840,370
  35,333     

Cathay General Bancorp

  1,489,993
  19,037     

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

  896,643
  35,967     

Customers Bancorp, Inc.(a)

  934,782
  31,833     

Enterprise Financial Services Corp.

  1,437,260
  27,003     

Essent Group, Ltd.(a)

  1,172,470
  21,910     

FCB Financial Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)

  1,113,028
  21,294     

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C

  1,666,043
  43,958     

Fidelity Southern Corp.

  958,284
  27,416     

Financial Institutions, Inc.

  852,638
  77,080     

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

  1,103,786
  17,975     

First Defiance Financial Corp.

  934,161
  42,169     

First Financial Bancorp.

  1,111,153
  36,980     

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.(a)

  1,383,792
  71,755     

Fulton Financial Corp.

  1,284,415
  32,789     

Hanmi Financial Corp.

  995,146
  19,699     

Heartland Financial USA, Inc.

  1,056,851
  33,807     

HomeStreet, Inc.(a)

  978,713
  58,271     

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

  1,063,446
  38,652     

Independent Bank Corp.

  863,872
  49,240     

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc.

  947,870
  162,864     

MGIC Investment Corp.(a)

  2,298,011
  44,605     

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc.(a)

  825,193
  36,855     

OceanFirst Financial Corp.

  967,444
  74,147     

Old National Bancorp

  1,293,865
  27,877     

Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.

  976,252
  27,206     

PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., Class A(a)

  608,054
  20,063     

Popular, Inc.

  712,036
  43,382     

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

  1,170,012
  20,864     

QCR Holdings, Inc.

  894,022
  91,304     

Radian Group, Inc.

  1,881,775
  28,210     

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

  1,123,040
  23,999     

Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc.

  936,441
  16,824     

Synovus Financial Corp.

  806,543
  41,904     

TCF Financial Corp.

  859,032
  24,329     

TriCo Bancshares

  921,096
  106,945     

TrustCo Bank Corp.

  983,894
  89,649     

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

  1,864,699
  55,767     

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

  983,730
  119,371     

Valley National Bancorp.

  1,339,343
  32,275     

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.(a)

  1,533,063
  45,888     

Washington Federal, Inc.

  1,571,664
  22,162     

Wintrust Financial Corp.

  1,825,484
  22,417     

Zions Bancorporation

  1,139,456
    

 

     54,414,735
    

 

  

Capital Goods — 6.8%

 
  19,062     

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.

  821,000
  41,318     

Briggs & Stratton Corp.

  1,048,238
  45,703     

FreightCar America, Inc.

  780,607
   Shares                 Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Capital Goods — (continued)

 
  23,701     

Greenbrier Cos., Inc. (The)

  $  1,263,263
  70,370     

KBR, Inc.

  1,395,437
  13,015     

Owens Corning

  1,196,599
  34,253     

Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class A(a)

  1,740,395
  12,065     

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A

  1,052,671
  20,318     

Terex Corp.

  979,734
  27,957     

Trinity Industries, Inc.

  1,047,269
  36,138     

Triton International Ltd.

  1,353,368
  7,657     

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

  1,316,315
  61,484     

Wabash National Corp.

  1,334,203
    

 

     15,329,099
    

 

  

Commercial & Professional Services — 2.1%

  75,352     

ACCO Brands Corp.(a)

  919,294
  12,222     

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

  788,197
  21,337     

CRA International, Inc.

  959,098
  41,222     

Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.(a)

  896,579
  3,452     

McGrath RentCorp.

  162,175
  37,266     

TrueBlue, Inc.(a)

  1,024,815
    

 

     4,750,158
    

 

  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 2.6%

 
  62,448     

Beazer Homes USA, Inc.(a)

  1,199,626
  17,867     

Deckers Outdoor Corp.(a)

  1,433,827
  46,896     

KB Home

  1,498,327
  12,911     

Michael Kors Holdings, Ltd.(a)

  812,747
  18,058     

Toll Brothers, Inc.

  867,145
    

 

     5,811,672
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 2.8%

 
  35,601     

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.(a)

  1,497,022
  42,950     

Extended Stay America, Inc.

  816,050
  48,130     

K12, Inc.(a)

  765,267
  50,200     

Penn National Gaming, Inc.(a)

  1,572,766
  52,381     

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.(a)

  1,714,430
    

 

     6,365,535
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 5.9%

 
  47,325     

AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc., REIT

  899,648
  39,494     

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc., REIT

  1,015,786
  45,236     

Chimera Investment Corp., REIT

  835,961
  35,822     

Dynex Capital, Inc., REIT

  251,112
  41,204     

Great Ajax Corp., REIT

  569,439
  72,620     

Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc., REIT

  1,294,815
  102,913     

MFA Financial, Inc., REIT

  815,071
  60,800     

MTGE Investment Corp., REIT

  1,124,800
  20,958     

Nelnet, Inc., Class A

  1,148,079
  90,379     

New Residential Investment Corp., REIT

  1,615,976
  42,842     

Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.

  797,718
  50,325     

Sutherland Asset Management Corp., REIT

  762,424
  19,686     

Voya Financial, Inc.

  973,866
  15,404     

World Acceptance Corp.(a)

  1,243,411
    

 

     13,348,106
    

 

  

Energy — 5.0%

 
  13,987     

Arch Coal, Inc., Class A

  1,303,029
  6,404     

CONSOL Energy, Inc.(a)

  253,022
  39,550     

CVREnergy, Inc.

  1,472,842
  34,987     

Exterran Corp.(a)

  1,099,991
  22,012     

HollyFrontier Corp.

  1,127,455
  27,573     

Murphy Oil Corp.

  856,142
  43,430     

Par Pacific Holdings,Inc.(a)

  837,330
 

 

 

Continued

 

4


Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares               Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Energy — (continued)

  
  89,378     

Rowan Cos. PLC, Class A(a)

   $    1,399,659
  67,895     

Ship Finance International, Ltd.

   1,052,373
  88,780     

Transocean, Ltd.(a)

   948,170
  49,057     

Unit Corp.(a)

   1,079,254
     

 

      11,429,267
     

 

  

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.6%

  
  28,840     

United Natural Foods, Inc.(a)

   1,420,947
     

 

  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 1.3%

  
  2,829     

Boston Beer Co. Inc., Class A(a)

   540,622
  31,111     

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.(a)

   966,308
  10,740     

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

   1,490,497
     

 

      2,997,427
     

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 3.3%

  96,203     

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc.(a)

   1,399,754
  37,524     

AngioDynamics, Inc.(a)

   624,024
  26,972     

Community Health Systems, Inc.(a)

   114,901
  15,317     

HealthSouth Corp.

   756,813
  20,896     

Molina Healthcare, Inc.(a)

   1,602,305
  80,117     

RadNet, Inc.(a)

   809,182
  33,597     

Triple-S Management Corp., Class B(a)

   834,885
  6,997     

WellCare Health Plans, Inc.(a)

   1,407,167
     

 

      7,549,031
     

 

  

Insurance — 4.4%

  
  58,428     

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

   1,795,492
  22,618     

Assured Guaranty, Ltd.

   766,072
  73,847     

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

   1,823,282
  33,130     

Employers Holdings, Inc.

   1,470,972
  49,749     

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.

   896,477
  7,202     

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.

   1,123,008
  34,165     

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

   2,005,485
     

 

      9,880,788
     

 

  

Materials — 6.0%

  
  22,001     

AdvanSix, Inc.(a)

   925,582
  11,104     

Berry Global Group, Inc.(a)

   651,472
  27,183     

Boise Cascade Co.

   1,084,602
  19,745     

Domtar Corp.

   977,772
  24,879     

Huntsman Corp.

   828,222
  11,119     

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

   1,188,065
  30,623     

Kronos Worldwide, Inc.

   789,155
  35,703     

Louisiana-Pacific Corp.(a)

   937,561
  24,138     

Olin Corp.

   858,830
  32,938     

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

   1,103,423
  23,300     

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.

   1,056,888
  113,736     

SunCoke Energy, Inc.(a)

   1,363,695
  88,668     

Tronox, Ltd., Class A

   1,818,581
     

 

      13,583,848
     

 

  

Media — 0.9%

  
  58,073     

Gray Television, Inc.(a)

   972,723
  58,795     

New Media Investment Group, Inc.

   986,580
     

 

      1,959,303
     

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 2.1%

  37,454     

CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.(a)

   790,654
  91,386     

Horizon Pharma PLC(a)

   1,334,236
  58,760     

Innoviva, Inc.(a)

   833,804
  Shares               Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — (continued)

  33,626     

Lannett Co., Inc.(a)

   $     780,123
  342,847     

PDL BioPharma, Inc.(a)

   939,401
     

 

      4,678,218
     

 

  

Real Estate — 6.3%

  
  40,160     

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc., REIT

   787,538
  14,807     

CareTrust REIT, Inc., REIT

   248,165
  43,681     

Chatham Lodging Trust, REIT

   994,180
  18,446     

Cousins Properties, Inc., REIT

   170,625
  52,901     

DiamondRock Hospitality Co., REIT

   597,252
  35,481     

Getty Realty Corp., REIT

   963,664
  64,491     

Government Properties Income Trust, REIT

   1,195,663
  43,021     

Independence Realty Trust, Inc., REIT

   434,082
  41,886     

Jernigan Capital, Inc., REIT

   796,253
  33,213     

Kimco Realty Corp., REIT

   602,816
  16,898     

Liberty Property Trust, REIT

   726,783
  57,813     

Medical Properties Trust, Inc., REIT

   796,663
  28,014     

Monmouth Real Estate Investment Corp., REIT

   498,649
  14,923     

National Health Investors, Inc., REIT

   1,124,896
  8,417     

National Retail Properties, Inc., REIT

   363,025
  32,612     

Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc., REIT

   950,966
  70,983     

RLJ Lodging Trust, REIT

   1,559,496
  84,119     

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc., REIT

   721,741
  35,508     

Tier REIT, Inc., REIT

   724,008
     

 

      14,256,465
     

 

  

Retailing — 4.3%

  
  66,579     

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

   1,160,472
  15,539     

Big Lots, Inc.

   872,515
  42,238     

Buckle, Inc. (The)

   1,003,153
  7,148     

Children’s Place, Inc. (The)

   1,038,962
  33,147     

Citi Trends, Inc.

   877,070
  45,125     

Conn’s, Inc.(a)

   1,604,194
  17,337     

Dillard’s, Inc., Class A

   1,041,087
  13,741     

RH(a)

   1,184,612
  24,675     

Sleep Number Corp.(a)

   927,533
     

 

      9,709,598
     

 

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.3%

  122,227     

Amkor Technology, Inc.(a)

   1,228,381
  35,164     

Diodes, Inc.(a)

   1,008,152
  20,536     

First Solar, Inc.(a)

   1,386,591
  48,276     

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

   1,010,899
  30,644     

Rudolph Technologies, Inc.(a)

   732,392
  104,163     

SunPower Corp.(a)

   878,094
  28,407     

Teradyne, Inc.

   1,189,401
     

 

      7,433,910
     

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 5.6%

  55,506     

AVX Corp.

   960,254
  37,789     

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.(a)

   1,099,660
  43,214     

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

   955,894
  33,916     

Jabil, Inc.

   890,295
  13,779     

Plexus Corp.(a)

   836,661
  12,032     

Rogers Corp.(a)

   1,948,221
  46,968     

Sanmina Corp.(a)

   1,549,944
  15,436     

Tech Data Corp.(a)

   1,512,265
  78,917     

TTM Technologies, Inc.(a)

   1,236,629
 

 

Continued

 

5


Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — (continued)

  81,424     

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.

   $    1,689,548
     

 

      12,679,371
     

 

  

Telecommunication Services — 0.5%

  
  100,420     

Iridium Communications, Inc.(a)

   1,184,956
     

 

  

Transportation — 2.8%

  
  25,091     

ArcBest Corp.

   897,003
  17,121     

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(a)

   1,004,147
  8,305     

Copa Holdings SA, Class A

   1,113,368
  150,580     

Costamare, Inc.

   868,847
  45,989     

SkyWest, Inc.

   2,442,016
     

 

      6,325,381
     

 

  

Utilities — 5.9%

  
  73,615     

AES Corp.

   797,250
  22,780     

El Paso Electric Co.

   1,260,873
  19,621     

IDACORP, Inc.

   1,792,575
  12,745     

National Fuel Gas Co.

   699,828
  15,915     

NorthWestern Corp.

   950,125
  52,874     

NRG Yield, Inc., Class A

   996,675
  55,866     

NRG Yield, Inc., Class C

   1,055,867
  22,247     

OGE Energy Corp.

   732,149
  12,868     

Pinnacle West Capital Corp.

   1,096,096
  2,143     

PNM Resources, Inc.

   86,684
  34,783     

Portland General Electric Co.

   1,585,409
  18,442     

SCANA Corp.

   733,623
  19,756     

Spire, Inc.

   1,484,663
     

 

      13,271,817
     

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $175,417,612)

   221,653,329
     

 

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUND — 0.5%

  8,000     

iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF

   1,006,000
     

 

  

Total Exchange Traded Fund
(Cost $995,190)

   1,006,000
     

 

    Shares    

              Fair Value    
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.5%

  
  3,454,678     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

     $     3,454,678  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $3,454,678)

     3,454,678  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost $179,867,480)

     226,114,007  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.1%

     303,837  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 226,417,844  
     

 

 

 

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ETF — Exchange Traded Fund

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

6


Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments
   December 31, 2017(Unaudited)

 

    Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — 96.9%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 6.6%

 
  518,500     

APTIV PLC(a)

  $  43,984,355
  172,833     

Delphi Technologies PLC(b)

  9,068,565
  1,925,000     

Ford Motor Co.

  24,043,250
    

 

     77,096,170
    

 

  

Commercial & Professional Services — 7.5%

  976,000     

Nielsen Holdings PLC

  35,526,400
  549,500     

Verisk Analytics, Inc.(b)

  52,752,000
    

 

     88,278,400
    

 

  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 4.2%

  499,000     

Lennar Corp., Class A

  31,556,760
  575,000     

Newell Brands, Inc.

  17,767,500
    

 

     49,324,260
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 3.6%

 
  797,400     

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.(b)

  42,461,550
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 3.6%

 
  424,000     

Capital One Financial Corp.

  42,221,920
    

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 14.0%

  397,000     

Cerner Corp.(b)

  26,753,830
  360,830     

Danaher Corp.

  33,492,241
  620,000     

HCA Healthcare, Inc.(b)

  54,460,800
  270,000     

MEDNAX, Inc.(b)

  14,428,800
  158,500     

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

  34,942,910
    

 

     164,078,581
    

 

  

Materials — 3.6%

 
  310,300     

Ecolab, Inc.

  41,636,054
    

 

  

Media — 13.7%

 
  660,000     

CBS Corp., Class B

  38,940,000
  1,371,000     

Comcast Corp., Class A

  54,908,550
  1,568,000     

Discovery Communications, Inc., Class C(b)

  33,194,560
  785,000     

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(b)

  33,417,450
    

 

     160,460,560
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 10.2%

  549,000     

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

  33,642,720
  606,000     

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

  43,413,840
  274,400     

Shire PLC, ADR

  42,564,928
    

 

     119,621,488
    

 

    Shares    

        

    Fair Value    

 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Real Estate — 5.4%

 
  655,000     

CBRE Group, Inc., Class A(b)

  $        28,368,050
  505,400     

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

  34,882,708
    

 

     63,250,758
    

 

  

Software & Services — 19.8%

 
  454,379     

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

  28,771,278
  740,000     

Akamai Technologies, Inc.(b)

  48,129,600
  58,700     

Alphabet, Inc., Class C(b)

  61,423,680
  237,000     

Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.(b)

  24,557,940
  262,000     

Intuit, Inc.

  41,338,360
  233,200     

Red Hat, Inc.(a)(b)

  28,007,320
    

 

     232,228,178
    

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 4.7%

  1,428,000     

Cisco Systems, Inc.

  54,692,400
    

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $760,925,464)

  1,135,350,319
    

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 3.1%

  36,184,037     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

  36,184,037
    

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $36,184,037)

  36,184,037
    

 

 

Total Investments Before Options Written — 100.0%
(Cost $797,109,501)

  $1,171,534,356
    

 

 

Options Written — 0.0%
(Premiums Received $(212,055))

  (50,000)
    

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $796,897,446)

  1,171,484,356
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.0%

  303,619
    

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

  $1,171,787,975
    

 

              

(a) All or a portion of security was held as collateral for written call options.
(b) Represents non-income producing security.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

As of December 31, 2017, exchange traded options written outstanding were as follows:

 

Description     Call/Put         Number of  
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
        Exercise  
Price
      Expiration    
Date
    Value  

 

EXCHANGE TRADED OPTIONS WRITTEN — 0.0%

           

APTIV PLC

    Call       1,000               $ 8,483,000       $110.00            01/19/18     $ (5,000

Red Hat, Inc.

    Call       750                 9,007,500       125.00            01/19/18       (45,000
           

 

 

 

Total Exchange Traded Options Written

            $ (50,000
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

7


Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — 99.3%

  
  

Automobiles & Components — 3.1%

  
  1,224,000     

General Motors Co.(a)

   $  50,171,760
     

 

  

Banks — 3.9%

  
  1,019,300     

Wells Fargo & Co.

   61,840,931
     

 

  

Capital Goods — 4.5%

  
  409,000     

Honeywell International, Inc.

   62,724,240
  51,091     

Snap-on, Inc.(a)

   8,905,161
     

 

      71,629,401
     

 

  

Commercial & Professional Services — 3.6%

  322,125     

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

   16,270,534
  100,000     

Nielsen Holdings PLC

   3,640,000
  680,000     

Robert Half International, Inc.

   37,767,200
     

 

      57,677,734
     

 

  

Diversified Financials — 8.7%

  
  1,042,000     

Discover Financial Services

   80,150,640
  1,127,000     

Invesco, Ltd.

   41,180,580
  248,000     

Nasdaq, Inc.

   19,053,840
     

 

      140,385,060
     

 

  

Energy — 6.6%

  
  1,697,040     

Enbridge, Inc.

   66,371,234
  543,700     

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

   40,048,942
     

 

      106,420,176
     

 

  

Food & Staples Retailing — 3.2%

  
  715,700     

CVS Health Corp.

   51,888,250
     

 

  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 3.9%

  
  521,900     

PepsiCo, Inc.

   62,586,248
     

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 9.9%

  1,317,000     

Abbott Laboratories

   75,161,190
  192,000     

Anthem, Inc.

   43,201,920
  511,000     

Medtronic PLC

   41,263,250
     

 

      159,626,360
     

 

  

Media — 5.2%

  
  659,000     

Omnicom Group, Inc.

   47,994,970
  394,000     

Time Warner, Inc

   36,039,180
     

 

      84,034,150
     

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 14.0%

  767,000     

AbbVie, Inc.(a)

   74,176,570
  436,000     

Johnson & Johnson.

   60,917,920
  945,000     

Merck & Co., Inc.

   53,175,150
  1,026,400     

Pfizer, Inc.

   37,176,208
     

 

      225,445,848
     

 

  

Real Estate — 2.4%

  
  352,000     

Crown Castle International Corp., REIT

   39,075,520
     

 

  

Retailing — 3.4%

  
  590,000     

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

   54,834,600
     

 

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 9.3%

  627,600     

Analog Devices, Inc.

   55,875,228
  1,229,927     

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.(a)

   64,300,584
  464,273     

QUALCOMM, Inc.

   29,722,757
     

 

      149,898,569
     

 

  Shares                   Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Software & Services — 9.3%

  
  503,000     

Accenture PLC, Class A

   $ 77,004,270  
  841,000     

Microsoft Corp.

     71,939,140  
     

 

 

 
        148,943,410  
     

 

 

 
  

Telecommunication Services — 4.3%

  
  1,317,000     

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     69,708,810  
     

 

 

 
  

Transportation — 4.0%

  
  532,000     

United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B

     63,387,800  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $1,085,787,953)

     1,597,554,627  
     

 

 

 
  MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.8%   
  13,462,705     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

     13,462,706  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $13,462,705)

     13,462,706  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments Before Options Written — 100.1%
(Cost $1,099,250,658)

     $1,611,017,333  
     

 

 

 
 

Options Written — 0.0% (Premiums Received
$(351,311))

     (449,960
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.1%
(Cost $1,098,899,347)

     1,610,567,373  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.1)%

     (1,792,952
     

 

 

 
  NET ASSETS — 100.0%.    $ 1,608,774,421  
     

 

 

 

              

(a) All or a portion of security was held as collateral for written call options.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

8


Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

As of December 31, 2017, exchange traded options written outstanding were as follows:

 

Description    Call/Put     

Number of

Contracts

    

Notional

Amount

    

Exercise

Price

    

Expiration

Date

     Value  

EXCHANGE TRADED OPTIONS WRITTEN — 0.0%

 

              

AbbVie, Inc.

     Call        590        $5,705,890        $105.00        02/16/18      $ (31,860

General Motors Co.

     Call        1000        4,099,000        50.00        01/19/18        (1,000

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     Call        500        2,614,000        50.00        01/19/18        (140,000

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

     Call        500        2,614,000        49.00        01/19/18        (170,000

Snap-on, Inc.

     Call        510        8,889,300        185.00        03/16/18       

 

(107,100

 

 

                 

 

 

 

Total Exchange Traded Options Written

                  $ (449,960
                 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

9


Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — 78.5%

 
  

Banks — 4.7%

 
  19,000     

Barclays PLC, ADR

  $    207,100
  5,700     

Citigroup, Inc.(a)

  424,137
  24,400     

NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A(b)

  414,800
  38,400     

OFG Bancorp

  360,960
  5,100     

Popular, Inc.

  180,999
    

 

     1,587,996
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 0.9%

 
  39,400     

BBX Capital Corp

  314,018
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 11.8%

 
  18,000     

Ally Financial, Inc.(a)

  524,880
  2,000     

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.(a)

  338,940
  17,000     

Ares Management LP

  340,000
  11,000     

Blackstone Group LP (The)

  352,220
  14,500     

Carlyle Group LP (The)(a)

  332,050
  26,080     

Cowen, Inc.(b)

  355,992
  4,500     

Invesco, Ltd.

  164,430
  20,800     

KKR & Co. LP(a)

  438,048
  10,500     

OneMain Holdings, Inc.(b)

  272,895
  2,600     

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

  232,180
  30,500     

SLM Corp.(a)(b)

  344,650
  6,000     

Voya Financial, Inc.(a)

  296,820
    

 

     3,993,105
    

 

  

Energy — 16.4%

 
  5,000     

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.

  268,200
  2,400     

Antero Resources Corp.(b)

  45,600
  9,500     

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp

  271,700
  3,000     

Canadian Natural Resources, Ltd.

  107,160
  6,500     

Cenovus Energy, Inc.

  59,345
  1,000     

Cheniere Energy, Inc.(b)

  53,840
  600     

Chevron Corp.

  75,114
  2,700     

Cimarex Energy Co.(a)

  329,427
  1,900     

Concho Resources, Inc.(b)

  285,418
  1,000     

ConocoPhillips

  54,890
  3,700     

Continental Resources, Inc.(b)

  195,989
  6,100     

Devon Energy Corp.(a)

  252,540
  9,112     

Dorchester Minerals LP(a)

  138,502
  4,890     

Enduro Royalty Trust

  15,159
  4,500     

EOG Resources, Inc.(a)

  485,595
  3,700     

Hess Corp.

  175,639
  5,506     

Kimbell Royalty Partners L.P

  89,473
  500     

Magellan Midstream Partners LP

  35,470
  3,800     

MPLX LP

  134,786
  8,700     

Newfield Exploration Co.(b)

  274,311
  10,700     

Noble Energy, Inc.

  311,798
  1,300     

Occidental Petroleum Corp.

  95,758
  1,700     

Parsley Energy, Inc., Class A(b)

  50,048
  11,100     

Permian Basin Royalty Trust

  98,457
  2,200     

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

  380,270
  4,500     

QEP Resources, Inc.(b)

  43,065
  8,800     

Range Resources Corp.

  150,128
  3,000     

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, Class B, ADR

  204,870
  1,300     

RSP Permian, Inc.(b)

  52,884
  3,400     

San Juan Basin Royalty Trust

  28,016
  3,835     

Shell Midstream Partners LP

  114,360
  15,000     

USA Compression Partners L.P

  248,100
  7,900     

Vermilion Energy, Inc.

  286,928
  3,583     

Western Gas Equity Partners LP

  133,144
    

 

     5,545,984
    

 

  Shares                 Fair Value  
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 8.3%

  2,600     

Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.(b)

  $    84,838
  2,330     

Anthem, Inc.(a)

  524,273
  1,600     

Cerner Corp.(b)

  107,824
  8,442     

Envision Healthcare Corp.(b)

  291,756
  3,472     

Humana, Inc.(a)

  861,299
  5,500     

LHC Group, Inc.(a)(b)

  336,875
  53,008     

Quorum Health Corp.(a)(b)

  330,770
  21,888     

Surgery Partners, Inc.(b)

  264,845
    

 

     2,802,480
    

 

  

Insurance — 1.3%

 
  28,900     

Ambac Financial Group, Inc.(a)(b)

  461,822
    

 

  

Materials — 0.1%

 
  1,371     

Mesabi Trust

  34,618
    

 

  

Media — 1.1%

 
  167,660     

Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc.(a)(b)

  383,941
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 10.8%

  750     

AbbVie, Inc.(a)

  72,533
  1,800     

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b)

  61,002
  2,250     

Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.(b)

  85,095
  336     

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)(b)

  40,182
  85,601     

Amarin Corp. PLC, ADR(a)(b)

  343,260
  25,651     

Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)

  369,118
  1,500     

Audentes Therapeutics, Inc.(b)

  46,875
  400     

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A(b)

  95,468
  1,837     

Bluebird Bio, Inc.(b)

  327,170
  7,194     

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.(a)(b)

  132,801
  1,300     

Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc.(b)

  51,155
  6,779     

Immunomedics, Inc.(b)

  109,549
  11,420     

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b)

  93,187
  53,847     

Minerva Neurosciences, Inc.(a)(b)

  325,774
  3,850     

Otonomy, Inc.(b)

  21,367
  6,000     

Pfizer,Inc.(a)

  217,320
  2,400     

Radius Health,Inc.(a)(b)

  76,248
  1,368     

Sage Therapeutics, Inc.(a)(b)

  225,323
  3,445     

Shire PLC, ADR(a)

  534,388
  6,000     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR(b)

  113,700
  7,729     

Zogenix, Inc.(b)

  309,546
    

 

     3,651,061
    

 

  

Real Estate — 0.9%

 
  26,700     

Colony NorthStar, Inc., Class A, REIT(a)

  304,647
    

 

  

Software & Services — 6.9%

 
  52,048     

AutoWeb, Inc.(a)(b)

  468,952
  104,709     

Brightcove, Inc.(b)

  743,434
  35,003     

LivePerson, Inc.(b)

  402,535
  49,361     

Rosetta Stone, Inc.(b)

  615,532
  32,500     

ServiceSource International, Inc.(b)

  100,425
    

 

     2,330,878
    

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 10.2%

  22,305     

Aerohive Networks,Inc.(a)(b)

  130,038
  70,000     

Fitbit, Inc., Class A(b)

  399,700
  315,784     

ID Systems, Inc.(a)(b)

  2,191,541
  32,983     

Iteris, Inc.(b)

  229,892
  8,500     

NETGEAR, Inc.(b)

  499,375
    

 

     3,450,546
    

 

 

 

 

Continued

 

10


Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares    

            Fair Value 
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Telecommunication Services — 5.1%

  75,713     

Ooma, Inc.(a)(b)

  $    904,770
  80,000     

Vonage Holdings Corp.(a)(b)

  813,600
    

 

     1,718,370
    

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $23,180,821)

  26,579,466
    

 

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY FUND — 0.0%

  448     

Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (The)

  5,708
    

 

  

Total Investment Company Fund
(Cost $5,700)

  5,708
    

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 1.6%

 
  

Banks — 1.6%

 
  63,900     

Fannie Mae, Series R, 8.250%(b)

  526,536
    

 

  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $428,359)

  526,536
    

 

  Shares    

            Fair Value  
 

WARRANTS — 3.4%

 
  

Banks — 1.8%

 
  4,900     

SunTrust Banks, Inc., (Issued/exercisable 11/14/08, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 11/14/18, Strike Price $44.15)

  $    101,675
  27,000     

Zions Bancorporation, (Issued/exercisable 05/20/10, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 05/22/20, Strike Price $35.76)(a)

  505,710
    

 

     607,385
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 1.0%

 
  6,200     

Capital One Financial Corp., (Issued/exercisable 11/14/08, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 11/14/18, Strike Price $42.02)(a)

  356,438
    

 

  

Insurance — 0.6%

 
  11,250     

American International Group, Inc., (Issued/exercisable 01/19/11, 1 Share for 1 Warrant, Expires 01/19/21, Strike Price $44.55)

  203,850
    

 

  

Total Warrants
(Cost $551,517)

  1,167,673
    

 

 

Total Long-Term Investments — 83.5%
(Cost $24,166,397)

  28,279,383
    

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 15.2%

  5,156,335     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

  5,156,335
    

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $5,156,335)

  5,156,335
    

 

 

Options Purchased — 0.0%
(Cost $6,905)

  3,420
    

 

 

Total Investments Before Investments Sold Short — 98.7%
(Cost $29,329,637)

  33,439,138
    

 

 

 

Continued

 

11


Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares            

      Fair Value    

 

INVESTMENTS SOLD SHORT — (20.8)%

  
  

Banks — (2.8)%

  
  (1,200)     

Community Bank System, Inc.

     $     (64,500
  (3,400)     

CVB Financial Corp.

     (80,104
  (700)     

First Republic Bank/CA

     (60,648
  (3,800)     

Fulton Financial Corp.

     (68,020
  (1,700)     

NBT Bancorp, Inc., Class B

     (62,560
  (6,600)     

Old National Bancorp.

     (115,170
  (4,000)     

Oritani Financial Corp.

     (65,600
  (3,531)     

People’s United Financial, Inc.

     (66,030
  (2,400)     

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

     (64,728
  (8,400)     

TrustCo Bank Corp. NY

     (77,280
  (2,200)     

Washington Federal, Inc.

     (75,350
  (2,400)     

Webster Financial Corp.

     (134,784
     

 

 

 
        (934,774
     

 

 

 
  

Consumer Services — (0.4)%

  
  (3,268)     

Weight Watchers International, Inc.(b)

     (144,707
     

 

 

 
  

Diversified Financials — (0.6)%

  
  (1,300)     

Financial Engines, Inc.

     (39,390
  (2,000)     

Franklin Resources, Inc.

     (86,660
  (19,800)     

LendingClub Corp.(b)

     (81,774
     

 

 

 
        (207,824
     

 

 

 
  

Energy — (1.7)%

  
  (4,000)     

Exxon Mobil Corp.

     (334,560
  (25,000)     

Hugoton Royalty Trust

     (35,000
  (9,000)     

Unit Corp.(b)

     (198,000
     

 

 

 
        (567,560
     

 

 

 
  

Exchange Traded Funds — (7.2)%

  
  (7,200)     

Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares(b)

     (84,168
  (2,500)     

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund

     (180,650
  (1,438)     

iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF

     (153,535
  (6,000)     

iShares Russell 2000 ETF

     (914,760
  (8,793)     

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF

     (746,262
  (5,000)     

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

     (185,900
  (789)     

SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF

     (46,433
  (5,000)     

VanEck Vectors Oil Services ETF

     (130,250
  (2,300)     

VelocityShares Daily 2x VIX Short Term ETN(b)

     (12,742
     

 

 

 
        (2,454,700
     

 

 

 
  

Food & Staples Retailing — (0.2)%

  
  (1,013)     

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

     (73,564
     

 

 

 
  

Health Care Equipment & Services — (3.3)%

 

  (1,500)     

Abaxis, Inc.

     (74,280
  (1,681)     

Amedisys, Inc.(b)

     (88,606
  (654)     

athenahealth, Inc.(b)

     (87,008
  (958)     

Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(b)

     (107,976
  (6,000)     

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A(b)

     (246,600
  (2,203)     

HCA Healthcare, Inc.(b)

     (193,512
  (5,500)     

Quality Systems, Inc.(b)

     (74,690
  (1,160)     

Stryker Corp.

     (179,614
  (2,491)     

Wright Medical Group NV(b)

     (55,300
     

 

 

 
        (1,107,586
     

 

 

 
  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — (1.8)%

 

  (1,180)     

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

     (84,535
  (3,356)     

Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(b)

     (196,058
  (1,090)     

Myriad Genetics, Inc.(b)

     (37,436
   Shares            

      Fair Value    

 

INVESTMENTS SOLD SHORT — (continued)

  
  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — (continued)

 

  (3,530)     

Nektar Therapeutics(b)

   $ (210,812
  (4,251)     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR

     (80,556
     

 

 

 
        (609,397
     

 

 

 
  

Software & Services — (2.7)%

  
  (4,000)     

Cimpress NV(b)

     (479,520
  (23,000)     

MoneyGram International, Inc.(b)

     (303,140
  (2,401)     

Nuance Communications, Inc.(b)

     (39,256
  (4,500)     

Western Union Co. (The)

     (85,545
     

 

 

 
        (907,461
     

 

 

 
  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — (0.1)%

 

  (2,000)     

ARRIS International PLC(b)

     (51,380
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments Sold Short — (20.8)%
(Cost $(7,464,822))

     (7,058,953
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 77.9%
(Cost $21,864,815)

     26,380,185  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 22.1%

     7,483,433  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $ 33,863,618  
     

 

 

 

                

(a) Represents that all or a portion of the security was pledged as collateral in connection with short sales.
(b) Represents non-income producing security.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

ETF — Exchange Traded Funds

ETN — Exchange Traded Notes

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

12


Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

As of December 31, 2017, exchange traded options purchased outstanding were as follows:

 

            Number of        Notional        Exercise        Expiration       
Description    Call/Put    Contracts    Amount    Price    Date    Value

 

EXCHANGE TRADED OPTIONS PURCHASED — 0.0%

                 

Puma Biotechnology Inc.

 

   Call    6      $59,310      $110      03/16/18    $3,420
                 

 

 

Total Exchange Traded Options Purchased

                  $3,420
                 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

13


Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares                 Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.8%

  
  

Australia — 4.8%

  
  75,875     

Bank of Queensland, Ltd.

   $    750,499
  71,350     

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, Ltd.

   647,465
  181,625     

Qantas Airways, Ltd.

   712,161
  11,975     

Rio Tinto, Ltd.

   704,071
  227,825     

South32, Ltd.

   617,531
  166,025     

Stockland, REIT

   579,151
     

 

      4,010,878
     

 

  

Austria — 1.1%

  
  15,075     

OMV AG

   953,853
     

 

  

Belgium — 0.7%

  
  7,050     

KBC Group NV

   600,753
     

 

  

Denmark — 1.0%

  
  131,325     

TDC A/S

   806,691
     

 

  

Finland — 1.1%

  
  14,275     

Neste Oyj

   913,755
     

 

  

France — 11.9%

  
  3,400     

Arkema SA

   413,965
  33,275     

AXA SA

   986,043
  16,500     

BNP Paribas SA

   1,227,409
  23,475     

CNP Assurances

   541,505
  50,175     

Credit Agricole SA

   828,489
  52,525     

Engie SA.

   902,982
  10,425     

Faurecia

   812,471
  7,925     

ICADE,REIT

   778,742
  19,300     

Klepierre SA, REIT

   848,317
  107,900     

Natixis SA

   852,247
  8,575     

Renault SA

   860,739
  8,550     

Safran SA

   881,892
     

 

      9,934,801
     

 

  

Germany — 6.3%

  
  6,000     

Allianz SE.

   1,373,083
  9,050     

Covestro AG(b)

   931,844
  25,175     

Deutsche Lufthansa AG

   924,517
  59,825     

Deutsche Telekom AG

   1,057,490
  5,150     

Deutsche Wohnen SE

   224,626
  6,675     

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

   799,310
     

 

      5,310,870
     

 

  

Hong Kong — 1.5%

  
  89,096     

I-CABLE Communications, Ltd.(a)

   2,611
  88,000     

Kerry Properties, Ltd.

   395,322
  785,275     

WH Group, Ltd.(b)

   885,030
     

 

      1,282,963
     

 

  

Israel — 0.1%

  
  3,800     

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., ADR(a)

   72,010
     

 

  

Italy — 4.0%

  
  172,250     

Enel SPA

   1,059,209
  52,325     

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV

   934,172
  3,390     

GEDI Gruppo Editoriale SpA(a)

   2,852
  233,500     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA

   744,418
  273,100     

UnipolSai Assicurazioni SPA

   637,029
     

 

      3,377,680
     

 

  

Japan — 26.1%

  
  33,600     

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

   786,995
  18,500     

AsahiGroup Holdings, Ltd.

   917,962
  Shares                 Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Japan — (continued)

  
  70,100     

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

   $    890,500
  33,900     

Brother Industries, Ltd.

   833,247
  4,700     

Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.

   170,335
  142,000     

Hitachi, Ltd.

   1,101,664
  20,400     

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

   817,137
  56,300     

ITOCHU Corp.

   1,049,518
  153,800     

JXTG Holdings, Inc.

   988,366
  86,000     

Kajima Corp.

   826,280
  20,200     

MINEBEA MITSUMI, Inc.

   421,315
  82,200     

Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corp.

   899,427
  37,300     

Mitsubishi Corp.

   1,028,502
  31,400     

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Inc.

   899,138
  14,700     

Mixi, Inc.

   658,383
  30,500     

Nexon Co., Ltd.(a)

   884,509
  12,400     

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.

   471,961
  19,100     

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

   897,969
  59,700     

Obayashi Corp.

   721,184
  61,800     

Showa Shell Sekiyu KK

   836,272
  5,100     

Sony Corp.

   228,903
  59,400     

Sumitomo Corp.

   1,007,528
  52,100     

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

   771,246
  15,200     

Suzuki Motor Corp.

   879,832
  15,200     

Taisei Corp.

   755,910
  1,900     

Tokyo Electron, Ltd.

   342,740
  23,100     

Toyota Tsusho Corp.

   928,002
  25,200     

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

   825,509
     

 

      21,840,334
     

 

  

Netherlands — 4.7%

  
  146,700     

Aegon NV

   932,124
  15,700     

Coca-Cola European Partners PLC

   625,645
  61,675     

ING Groep NV

   1,132,148
  17,100     

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

   375,908
  20,100     

NN Group NV

   869,394
     

 

      3,935,219
     

 

  

Norway — 1.0%

  
  47,050     

Marine Harvest ASA

   795,648
     

 

  

Singapore — 1.8%

  
  717,700     

Genting Singapore PLC

   700,934
  761,900     

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings, Ltd.

   835,441
     

 

      1,536,375
     

 

  

Spain — 5.2%

  
  120,125     

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

   1,020,845
  183,425     

Caixa Bank SA

   852,708
  96,600     

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA

   837,145
  44,027     

Repsol SA

   777,362
  86,400     

Telefonica SA

   841,339
     

 

      4,329,399
     

 

  

Sweden — 0.7%

  
  30,100     

Nordea Bank AB

   364,450
  9,925     

Swedbank AB, Class A

   239,439
     

 

      603,889
     

 

  

Switzerland — 6.1%

  
  10,425     

Adecco Group AG

   796,679
  61,375     

Credit Suisse Group AG

   1,094,668
  3,650     

Novartis AG

   307,157
  6,900     

Roche Holding AG

   1,744,702

 

 

 

Continued

 

14


Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares               Fair Value    
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Switzerland — (continued)

  
  62,150     

UBS Group AG.

   $  1,141,867
     

 

      5,085,073
     

 

  

United Kingdom — 20.7%

  
  53,325     

3i Group PLC

   656,489
  51,600     

Anglo American PLC

   1,073,225
  103,700     

Barratt Developments PLC

   904,622
  15,850     

Berkeley Group Holdings PLC

   896,567
  91,825     

Capita PLC

   496,139
  160,800     

GKN PLC

   691,489
  70,150     

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

   1,242,297
  232,600     

Glencore PLC

   1,217,417
  187,175     

HSBC Holdings PLC

   1,933,153
  23,325     

Imperial Brands PLC

   994,917
  188,475     

Marks & Spencer Group PLC

   799,626
  112,750     

Meggitt PLC

   732,125
  13,525     

Next PLC

   824,337
  5,425     

Pearson PLC

   53,740
  24,975     

Persimmon PLC

   922,682
  23,650     

Rio Tinto PLC.

   1,240,619
  19,750     

Shire PLC

   1,023,465
  81,000     

Tate & Lyle PLC

   767,755
  259,700     

Taylor Wimpey PLC

   722,538
  2,675     

Unilever PLC

   148,372
     

 

      17,341,574
     

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $69,709,787)

   82,731,765
     

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.6%

  
  

Germany — 0.6%

  
  3,875     

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

   511,713
     

 

  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $453,622)

   511,713
     

 

 

RIGHTS — 0.0%

  
  

Spain — 0.0%

  
  44,027     

Repsol SA(a)

   20,021
     

 

  

Total Rights
(Cost $20,080)

   20,021
     

 

  Shares               Fair Value    
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.2%

  
  

United States — 0.2%

  
  173,489     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

   $      173,489
     

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $173,489)

   173,489
     

 

 

Total Investments — 99.6%
(Cost $70,356,978)

   83,436,988
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.4%

   296,405
     

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $83,733,393
     

 

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that is restricted as to resale to qualified institutional investors. The Investment Advisor, using Board approved procedures, has deemed these securities or a portion of these securities to be liquid.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ADR — American Depository Receipts

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

Industry

   Percentage
of net assets

Automobiles & Components

       6.0 %

Banks

       12.4 %

Capital Goods

       11.2 %

Commercial & Professional Services

       1.5 %

Consumer Durables & Apparel

       4.4 %

Consumer Services

       0.8 %

Diversified Financials

       4.5 %

Energy

       6.3 %

Food & Staples Retailing

       0.4 %

Food, Beverage & Tobacco

       6.0 %

Health Care Equipment & Services

       0.9 %

Household & Personal Products

       1.7 %

Insurance

       6.4 %

Materials

       9.6 %

Media

       0.1 %

Money Market Fund

       0.2 %

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences

       7.2 %

Real Estate

       3.4 %

Retailing

       1.9 %

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

       0.4 %

Software & Services

       1.8 %

Technology Hardware & Equipment

       2.9 %

Telecommunication Services

       4.3 %

Transportation

       3.0 %

Utilities

         2.3 %
    

 

 

 
       99.6 %
    

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

15


Sterling Capital SMID Opportunities Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares           

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — 91.8%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 3.6%

  16,600     

Gentex Corp.

  $    347,770
    

 

  

Banks — 3.3%

 
  5,600     

Webster Financial Corp.

  314,496
    

 

  

Commercial & Professional Services — 5.9%

  5,600     

WageWorks, Inc.(a)

  347,200
  3,150     

Waste Connections, Inc.

  223,461
    

 

     570,661
    

 

  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 3.1%

 
  5,060     

Newell Brands, Inc.

  156,354
  4,174     

PulteGroup, Inc.

  138,785
    

 

     295,139
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 11.0%

 
  8,700     

Aramark

  371,838
  4,071     

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd.(a)

  216,781
  9,270     

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc.(a)

  475,273
    

 

     1,063,892
    

 

  

Energy — 2.1%

 
  6,500     

Newfield Exploration Co.(a)

  204,945
    

 

  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 3.8%

 
  2,650     

Ingredion, Inc.

  370,470
    

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 17.0%

  3,000     

AmerisourceBergen Corp.

  275,460
  5,000     

Centene Corp.(a)

  504,400
  2,431     

MEDNAX, Inc.(a)

  129,912
  11,700     

Premier, Inc., Class A(a)

  341,523
  3,500     

Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B

  396,725
    

 

     1,648,020
    

 

  

Insurance — 3.1%

 
  2,400     

RenaissanceRe Holdings, Ltd.

  301,416
    

 

  

Materials — 6.6%

 
  10,500     

Ball Corp.

  397,425
  2,300     

Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (The)

  246,077
    

 

     643,502
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 3.3%

  7,300     

INC Research Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)

  318,280
    

 

  Shares           

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Real Estate — 6.0%

 
  34,800     

Colony NorthStar, Inc., Class A, REIT

  $    397,068
  2,579     

FirstService Corp.

  180,324
    

 

     577,392
    

 

  

Retailing — 3.0%

 
  4,500     

CarMax, Inc.(a)

  288,585
    

 

  

Software & Services — 17.3%

 
  5,000     

Amdocs, Ltd.

  327,400
  5,370     

Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc.(a)

  191,441
  4,300     

CDK Global, Inc.

  306,504
  2,200     

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

  288,486
  6,000     

Genpact, Ltd.

  190,440
  3,700     

Global Payments, Inc.

  370,888
    

 

     1,675,159
    

 

  

Transportation — 2.7%

 
  2,500     

Kansas City Southern

  263,050
    

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $7,657,465)

  8,882,777
    

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 4.7%

 
  459,830     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

  459,830
    

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $459,830)

  459,830
    

 

 

Total Investments — 96.5%
(Cost $8,117,295)

  9,342,607
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 3.5%

  335,045
    

 

  NET ASSETS — 100.0%.   $9,677,652
    

 

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

16


Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares           

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — 96.5%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 4.0%

 
  16,540     

Magna International, Inc.

  $    937,322
  12,000     

Thor Industries, Inc.

  1,808,640
    

 

     2,745,962
    

 

  

Banks — 8.0%

 
  25,100     

East West Bancorp, Inc.

  1,526,833
  13,300     

First Republic Bank/CA

  1,152,312
  93,300     

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

  1,358,448
  72,100     

KeyCorp.

  1,454,257
    

 

     5,491,850
    

 

  

Capital Goods — 9.6%

 
  10,100     

Carlisle Cos., Inc.

  1,147,865
  35,300     

HD Supply Holdings, Inc.(a)

  1,413,059
  14,500     

Masonite International Corp.(a)

  1,075,175
  23,800     

MasTec, Inc.(a)

  1,165,010
  10,700     

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

  1,839,437
    

 

     6,640,546
    

 

  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 4.6%

 
  7,200     

Mohawk Industries, Inc.(a)

  1,986,480
  35,700     

PulteGroup, Inc.

  1,187,025
    

 

     3,173,505
    

 

  

Consumer Services — 1.2%

 
  7,200     

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.

  858,816
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 3.9%

 
  7,200     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

  1,477,800
  7,200     

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

  1,220,184
    

 

     2,697,984
    

 

  

Energy — 7.3%

 
  37,600     

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

  1,075,360
  90,800     

Callon Petroleum Co.(a)

  1,103,220
  29,400     

Devon Energy Corp.

  1,217,160
  16,300     

Phillips 66

  1,648,745
    

 

     5,044,485
    

 

  

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.9%

 
  11,900     

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

  1,332,086
    

 

  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 4.5%

 
  10,800     

Ingredion, Inc.

  1,509,840
  28,000     

Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.

  1,580,600
    

 

     3,090,440
    

 

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 4.2%

  7,800     

Becton Dickinson & Co.

  1,669,668
  10,400     

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.

  1,254,968
    

 

     2,924,636
    

 

  

Insurance — 6.6%

 
  12,300     

American Financial Group, Inc.

  1,335,042
  20,000     

First American Financial Corp.

  1,120,800
  10,500     

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

  1,134,840
  10,700     

Torchmark Corp.

  970,597
    

 

     4,561,279
    

 

  

Materials — 8.1%

 
  14,700     

Avery Dennison Corp.

  1,688,442
  29,100     

Berry Global Group, Inc.(a)

  1,707,297
  Shares           

    Fair Value  

 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

 
  

Materials — (continued)

 
  20,400     

Westlake Chemical Corp.

  $    2,173,212
    

 

     5,568,951
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 6.9%

  17,400     

ICON Plc(a)

  1,951,410
  16,300     

PerkinElmer, Inc.

  1,191,856
  8,500     

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

  1,613,980
    

 

     4,757,246
    

 

  

Real Estate — 9.9%

 
  15,600     

EastGroup Properties, Inc., REIT

  1,378,727
  32,000     

Gramercy Property Trust, REIT

  853,120
  26,000     

Highwoods Properties, Inc., REIT

  1,323,660
  30,000     

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., REIT

  1,027,500
  12,300     

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., REIT

  1,236,888
  14,200     

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

  980,084
    

 

     6,799,979
    

 

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.7%

  6,400     

NXP Semiconductors NV(a)

  749,376
  11,900     

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

  1,129,905
    

 

     1,879,281
    

 

  

Software & Services — 5.3%

 
  22,000     

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

  1,393,040
  10,200     

Fiserv, Inc.(a)

  1,337,526
  15,200     

PTC, Inc.(a)

  923,704
    

 

     3,654,270
    

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 4.7%

  10,500     

Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a)

  844,305
  19,000     

CDW Corp.

  1,320,310
  28,400     

CommScope Holding Co., Inc.(a)

  1,074,372
    

 

     3,238,987
    

 

  

Utilities — 3.1%

 
  26,600     

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

  2,140,768
    

 

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $38,925,696)

  66,601,071
    

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 3.5%

 
  2,431,683     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

  2,431,683
    

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $2,431,683)

  2,431,683
    

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $41,357,379)

  69,032,754
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.0%

  14,268
    

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

  $69,047,022
    

 

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

17


Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Shares                Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — 98.6%

  
  

Diversified — 4.2%

  
  66,000     

Gramercy Property Trust

   $     1,759,560  
  55,000     

Liberty Property Trust

     2,365,550  
     

 

 

 
        4,125,110  
     

 

 

 
  

Health Care — 9.0%

  
  62,500     

Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., Class A

     1,877,500  
  150,000     

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

     2,067,000  
  53,000     

Ventas, Inc.

     3,180,530  
  26,000     

Welltower, Inc.

     1,658,020  
     

 

 

 
        8,783,050  
     

 

 

 
  

Hotel & Resort — 6.2%

  
  50,000     

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

     1,354,500  
  16,000     

Marriott International, Inc/MD, Class A

     2,171,680  
  37,000     

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

     2,553,740  
     

 

 

 
        6,079,920  
     

 

 

 
  

Industrial — 5.2%

  
  29,000     

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

     2,563,020  
  80,000     

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

     2,517,600  
     

 

 

 
        5,080,620  
     

 

 

 
  

Office — 10.9%

  
  20,000     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

     2,611,800  
  50,000     

Corporate Office Properties Trust

     1,460,000  
  37,000     

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

     1,883,670  
  74,000     

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

     2,534,500  
  22,000     

SL Green Realty Corp.

     2,220,460  
     

 

 

 
        10,710,430  
     

 

 

 
  

Residential — 17.5%

  
  42,000     

American Campus Communities, Inc.

     1,723,260  
  91,000     

American Homes 4 Rent, Class A

     1,987,440  
  52,000     

Apartment Investment & Management Co., Class A

     2,272,920  
  26,000     

Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.

     2,314,520  
  14,000     

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

     3,379,180  
  25,000     

Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.

     2,514,000  
  75,000     

UDR, Inc.

     2,889,000  
     

 

 

 
        17,080,320  
     

 

 

 
   Shares                Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Retail — 17.7%

  
  67,500     

Acadia Realty Trust

   $     1,846,801  
  17,700     

Federal Realty Investment Trust

     2,350,737  
  116,000     

GGP, Inc.

     2,713,240  
  50,000     

National Retail Properties, Inc.

     2,156,500  
  82,000     

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

     1,635,900  
  38,757     

Simon Property Group, Inc.

     6,656,127  
     

 

 

 
        17,359,305  
     

 

 

 
  

Specialized — 27.9%

  
  40,000     

Crown Castle International Corp.

     4,440,400  
  90,000     

CubeSmart

     2,602,800  
  35,000     

CyrusOne, Inc.

     2,083,550  
  30,000     

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

     3,417,000  
  26,000     

EPR Properties

     1,701,960  
  10,000     

Equinix, Inc.

     4,532,200  
  21,000     

Life Storage, Inc.

     1,870,470  
  21,000     

SBA Communications Corp.(a)

     3,430,560  
  90,000     

Uniti Group, Inc.

     1,601,100  
  45,000     

Weyerhaeuser Co.

     1,586,700  
     

 

 

 
        27,266,740  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $63,081,108)

     96,485,495  
     

 

 

 
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.9%

  
  939,440     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

     939,440  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $939,440)

     939,440  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.5%
(Cost $64,020,548)

     97,424,935  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.5%

     467,051  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $ 97,891,986  
     

 

 

 

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.
 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

18


Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

    Shares                Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — 97.6%

  
  

Automobiles & Components — 4.3%

  
  420,200     

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

   $  14,854,070
  241,358     

Thor Industries, Inc.

  

36,377,478

     

51,231,548

  

Banks — 23.7%

  
  446,040     

Chemical Financial Corp.

   23,849,759
  420,350     

Community Bank System, Inc.

   22,593,813
  804,150     

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

   19,307,641
  495,530     

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

   19,518,927
  245,350     

IBERIABANK Corp.

   19,014,625
  467,950     

MB Financial, Inc.

   20,833,134
  887,921     

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

   14,854,918
  167,200     

Signature Bank(a)

   22,949,872
  125,400     

SVB Financial Group(a)

   29,314,758
  788,591     

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

   16,402,693
  376,950     

United Bankshares, Inc.

   13,099,013
  513,700     

Webster Financial Corp.

   28,849,392
  357,000     

Wintrust Financial Corp.

  

29,406,090

     

279,994,635

  

Capital Goods — 15.9%

  
  314,900     

Crane Co.

   28,095,378
  391,850     

EnerSys.

   27,284,515
  710,850     

MasTec, Inc.(a)

   34,796,108
  348,425     

Moog, Inc., Class A(a)

   30,260,711
  340,900     

Oshkosh Corp.

   30,984,401
  213,041     

United Rentals, Inc.(a)

  

36,623,878

     

188,044,991

  

Diversified Financials — 2.0%

  
  115,700     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

  

23,747,425

  

Energy — 2.7%

  
  400,700     

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

   11,460,020
  1,648,000     

Callon Petroleum Co.(a)

  

20,023,200

     

31,483,220

  

Food & Staples Retailing — 2.6%

  
  277,800     

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

  

31,096,932

  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 3.4%

  431,788     

BioTelemetry, Inc.(a)

   12,910,461
  276,973     

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

  

27,328,926

     

40,239,387

  

Insurance — 3.8%

  
  189,400     

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)

   20,470,352
  418,250     

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

  

24,551,275

     

45,021,627

  

Materials — 4.4%

  
  220,591     

AdvanSix, Inc.(a)

   9,280,263
  611,547     

PolyOne Corp.

   26,602,295
  193,200     

U.S. Concrete, Inc.(a)

  

16,161,180

     

52,043,738

  

Real Estate — 9.6%

  
  414,900     

American Campus Communities, Inc., REIT

   17,023,347
    Shares                Fair Value   
 

COMMON STOCKS — (continued)

  
  

Real Estate — (continued)

  
  615,000     

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., REIT

   $      19,354,050
  406,564     

Highwoods Properties, Inc., REIT

   20,698,173
  947,000     

Medical Properties Trust, Inc., REIT

   13,049,660
  377,600     

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., REIT

   26,061,952
  173,300     

SL Green Realty Corp., REIT

  

17,491,169

     

113,678,351

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.8%

  1,246,310     

ON Semiconductor Corp.(a)

   26,097,731
  291,844     

Qorvo, Inc.(a)

  

19,436,810

     

45,534,541

  

Software & Services — 6.6%

  
  206,800     

CACI International, Inc., Class A(a)

   27,369,980
  399,830     

PTC, Inc.(a)

   24,297,669
  242,710     

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a)

  

26,644,704

     

78,312,353

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 5.4%

  261,700     

Anixter International, Inc.(a)

   19,889,200
  371,208     

Belden, Inc.

   28,646,121
  500,000     

NetScout Systems, Inc.(a)

  

15,225,000

     

63,760,321

  

Transportation — 2.3%

  
  1,198,800     

JetBlue Airways Corp.(a)

  

26,781,192

  

Utilities — 7.1%

  
  278,171     

Avista Corp.

   14,323,025
  419,631     

El Paso Electric Co.

   23,226,576
  504,750     

Portland General Electric Co.

   23,006,505
  296,960     

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

  

23,899,341

     

84,455,447

  

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $493,821,874)

  

1,155,425,708

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.3%

  
  26,469,163     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(b)

  

26,469,163

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $26,469,163)

  

26,469,163

 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost $520,291,037)

   1,181,894,871
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.1%

  

1,636,508

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

  

$1,183,531,379

              

(a) Represents non-income producing security.
(b) Represents the current yield as of report date.

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

19


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal    
Amount
       

      Fair Value    

 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 21.4%

  
  $400,000     

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.970%, 7/15/21

   $397,859
  124,732     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust,
Series 2013-5, Class C, 2.290%, 11/8/19

   124,796
  344,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust,
Series 2015-3, Class C, 2.730%, 3/8/21

   345,789
  400,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust,
Series 2016-4, Class B, 1.830%, 12/8/21

   395,927
  170,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust,
Series 2017-4, Class B, 2.360%, 12/19/22

   169,016
  250,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC,
Series 2012-3A, Class A, 2.100%, 3/20/19(a)

   250,001
  450,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC,
Series 2014-1A, Class A, 2.460%, 7/20/20(a)

   450,642
  165,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC,
Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.500%, 7/20/21(a)

   164,828
  8,555     

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2014-2, Class C, 2.410%, 5/20/19

   8,557
  500,000     

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.390%, 11/20/20

   500,977
  355,000     

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2017-1, Class B, 2.430%, 5/20/22(a)

   352,919
  200,000     

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2014-2, Class B, 1.880%, 11/15/19

   199,992
  500,000     

CarMax Auto Owner Trust, Series 2014-2, Class C, 2.080%, 1/15/20

   500,257
  114,808     

Citicorp Residential Mortgage Trust, STEP, Series 2007-2, Class A6, 5.243%, 6/25/37

   117,383
  207,283     

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-12, Class MV4, 2.977%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.43%), 3/25/35(b)

   208,204
  447,943     

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-3, Class 2A3, 1.842%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.29%), 6/25/36(b)

   443,307
  70,657     

Enterprise Fleet Financing, LLC, Series 2015-2, Class A2, 1.590%, 2/22/21(a)

   70,597
  240,969     

Enterprise Fleet Financing, LLC, Series 2016-1, Class A2, 1.830%, 9/20/21(a)

   240,839
  315,000     

Enterprise Fleet Financing, LLC, Series 2016-1, Class A3, 2.080%, 9/20/21(a)

   314,632
  750,000     

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP, Series 2016-3A, Class A, 2.270%, 7/25/20(a)

   746,396
  223,163     

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp., Series 2005-OPT2, Class M1, 1.982%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.43%), 12/25/35(b)

   223,155
  298,666     

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 1.752%, (LIBOR USD1-Month plus 0.20%), 1/25/36(b)

   297,578
  46,999     

New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-4, Class M1, 2.032%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.48%), 9/25/35(b)

   47,016
  153,506     

RASC Series 2006-KS5 Trust, Series 2006-KS5, Class A3, 1.712%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.16%), 7/25/36(b)

   153,355
  231,799     

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2014-5, Class C, 2.460%, 6/15/20

   232,192
  500,000     

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-2, Class B, 2.080%, 2/16/21

   500,106
  200,000     

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-2, Class C, 2.440%, 4/15/21

   200,421
 Principal    
 Amount    
       

      Fair Value    

 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

  
   $253,448     

Saxon Asset Securities Trust, Series 2006-2, Class A3C, 1.702%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.15%),
9/25/36(b)

   $    252,094
  216,618     

Sofi Professional Loan Program, LLC, Series 2016-E, Class A1, 2.402%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.85%), 7/25/39(a)(b)

   218,626
  111,223     

Structured Asset Investment Loan Trust, Series 2006-1, Class A3, 1.752%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.20%), 1/25/36(b)

   111,203
  125,000     

World Omni Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-B, Class B, 2.150%, 8/15/22

   124,393
     

 

  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $8,357,049)

   8,363,057
     

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
— 1.5%

  
  294,620     

Fannie Mae, Series 2011-55, Class AC, 3.000%, 7/25/25

   296,581
  289,292     

Freddie Mac, Series -3812, Class AJ, 3.500%, 8/15/24

   289,456
     

 

  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $587,590)

   586,037
     

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — 1.3%

  
  400,000     

DBUBS 2011-LC2 Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-LC2A, Class A4, 4.537%, 7/10/44(a)

   421,273
  17,903     

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series 2008-C1, Class AM, 6.448%, 2/12/51(c)

   17,950
  23,399     

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2008-T29, Class AM, 6.313%, 1/11/43(c)

   23,385
  38,297     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class A3, 3.998%, 3/15/44(a)

   38,674
     

 

  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $508,390)

   501,282
     

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS — 70.7%

  
  

Automobiles & Components — 4.1%

  
  300,000     

American Honda Finance Corp., 1.600%, 2/16/18(a)

   299,834
  400,000     

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 1.897%, 8/12/19

   396,989
  250,000     

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.400%, 4/10/18

   250,311
  400,000     

Hyundai Capital America, 2.000%, 3/19/18(a)

   399,874
  250,000     

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., 1.800%, 3/15/18(a)

   249,974
     

 

      1,596,982
     

 

  

Banks — 25.4%

  
  250,000     

ABN AMRO Bank NV, 2.500%, 10/30/18(a)

   250,849
  300,000     

Associated Banc-Corp., 2.750%, 11/15/19

   301,019
  250,000     

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd/New York NY, MTN, 1.450%, 5/15/18

   249,704
  400,000     

Bank of America Corp., 2.000%, 1/11/18

   400,008
  250,000     

Bank of Montreal, MTN, 2.149%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.60%), 12/12/19(b)

   251,808
  250,000     

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (The), 1.700%, 3/5/18(a)

   249,926
  300,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, GMTN, 1.942%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.55%), 8/7/19(b)

   301,005
 

 

Continued

 

20


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund
   Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
   December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal    
Amount
       

      Fair Value    

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Banks — (continued)

  
  $300,000     

Barclays PLC, 2.000%, 3/16/18

   $ 300,002  
  250,000     

BPCE SA, MTN, 2.250%, 1/27/20

     249,367  
  300,000     

Capital One NA, BKNT, 1.650%, 2/5/18

     299,992  
  500,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 2.064%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.69%), 4/27/18(b)

     500,663  
  380,000     

Citizens Bank NA / Providence RI, 2.200%, 5/26/20

     377,349  
  300,000     

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, 1.949%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.40%), 3/12/18(a)(b)

     300,102  
  250,000     

Compass Bank, BKNT, 2.750%, 9/29/19

     250,691  
  250,000     

DNB Bank ASA, 2.065%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.37%), 10/2/20(a)(b)

     250,217  
  350,000     

Fifth Third Bancorp, 2.300%, 3/1/19

     350,285  
  420,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 5.950%, 1/18/18

     420,662  
  300,000     

HSBC USA, Inc., 2.350%, 3/5/20

     299,962  
  365,000     

Huntington National Bank (The), BKNT, 2.200%, 11/6/18

     365,324  
  250,000     

ING Bank NV, 2.050%, 8/17/18(a)

     250,045  
  400,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 1.700%, 3/1/18

     399,961  
  250,000     

KeyBank NA, BKNT, 1.650%, 2/1/18

     249,935  
  200,000     

Lloyds Bank PLC, 2.300%, 11/27/18

     200,503  
  169,000     

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 2.600%, 6/24/19(a)

     169,458  
  250,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 1.625%, 5/15/18(a)

     249,788  
  366,000     

PNC Bank NA, MTN, 1.600%, 6/1/18

     365,530  
  261,000     

Regions Bank/Birmingham AL, BKNT, 2.250%, 9/14/18

     261,285  
  200,000     

Santander UK PLC, GMTN, 2.312%, (LIBOR USD3-Month plus 0.85%), 8/24/18(b)

     200,771  
  225,000     

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., 1.750%, 1/16/18

     224,993  
  300,000     

SunTrust Banks, Inc., 2.350%, 11/1/18

     300,810  
  300,000     

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, 1.883%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.36%), 9/8/20(b)

     300,474  
  250,000     

Swedbank AB, 1.600%, 3/2/18(a)

     249,890  
  300,000     

Wells Fargo Bank NA, 1.750%, 5/24/19

     298,333  
  250,000     

Westpac Banking Corp., 1.950%, 11/23/18

     249,698  
     

 

 

 
        9,940,409  
     

 

 

 
  

Commercial & Professional Services — 0.7%

  
  275,000     

Republic Services, Inc., 3.800%, 5/15/18

     276,901  
     

 

 

 
  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 1.4%

  
  260,000     

DR Horton, Inc., 3.750%, 3/1/19

     263,494  
  285,000     

Newell Brands, Inc., 2.150%, 10/15/18

     285,262  
     

 

 

 
        548,756  
     

 

 

 
  

Consumer Services — 0.6%

  
  250,000     

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 2.800%, 11/1/18(a) .

     251,177  
     

 

 

 
  

Diversified Financials — 5.3%

  
  225,000     

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.600%, 5/21/18

     225,675  
  325,000     

American Express Co., 2.036%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.59%), 5/22/18(b)

     325,424  
  325,000     

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., 1.541%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.15%), 8/6/18(b)

     325,133  
  250,000     

Credit Agricole SA/London, 2.500%, 4/15/19(a)

     250,836  
  250,000     

Credit Suisse Group Funding Guernsey, Ltd., 2.750%, 3/26/20

     250,975  
  200,000     

Export-Import Bank of Korea, 2.375%, 8/12/19 .

     199,038  
   Principal    
Amount
       

      Fair Value    

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Diversified Financials — (continued)

  
  $250,000     

International Lease Finance Corp., 3.875%, 4/15/18

   $ 251,145  
  250,000     

UBS AG/Stamford CT, GMTN, 2.375%, 8/14/19

     250,206  
     

 

 

 
        2,078,432  
     

 

 

 
  

Energy — 5.9%

  
  250,000     

Buckeye Partners LP, 2.650%, 11/15/18

     250,723  
  300,000     

CNOOC Finance, Ltd., 1.750%, 5/9/18

     299,376  
  350,000     

Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc., 2.450%, 6/1/18

     350,207  
  250,000     

Enable Midstream Partners LP, 2.400%, 5/15/19

     248,566  
  300,000     

Energy Transfer LP, 2.500%, 6/15/18

     300,447  
  100,000     

EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 2.700%, 4/1/19

     99,910  
  300,000     

Enterprise Products Operating, LLC, 6.650%, 4/15/18

     303,896  
  200,000     

NuStar Logistics LP, 8.400%, 4/15/18

     203,250  
  250,000     

Phillips 66, 2.109%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.75%), 4/15/20(a)(b)

     250,264  
     

 

 

 
        2,306,639  
     

 

 

 
  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 1.3%

  
  273,000     

Coca-Cola Femsa SAB de CV, 2.375%, 11/26/18

     273,660  
  250,000     

Kraft Heinz Foods Co., 2.000%, 7/2/18

     249,993  
     

 

 

 
        523,653  
     

 

 

 
  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 2.1%

  
  579,000     

Aetna, Inc., 1.700%, 6/7/18

     578,090  
  250,000     

Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 2.000%, 4/1/18 .

     250,091  
     

 

 

 
        828,181  
     

 

 

 
  

Insurance — 6.1%

  
  125,000     

Athene Global Funding, 2.875%, 10/23/18(a)

     125,658  
  250,000     

AXIS Specialty Finance PLC, 2.650%, 4/1/19

     249,165  
  100,000     

AXIS Specialty Finance, LLC, 5.875%, 6/1/20

     107,028  
  300,000     

Jackson National Life Global Funding, 2.300%,
4/16/19(a)

     300,510  
  250,000     

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, 1.750%, 9/19/19(a)

     248,202  
  325,000     

Nuveen Finance, LLC, 2.950%, 11/1/19(a)

     328,107  
  350,000     

Pricoa Global Funding I, 1.900%, 9/21/18(a)

     350,067  
  250,000     

Principal Life Global Funding II, 2.375%, 9/11/19(a)

     250,455  
  300,000     

Reliance Standard Life Global Funding II, 2.150%, 10/15/18(a)

     300,247  
  137,000     

Voya Financial, Inc., 2.900%, 2/15/18

     137,134  
     

 

 

 
        2,396,573  
     

 

 

 
  

Materials — 3.5%

  
  250,000     

Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., LLC / Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. LP, 1.700%, 5/1/18(a)

     249,839  
  300,000     

Ecolab, Inc., 1.550%, 1/12/18

     299,967  
  250,000     

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 6.600%, 4/15/18

     253,235  
  345,000     

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The), 2.250%, 5/15/20

     343,845  
  200,000     

Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.625%, 2/15/21

     205,000  
     

 

 

 
        1,351,886  
     

 

 

 
  

Media — 1.0%

  
  180,000     

Cablevision Systems Corp., 7.750%, 4/15/18

     182,250  
 

 

Continued

 

21


Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
 Amount  
       

    Fair Value  

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Media — (continued)

  
  $200,000     

Discovery Communications, LLC, 2.200%, 9/20/19

   $    199,076
     

 

      381,326
     

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 1.1%

  415,000     

Allergan Funding SCS, 2.629%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.08%), 3/12/18(b)

   415,606
     

 

  

Real Estate — 3.6%

  
  250,000     

HCP, Inc., REIT, 2.625%, 2/1/20

   250,897
  300,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 4.625%, 9/15/20

   304,500
  250,000     

Realty Income Corp., REIT, 2.000%, 1/31/18

   249,978
  250,000     

Scentre Group Trust 1 / Scentre Group Trust 2, REIT, 2.375%, 11/5/19(a)

   249,464
  360,000     

WEA Finance, LLC / Westfield UK & Europe Finance PLC, REIT, 2.700%, 9/17/19(a)

   361,944
     

 

      1,416,783
     

 

  

Retailing — 1.2%

  
  250,000     

Dollar General Corp., 1.875%, 4/15/18

   249,855
  225,000     

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP / PTL Finance Corp., 3.375%, 3/15/18(a)

   225,671
     

 

      475,526
     

 

  

Software & Services — 0.6%

  
  250,000     

DXC Technology Co., 2.875%, 3/27/20

   251,216
     

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 1.4%

  250,000     

EMC Corp., 1.875%, 6/1/18

   248,811
  295,000     

Harris Corp., 1.999%, 4/27/18

   294,692
     

 

      543,503
     

 

  

Telecommunication Services — 0.5%

  
  200,000     

AT&T, Inc., 2.300%, 3/11/19

   200,214
     

 

  

Transportation — 0.8%

  
  300,000     

Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.350%, 2/26/19

   300,281
     

 

  

Utilities — 4.1%

  
  300,000     

Dominion Energy, Inc., 1.875%, 12/15/18(a)

   299,043
  200,000     

Duke Energy Florida, LLC, 2.100%, 12/15/19

   199,838
  200,000     

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., 2.375%, 10/28/19(a)

   198,344
  250,000     

Pacific Gas & Electric Co., 1.707%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.23%), 11/28/18(a)(b)

   249,850
  250,000     

Pennsylvania Electric Co., 5.200%, 4/1/20

   263,867
  85,000     

Public Service Electric & Gas Co., 1.800%, 6/1/19

   84,572
  300,000     

Southern Co. (The), 2.450%, 9/1/18

   300,872
     

 

      1,596,386
     

 

  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $27,725,908)

   27,680,430
     

 

Principal
 Amount  
       

    Fair Value   

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 0.8%

  
  

New Jersey — 0.8%

  
  $325,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction Refunding Revenue, Series AA, 5.000%, 12/15/18

   $    333,908
     

 

  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $333,008)

   333,908
     

 

  Shares                
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 3.3%

  
  1,277,778     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(d)

   1,277,778
     

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $1,277,778)

   1,277,778
     

 

 

Total Investments — 99.0%
(Cost $38,789,723)

   38,742,492
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 1.0%

   398,775
     

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $39,141,267
     

 

                

(a)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that 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 floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(c)

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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(d)

Represents the current yield as of report 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 Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

22


Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 Principal  
 Amount  
           Fair Value   
  ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 17.1%   
$ 400,000    

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.110%, 1/8/21

   $ 399,788  
  275,000    

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-3, Class C, 2.730%, 3/8/21

     276,430  
  825,000    

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-2, Class B, 2.210%, 5/10/21

     824,413  
  865,000    

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-4, Class B, 1.830%, 12/8/21

     856,193  
  310,000    

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-4, Class B, 2.360%, 12/19/22

     308,205  
  140,000    

Ameriquest Mortgage Securities, Inc. Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-R6, Class M1, 3.652%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 2.10%), 7/25/34(a)

     140,696  
  800,000    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2014-2A, Class A, 2.500%, 2/20/21(b)

     799,972  
  800,000    

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.500%, 7/20/21(b)

     799,167  
  650,000    

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-3, Class B, 2.430%, 9/21/20

     651,803  
  250,000    

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.390%, 11/20/20

     250,488  
  750,000    

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.890%, 5/20/21

     743,886  
  715,000    

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2017-1, Class B, 2.430%, 5/20/22(b)

     710,809  
  195,930    

Citicorp Residential Mortgage Trust, STEP, Series 2007-2, Class A6, STEP, 5.243%, 6/25/37

     200,323  
  712,596    

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2005-HE1, Class M3, 2.527%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.98%), 5/25/35(a)

     721,676  
  327,884    

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-12, Class MV4, 2.977%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.43%), 3/25/35(a)

     329,341  
  1,200,000    

Enterprise Fleet Financing, LLC, Series 2015-2, Class A3, 2.090%, 2/22/21(b)

     1,199,572  
  385,000    

Hertz Vehicle Financing II LP, Series 2016-3A, Class A, 2.270%, 7/25/20(b)

     383,150  
  349,862    

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp., Series 2005-OPT2, Class M1, 1.982%, (LIBOR USD1-Month plus 0.43%), 12/25/35(a)

     349,850  
  477,866    

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 1.752%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.20%), 1/25/36(a)

     476,125  
  241,646    

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.260%, 6/15/20

     241,733  
  892,000    

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2016-2, Class C, 2.660%, 11/15/21

     894,844  
  303,455    

Sofi Professional Loan Program, LLC, Series 2016-B, Class A1, 2.752%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.20%), 6/25/33(a)(b)

     308,405  
  344,040    

Sofi Professional Loan Program, LLC, Series 2016-E, Class A1, 2.402%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.85%), 7/25/39(a)(b)

     347,230  
  270,000    

Wheels SPV 2, LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A3, 1.870%, 5/20/25(b)

     268,310  
    

 

 

 
 

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $12,458,014)

     12,482,409  
    

 

 

 
 Principal  
 Amount  
           Fair Value   
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
— 3.7%

  
$ 95,695    

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

   $ 98,517  
  42,819    

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

     43,087  
  94,760    

Fannie Mae, Series 2005-67, Class HG, 5.500%, 1/25/35

     97,363  
  780,000    

Fannie Mae, Series 2014-76, Class BC, 3.000%, 5/25/37

     787,595  
  15,315    

Fannie Mae, Series 2009-100, Class PA, 4.500%, 4/25/39

     15,415  
  205,422    

Fannie Mae, Series 2013-72, Class NA, 2.500%, 8/25/42

     205,396  
  24,861    

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

     25,033  
  474,872    

Freddie Mac, Series -4030, Class PD, 3.000%, 6/15/40

     476,951  
  689,733    

Freddie Mac, Series -4100, Class PA, 3.000%, 1/15/42

     691,946  
  183,454    

Ginnie Mae, Series 2013-165, Class PB, 3.000%, 3/20/41

     184,059  
  11,056    

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.897%, 12/18/37(c)

     11,364  
  26,475    

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

     27,583  
    

 

 

 
 

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $2,685,140)

     2,664,309  
    

 

 

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — 6.5%

  
  750,000    

DBUBS Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-LC1A, Class B, 5.471%, 11/10/46(b)(c)

     805,072  
  600,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class A2, 4.592%, 8/10/43(b)

     625,516  
  300,000    

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.148%, 8/10/43(b)

     313,186  
  572,864    

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C19, Class A2, 3.046%, 4/15/47

     578,414  
  850,000    

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C20, Class A2, 2.872%, 7/15/47

     856,082  
  800,000    

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C17, Class A2, 3.119%, 8/15/47

     808,808  
  41,599    

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2008-T29, Class AM, 6.313%, 1/11/43(c)

     41,573  
  247,521    

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class A4, 4.869%, 2/15/44(b)(c)

     262,252  
  382,974    

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class A3, 3.998%, 3/15/44(b)

     386,740  
 

 

Continued

 

23


Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
 Amount  

       

    Fair Value   

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

  
  $    80,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C20, Class A2, 3.036%, 5/15/47

   $     80,693
     

 

  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (Cost $4,870,297)

   4,758,336
     

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS — 69.0%

  
  

Automobiles & Components — 2.6%

  500,000     

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC, 3.200%, 1/15/21

   506,998
  495,000     

General Motors Co., 2.192%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.80%), 8/7/20(a)

   497,964
  400,000     

Hyundai Capital America, 2.500%, 3/18/19(b)

   399,026
  500,000     

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., 2.550%, 3/8/21(b)

   499,422
     

 

      1,903,410
     

 

  

Banks — 16.7%

  
  525,000     

ABN AMRO Bank NV, 2.500%, 10/30/18(b)

   526,784
  400,000     

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd, 2.332%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.87%), 11/23/21(a)(b)

   405,196
  1,275,000     

Bank of America Corp., 2.151%, 11/9/20

   1,269,161
  450,000     

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (The), 2.300%, 3/5/20(b)

   448,379
  400,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, 5.140%, 10/14/20

   423,582
  350,000     

Barclays Bank PLC, 7.750%, 4/10/23(c)

   355,250
  750,000     

BPCE SA, 1.625%, 1/26/18

   749,775
  1,000,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 2.550%, 4/8/19

   1,003,530
  400,000     

Citizens Bank NA, BKNT, 2.300%, 12/3/18

   400,274
  500,000     

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, MTN, 2.250%, 1/14/20

   499,494
  400,000     

Credit Suisse, GMTN, 2.300%, 5/28/19

   400,387
  450,000     

DNB Bank ASA, 2.125%, 10/2/20(b)

   445,716
  500,000     

GE Capital International Funding Co. Unlimited Co., 2.342%, 11/15/20

   497,695
  575,000     

HSBC Bank PLC, 4.125%, 8/12/20(b)

   599,385
  900,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.550%, 3/1/21

   900,476
  500,000     

Macquarie Bank, Ltd., 2.350%, 1/15/19(b)

   500,119
  450,000     

Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., BKNT, 2.046%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.61%), 5/18/22(a)

   452,169
  250,000     

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., 2.623%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.06%), 9/13/21(a)

   253,546
  500,000     

National City Corp., 6.875%, 5/15/19

   530,117
  330,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 4.875%, 1/27/20(b)

   346,666
  485,000     

Royal Bank of Canada, GMTN, 2.500%, 1/19/21

   486,437
  275,000     

SunTrust Bank, BKNT, 2.250%, 1/31/20

   274,576
  400,000     

Wells Fargo & Co., 2.500%, 3/4/21

   399,817
     

 

      12,168,531
     

 

  

Capital Goods — 2.1%

  
  95,000     

Fortive Corp., 1.800%, 6/15/19

   94,314
  400,000     

L3 Technologies, Inc., 5.200%, 10/15/19

   418,966
  500,000     

Roper Technologies, Inc., 3.000%, 12/15/20

   505,950
  525,000     

Textron, Inc., 3.650%, 3/1/21

   540,198
     

 

      1,559,428
     

 

  

Consumer Durables & Apparel — 0.6%

  400,000     

D.R. Horton, Inc., 4.000%, 2/15/20

   411,456
     

 

Principal
 Amount  

            Fair Value   
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
  

Consumer Services — 1.3%

  
  $  500,000     

Carnival Corp., 3.950%, 10/15/20

   $   522,002  
  100,000     

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 2.650%, 11/28/20

     99,926  
  300,000     

United Rentals North America, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23

     310,161  
     

 

 

 
        932,089  
     

 

 

 
  

Diversified Financials — 9.0%

  
  400,000     

AerCap Ireland Capital, DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 4.250%, 7/1/20

     415,066  
  365,000     

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.600%, 5/21/18

     366,095  
  440,000     

American Express Credit Corp., MTN, 2.200%, 3/3/20

     438,668  
  500,000     

Ameriprise Financial, Inc., 5.300%, 3/15/20

     530,386  
  400,000     

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., MTN (The), 2.500%, 4/15/21

     400,901  
  425,000     

Capital One Financial Corp., 1.830%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.45%), 10/30/20(a)

     424,866  
  400,000     

Export-Import Bank of Korea, 2.500%, 11/1/20

     395,716  
  900,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), Series D, 6.000%, 6/15/20

     973,094  
  350,000     

KKR Group Finance Co., LLC, 6.375%, 9/29/20(b)

     384,731  
  1,200,000     

Morgan Stanley, 2.650%, 1/27/20

     1,205,418  
  425,000     

Protective Life Global Funding, 2.161%, 9/25/20(b)

     420,408  
  600,000     

Voya Financial, Inc., 2.900%, 2/15/18

     600,586  
     

 

 

 
        6,555,935  
     

 

 

 
  

Energy — 6.2%

  
  275,000     

Andeavor, 5.375%, 10/1/22

     283,938  
  400,000     

Buckeye Partners LP, 4.875%, 2/1/21

     420,723  
  500,000     

Energy Transfer LP, 4.150%, 10/1/20

     516,323  
  326,000     

EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 2.700%, 4/1/19

     325,708  
  400,000     

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P., 5.300%, 9/15/20

     426,333  
  395,000     

MPLX L.P., 5.500%, 2/15/23

     406,487  
  328,000     

Noble Energy, Inc., 5.625%, 5/1/21

     336,917  
  300,000     

NuStar Logistics LP, 8.400%, 4/15/18

     304,875  
  250,000     

Phillips 66, 2.109%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.75%), 4/15/20(a)(b)

     250,264  
  400,000     

Pioneer Natural Resources Co., 7.500%, 1/15/20

     438,728  
  360,000     

Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, 5.625%, 2/1/21

     385,941  
  425,000     

Western Gas Partners LP, 2.600%, 8/15/18

     425,724  
     

 

 

 
        4,521,961  
     

 

 

 
  

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.3%

  
  250,000     

CVS Health Corp., 2.125%, 6/1/21

     243,977  
     

 

 

 
  

Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 1.0%

  
  340,000     

BAT Capital Corp., 2.297%, 8/14/20(b)

     338,130  
  392,000     

Reynolds American, Inc., 3.250%, 6/12/20

     398,309  
     

 

 

 
        736,439  
     

 

 

 
  

Health Care Equipment & Services — 0.4%

  
  300,000     

Centene Corp., 5.625%, 2/15/21

     308,250  
     

 

 

 
  

Insurance — 9.0%

  
  375,000     

Alleghany Corp., 5.625%, 9/15/20

     402,082  
  261,000     

American International Group, Inc., 2.300%, 7/16/19

     260,804  
 

 

 

Continued

 

24


Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

   Principal    
Amount
      

    Fair Value  

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
  

Insurance — (continued)

 
  $400,000     

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd., 6.000%, 12/15/20

  $    430,177
  450,000     

Athene Global Funding, 2.875%, 10/23/18(b)

  452,369
  350,000     

AXIS Specialty Finance, LLC, 5.875%, 6/1/20

  374,596
  400,000     

Chubb INA Holdings, Inc., 2.300%, 11/3/20

  399,363
  350,000     

Guardian Life Global Funding, 2.000%, 4/26/21(b)

  342,855
  645,000     

Jackson National Life Global Funding, 2.300%, 4/16/19(b)

  646,097
  450,000     

MassMutual Global Funding II, 1.950%, 9/22/20(b)

  444,855
  600,000     

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I, 2.050%, 6/12/20(b)

  595,646
  450,000     

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., 5.375%, 3/25/21(b)

  484,826
  425,000     

New York Life Global Funding, 2.000%, 4/13/21(b)

  419,430
  375,000     

Ohio National Financial Services, Inc., 6.375%, 4/30/20(b)

  403,661
  500,000     

Pricoa Global Funding I, 2.200%, 5/16/19(b)

  500,194
  400,000     

Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., 5.000%, 6/1/21

  427,720
    

 

     6,584,675
    

 

  

Materials — 2.2%

 
  505,000     

EI du Pont de Nemours & Co., 2.200%, 5/1/20

  504,555
  186,000     

Glencore Funding, LLC, 2.500%, 1/15/19(b)

  186,121
  350,000     

Packaging Corp. of America, 2.450%, 12/15/20

  350,491
  180,000     

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The), 2.250%, 5/15/20

  179,397
  400,000     

Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.625%, 2/15/21

  410,000
    

 

     1,630,564
    

 

  

Media — 2.2%

 
  280,000     

Cablevision Systems Corp., 7.750%, 4/15/18

  283,500
  500,000     

Charter Communications Operating, LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 3.579%, 7/23/20

  509,321
  250,000     

Discovery Communications, LLC, 2.200%, 9/20/19

  248,845
  400,000     

Omnicom Group, Inc., 6.250%, 7/15/19

  422,871
  96,000     

Univision Communications, Inc., 6.750%, 9/15/22(b)

  99,720
    

 

     1,564,257
    

 

  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences — 1.5%

  250,000     

AbbVie, Inc., 2.300%, 5/14/21

  248,173
  350,000     

Allergan Funding SCS, 3.000%, 3/12/20

  353,149
  500,000     

Celgene Corp., 2.875%, 8/15/20

  504,660
    

 

     1,105,982
    

 

  

Real Estate — 4.0%

 
  400,000     

American Tower Corp., REIT, 5.050%, 9/1/20

  424,114
  400,000     

AvalonBay Communities, Inc., 1.846%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.43%), 1/15/21(a)

  400,281
  400,000     

ERP Operating L.P., REIT, 4.750%, 7/15/20

  421,640
  430,000     

HCP, Inc., REIT, 2.625%, 2/1/20

  431,542
  71,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 4.625%, 9/15/20

  72,065
  154,000     

Scentre Group Trust 1 / Scentre Group Trust 2, REIT, 2.375%, 11/5/19(b)

  153,670
  525,000     

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., REIT, 4.000%, 4/30/19

  534,550
   Principal    
Amount
       

    Fair Value  

 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
  

Real Estate — (continued)

 
  $475,000     

WEA Finance, LLC / Westfield UK & Europe Finance PLC, REIT, 2.700%, 9/17/19(b)

  $    477,565
    

 

     2,915,427
    

 

  

Retailing — 0.5%

 
  325,000     

Family Dollar Stores, Inc., 5.000%, 2/1/21

  344,500
    

 

  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.3%

  555,000     

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 2.375%, 1/15/20(b)

  551,247
  400,000     

NXP BV / NXP Funding, LLC, 4.125%, 6/15/20(b)

  409,612
    

 

     960,859
    

 

  

Software & Services — 1.5%

 
  125,000     

DXC Technology Co., 2.875%, 3/27/20

  125,608
  400,000     

DXC Technology Co., 2.431%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.95%), 3/1/21(a)

  400,979
  557,000     

VMware, Inc., 2.300%, 8/21/20

  553,842
    

 

     1,080,429
    

 

  

Technology Hardware & Equipment — 0.6%

  447,000     

Harris Corp., 2.700%, 4/27/20

  448,797
    

 

  

Telecommunication Services — 1.6%

 
  400,000     

AT&T, Inc., 2.450%, 6/30/20

  399,562
  500,000     

Deutsche Telekom International Finance BV, 2.225%, 1/17/20(b)

  497,622
  271,875     

Sprint Spectrum Co., LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.360%, 9/20/21(b)

  273,574
    

 

     1,170,758
    

 

  

Transportation — 0.7%

 
  500,000     

Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.350%, 2/26/19

  500,468
    

 

  

Utilities — 3.7%

 
  167,000     

CMS Energy Corp., 8.750%, 6/15/19

  181,717
  500,000     

Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.579%, 7/1/20

  500,209
  500,000     

Dominion Energy, Inc., Series A, 1.875%, 1/15/19

  498,500
  500,000     

Exelon Generation Co., LLC, 2.950%, 1/15/20

  505,088
  475,000     

Pennsylvania Electric Co., 5.200%, 4/1/20

  501,347
  500,000     

Southern Power Co., 2.375%, 6/1/20

  498,899
    

 

     2,685,760
    

 

  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $50,499,024)

  50,333,952
    

 

 

 

Continued

 

25


Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 Principal  
 Amount  
            Fair Value   
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 2.4%

  
  

California — 0.8%

  
  $575,000     

University of California Revenue, Refunding, Taxable, Series AS, 1.490%, 5/15/20

   $    566,024
     

 

  

New Jersey — 1.2%

  
  525,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction Refunding Revenue, Series AA, 5.000%, 12/15/18

   539,390
  325,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 4.521%, 6/15/21

   333,432
     

 

      872,822
     

 

  

Puerto Rico — 0.4%

  
  325,000     

Puerto Rico Municipal Finance Agency, Public Improvements, G.O., Series A, Callable 8/7/17 @ 100 (AGM, Government GTD), 5.250%, 8/1/18

   326,100
     

 

  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $1,775,033)

   1,764,946
     

 

  Shares    

       

    Fair Value   

 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.8%

  
  583,328     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(d)

   583,328
     

 

  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $583,328)

   583,328
     

 

Total Investments — 99.5%
(Cost $72,870,836)

   $ 72,587,280  

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.5%

     400,468  
  

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $ 72,987,748  
  

 

 

 

                    

(a)

The interest rate for this floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that 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)

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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(d)

Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

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 Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

26


Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  
Amount
      

    Fair Value   

 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 1.6%

 
  

Asset Backed Securities — 1.6%

 
  $215,425     

United States Small Business Administration,

 
  

Series 2015-20G, Class 1, 2.880%, 7/1/35

  $  217,492
  97,140     

United States Small Business Administration,

 
  

Series 2015-20H, Class 1, 2.820%, 8/1/35

  97,988
    

 

  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $312,565)

  315,480
    

 

 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
— 3.4%

 
  419,407     

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

  426,291
  44,312     

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

  44,418
  212,865     

Freddie Mac, Series 4648, Class E, 3.500%, 8/15/43

  217,361
    

 

  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $688,048)

  688,070
    

 

 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — 6.2%

 
  140,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K049, Class A2, 3.010%, 7/25/25

  142,563
  220,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series KS07, Class A2, 2.735%, 9/25/25

  218,446
  210,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K060, Class A2, 3.300%, 10/25/26

  217,581
  210,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K061, Class A2, 3.347%, 11/25/26(a)

  218,356
  210,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K063, Class A2, 3.430%, 1/25/27(a)

  219,589
  160,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K069, Class A2, 3.187%, 9/25/27(a)

  164,068
  79,545     

FRESB Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-SB23, Class A5H, 1.980%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 2.12%), 9/25/36(b)

  77,897
    

 

  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $1,257,632)

  1,258,500
    

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS — 5.3%

 
  

Automobiles & Components — 0.9%

 
  180,000     

American Honda Finance Corp., MTN, 1.700%, 2/22/19

  179,260
    

 

  

Banks — 2.0%

 
  200,000     

State Street Corp., 2.550%, 8/18/20

  201,327
  200,000     

Wells Fargo & Co., GMTN, 2.600%, 7/22/20

  201,232
    

 

  

Diversified Financials — 2.4%

 
  500,000     

Morgan Stanley, 2.125%, 4/25/18

  500,260
    

 

  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $1,078,213)

  1,082,079
    

 

  Principal  
Amount
      

    Fair Value   

 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 10.0%

 
  

Fannie Mae — 5.7%

 
  $746,421     

3.587%, 9/1/20, Pool #FN0000

  $  768,601
  177,490     

4.000%, 12/1/36, Pool #MA2856

  187,514
  195,747     

4.000%, 2/1/37, Pool #MA2914

 

206,546

    

1,162,661

  

Freddie Mac — 3.8%

 
  347,235     

4.000%, 12/1/35, Pool #C91860

  367,966
  386,130     

3.500%, 6/1/36, Pool #C91875

 

401,163

    

769,129

  

Ginnie Mae — 0.5%

 
  102,185     

5.000%, 11/20/38, Pool #4283

 

105,397

  

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $2,013,744)

 

2,037,187

 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 3.9%

 
  

California — 0.1%

 
  20,000     

State Of California, Refunding G.O., Taxable, 6.200%, 10/1/19

 

21,435

  

New York — 2.2%

 
  400,000     

New York City Water & Sewer System, Build America Bonds, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Taxable, Series DD, Callable 6/15/20 @ 100, 6.452%, 6/15/41

 

438,504

  

North Carolina — 1.3%

 
  250,000     

Durham County, NC, Build America Bonds, Public Improvements G.O., Taxable, Series B, Callable 10/1/20 @ 100, 4.845%, 10/1/29

 

266,997

  

Texas — 0.3%

 
  60,000     

Bexar County, TX, Build America Bonds, Public Improvements G.O., Taxable, Series C, Callable 6/15/19 @ 100, 6.628%, 6/15/39

 

63,966

  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $807,492)

 

790,902

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES — 33.6%

 
  

Fannie Mae — 12.5%

 
  500,000     

1.875%, 9/24/26

  471,319
  1,000,000     

6.250%, 5/15/29

  1,336,907
  500,000     

7.125%, 1/15/30

  720,277
    

 

     2,528,503
    

 

  

Federal Farm Credit Bank — 13.6%

 
  2,000,000     

4.670%, 2/27/18

  2,010,608
  500,000     

2.720%, 4/3/24

  498,513
  250,000     

3.480%, 9/11/30

 

250,597

    

2,759,718

  

Freddie Mac — 7.5%

 
  500,000     

4.875%, 6/13/18

  507,253
  500,000     

1.500%, 3/30/21, STEP

  497,792
  500,000     

2.375%, 1/13/22

 

504,495

    

1,509,540

  

Total U.S. Government Agencies
(Cost $6,681,840)

 

6,797,761

 

U.S. TREASURY NOTES — 34.8%

 
  100,000     

1.000%, 5/15/18

  99,859
  526,340     

0.125%, 4/15/19

  525,158

 

 

 

Continued

 

27


Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 Principal  
 Amount  
            Fair Value   
 

U.S. TREASURY NOTES — (continued)

  
  $   100,000     

1.250%, 4/30/19

   $     99,207
  700,000     

2.125%, 8/31/20

   703,227
  750,000     

2.000%, 2/28/21

   749,561
  1,000,000     

3.125%, 5/15/21

   1,034,688
  285,000     

1.625%, 8/15/22

   278,343
  535,000     

2.000%, 2/15/23

   529,504
  1,000,000     

2.750%, 2/15/24

   1,026,250
  500,000     

2.125%, 5/15/25

   492,363
  280,000     

2.000%, 8/15/25

   272,967
  500,000     

2.250%, 11/15/25

   495,605
  500,000     

1.625%, 2/15/26

   472,188
  90,000     

1.500%, 8/15/26

   83,735
  200,000     

2.000%, 11/15/26

   193,555
     

 

  

Total U.S. Treasury Notes
(Cost $7,208,118)

     7,056,210
     

 

  Shares  

            Fair Value   
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.2%

  
  235,664     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

   $ 235,664  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $235,664)

     235,664  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $20,283,316)

     20,261,853  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.0%

     (6,094
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

   $ 20,255,759  
     

 

 

 

 

                    

(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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.
(b) The interest rate for this floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

G.O. — General Obligation

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

MTN — Medium Term Note

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

28


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 14.9%

 
  $1,835,000     

Aegis Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-5, Class 1A4, 1.902%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.35%), 12/25/35(a)

   $ 1,815,807  
  2,038,784     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2014-4, Class B, 1.870%, 12/9/19

     2,038,822  
  4,120,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2015-1, Class B, 1.880%, 3/9/20

     4,119,260  
  4,000,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.800%, 10/8/21

     3,973,278  
  4,565,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-4, Class B, 1.830%, 12/8/21

     4,518,522  
  4,600,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-4, Class B, 2.360%, 12/19/22

     4,573,370  
  547,701     

Argent Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-W3, Class A2D, 1.892%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.34%), 11/25/35(a)

     547,115  
  4,000,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2015-1A, Class A, 2.500%, 7/20/21(b)

     3,995,836  
  6,000,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2016-1A, Class A, 2.990%, 6/20/22(b)

     6,037,264  
  7,060,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 3.070%, 9/20/23(b)

     7,112,435  
  1,061,000     

BA Credit Card Trust, Series 2014-A1, Class A, 1.857%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.38%), 6/15/21(a)

     1,063,963  
  2,320,000     

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2004-BO1, Class M5, 2.952%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.40%), 10/25/34(a)

     2,344,442  
  2,500,000     

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A4, 1.690%, 3/20/21

     2,481,696  
  4,110,000     

Capital Auto Receivables Asset Trust, Series 2016-3, Class B, 1.890%, 5/20/21

     4,076,493  
  8,679,000     

Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust, Series 2016-A1, Class A1, 1.927%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.45%), 2/15/22(a)

     8,720,102  
  7,340,000     

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2016-A4, Class A4, 1.490%, 7/15/22

     7,213,624  
  2,478,000     

Chase Issuance Trust, Series 2014-A2, Class A2, 2.770%, 3/15/23

     2,514,371  
  6,500,000     

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2017-A5, Class A5, 2.155%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.62%), 4/22/26(a)

     6,574,478  
  9,000,000     

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2017-A6, Class A6, 2.242%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.77%), 5/14/29(a)

     9,084,458  
  2,175,000     

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2007-A3, Class A3, 6.150%, 6/15/39

     2,907,832  
  1,236,424     

Citicorp Residential Mortgage Trust, STEP, Series 2007-2, Class A6, 5.243%, 6/25/37

     1,264,146  
  1,522,588     

Countrywide Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-12, Class MV4, 2.977%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.43%), 3/25/35(a)

     1,529,355  
  3,210,000     

Discover Card Execution Note Trust, Series 2014-A4, Class A4, 2.120%, 12/15/21

     3,211,537  
  9,200,000     

Discover Card Execution Note Trust, Series 2017-A4, Class A4, 2.530%, 10/15/26

     9,170,489  
  8,540,000     

Discover Card Execution Note Trust, Series 2017-A5, Class A5, 2.077%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.60%), 12/15/26(a)

     8,634,439  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

 
  $6,360,000     

Encore Credit Receivables Trust, Series 2005-4, Class M2, 1.992%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.44%), 1/25/36(a)

   $ 6,326,918  
  3,075,000     

Enterprise Fleet Financing, LLC, Series 2017-1, Class A3, 2.600%, 7/20/22(b)

     3,090,635  
  6,034,000     

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, Series 2014-2, Class A, 2.310%, 4/15/26(b)

     6,042,892  
  4,200,000     

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, Series 2015-1, Class A, 2.120%, 7/15/26(b)

     4,191,435  
  9,595,000     

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, Series 2017-2, Class A, 2.360%, 3/15/29(b)

     9,507,957  
  1,270,733     

GSAMP Trust, Series 2006-SEA1, Class M1, 2.052%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.50%), 5/25/36(a)(b)

     1,254,066  
  1,823,520     

Home Equity Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Trust, Series 2005-B, Class M3, 2.042%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.49%),
8/25/35(a)

     1,820,167  
  2,908,039     

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp., Series 2005-OPT1, Class M2, 2.257%, (LIBOR USD1-Month plus 0.71%), 6/25/35(a)

     2,911,103  
  2,634,299     

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 1.752%, (LIBOR USD1-Month plus 0.20%), 1/25/36(a)

     2,624,704  
  982,845     

New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2003-4, Class M1, 2.677%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.13%), 10/25/33(a)

     961,848  
  3,550,000     

Park Place Securities, Inc., Series 2005-WHQ2, Class M2, 2.242%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.69%), 5/25/35(a)

     3,559,756  
  2,680,000     

RAMP Trust, Series 2005-RZ4, Class M2, 2.052%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.50%), 11/25/35(a)

     2,670,183  
  595,440     

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-3, Class B, 2.070%, 4/15/20

     595,582  
  4,052,398     

Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2015-4, Class B, 2.260%, 6/15/20

     4,053,865  
  3,582,922     

Saxon Asset Securities Trust, Series 2004-3, Class M1, 2.452%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.90%), 12/26/34(a)

     3,533,159  
  2,008,761     

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables, LLC Trust, Series 2005-OP2, Class A2C, 1.872%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.32%), 10/25/35(a)

     2,008,026  
  1,474,913     

Sofi Professional Loan Program, LLC, Series 2016-E, Class A1, 2.402%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.85%), 7/25/39(a)(b)

     1,488,588  
  3,399,895     

United States Small Business Administration, Series 2015-20H, Class 1, 2.820%, 8/1/35

     3,429,595  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $168,011,038)

     169,593,613  
     

 

 

 
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — 6.6%


 
  383,171     

Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-5, Class 4A1, 3.485%, 4/25/35(c)

     376,798  
  471,240     

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-10, Class 1CB1, 6.000%, 11/25/34

     495,140  
  1,560,312     

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2005-B, Class 3A1, 1.731%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.23%), 4/20/35(a)

     1,553,510  
 

 

Continued

 

29


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)


 
$      647,531     

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2006-2, Class 3A1, 6.000%, 3/25/36

   $ 655,460  
  111,307     

Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 1A24, 5.500%, 4/25/35

     112,625  
  65,073     

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-NCM2, Class 3CB2, 6.500%, 8/25/19

     65,816  
  545,459     

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

     561,545  
  132,453     

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A4, 5.750%, 4/25/34

     135,934  
  16,027     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-2, Class 4A1, 5.250%, 2/25/20

     16,003  
  420,792     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-1, Class 2A1, 6.500%, 2/25/34

     449,548  
  3,112     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-6, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 7/25/35

     3,128  
  922,894     

Fannie Mae, Series 2013-133, Class AV, 4.000%, 12/25/26

     970,006  
  1,796,586     

Fannie Mae, Series 2014-39, Class VP, 3.000%, 8/25/27

     1,814,088  
  2,193,943     

Fannie Mae, Series 2011-38, Class D, 4.500%, 5/25/41

     2,354,190  
  2,725,480     

FirstKey Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A12, 3.500%, 11/25/44(b)(c)

     2,765,940  
  1,231,971     

Freddie Mac, Series -3768, Class V, 4.000%, 11/15/23

     1,283,426  
  2,480,491     

Freddie Mac, Series -4387, Class VM, 4.000%, 11/15/25

     2,600,387  
  1,745,243     

Freddie Mac, Series -4287, Class V, 4.500%, 10/15/26

     1,872,410  
  394,400     

Freddie Mac, Series -4136, Class HZ, 3.500%, 11/15/27

     403,260  
  2,612,987     

Freddie Mac, Series -4331, Class V, 4.000%, 11/15/28

     2,745,744  
  10,000,000     

Freddie Mac, Series -4655, Class GV, 3.500%, 12/15/36

     10,254,302  
  5,500,000     

Freddie Mac, Series -4657, Class VT, 3.500%, 6/15/37

     5,603,238  
  1,470,217     

Freddie Mac, Series -3632, Class PK, 5.000%, 2/15/40

     1,591,234  
  2,523,205     

Freddie Mac, Series -4077, Class PJ, 3.500%, 11/15/40

     2,595,201  
  819,000     

Freddie Mac, Series -3762, Class LN, 4.000%, 11/15/40

     878,691  
  4,694,498     

Freddie Mac, Series -4100, Class PA, 3.000%, 1/15/42

     4,709,556  
  1,738,578     

Freddie Mac, Series -4328, Class KD, 3.000%, 8/15/43

     1,764,142  
  10,055,747     

Freddie Mac, Series -4648, Class E, 3.500%, 8/15/43

     10,268,131  
  4,654,254     

Freddie Mac, Series -4710, Class GA, 3.000%, 3/15/44

     4,667,000  
  4,724,849     

Freddie Mac, Series -4654, Class KA, 3.000%, 6/15/45

     4,779,323  
  546,651     

Ginnie Mae, Series 2008-51, Class PG, 5.000%, 6/20/38

     585,590  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)


 
  $   741,218     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2003-5, Class 8A1, 5.500%, 6/25/33

   $ 754,639  
  669,220     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 1/25/35

     663,899  
  78,834     

MASTR Seasoned Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.130%, 10/25/32

     78,957  
  106,310     

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.897%, 12/18/37(c)

     109,269  
  7,304     

RAAC Trust, Series 2004-SP3, Class AI5, 4.890%, 12/25/32(c)

     7,395  
  617,550     

RAAC Trust, STEP, Series 2004-SP1, Class AI3, STEP, 6.118%, 3/25/34

     631,580  
  619,907     

RALI Trust, Series 2005-QR1, Class A, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     631,604  
  339,557     

Residential Asset Securitization Trust, Series 2004-IP2, Class 4A, 3.544%, 12/25/34(c)

     337,605  
  546,914     

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Trust, Series 2004-AA1, Class 1A1, 5.000%, 10/25/34

     548,065  
  542,416     

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-6, Class 4A1, 3.538%, 6/25/34(c)

     545,819  
  50,147     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-3, Class 3A1, 5.500%, 4/25/22

     51,079  
  516,714     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2004-BB, Class A2, 3.718%, 1/25/35(c)

     518,962  
  129,249     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-4, Class A4, 5.000%, 4/25/35

     129,617  
  869,454     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-AR16, Class 6A3, 3.446%, 10/25/35(c)

     874,194  
  85,303     

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

     88,872  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
(Cost $75,052,304)

     74,902,922  
     

 

 

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — 13.1%


 
  4,842,000     

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD2, Class A4, 3.526%, 11/10/49(c)

     4,998,491  
  2,868,000     

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-C7, Class A3, 3.839%, 12/10/54

     2,994,254  
  1,540,000     

CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust 2016-C4, Series 2016-C4, Class A2, 2.707%, 5/10/58

     1,543,911  
  1,500,000     

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-P7, Class A4, 3.712%, 4/14/50

     1,566,811  
  1,000,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2012-CR1, Class AM, 3.912%, 5/15/45

     1,035,022  
  3,545,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-CR12, Class A4, 4.046%, 10/10/46

     3,765,051  
  892,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-CR16, Class A4, 4.051%, 4/10/47

     945,713  
  1,208,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-LC17, Class A5, 3.917%, 10/10/47

     1,273,821  
  1,344,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-CR20, Class A4, 3.590%, 11/10/47

     1,391,552  
  8,030,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-COR2, Class A3, 3.510%, 9/10/50

     8,284,468  
 

 

Continued

 

30


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)


 
  $   735,790     

Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2008-LS1, Class ASM, 6.077%, 12/10/49(c)

   $ 734,804  
  1,900,000     

DBUBS Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-LC1A, Class C, 5.698%, 11/10/46(b)(c)

     2,035,490  
  6,795,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -KS07, Class A2, 2.735%, 9/25/25

     6,747,015  
  6,400,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K063, Class A2, 3.430%, 1/25/27(c)

     6,692,224  
  6,410,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K064, Class A2, 3.224%, 3/25/27(c)

     6,605,485  
  3,350,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K068, Class A2, 3.244%, 8/25/27

     3,450,912  
  3,920,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K069, Class A2, 3.187%, 9/25/27(c)

     4,019,672  
  3,800,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series -K153, Class A3, 3.117%, 10/25/31(c)

     3,779,000  
  5,590,607     

FRESB Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-SB37, Class A10F, 2.750%, 7/25/27(c)

     5,512,427  
  2,028,403     

FRESB Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-SB23, Class A5H, 1.980%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 2.12%), 9/25/36(a)

     1,986,385  
  3,000,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.148%, 8/10/43(b)

     3,131,857  
  2,524,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series
2014-GC24, Class A5, 3.931%, 9/10/47

     2,674,769  
  2,044,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS4, Class A4, 3.442%, 11/10/49(c)

     2,099,949  
  1,680,000     

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2013-C10, Class AS, 3.372%, 12/15/47

     1,694,489  
  1,702,000     

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-JP4, Class A4, 3.648%, 12/15/49(c)

     1,772,301  
  1,397,000     

JPMBB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-C23, Class A5, 3.934%, 9/15/47

     1,474,985  
  4,200,000     

JPMCC Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2017-JP5, Series 2017-JP5, Class A5, 3.723%, 3/15/50

     4,399,322  
  4,000,000     

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.951%, 6/15/43(b)

     3,981,989  
  4,000,000     

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class B, 5.013%, 2/15/46(b)(c)

     4,190,809  
  66,837     

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series 2008-C1, Class AM, 6.448%, 2/12/51(c)

     67,013  
  157,004     

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2013-C9, Class A2, 1.970%, 5/15/46

     156,891  
  660,000     

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C18, Class A4, 3.923%, 10/15/47

     697,190  
  5,834,000     

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C32, Class A4, 3.720%, 12/15/49

     6,102,828  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)


 
  $   153,070     

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2008-T29, Class AM, 6.313%, 1/11/43(c)

   $ 152,974  
  4,000,000     

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2011-C1, Class B, 5.426%, 9/15/47(b)(c)

     4,306,355  
  640,000     

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series 2011-C1, Class C, 5.426%, 9/15/47(b)(c)

     683,283  
  2,562,000     

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust, Series
2016-BNK2, Class A4, 3.049%, 11/15/49

     2,551,901  
  10,000,000     

Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., Series 2017-HR2, Class A4, 3.587%, 12/15/50

     10,312,442  
  2,500,000     

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class A2, 4.393%, 11/15/43(b)

     2,615,158  
  3,156,000     

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-P2, Class A4, 3.809%, 12/15/48

     3,321,543  
  9,642,000     

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-C40, Class A4, 3.581%, 10/15/50

     9,985,030  
  816,820     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class A4, 4.869%, 2/15/44(b)(c)

     865,433  
  2,000,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class B, 5.174%, 2/15/44(b)(c)

     2,102,892  
  4,205,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class A4, 4.375%, 3/15/44(b)

     4,413,432  
  1,250,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2012-C8, Class AS, 3.660%, 8/15/45

     1,281,422  
  3,716,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C22, Class A5, 3.752%, 9/15/57

     3,883,171  
  1,008,000     

WFRBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C23, Class A5, 3.917%, 10/15/57

     1,064,252  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed

Securities

(Cost $150,725,923)

     149,346,188  
     

 

 

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS — 39.2%

  
   Automobiles & Components — 1.0%   
  3,653,000     

American Honda Finance Corp., MTN, 1.633%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.27%), 7/20/20(a)

     3,660,870  
  1,556,000     

Ford Motor Co., 7.450%, 7/16/31

     2,034,023  
  2,854,000     

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.200%, 7/6/21

     2,881,858  
  2,695,000     

Hyundai Capital America, 2.400%,
10/30/18(b)

     2,692,397  
     

 

 

 
        11,269,148  
     

 

 

 
   Banks — 7.2%   
  3,278,000     

Associated Banc-Corp., 2.750%, 11/15/19

     3,289,137  
  1,839,000     

Bank of America Corp., 2.399%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.04%), 1/15/19(a)

     1,854,263  
  4,875,000     

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 6.875%, 4/25/18

     4,949,476  
  1,788,000     

Bank of America Corp., MTN, 5.875%, 2/7/42

     2,367,597  
  2,715,000     

Bank of America Corp., Series K,
8.000%,(c)(d)

     2,724,231  
  2,993,000     

Bank of Nova Scotia (The), BKNT, 2.450%, 3/22/21

     2,994,938  
  2,567,000     

Barclays PLC, 4.337%, 1/10/28

     2,656,755  
  2,500,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 3.116%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.70%), 5/15/18(a)

     2,513,595  
  3,819,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 2.522%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.10%), 5/17/24(a)

     3,877,745  
  2,715,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 4.400%, 6/10/25

     2,865,775  
  2,908,000     

Citizens Bank NA, BKNT, 2.272%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.81%), 5/26/22(a)

     2,920,952  
 

 

Continued

 

31


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
   Banks — (continued)   
  $2,810,000     

Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, 3.950%, 11/9/22

   $ 2,929,702  
  2,256,000     

Credit Suisse, MTN, 3.625%, 9/9/24

     2,334,377  
  2,785,000     

Huntington National Bank (The), 2.000%, 6/30/18

     2,786,045  
  3,284,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2.161%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.68%), 6/1/21(a)

     3,302,467  
  3,429,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.875%, 9/10/24

     3,576,868  
  4,580,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 4.260%, 2/22/48(c)

     4,957,198  
  2,902,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Series 1,
7.900%,(c)(d)

     2,938,275  
  2,000,000     

KeyBank NA, BKNT, 2.500%, 12/15/19

     2,005,898  
  2,836,000     

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 2.907%,
11/7/23(c)

     2,811,697  
  3,027,000     

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., 2.950%, 3/1/21

     3,054,624  
  510,000     

National City Corp., 6.875%, 5/15/19

     540,720  
  3,409,000     

Nordea Bank AB, 1.947%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.47%), 5/29/20(a)(b)

     3,423,665  
  1,450,000     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 4.700%, 7/3/18

     1,464,705  
  2,933,000     

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., 2.934%, 3/9/21

     2,960,771  
  2,592,000     

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), 2.063%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.65%), 8/13/19(a)

     2,610,608  
  3,360,000     

Toronto-Dominion Bank (The), 3.625%, 9/15/31(c)

     3,351,333  
  1,856,000     

Wells Fargo & Co., 1.974%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.40%), 9/14/18(a)

     1,858,770  
  2,112,000     

Westpac Banking Corp., GMTN, 4.322%, 11/23/31(c)

     2,176,020  
     

 

 

 
        82,098,207  
     

 

 

 
   Capital Goods — 1.9%  
  3,504,000     

Allegion U.S. Holding Co., Inc., 3.200%, 10/1/24

     3,462,828  
  2,021,000     

General Electric Co., Series D, 5.000%,(c)(d)

     2,082,843  
  2,640,000     

H&E Equipment Services, Inc., 5.625%, 9/1/25(b)

     2,758,800  
  2,162,000     

Keysight Technologies, Inc., 4.600%, 4/6/27

     2,275,496  
  2,381,000     

L3 Technologies, Inc., 3.850%, 12/15/26

     2,448,396  
  2,144,000     

Meritor, Inc., 6.250%, 2/15/24

     2,256,560  
  2,617,000     

RBS Global, Inc. / Rexnord, LLC, 4.875%, 12/15/25(b)

     2,643,170  
  1,245,000     

SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/8/19(b)

     1,247,992  
  2,023,000     

Textron, Inc., 3.650%, 3/1/21

     2,081,563  
     

 

 

 
        21,257,648  
     

 

 

 
   Commercial & Professional Services — 0.7%  
  2,783,000     

IHS Markit, Ltd., 4.000%, 3/1/26(b)

     2,779,521  
  1,400,000     

Republic Services, Inc., 3.550%, 6/1/22

     1,443,217  
  1,392,000     

Waste Management, Inc., 4.100%, 3/1/45

     1,494,814  
  1,913,000     

WPP Finance 2010, 3.625%, 9/7/22

     1,970,997  
     

 

 

 
        7,688,549  
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Durables & Apparel — 0.6%  
  2,647,000     

Cintas Corp. No 2, 3.700%, 4/1/27

     2,754,269  
  2,165,000     

NVR, Inc., 3.950%, 9/15/22

     2,260,080  
  2,001,000     

Tapestry, Inc., 4.125%, 7/15/27

     2,016,218  
     

 

 

 
        7,030,567  
     

 

 

 
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
   Consumer Services — 0.5%  
  $2,778,000     

Service Corp. International, 4.625%, 12/15/27

   $ 2,818,614  
  2,665,000     

United Rentals North America, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23

     2,755,264  
     

 

 

 
        5,573,878  
     

 

 

 
   Diversified Financials — 2.9%  
  1,928,000     

AerCap Ireland Capital, DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 4.250%, 7/1/20

     2,000,619  
  2,398,000     

Ally Financial, Inc., 3.600%, 5/21/18

     2,405,194  
  2,651,000     

American Express Credit Corp., MTN, 1.715%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.33%),
5/3/19(a)

     2,656,124  
  2,609,000     

Blackstone Holdings Finance Co., LLC, 4.450%, 7/15/45(b)

     2,800,502  
  6,820,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 2.523%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.16%),
4/23/20(a)

     6,925,077  
  2,577,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 6.250%, 2/1/41

     3,472,761  
  2,568,000     

Jefferies Group, LLC / Jefferies Group Capital Finance, Inc., 4.850%, 1/15/27

     2,730,137  
  4,819,000     

Morgan Stanley, 2.750%, 5/19/22

     4,801,311  
  2,732,000     

Morgan Stanley, 4.375%, 1/22/47

     2,994,769  
  2,606,000     

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp., 4.750%, 4/30/43(c)

     2,728,624  
     

 

 

 
        33,515,118  
     

 

 

 
   Energy — 3.0%  
  2,071,000     

Andeavor, 5.375%, 10/1/22

     2,138,308  
  1,716,000     

Andeavor Logistics L.P. / Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp., 5.200%, 12/1/47

     1,789,712  
  2,200,000     

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC, 5.125%, 6/30/27

     2,275,680  
  1,968,000     

Diamondback Energy, Inc., 4.750%, 11/1/24

     1,975,380  
  3,183,000     

Enable Midstream Partners L.P., 3.900%, 5/15/24

     3,202,297  
  2,633,000     

Energy Transfer LP/Regency Energy Finance Corp., 5.000%, 10/1/22

     2,806,702  
  2,463,000     

Energy Transfer Partners L.P., Series A, 6.250%,(c)(d)

     2,392,189  
  2,540,000     

EnLink Midstream Partners LP, 5.050%, 4/1/45

     2,508,784  
  1,180,000     

Enterprise Products Operating, LLC, 5.950%, 2/1/41

     1,456,419  
  1,010,000     

Hess Corp., 7.875%, 10/1/29

     1,259,187  
  2,384,000     

HollyFrontier Corp., 5.875%, 4/1/26

     2,652,528  
  856,000     

NuStar Logistics LP, 8.400%, 4/15/18

     869,910  
  700,000     

Occidental Petroleum Corp., 4.100%, 2/15/47

     744,086  
  3,182,000     

ONEOK, Inc., 7.500%, 9/1/23

     3,786,803  
  2,420,000     

Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, 5.625%, 3/1/25

     2,669,282  
  1,212,000     

Shell International Finance BV, 4.550%, 8/12/43

     1,378,515  
     

 

 

 
        33,905,782  
     

 

 

 
   Food & Staples Retailing — 0.2%  
  2,013,000     

Reynolds American, Inc., 5.850%, 8/15/45

     2,513,773  
     

 

 

 
   Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 0.8%  
  2,087,000     

Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance, Inc., 4.900%, 2/1/46

     2,418,810  
  2,465,000     

Cott Holdings, Inc., 5.500%, 4/1/25(b)

     2,532,787  
  1,970,000     

PepsiCo, Inc., 3.450%, 10/6/46

     1,911,162  
 

 

Continued

 

32


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
   Food, Beverage & Tobacco — (continued)  
  $2,750,000     

Post Holdings, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/28(b)

   $ 2,764,575  
     

 

 

 
        9,627,334  
     

 

 

 
   Health Care Equipment & Services — 0.5%  
  1,754,000     

Boston Scientific Corp., 3.375%, 5/15/22

     1,781,127  
  3,431,000     

Magellan Health, Inc., 4.400%, 9/22/24

     3,453,331  
     

 

 

 
        5,234,458  
     

 

 

 
   Insurance — 5.0%   
  575,000     

Alleghany Corp., 4.900%, 9/15/44

     622,109  
  4,350,000     

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., 5.000%, 6/15/27

     4,507,454  
  2,424,000     

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd., 4.650%, 11/15/23

     2,577,816  
  2,028,000     

Athene Global Funding, 2.750%, 4/20/20(b)

     2,029,022  
  2,561,000     

Brighthouse Financial, Inc., 4.700%,
6/22/47(b)

     2,612,563  
  3,192,000     

CBRE Services, Inc., 5.250%, 3/15/25

     3,510,943  
  1,960,000     

Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co., Ltd. (The), 5.100%,(b)(c)(d)

     2,067,800  
  2,585,000     

Horace Mann Educators Corp., 4.500%, 12/1/25

     2,693,620  
  2,680,000     

KKR Group Finance Co. III, LLC, 5.125%, 6/1/44(b)

     2,970,789  
  1,750,000     

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 7.800%,
3/15/37(b)

     2,227,750  
  2,432,000     

Manulife Financial Corp., 4.061%, 2/24/32(c)

     2,450,346  
  288,000     

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., 8.875%, 6/1/39(b)

     477,264  
  2,000,000     

Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co., 5.200%, 10/20/45(b)(c)

     2,140,000  
  1,000,000     

MetLife, Inc., 7.717%, 2/15/19

     1,062,522  
  3,140,000     

Nuveen Finance, LLC, 2.950%, 11/1/19(b)

     3,170,020  
  2,205,000     

Ohio National Life Insurance Co., 6.875%, 6/15/42(b)

     2,939,370  
  1,715,000     

Oil Insurance, Ltd., 4.677%,(b)(c)(d)

     1,648,544  
  1,825,000     

Prudential Financial, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/38(c)

     1,874,731  
  1,847,000     

RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc., 3.450%, 7/1/27

     1,817,380  
  3,449,000     

Sammons Financial Group, Inc., 4.450%, 5/12/27(b)

     3,537,108  
  2,049,000     

Symetra Financial Corp., 4.250%, 7/15/24

     2,080,374  
  1,747,000     

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc., 8.000%, 11/30/39

     2,412,497  
  1,796,000     

Validus Holdings, Ltd., 8.875%, 1/26/40

     2,655,249  
  2,462,000     

XLIT, Ltd., 4.450%, 3/31/25

     2,518,141  
     

 

 

 
        56,603,412  
     

 

 

 
   Materials — 3.5%   
  2,222,000     

Albemarle Corp., 5.450%, 12/1/44

     2,621,916  
  2,586,000     

Anglo American Capital PLC, 4.125%, 9/27/22(b)

     2,673,053  
  2,714,000     

CRH America Finance, Inc., 4.400%,
5/9/47(b)

     2,855,199  
  1,713,000     

EI du Pont de Nemours & Co., 1.907%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.53%),
5/1/20(a)

     1,723,759  
  2,476,000     

Glencore Funding, LLC, 4.125%, 5/30/23(b)

     2,561,422  
  2,585,000     

International Paper Co., 4.400%, 8/15/47

     2,701,224  
  3,092,000     

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 3.450%, 6/1/27

     3,047,873  
  2,129,000     

Masco Corp., 4.375%, 4/1/26

     2,247,160  
  2,247,000     

NOVA Chemicals Corp., 4.875%, 6/1/24(b)

     2,241,383  
  2,746,000     

Platform Specialty Products Corp., 5.875%, 12/1/25(b)

     2,725,405  
  2,485,000     

Sherwin-Williams Co. (The), 4.500%, 6/1/47

     2,716,960  
  2,726,000     

Southern Copper Corp., 5.875%, 4/23/45

     3,292,563  
  2,667,000     

Vulcan Materials Co., 4.500%, 6/15/47

     2,723,029  
  3,241,000     

Westlake Chemical Corp., 5.000%, 8/15/46

     3,640,702  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

  
   Materials — (continued)   
  $1,665,000     

Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.375%, 11/15/47

   $ 1,729,144  
     

 

 

 
        39,500,792  
     

 

 

 
   Media — 1.5%   
  5,634,000     

CCO Holdings, LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.125%, 5/1/27(b)

     5,549,490  
  2,365,000     

Comcast Corp., 4.200%, 8/15/34

     2,526,976  
  1,121,000     

CSC Holdings, LLC, 6.625%, 10/15/25(b)

     1,213,460  
  2,581,000     

Discovery Communications, LLC, 4.875%, 4/1/43

     2,563,138  
  4,684,000     

NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc., 2.095%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.40%),
4/1/21(a)(b)

     4,698,699  
     

 

 

 
        16,551,763  
     

 

 

 
   Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life
Sciences — 0.4%
 
  2,416,000     

Celgene Corp., 5.000%, 8/15/45

     2,741,169  
  2,140,000     

Quintiles IMS Inc., 4.875%, 5/15/23(b)

     2,204,200  
     

 

 

 
        4,945,369  
     

 

 

 
   Real Estate — 3.5%  
  2,175,000     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., REIT, 2.750%, 1/15/20

     2,184,162  
  1,137,000     

American Tower Corp., REIT, 5.050%, 9/1/20

     1,205,545  
  2,748,000     

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 4.125%, 6/15/26

     2,771,617  
  2,270,000     

Crown Castle International Corp., REIT, 4.450%, 2/15/26

     2,383,248  
  2,803,000     

DDR Corp., REIT, 4.625%, 7/15/22

     2,955,300  
  739,000     

Duke Realty LP, REIT, 3.250%, 6/30/26

     732,427  
  3,215,000     

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc., REIT, 3.625%, 1/15/28

     3,180,791  
  1,622,000     

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, REIT, Series D, 3.750%, 10/15/23

     1,651,088  
  1,017,000     

Hudson Pacific Properties L.P., REIT, 3.950%, 11/1/27

     1,011,806  
  2,800,000     

Iron Mountain, Inc., REIT, 5.250%, 3/15/28(b)

     2,786,000  
  155,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 4.625%, 9/15/20

     157,325  
  2,504,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 5.250%, 9/15/22

     2,519,650  
  1,872,000     

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., 4.400%, 11/15/22

     1,972,270  
  1,331,000     

Kimco Realty Corp., REIT, 3.400%, 11/1/22

     1,357,360  
  550,000     

Ontario Teachers’ Cadillac Fairview Properties Trust, 3.875%, 3/20/27(b)

     562,287  
  3,039,000     

Physicians Realty L.P., REIT, 4.300%, 3/15/27

     3,092,091  
  639,000     

Prologis LP, 3.750%, 11/1/25

     669,948  
  2,635,000     

Spirit Realty L.P., REIT, 4.450%, 9/15/26

     2,623,810  
  2,792,000     

VEREIT Operating Partnership L.P., REIT, 3.950%, 8/15/27

     2,760,093  
  2,500,000     

WEA Finance, LLC / Westfield UK & Europe Finance PLC, REIT, 4.750%, 9/17/44(b)

     2,725,677  
  471,000     

Welltower, Inc., REIT, 4.950%, 1/15/21

     500,487  
     

 

 

 
        39,802,982  
     

 

 

 
   Retailing — 1.1%   
  1,874,000     

Dollar Tree, Inc., 5.750%, 3/1/23

     1,963,015  
  3,455,000     

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 4.200%, 11/1/46(b)

     3,383,820  
  2,843,000     

Expedia, Inc., 3.800%, 2/15/28(b)

     2,747,209  
  1,796,000     

The Home Depot, Inc., 5.875%, 12/16/36

     2,430,363  
  1,627,000     

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., 3.550%, 3/15/26

     1,643,763  
     

 

 

 
        12,168,170  
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

33


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment — 0.4%

 

$  2,990,000     

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 3.875%, 1/15/27(b)

   $ 2,942,297  
  464,000     

Entegris, Inc., 4.625%, 2/10/26(b)

     470,960  
  1,388,000     

QUALCOMM, Inc., 1.886%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.45%), 5/20/20(a)

     1,388,594  
     

 

 

 
        4,801,851  
     

 

 

 
   Software & Services — 0.5%  
  2,500,000     

DXC Technology Co., 4.250%, 4/15/24

     2,604,103  
  500,000     

Gartner, Inc., 5.125%, 4/1/25(b)

     522,500  
  2,298,000     

Microsoft Corp., 4.750%, 11/3/55

     2,844,275  
     

 

 

 
        5,970,878  
     

 

 

 
   Technology Hardware & Equipment — 0.4%  
  2,347,000     

Dell International, LLC/EMC Corp., 6.020%, 6/15/26(b)

     2,587,846  
  2,050,000     

Harris Corp., 4.854%, 4/27/35

     2,291,054  
     

 

 

 
        4,878,900  
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services — 2.1%  
  1,068,000     

AT&T, Inc., 3.400%, 8/14/24

     1,073,483  
  5,346,000     

AT&T, Inc., 4.900%, 8/14/37

     5,413,331  
  3,525,000     

AT&T, Inc., 4.750%, 5/15/46

     3,447,616  
  2,825,000     

CommScope Technologies, LLC, 5.000%, 3/15/27(b)

     2,825,000  
  1,185,000     

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 6.113%, 1/15/20(b)

     1,249,159  
  3,481,875     

Sprint Spectrum Co., LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.360%, 9/20/21(b)

     3,503,637  
  3,393,000     

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.012%, 4/15/49

     3,558,535  
  2,849,000     

West Corp., 8.500%, 10/15/25(b)

     2,813,388  
     

 

 

 
        23,884,149  
     

 

 

 
   Transportation — 0.7%  
  2,619,000     

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, 4.950%, 9/15/41

     3,108,281  
  2,295,000     

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP/PTL Finance Corp., 4.875%, 7/11/22(b)

     2,477,611  
  2,100,000     

Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.500%, 5/11/20

     2,102,049  
     

 

 

 
        7,687,941  
     

 

 

 
   Utilities — 0.8%  
  2,275,000     

CMS Energy Corp., 4.700%, 3/31/43

     2,557,352  
  2,385,000     

Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.579%, 7/1/20

     2,385,997  
  2,425,000     

Indiana Michigan Power Co., Series K, 4.550%, 3/15/46

     2,765,841  
  1,903,000     

Progress Energy, Inc., 3.150%, 4/1/22

     1,927,559  
     

 

 

 
        9,636,749  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $437,365,182)

     446,147,418  
     

 

 

 
 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 8.1%

 
   Fannie Mae — 4.0%  
  9,348      5.000%, 8/1/20, Pool #832058      9,516  
  39,293      6.000%, 7/1/22, Pool #944967      39,618  
  73,173      5.000%, 9/1/25, Pool #255892      78,606  
  2,273,767      4.000%, 6/1/34, Pool #MA1922      2,399,976  
  85,882      6.500%, 1/1/35, Pool #809198      95,196  
  2,167,569      4.000%, 3/1/35, Pool #MA2211      2,288,136  

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

 
   Fannie Mae — (continued)  
$  50,449      7.000%, 6/1/35, Pool #255820    $ 55,598  
  92,940      6.500%, 3/1/36, Pool #866062      103,019  
  93,501      6.500%, 7/1/36, Pool #885493      103,641  
  884,864      5.500%, 8/1/37, Pool #995082      981,953  
  571,382      4.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #AC2645      610,674  
  386,077      5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #AD4927      416,796  
  317,217      5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #AD8718      342,492  
  1,129,488      4.500%, 12/1/40, Pool #AH1100      1,210,913  
  391,238      4.500%, 3/1/41, Pool #AB2467      423,097  
  687,953      4.500%, 5/1/41, Pool #AI1023      733,621  
  543,946      4.500%, 11/1/41, Pool #AJ4994      583,217  
  843,422      4.500%, 12/1/41, Pool #AJ7696      903,787  
  1,842,147      3.500%, 6/1/42, Pool #AB5373      1,901,951  
  2,496,702      3.500%, 5/1/43, Pool #AB9368      2,570,784  
  1,692,420      3.500%, 5/1/43, Pool #AL3605      1,752,024  
  2,695,774      3.500%, 8/1/43, Pool #AU0613      2,788,054  
  1,206,114      4.500%, 11/1/44, Pool #MA2100      1,285,514  
  2,541,521      4.500%, 1/1/45, Pool #MA2158      2,707,995  
  4,079,494      4.000%, 3/1/45, Pool #MA2217      4,269,653  
  3,447,688      4.000%, 6/1/46, Pool #MA2653      3,606,699  
  4,566,186      4.500%, 7/1/46, Pool #AS7568      4,861,894  
  1,852,593      4.000%, 11/1/46, Pool #MA2808      1,938,325  
  6,676,611      4.000%, 8/1/47, Pool #BH5117      6,988,935  
     

 

 

 
        46,051,684  
     

 

 

 
   Freddie Mac — 4.1%  
  67,065      5.500%, 10/1/21, Pool #G12425      69,769  
  67,559      5.000%, 12/1/21, Pool #J04025      68,969  
  115,347      5.000%, 7/1/25, Pool #C90908      123,951  
  353,665      2.500%, 1/1/28, Pool #J22069      355,383  
  1,361,522      3.500%, 7/1/30, Pool #G18562      1,409,484  
  225,225      4.000%, 11/1/31, Pool #C91410      237,962  
  107,970      5.000%, 3/1/36, Pool #G08115      117,089  
  3,838,795      4.000%, 4/1/36, Pool #C91874      4,064,282  
  18,614      6.500%, 5/1/36, Pool #A48509      20,618  
  5,581,805      3.500%, 6/1/36, Pool #C91875      5,799,113  
  30,601      5.000%, 7/1/36, Pool #G02291      33,157  
  3,105,500      3.500%, 8/1/36, Pool #C91888      3,220,673  
  336,931      6.500%, 9/1/36, Pool #G08152      375,073  
  6,537,694      3.500%, 11/1/36, Pool #C91906      6,780,156  
  110,149      5.000%, 2/1/37, Pool #A57714      119,542  
  3,882,636      4.000%, 5/1/37, Pool #C91938      4,103,328  
  133,749      4.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #A89346      142,721  
  443,634      5.000%, 6/1/40, Pool #C03479      483,379  
  1,181,980      5.000%, 7/1/40, Pool #A93070      1,287,877  
  141,106      5.000%, 9/1/40, Pool #C03518      153,098  
  1,472,286      4.000%, 12/1/42, Pool #G07266      1,545,678  
  1,138,671      3.500%, 5/1/43, Pool #Q18305      1,175,002  
  917,114      4.000%, 5/1/44, Pool #V81186      959,395  
  445,829      4.000%, 7/1/44, Pool #G08595      466,411  
  481,066      4.000%, 9/1/44, Pool #Q28299      503,079  
  2,440,589      4.000%, 8/1/46, Pool #G08717      2,552,343  
  9,868,064      3.500%, 9/1/47, Pool #Q50962      10,149,192  
     

 

 

 
        46,316,724  
     

 

 

 
   Ginnie Mae — 0.0%  
  214,448      5.000%, 2/15/40, Pool #737037      231,691  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
(Cost $93,175,692)

     92,600,099  
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

34


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 6.8%

 
   Alabama — 0.3%  
  $3,000,000     

Alabama Economic Settlement Authority, Economic Imports, Taxable BP - Settlement Revenue, Series B, 4.263%, 9/15/32

   $ 3,229,440  
     

 

 

 
   California — 1.9%  
  1,889,000     

California Institute of Technology, 4.283%, 9/1/16

     1,834,307  
  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

     3,922,259  
  2,100,000     

Sacramento County Sanitation Districts Financing Authority, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series B, 2.810%, 12/1/21

     2,126,712  
  1,285,000     

State of California, Build America Bonds, School Improvements G.O., 7.625%, 3/1/40

     2,010,318  
  9,640,000     

State of California, Taxable Revenue-High-Speed Passenger Trai, Transit Improvements G.O., 2.367%, 4/1/22

     9,609,538  
  1,850,000     

University of California, University & College Improvements, Taxable Revenue, Series AN, 3.338%, 5/15/22

     1,909,885  
     

 

 

 
        21,413,019  
     

 

 

 
   Connecticut — 0.3%  
  3,000,000     

State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue, Build America Bonds, Transition Infrastructure, Series B, 4.126%, 11/1/20

     3,112,830  
     

 

 

 
   District of Columbia — 0.2%  
  1,835,000     

George Washington University (The), Series 2012, 3.485%, 9/15/22

     1,877,733  
     

 

 

 
   Hawaii — 0.1%  
  750,000     

State of Hawaii, Public Improvements G.O., Taxable, Series FJ, 1.921%, 10/1/22

     735,270  
     

 

 

 
   Illinois — 0.4%  
  1,800,000     

State of Illinois, Public Improvements, Taxable Building Revenue, 3.481%, 6/15/26

     1,844,892  
  3,130,000     

State of Illinois, Public Improvements, Taxable Revenue, Series B, 2.620%, 6/15/26

     3,009,432  
     

 

 

 
        4,854,324  
     

 

 

 
   Kentucky — 0.2%  
  2,900,000     

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board, Taxable Revenue, Series C, 2.450%, 7/1/23

     2,853,223  
     

 

 

 
   New Jersey — 0.4%  
  1,335,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 11/1/19

     1,395,689  
  2,375,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 4.521%, 6/15/21

     2,436,608  
  1,305,000     

New Jersey Economic Development Authority, School Facilities Construction, Refunding Revenue, Series 00, 1.648%, 3/1/18

     1,303,565  
     

 

 

 
        5,135,862  
     

 

 

 
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

 
   New York — 0.7%  
$  3,020,000     

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Future Tax Secured Revenue, Public Improvements, Taxable Revenue, Callable 2/1/27 @ 100, 3.330%, 2/1/28

   $ 3,016,195  
  2,000,000     

New York State Dormitory Authority, Public Improvements, Taxable Revenue, Series D, 2.550%, 3/15/21

     2,018,180  
  750,000     

New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., State Revolving Funds, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 2.445%, 6/15/20

     754,088  
  900,000     

New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., State Revolving Funds, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Series C, 2.745%, 6/15/22

     907,623  
  1,640,000     

New York, NY, Build America Bonds, Public Improvements G.O., 4.874%, 3/1/21

     1,765,936  
     

 

 

 
        8,462,022  
     

 

 

 
   North Carolina — 0.2%  
  2,600,000     

Duke University, 3.299%, 10/1/46

     2,532,455  
     

 

 

 
   Ohio — 0.5%  
  5,658,000     

Premier Health Partners, Series G, Callable 5/15/26 @ 100, 2.911%, 11/15/26

     5,415,715  
     

 

 

 
   Pennsylvania — 0.7%  
  1,005,000     

Commonwealth Financing Authority, School Improvements, Taxable Revenue, Series A, 4.014%, 6/1/33

     1,047,421  
  4,375,000     

Lehigh University, 3.479%, 11/15/46

     4,212,685  
  2,260,000     

Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, 3.664%, 4/15/22

     2,285,402  
     

 

 

 
        7,545,508  
     

 

 

 
   Texas — 0.6%  
  2,825,000     

City Of Houston Tx Combined Utility System Revenue, Taxable Revenue, 1St Lien-Series B, Current Refunding Revenue Bonds, 3.428%, 5/15/23

     2,928,706  
  4,100,000     

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Texas A&M University Cain Hall Red & College Improvements, Taxable Revenue, 1.806%, 4/1/21

     4,013,244  
     

 

 

 
        6,941,950  
     

 

 

 
   Washington — 0.3%  
  3,000,000     

Port of Seattle WA, Refunding Revenue, Taxable, Intermediate Lien-Ser, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, 2.430%, 5/1/22

     2,990,790  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $76,730,075)

     77,100,141  
     

 

 

 
 

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES — 0.3%

 
   Federal Home Loan Bank — 0.3%  
  4,105,000     

2.900%, 6/28/27

     4,025,289  
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Government Agencies
(Cost $4,105,000)

     4,025,289  
     

 

 

 
 

U.S. TREASURY BONDS — 3.5%

  
  14,761,900      3.125%, 2/15/43      15,859,240  
 

 

Continued

 

35


Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

U.S. TREASURY BONDS — (continued)

 
  $24,745,200      2.500%, 2/15/45    $ 23,590,102  
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Treasury Bonds
(Cost $38,225,107)

     39,449,342  
     

 

 

 
 

U.S. TREASURY NOTES — 5.3%

 
  19,634,000     

1.510%, (US Treasury Bill Yield 3-Month plus 0.07%), 4/30/19(a)

     19,650,689  
  5,000,000     

1.500%, (US Treasury Bill Yield 3-Month plus 0.06%), 7/31/19(a)

     5,003,082  
  11,852,100      1.375%, 4/30/20      11,705,338  
  19,667,800      1.875%, 2/28/22      19,454,988  
  3,843,000      3.500%, 2/15/39      4,389,275  
     

 

 

 
  

Total U.S. Treasury Notes
(Cost $60,455,401)

     60,203,372  
     

 

 

 
Shares              
 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.3%

 
   Banks — 0.3%  
  110,135      US Bancorp, Series F, 6.500%      3,108,010  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Preferred Stocks
(Cost $3,007,556)

     3,108,010  
     

 

 

 
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.9%

 
  21,466,665     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(e)

     21,466,665  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $21,466,665)

     21,466,665  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $1,128,319,943)

     1,137,943,059  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.0%

     165,363  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 1,138,108,422  
     

 

 

 

 

(a)

The interest rate for this floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(b)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that 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)

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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(d) Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date.
(e) Represents the current yield as of report date.

BKNT — Bank Note

G.O. — General Obligation

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

MTN — Medium Term Note

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

36


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — 98.1%

 
   Automobiles & Components — 0.5%  
  $142,000     

General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 3.200%, 7/6/21

   $ 143,386  
     

 

 

 
   Banks — 16.3%  
  200,000     

Associated Banc-Corp., 2.750%, 11/15/19

     200,679  
  750,000     

Bank of America Corp., GMTN, 3.300%, 1/11/23

     767,250  
  375,000     

Bank of America Corp., Series K, 8.000%,(a)(b)

     376,275  
  300,000     

Barclays PLC, 4.337%, 1/10/28

     310,489  
  235,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 2.650%, 10/26/20

     235,787  
  400,000     

Citigroup, Inc., 4.400%, 6/10/25

     422,214  
  250,000     

Citizens Bank NA, BKNT, 2.272%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.81%), 5/26/22(c)

     251,113  
  300,000     

HSBC Holdings PLC, 3.262%, 3/13/23(b)

     304,176  
  275,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., 3.875%, 9/10/24

     286,859  
  370,000     

JPMorgan Chase & Co., Series 1, 7.900%,(a)(b)

     374,625  
  225,000     

KeyCorp, MTN, 5.100%, 3/24/21

     242,477  
  200,000     

Lloyds Banking Group PLC, 2.907%, 11/7/23(b)

     198,286  
  130,000     

National City Corp., 6.875%, 5/15/19

     137,830  
  165,000     

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC, 4.700%, 7/3/18

     166,673  
  185,000     

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., 3.364%, 7/12/27

     184,591  
  150,000      US Bancorp, MTN, 2.950%, 7/15/22      152,023  
     

 

 

 
        4,611,347  
     

 

 

 
   Capital Goods — 5.9%  
  214,000      Carlisle Cos., Inc., 3.500%, 12/1/24      215,691  
  177,000      General Electric Co., Series D, 5.000%,(a)(b)      182,416  
  135,000     

H&E Equipment Services, Inc., 5.625%,
9/1/25(d)

     141,075  
  228,000      Keysight Technologies, Inc., 4.600%, 4/6/27      239,969  
  110,000      Meritor, Inc., 6.250%, 2/15/24      115,775  
  128,000     

RBS Global, Inc. / Rexnord, LLC, 4.875%, 12/15/25(d)

     129,280  
  300,000      SBA Tower Trust, 2.898%, 10/8/19(d)      300,721  
  345,000      Textron, Inc., 3.650%, 3/1/21      354,987  
     

 

 

 
        1,679,914  
     

 

 

 
   Commercial & Professional Services — 1.1%  
  170,000      IHS Markit, Ltd., 4.000%, 3/1/26(d)      169,788  
  135,000      Waste Management, Inc., 4.600%, 3/1/21      143,359  
     

 

 

 
        313,147  
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Durables & Apparel — 1.7%  
  230,000      Mohawk Industries, Inc., 3.850%, 2/1/23      238,770  
  220,000      NVR, Inc., 3.950%, 9/15/22      229,662  
     

 

 

 
        468,432  
     

 

 

 
   Consumer Services — 0.9%  
  55,000      Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., 2.650%, 11/28/20      54,959  
  70,000      Service Corp. International, 4.625%, 12/15/27      71,023  
  136,000     

United Rentals North America, Inc., 4.625%, 7/15/23

     140,606  
     

 

 

 
        266,588  
     

 

 

 
   Diversified Financials — 11.7%  
  249,000     

AerCap Ireland Capital, DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust, 4.250%, 7/1/20

     258,379  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
   Diversified Financials — (continued)  
  $190,000      Ares Finance Co., LLC, 4.000%, 10/8/24(d)    $ 182,771  
  224,000     

Carlyle Holdings Finance, LLC, 3.875%,
2/1/23(d)

     229,272  
  250,000      Credit Suisse Group AG, 4.282%, 1/9/28(d)      260,650  
  200,000     

Export-Import Bank of Korea, 2.500%, 11/1/20

     197,858  
  270,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 2.523%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 1.16%),
4/23/20(c)

     274,160  
  315,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 3.625%, 1/22/23

     325,405  
  378,000     

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), 4.250%, 10/21/25

     395,059  
  60,000     

Jefferies Group, LLC / Jefferies Group Capital Finance, Inc., 4.850%, 1/15/27

     63,788  
  200,000     

KKR Group Finance Co., LLC, 6.375%, 9/29/20(d)

     219,846  
  157,000     

Morgan Stanley, GMTN, 5.500%, 7/24/20

     168,332  
  210,000     

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., 5.375%, 3/25/21(d)

     226,252  
  190,000      ORIX Corp., 2.900%, 7/18/22      189,335  
  295,000     

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp., 3.300%, 4/1/27

     297,681  
     

 

 

 
        3,288,788  
     

 

 

 
   Energy — 7.1%  
  146,000      Andeavor, 5.375%, 10/1/22      150,745  
  151,000     

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC, 5.125%, 6/30/27

     156,194  
  189,000      Diamondback Energy, Inc., 4.750%, 11/1/24      189,709  
  223,000     

Enable Midstream Partners L.P., 3.900%, 5/15/24

     224,352  
  142,000     

Energy Transfer Partners L.P., Series A, 6.250%,(a)(b)

     137,918  
  89,000      Hess Corp., 7.875%, 10/1/29      110,958  
  147,000      HollyFrontier Corp., 5.875%, 4/1/26      163,558  
  213,000      MPLX L.P., 4.125%, 3/1/27      218,163  
  214,000      ONEOK, Inc., 7.500%, 9/1/23      254,675  
  137,000     

Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC, 5.625%, 3/1/25

     151,112  
  243,000      Western Gas Partners LP, 4.000%, 7/1/22      247,903  
     

 

 

 
        2,005,287  
     

 

 

 
   Food, Beverage & Tobacco — 1.2%  
  185,000      Cott Holdings, Inc., 5.500%, 4/1/25(d)      190,087  
  145,000      Post Holdings, Inc., 5.625%, 1/15/28(d)      145,769  
     

 

 

 
        335,856  
     

 

 

 
   Health Care Equipment & Services — 1.5%  
  190,000      Boston Scientific Corp., 3.375%, 5/15/22      192,939  
  217,000      Magellan Health, Inc., 4.400%, 9/22/24      218,412  
     

 

 

 
        411,351  
     

 

 

 
   Insurance — 15.3%  
  255,000      Alleghany Corp., 4.950%, 6/27/22      275,567  
  269,000     

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., 5.000%, 6/15/27

     278,737  
  260,000     

Aspen Insurance Holdings, Ltd., 4.650%, 11/15/23

     276,498  
  220,000      Athene Global Funding, 2.750%, 4/20/20(d)      220,111  
  280,000      CBRE Services, Inc., 5.250%, 3/15/25      307,977  
  303,000     

Horace Mann Educators Corp., 4.500%, 12/1/25

     315,732  
  245,000     

Liberty Mutual Group, Inc., 4.250%, 6/15/23(d)

     258,164  
  660,000     

Morgan Stanley, GMTN, 3.700%, 10/23/24

     681,996  
 

 

Continued

 

37


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
   Insurance — (continued)  
  $ 224,000      Nuveen Finance, LLC, 2.950%, 11/1/19(d)    $ 226,142  
  200,000     

Ohio National Financial Services, Inc., 6.375%, 4/30/20(d)

     215,286  
  165,000      Oil Insurance, Ltd., 4.677%,(a)(b)(d)      158,606  
  145,000      Prudential Financial, Inc., 8.875%, 6/15/38(b)      148,951  
  167,000      RenaissanceRe Finance, Inc., 3.450%, 7/1/27      164,322  
  220,000     

Sammons Financial Group, Inc., 4.450%, 5/12/27(d)

     225,620  
  270,000      Symetra Financial Corp., 4.250%, 7/15/24      274,134  
  295,000      XLIT, Ltd., 4.450%, 3/31/25      301,727  
     

 

 

 
        4,329,570  
     

 

 

 
   Materials — 5.9%  
  200,000     

Anglo American Capital PLC, 4.125%, 9/27/22(d)

     206,733  
  140,000      FMC Corp., 3.950%, 2/1/22      141,758  
  246,000      Glencore Funding, LLC, 4.125%, 5/30/23(d)      254,487  
  230,000     

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., 3.450%, 6/1/27

     226,718  
  210,000      Masco Corp., 4.375%, 4/1/26      221,655  
  165,000      NOVA Chemicals Corp., 4.875%, 6/1/24(d)      164,588  
  71,000     

Platform Specialty Products Corp., 5.875%, 12/1/25(d)

     70,468  
  217,000      Sherwin-Williams Co. (The), 3.450%, 6/1/27      220,471  
  155,000      Westlake Chemical Corp., 4.875%, 5/15/23      159,650  
     

 

 

 
        1,666,528  
     

 

 

 
   Media — 3.4%  
  377,000     

CCO Holdings, LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp., 5.125%, 5/1/27(d)

     371,345  
  110,000     

Comcast Cable Communications Holdings, Inc., 9.455%, 11/15/22

     143,724  
  218,000     

Discovery Communications, LLC, 3.950%, 3/20/28

     216,835  
  240,000     

ERAC USA Finance, LLC, 2.800%,
11/1/18(d)

     241,130  
     

 

 

 
        973,034  
     

 

 

 
  

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life
Sciences — 1.1%

 

  295,000      Quintiles IMS Inc., 4.875%, 5/15/23(d)      303,850  
     

 

 

 
   Real Estate — 8.7%  
  192,000     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., REIT, 4.600%, 4/1/22

     203,881  
  300,000     

American Tower Corp., REIT, 5.050%, 9/1/20

     318,086  
  80,000     

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP, REIT, 4.125%, 6/15/26

     80,688  
  204,000      DDR Corp., REIT, 4.625%, 7/15/22      215,084  
  186,000     

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc., REIT, 3.625%, 1/15/28

     184,021  
  233,000     

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, REIT, Series D, 3.750%, 10/15/23

     237,179  
  79,000     

Hudson Pacific Properties L.P., REIT, 3.950%, 11/1/27

     78,597  
  70,000     

Iron Mountain, Inc., REIT, 5.250%,
3/15/28(d)

     69,650  
  18,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 4.625%, 9/15/20

     18,270  
  141,000     

iStar, Inc., REIT, 5.250%, 9/15/22

     141,881  
  233,000     

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., 4.400%, 11/15/22

     245,480  
  208,000     

Kimco Realty Corp. REIT, 3.400%, 11/1/22

     212,119  
  189,000     

Physicians Realty L.P., REIT, 4.300%, 3/15/27

     192,302  
  90,000     

Realty Income Corp., REIT, 4.650%, 8/1/23

     96,866  
  106,000     

Scentre Group Trust 1 / Scentre Group Trust 2, REIT, 3.750%, 3/23/27(d)

     107,617  

Principal

Amount

          Fair Value  
 

CORPORATE BONDS — (continued)

 
   Real Estate — (continued)  
  $ 63,000     

VEREIT Operating Partnership L.P., REIT, 3.950%, 8/15/27

   $ 62,280  
     

 

 

 
        2,464,001  
     

 

 

 
   Retailing — 2.4%  
  155,000      Dollar Tree, Inc., 5.750%, 3/1/23      162,363  
  145,000      Expedia, Inc., 3.800%, 2/15/28(d)      140,114  
  220,000      O’Reilly Automotive, Inc., 3.550%, 3/15/26      222,267  
  150,000      Tapestry, Inc., 3.000%, 7/15/22      149,470  
     

 

 

 
        674,214  
     

 

 

 
  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor
Equipment — 2.3%

 

  158,000     

Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance, Ltd., 3.875%, 1/15/27(d)

     155,479  
  100,000      Entegris, Inc., 4.625%, 2/10/26(d)      101,500  
  175,000     

Intel Corp., 1.763%, (LIBOR USD 3-Month plus 0.35%), 5/11/22(c)

     175,906  
  200,000     

NXP BV / NXP Funding, LLC, 4.125%, 6/1/21(d)

     204,000  
     

 

 

 
        636,885  
     

 

 

 
   Software & Services — 0.8%  
  225,000      VMware, Inc., 2.950%, 8/21/22      224,371  
     

 

 

 
   Technology Hardware & Equipment — 0.6%  
  157,000     

Dell International, LLC/EMC Corp., 6.020%, 6/15/26(d)

     173,111  
     

 

 

 
   Telecommunication Services — 5.8%  
  230,000      AT&T, Inc., 3.000%, 6/30/22      230,409  
  294,000      AT&T, Inc., 3.400%, 8/14/24      295,509  
  141,000     

CommScope Technologies, LLC, 5.000%, 3/15/27(d)

     141,000  
  300,000     

Crown Castle Towers, LLC, 6.113%, 1/15/20(d)

     316,243  
  192,188     

Sprint Spectrum Co., LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.360%, 9/20/21(d)

     193,389  
  277,000     

Verizon Communications, Inc., 5.150%, 9/15/23

     308,202  
  144,000      West Corp., 8.500%, 10/15/25(d)      142,200  
     

 

 

 
        1,626,952  
     

 

 

 
   Transportation — 1.5%  
  250,000     

Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP/PTL Finance Corp., 4.875%, 7/11/22(d)

     269,892  
  146,000      Ryder System, Inc., MTN, 2.350%, 2/26/19      146,137  
     

 

 

 
        416,029  
     

 

 

 
   Utilities — 2.4%  
  200,000      Dominion Energy, Inc., 5.200%, 8/15/19      208,786  
  220,000      Dominion Energy, Inc., 2.579%, 7/1/20      220,092  
  235,000      Southern Co. (The), 2.750%, 6/15/20      236,488  
     

 

 

 
        665,366  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $27,377,249)

     27,678,007  
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

38


Sterling Capital Corporate Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

  Shares    

           Fair Value     

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.1%

  
321,178    Federated Treasury Obligations Fund,     Institutional Shares, 1.13%(e)      $321,178  
     

 

 

 
   Total Money Market Fund
    (Cost $321,178)
     321,178  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.2%
(Cost $27,698,427)

     27,999,185  

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.8%

     215,690  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $28,214,875  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity date.

(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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(c)

The interest rate for this floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.

(d)

Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that 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.

(e)

Represents the current yield as of report date.

BKNT — Bank Note

GMTN — Global Medium Term Note

MTN — Medium Term Note

REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

39


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
  Amount  
            Fair Value    
 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — 24.3%

  
  $  565,000     

Aegis Asset Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-5, Class 1A4, 1.902%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.35%), 12/25/35(a)

     $559,090  
  400,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2016-4, Class B, 1.830%, 12/8/21

     395,927  
  663,000     

AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 2017-1, Class C, 2.710%, 8/18/22

     662,422  
  172,135     

Argent Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-W3, Class A2D, 1.892%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.34%), 11/25/35(a)

     171,950  
  500,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A, 3.070%, 9/20/23(b)

     503,714  
  300,000     

Avis Budget Rental Car Funding AESOP, LLC, Series 2017-2A, Class A, 2.970%, 3/20/24(b)

     299,998  
  300,000     

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2004-BO1, Class M5, 2.952%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.40%), 10/25/34(a)

     303,161  
  139,108     

Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust, Series 2004-HE11, Class M2, 3.127%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 1.58%), 12/25/34(a)

     142,564  
  450,000     

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust, Series 2007-A3, Class A3, 6.150%, 6/15/39

     601,620  
  119,964     

Citicorp Residential Mortgage Trust, STEP, Series 2007-2, Class A6, 5.243%, 6/25/37

     122,654  
  420,000     

Discover Card Execution Note Trust, Series 2017-A4, Class A4, 2.530%, 10/15/26

     418,653  
  640,000     

Encore Credit Receivables Trust, Series 2005-4, Class M2, 1.992%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.44%), 1/25/36(a)

     636,671  
  15,000     

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust, Series 2014-B, Class C, 1.950%, 2/15/20

     15,000  
  397,104     

GSAMP Trust, Series 2006-SEA1, Class M1, 2.052%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.50%), 5/25/36(a)(b)

     391,895  
  441,198     

Home Equity Asset Trust, Series 2005-7, Class M1, 2.002%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.45%), 1/25/36(a)

     442,754  
  182,388     

Home Equity Asset Trust, Series 2005-8, Class M1, 1.982%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.43%), 2/25/36(a)

     182,908  
  484,673     

JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp., Series 2005-OPT1, Class M2, 2.257%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.71%), 6/25/35(a)

     485,184  
  157,193     

Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-WL2, Class 2A3, 1.752%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.20%), 1/25/36(a)

     156,620  
  254,520     

Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-3, Class M2, 2.257%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.71%), 8/25/35(a)

     255,491  
  500,000     

New Century Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-4, Class M2, 2.062%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.51%), 9/25/35(a)

     496,255  
  450,000     

Park Place Securities, Inc., Series 2005-WHQ2, Class M2, 2.242%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.69%), 5/25/35(a)

     451,237  
  323,897     

Park Place Securities, Inc. Pass Through Certificates, Series 2005-WCW3, Class M1, 2.032%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.48%), 8/25/35(a)

     322,683  
Principal
  Amount  
            Fair Value    
 

ASSET BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

  
  $  320,000     

RAMP Trust, Series 2005-RZ4, Class M2, 2.052%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.50%), 11/25/35(a)

     $   318,828  
  221,111     

Saxon Asset Securities Trust, Series 2004-3, Class M1, 2.452%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.90%), 12/26/34(a)

     218,040  
  219,685     

Securitized Asset Backed Receivables, LLC Trust, Series 2005-OP2, Class A2C, 1.872%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.32%), 10/25/35(a)

     219,605  
  185,710     

United States Small Business Administration, Series 2010-20D, Class 1, 4.360%, 4/1/30

     196,301  
  430,849     

United States Small Business Administration, Series 2015-20G, Class 1, 2.880%, 7/1/35

     434,984  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Asset Backed Securities
(Cost $9,024,016)

     9,406,209  
     

 

 

 
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — 26.2%

  
  119,356     

Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-10, Class 1CB1, 6.000%, 11/25/34

     125,409  
  268,179     

Banc of America Funding Trust, Series 2005-B, Class 3A1, 1.731%, (LIBOR USD 1-Month plus 0.23%), 4/20/35(a)

     267,009  
  74,205     

Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 1A24, 5.500%, 4/25/35

     75,083  
  87,040     

Citicorp Mortgage Securities, Inc., Series 2005-1, Class 1A4, 5.500%, 2/25/35

     88,524  
  64,910     

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-NCM2, Class 3CB2, 6.500%, 8/25/19

     65,651  
  143,542     

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

     147,775  
  79,472     

Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass Through Trust, Series 2004-3, Class A4, 5.750%, 4/25/34

     81,561  
  20,929     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-2, Class 4A1, 5.250%, 2/25/20

     20,897  
  162,783     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-1, Class 2A1, 6.500%, 2/25/34

     173,907  
  1,886     

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2005-6, Class 2A3, 5.500%, 7/25/35

     1,896  
  29,998     

Fannie Mae, Series 2003-19, Class AR, 5.500%, 3/25/33

     33,058  
  501,000     

Fannie Mae, Series 2005-110, Class GL, 5.500%, 12/25/35

     561,464  
  180,000     

Fannie Mae, Series 2011-131, Class PB, 4.500%, 12/25/41

     198,280  
  443,000     

Fannie Mae, Series 2013-2, Class LB, 3.000%, 2/25/43

     421,947  
  531,000     

Fannie Mae, Series 2013-30, Class PY, 3.000%, 4/25/43

     528,415  
  160,807     

FirstKey Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-1, Class A12, 3.500%, 11/25/44(b)(c)

     163,195  
  30,930     

Freddie Mac, Series 4079, Class WV, 3.500%, 3/15/27

     31,582  
  195,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 4097, Class CU, 1.500%, 8/15/27

     170,832  
  339,214     

Freddie Mac, Series 4136, Class HZ, 3.500%, 11/15/27

     346,835  
 

 

Continued

 

40


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
  Amount  
            Fair Value    
 

COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS — (continued)

  
  $180,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 4230, Class VB, 2.500%, 12/15/31

     $     177,582  
  852,822     

Freddie Mac, Series 2525, Class AM, 4.500%, 4/15/32

     904,364  
  219,437     

Freddie Mac, Series 2485, Class WG, 6.000%, 8/15/32

     241,364  
  125,285     

Freddie Mac, Series 3440, Class EM, 5.000%, 4/15/38

     135,957  
  466,271     

Freddie Mac, Series 3816, Class HM, 4.500%, 5/15/40

     497,873  
  500,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 3714, Class PB, 4.750%, 8/15/40

     566,731  
  665,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 3762, Class LN, 4.000%, 11/15/40

     713,467  
  97,753     

Freddie Mac, Series 3803, Class PJ, 4.250%, 1/15/41

     101,877  
  200,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 3815, Class TB, 4.500%, 2/15/41

     220,252  
  400,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 3989, Class JW, 3.500%, 1/15/42

     411,420  
  500,000     

Freddie Mac, Series 4650, Class BC, 3.500%, 5/15/43

     511,040  
  425,730     

Freddie Mac, Series 4648, Class E, 3.500%, 8/15/43

     434,722  
  86,835     

Ginnie Mae, Series 2010-85, Class DQ, 3.000%, 12/20/39

     87,266  
  575,000     

Ginnie Mae, Series 2012-16, Class GC, 3.500%, 12/20/39

     593,149  
  263,441     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2003-5, Class 8A1, 5.500%, 6/25/33

     268,211  
  63,928     

MASTR Alternative Loan Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A1, 6.500%, 1/25/35

     63,420  
  29,689     

MASTR Seasoned Securitization Trust, Series 2005-2, Class 1A1, 5.130%, 10/25/32

     29,735  
  19,136     

PHHMC Trust, Series 2007-6, Class A1, 5.897%, 12/18/37(c)

     19,668  
  90,338     

RALI Trust, Series 2005-QR1, Class A, 6.000%, 10/25/34

     92,042  
  71,089     

RBSGC Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2007-B, Class 3A1, 4.918%, 7/25/35(c)

     71,708  
  111,615     

Specialty Underwriting & Residential Finance Trust, Series 2004-AA1, Class 1A1, 5.000%, 10/25/34

     111,850  
  292,099     

Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-6, Class 4A1, 3.538%, 6/25/34(c)

     293,931  
  15,836     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2007-3, Class 3A1, 5.500%, 4/25/22

     16,130  
  95,532     

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust, Series 2005-4, Class A4, 5.000%, 4/25/35

     95,804  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
    (Cost $10,091,257)

     10,162,883  
     

 

 

 
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — 22.2%

  
  500,000     

CD Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-CD2, Class A4, 3.526%, 11/10/49(c)

     516,160  
  300,000     

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-GC17, Class AS, 4.544%, 11/10/46

     323,414  
  180,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-CR20, Class A4, 3.590%, 11/10/47

     186,369  
Principal
  Amount  
            Fair Value    
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
SECURITIES — (continued)

  
  $250,000     

COMM Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-COR2, Class A3, 3.510%, 9/10/50

     $   257,922  
  49,053     

Commercial Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2008-LS1, Class ASM, 6.077%,
12/10/49(c)

     48,987  
  500,000     

CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-C3, Class A4, 3.718%, 8/15/48

     520,070  
  200,000     

DBUBS Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-LC1A, Class C, 5.698%, 11/10/46(b)(c)

     214,262  
  500,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K063, Class A2, 3.430%, 1/25/27(c)

     522,830  
  500,000     

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates, Series K153, Class A3, 3.117%, 10/25/31(c)

     497,237  
  498,808     

FRESB Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-SB36, Class A10F, 2.880%, 7/25/27(c)

     495,698  
  175,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.148%, 8/10/43(b)

     182,692  
  300,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2012-GCJ7, Class AS, 4.085%, 5/10/45

     311,222  
  370,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2014-GC24, Class A5, 3.931%, 9/10/47

     392,102  
  500,000     

GS Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2016-GS4, Class A4, 3.442%, 11/10/49(c)

     513,686  
  70,000     

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.951%, 6/15/43(b)

     69,685  
  500,000     

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2011-C3, Class B, 5.013%, 2/15/46(b)(c)

     523,851  
  3,461     

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Trust, Series 2008-C1, Class AM, 6.448%, 2/12/51(c)

     3,470  
  100,000     

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2014-C18, Class A4, 3.923%, 10/15/47

     105,635  
  500,000     

Morgan Stanley Bank of America Merrill Lynch Trust, Series 2016-C32, Class A4, 3.720%, 12/15/49

     523,040  
  760,000     

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2010-C1, Class B, 5.276%,
11/15/43(b)(c)

     801,660  
  300,000     

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2015-P2, Class A4, 3.809%, 12/15/48

     315,736  
  400,000     

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class B, 5.174%, 2/15/44(b)(c)

     420,578  
  100,000     

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-C2, Class C, 5.392%, 2/15/44(b)(c)

     104,976  
  529,000     

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C22, Class A5, 3.752%, 9/15/57

     552,798  
  164,000     

WF-RBS Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2014-C23, Class A5, 3.917%, 10/15/57

     173,152  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed

Securities

(Cost $8,682,749)

     8,577,232  
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

41


Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

CORPORATE BONDS — 0.8%

  
   Telecommunication Services — 0.8%   
  $  323,438     

Sprint Spectrum Co., LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. II LLC / Sprint Spectrum Co. III LLC, 3.360%, 9/20/21(b)

     $   325,459  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Corporate Bonds
(Cost $323,433)

     325,459  
     

 

 

 
 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 25.2%

 
   Fannie Mae — 14.7%   
  244,710      4.000%, 6/1/34, Pool #MA1922      258,293  
  159,586      4.000%, 9/1/34, Pool #MA2019      168,449  
  167,519      5.500%, 6/1/38, Pool #984277      185,501  
  97,723      5.500%, 8/1/38, Pool #995072      108,176  
  127,906      4.500%, 9/1/39, Pool #AC1830      136,645  
  142,544      4.500%, 10/1/40, Pool #AE4855      152,807  
  199,620      3.500%, 2/1/41, Pool #AH5646      206,756  
  368,088      4.000%, 3/1/41, Pool #AH4008      386,637  
  96,505      4.500%, 6/1/41, Pool #AC9298      103,446  
  262,187      5.000%, 7/1/41, Pool #AI5595      283,160  
  331,993      4.000%, 9/1/41, Pool #AJ1717      348,693  
  308,815      3.500%, 6/1/42, Pool #AB5373      318,840  
  455,983      3.500%, 6/1/43, Pool #AT3868      470,041  
  267,092      4.000%, 4/1/44, Pool #AW2882      279,667  
  138,700      4.500%, 10/1/44, Pool #MA2066      147,827  
  467,070      4.000%, 12/1/44, Pool #MA2127      488,911  
  420,297      4.500%, 1/1/45, Pool #MA2158      447,827  
  433,471      3.500%, 3/1/45, Pool #AS4552      447,309  
  340,685      4.500%, 7/1/46, Pool #AS7568      362,748  
  382,910      4.000%, 11/1/46, Pool #MA2808      400,630  
     

 

 

 
        5,702,363  
     

 

 

 
   Freddie Mac — 10.4%   
  525,201      3.500%, 5/1/32, Pool #C91458      546,613  
  413,220      3.500%, 7/1/32, Pool #C91467      430,069  
  156,225      4.000%, 11/1/32, Pool #G30616      165,146  
  321,098      3.500%, 6/1/36, Pool #C91875      333,598  
  66,370      5.500%, 10/1/39, Pool #A89387      72,684  
  129,715      5.000%, 4/1/40, Pool #A91812      141,336  
  199,359      5.500%, 4/1/40, Pool #C03467      220,129  
  105,969      5.000%, 8/1/40, Pool #C03491      115,333  
  193,870      4.000%, 11/1/40, Pool #A94742      204,995  
  223,574      4.000%, 12/1/40, Pool #A95447      236,405  
  153,573      3.500%, 3/1/42, Pool #G08479      158,484  
Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — (continued)

 
   Freddie Mac — (continued)   
  $353,733      3.500%, 4/1/42, Pool #C03858      $     364,928  
  470,002      3.500%, 8/1/42, Pool #Q10324      485,034  
    536,631      4.000%, 4/1/46, Pool #Q40048      561,187  
     

 

 

 
        4,035,941  
     

 

 

 
   Ginnie Mae — 0.1%   
  23,165      4.000%, 12/20/40, Pool #755678      24,335  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Mortgage-Backed Securities

(Cost $9,767,134)

     9,762,639  
     

 

 

 

    Shares    

             
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.2%

  
  455,638     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(d)

     455,638  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $455,638)

     455,638  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.9%
(Cost $38,344,227)

     38,690,060  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.1%

     30,927  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

     $38,720,987  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) The interest rate for this floating 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.
(b) Rule 144A, Section 4(2) or other security that 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) 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 December 31, 2017. The maturity date reflected is the final maturity date.
(d) Represents the current yield as of report date.

STEP — Step Coupon Bond

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

42


Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 97.7%

  
   Kentucky — 97.7%   
  $250,000     

Campbell & Kenton Counties Sanitation District No. 1, Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/26 @ 100, 4.000%, 8/1/31

     $273,530  
  440,000     

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Certificate of Participation, Public Improvements, 5.000%, 6/15/25

     520,907  
  300,000     

Commonwealth of Kentucky, Certificate of Participation, Public Improvements, Callable 6/15/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/15/34

     337,866  
  400,000     

Eastern Kentucky University, Refunding Revenue, Series A, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 4/1/24

     467,544  
  300,000     

Eastern Kentucky University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A (State Intercept), 5.000%, 4/1/25

     356,622  
  250,000     

Fayette County, KY, School District Finance Corp., Lease Payable from Local Revenues, Series A, 5.000%, 10/1/21

     277,015  
  300,000     

Jefferson County School District Finance Corp., School Improvements Revenue Bonds (State Intercept), Series C, Callable 12/1/25 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/28

     331,887  
  250,000     

Jefferson County, KY, School District Finance Corp., School Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/27

     294,615  
  250,000     

Kenton County, KY, Refunding Revenue, G.O., Series A, Callable 8/1/25 @100, 5.000%, 4/1/27

     309,437  
  510,000     

Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission, Project Notes, Federal Highway Trust Transit Improvements Revenue, First Series, Callable 9/1/23 @ 100, 5.250%, 9/1/25

     593,242  
  400,000     

Kentucky Association of Counties Finance Corp., Public Improvements Revenue, First Series B, 4.000%, 2/1/25

     446,668  
  400,000     

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, Baptist Healthcare System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/15/18 @ 100, OID, 4.750%, 8/15/19

     406,748  
  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

     520,145  
  250,000     

Kentucky State Property & Building Commission, Project No. 116, University & College Improvements Revenue, (AGM-State Intercept), 5.000%, 10/1/26

     302,083  
  280,000     

Kentucky State Property & Building Commission, Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/01/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/31

     321,790  
  410,000     

Kentucky State Property & Buildings Commission, Project No. 76, Refunding Revenue, (AMBAC), 5.500%, 8/1/21

     458,851  
  460,000     

Kentucky State Property & Buildings Commission, Project No. 83, Refunding Revenue, (AMBAC), 5.000%, 10/1/19

     485,645  
  400,000     

Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Revitalization Projects, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/25

     420,124  
Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Kentucky — (continued)   
  $400,000     

Kentucky Turnpike Authority, Revitalization Projects, Revenue, Series A, 4.000%, 7/1/21

     $     427,432  
  250,000     

Laurel County, KY, Correctional Facilities Improvements G.O., Series A, Callable 5/1/27 @ 100, (BAM), 5.000%, 5/1/28

     301,705  
  300,000     

Laurel County, KY, School District Finance Corp., Refunding Revenue, Callable 3/1/25 @ 100 (State Intercept), 4.000%, 6/1/25

     334,959  
  250,000     

Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Public Facilities Corp., Court Facilities Project, Current Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 10/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     301,205  
  275,000     

Lexington-Fayette Urban County, KY, Airport Board, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     288,085  
  250,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Government, Refunding G.O., Series F, Callable 11/1/24 @ 100, 4.000%, 11/1/26

     280,570  
  500,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Sewer District, Sewer Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 11/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/15/30

     558,305  
  410,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, Metropolitan Government, Catholic Health Initiatives, Prerefunded Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/35

     465,202  
  125,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, Metropolitan Government, Catholic Health Initiatives, Unrefunded Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/35

     135,200  
  325,000     

Louisville & Jefferson County, Metropolitan Government, Center City Project, Refunding Notes, G.O., Callable 12/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/28

     391,261  
  300,000     

Murray, KY, School District Finance Corp., School Improvements Revenue, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 3/1/27

     364,344  
  250,000     

Owensboro, KY, Public Improvements G.O., Series A, 4.000%, 5/1/22

     268,368  
  200,000     

Russell, KY, Bon Secours Health System, Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/26

     226,392  
  300,000     

University of Kentucky, Refunding Revenue, Series D (State Intercept), 5.250%, 10/1/20

     328,938  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $11,435,339)

     11,796,685  
     

 

 

 
 

 

Continued

 

43


Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares    

             Fair Value     
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.4%

  
    285,164     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

     $285,164  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $285,164)

     285,164  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.1%
(Cost $11,720,503)

     12,081,849  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.1)%

     (11,740
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $12,070,109  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

BAM — Build America Mutual

G.O. — General Obligation

OID — Original Issue Discount

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

44


Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 98.6%

  
   District of Columbia — 1.6%   
$ 290,000     

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Series A-1, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, 5.000%, 7/1/26

     $   353,855  
     

 

 

 
   Maryland — 97.0%   
  500,000     

Anne Arundel County, MD, Consolidated Water & Sewer Utility Improvements G.O., 5.000%, 4/1/22

     566,840  
  510,000     

Anne Arundel County, MD, Economic Development, Anne Arundel Community College Project, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 9/1/20

     535,480  
  910,000     

Cecil County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 2/1/24

     1,019,746  
  500,000     

Charles County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements G.O., 5.000%, 7/15/22

     572,165  
  890,000     

Charles County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 7/15/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/25

     1,031,724  
  300,000     

Howard County, MD, Housing Commission, Columbia Commons Apartments, Local Multifamily Housing Revenue, Series A, 3.000%, 6/1/21

     307,245  
  275,000     

Howard County, MD, Housing Commission, General Capital Improvement Program, Local Multifamily Housing Revenue, 4.000%, 6/1/22

     296,015  
  500,000     

Howard County, MD, Metropolitan District, Series E, Advance Refunding G.O., Callable 2/15/28 @ 100, 5.000%, 2/15/31

     623,265  
  125,000     

Howard County, MD, Miscellaneous Purpose Certificate of Participation, Series A, 8.050%, 2/15/21

     148,740  
  135,000     

Howard County, MD, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series B, 8.250%, 2/15/20

     153,577  
  250,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Electricity Lights & Power Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Callable 3/1/19 @ 100, 6.200%, 9/1/22

     263,410  
  60,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Lutheran World Relief Refugee, Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/6/17 @ 100, (Lutheran Center Corp.), 5.250%, 4/1/19

     60,174  
  675,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Public Health Laboratory Public Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     728,393  
  420,000     

Maryland Economic Development Corp., Public Health Laboratory Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     463,974  
  250,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Anne Arundel Health System, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     299,728  
    1,000,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Calvert Health System, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Callable 07/01/23 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 7/1/38

     1,102,950  

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Maryland — (continued)   
  $500,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, College of Notre Dame, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/19

     $   520,555  
  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

     566,010  
  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

     1,140,810  
  470,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Lifebridge Health, Current Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/32

     557,838  
  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

     591,104  
  1,000,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, MedStar Health Inc., Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 8/15/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/15/38

     1,139,500  
  400,000     

Maryland Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority, Meritus Medical Center Issue, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/22

     448,044  
  660,000     

Maryland Stadium Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/15/23

     765,448  
  500,000     

Maryland State Transportation Authority, Transportation Facilities Project, Highway Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/22

     524,855  
  500,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Crossover Refunding, G.O., Series D, 4.000%, 11/1/27

     586,860  
  500,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Crossover Refunding, G.O., Series D, Callable 11/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 11/1/29

     573,425  
  500,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Department Liquor Control Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, OID, 4.500%, 4/1/26

     539,065  
  750,000     

Montgomery County, MD, Water Quality Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/30

     802,710  
  890,000     

Montgomery County, MD, West Germantown Development District, Refunding, Special Tax, 4.000%, 7/1/23

     981,207  
  1,000,000     

Prince George’s County, MD, Consolidated Public School Improvements, G.O., Series A, Callable 9/01/24 @ 100, 4.000%, 9/1/25

     1,135,480  
    1,000,000     

State of Maryland, Refunding G.O., Series B, 4.000%, 8/1/23

     1,119,060  
  500,000     

Washington County, MD, Refunding G.O., 4.000%, 1/1/21

     533,890  
  700,000     

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Consolidated Public Water Utility Improvements, G.O., 4.000%, 6/1/24

     791,938  
 

 

 

Continued

 

45


Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Maryland — (continued)   
  $500,000     

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Consolidated Public Water Utility Improvements, G.O., Callable 6/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/38

     $     598,470  
     

 

 

 
        22,089,695  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $21,696,865)

     22,443,550  
     

 

 

 

  Shares  

           Fair Value     

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.3%

  

  76,549

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund,
Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

     $       76,549  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $76,549)

     76,549  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 98.9%
(Cost $21,773,414)

     22,520,099  

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 1.1%

     255,082  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%.

     $22,775,181  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

G.O. — General Obligation

OID — Original Issue Discount

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

46


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 98.5%

  
   North Carolina — 98.5%   
  $2,685,000     

Appalachian State University, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 10/1/30

     $3,009,106  
  2,335,000     

Appalachian State University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/24

     2,607,915  
  2,405,000     

Appalachian State University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 4.750%, 10/1/27

     2,664,403  
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, NC, Refunding Revenue Limited Obligation, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     1,128,750  
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, NC, Refunding Revenue Limited Obligation, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,121,100  
  1,000,000     

Broad River Water Authority, Water System Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     1,169,160  
  1,025,000     

Buncombe County Metropolitan Sewerage District, Sewer Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/39

     1,171,790  
  1,730,000     

Buncombe County, NC, Advance Refunding Revenue Limited Obligation, Callable 6/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/27

     2,089,788  
  1,475,000     

Buncombe County, NC, Advance Refunding Revenue Limited Obligation, Callable 6/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/28

     1,771,608  
  1,000,000     

Cabarrus County, NC Installment Financing Contract Public Imps. Revenue Bonds, Callable 4/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/28

     1,208,360  
  1,730,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, School Improvements Certificate of Participation, Callable 1/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/23

     1,790,066  
  1,000,000     

Cabarrus County, NC, Installment Financing Contract, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 6/1/34

     1,102,140  
  1,010,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, 5.000%, 8/1/25

     1,231,574  
  1,240,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 8/1/21

     1,381,893  
  1,475,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/26

     1,640,525  
  1,535,000     

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, Water & Sewer System, Improvements Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/28

     1,707,258  
  1,000,000     

Catawba County, NC, School Improvements Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/19

     1,041,630  
  1,000,000     

Catawba County, NC, School Improvements Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 10/1/20

     1,060,570  
  1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Douglas International Airport Refunding Revenue, Callable 7/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/31

     1,179,860  
  1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     1,078,480  

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   North Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,000,000     

Charlotte, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/25

     $1,080,520  
  2,035,000     

Chatham County, NC, Refunding Revenue (County Guaranteed), 5.000%, 12/1/28

     2,500,649  
  1,280,000     

City of Asheville, NC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/28

     1,591,488  
  740,000     

City of Asheville, NC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 10/1/29

     840,248  
  2,000,000     

Concord, NC, Utilities Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 12/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     2,119,680  
  1,110,000     

Dare County, NC, Utilities Systems, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 2/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 2/1/33

     1,224,530  
  1,410,000     

Durham County, NC, Industrial Facilities & Pollution Control Financing Authority, Research Triangle Institute, University & College Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 2/1/20

     1,500,705  
  2,000,000     

Durham County, NC, Public Improvements Certificate of Participation, Series A, Callable 6/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,095,340  
  1,000,000     

Durham, NC, Refunding, G.O., 4.000%, 9/1/25

     1,150,580  
  1,225,000     

East Carolina University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     1,488,473  
  1,750,000     

Fayetteville, NC, Public Works Commission, Electric Light & Power Improvements Revenue, Callable 3/1/24 @ 100, 4.000%, 3/1/27

     1,942,255  
  1,955,000     

Greensboro, NC, Combined Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/27 @ 100, 4.000%, 6/1/30

     2,218,827  
  4,000,000     

Guilford County, NC, Advance Refunding, G.O., 4.000%, 3/1/26

     4,625,640  
  1,675,000     

Guilford County, NC, Advance Refunding, G.O., Series A, Callable 2/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 2/1/28

     2,046,683  
  2,075,000     

High Point, NC, Combined Water & Sewer System, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, 5.000%, 11/1/26

     2,568,829  
  1,010,000     

Holly Springs, NC, Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 10/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     1,182,872  
  1,405,000     

Johnston County, NC, Public Improvements, G.O., 5.000%, 2/1/24

     1,663,618  
  2,000,000     

Mecklenburg County, NC, Refunding G.O., 5.000%, 2/1/21

     2,202,140  
  1,195,000     

Monroe, NC, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 3/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/29

     1,418,154  
  1,020,000     

Mooresville Town, NC, Advance Refunding, G.O., 5.000%, 4/1/23

     1,180,405  
  1,855,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover County Projects, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/19

     1,974,295  
  1,015,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover County Projects, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/20

     1,110,329  
 

 

Continued

 

47


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   North Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,270,000     

New Hanover County, NC, New Hanover Regional Medical, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     $1,415,021  
  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

     1,058,060  
  1,050,000     

New Hanover County, NC, Regional Medical Center, Health Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 10/1/22

     1,110,963  
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Series A, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/32

     1,176,530  
  1,215,000     

North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Series A, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/25 @100, 5.000%, 10/1/34

     1,422,024  
  1,305,000     

North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency, Johnson & Wales University Project, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/21

     1,423,912  
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency, Johnson & Wales University Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,140,070  
  1,045,000     

North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency, The Arc of North Carolina Project, Refunding Revenue, (Housing and Urban Development, Section 8), 5.000%, 10/1/25

     1,191,164  
  1,750,000     

North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency, The Arc of North Carolina Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/27 @ 100 (Housing and Urban Development, Section 8), 5.000%, 10/1/34

     1,960,455  
  1,350,000     

North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency, Electric, Lights & Power Improvements Revenue, Series A, OID, 6.400%, 1/1/21

     1,440,153  
  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

     1,042,215  
  4,315,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement, Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/37

     4,947,320  
  5,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Duke University Health System, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, Series A, 5.000%, 6/1/32

     5,620,700  
  915,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     947,254  
  1,180,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Series A, 5.375%, 7/1/20

     1,257,703  

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   North Carolina — (continued)   
  $3,030,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     $3,257,341  
  1,530,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, North Carolina Baptist Hospital, Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/20 @ 100, 5.250%, 6/1/29

     1,663,446  
  635,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, United Methodist Retirement Homes, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/23 @ 103, 5.000%, 10/1/30

     716,496  
  650,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, United Methodist Retirement Homes, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/23 @ 103, 5.000%, 10/1/31

     731,575  
  1,000,000     

North Carolina Medical Care Commission, United Methodist Retirement Homes, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/23 @ 103, 5.000%, 10/1/37

     1,113,100  
  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

     3,144,792  
  2,000,000     

North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/28

     2,337,020  
  2,950,000     

North Carolina State, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series B, Callable 5/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/30

     3,601,301  
  4,550,000     

North Carolina State, Public Improvements, Revenue, Series C, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/23

     4,874,870  
  2,645,000     

North Carolina State, Refunding Revenue G.O., Series B, 5.000%, 6/1/25

     3,229,730  
  1,250,000     

North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Senior Lien, Advance Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 1/1/26

     1,494,163  
  1,200,000     

North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Senior Lien, Advance Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 1/1/27

     1,447,824  
  2,100,000     

North Carolina Turnpike Authority, Senior Lien, Advance Refunding Revenue (AGM), Callable 1/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/28

     2,516,808  
  1,660,000     

Northern Hospital District Of Surry County, Advance Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     1,877,178  
  1,000,000     

Pasquotank County, NC, Refunding Certificate of Participation (NATL), 5.250%, 6/1/19

     1,049,990  
  1,210,000     

Pender County, NC, Limited Obligation Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,369,623  
  1,015,000     

Pender County, NC, School Improvements, G.O., Callable 3/1/26 @100, 5.000%, 3/1/27

     1,235,529  
  1,060,000     

Pitt County, NC, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series B, Callable 10/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/30

     1,270,632  
  1,395,000     

Pitt County, NC, Certificate of Participation, Refunding, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,569,291  
 

 

Continued

 

48


Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal

Amount

        Fair Value  

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   North Carolina — (continued)   
$2,160,000
  

Raleigh Durham Airport Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B1, Callable 5/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/28

  

$

2,317,853

 

1,500,000   

Raleigh, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/27

     1,729,125  
1,615,000   

Raleigh, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 3/1/28

     1,859,979  
1,985,000   

Sampson County, NC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/26

     2,381,722  
870,000   

Town of Oak Island, NC, Combined Enterprise System, Advance Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 6/1/25

     1,046,940  
1,000,000   

Union County, NC, Enterprise Systems, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 12/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/22

     1,085,870  
2,205,000   

Union County, NC, Refunding G.O., Series A, 5.000%, 3/1/22

     2,494,186  
1,000,000   

Union County, NC, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/23

     1,172,540  
1,150,000   

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/28 @ 100, 4.000%, 4/1/33

     1,269,968  
2,285,000   

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/23

     2,520,469  
1,695,000   

University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 4/1/24 @ 100,
5.000%, 4/1/28

     2,005,168  
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

     3,518,225  
3,130,000   

University of North Carolina System, Asheville/Wilmington, Refunding Revenue, Series C, Callable 4/1/20 @ 100 (Assured Guaranty), 5.000%, 10/1/20

     3,360,744  
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

     1,603,310  
2,985,000   

Wake County, NC, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series A, Callable 12/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/28

     3,655,222  
2,125,000   

Watauga Public Facilities Corp., Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     2,386,163  
1,000,000   

Watauga Public Facilities Corp., Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100,
5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,112,180  

Principal

Amount

        Fair Value  

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   North Carolina — (continued)   
$1,135,000   

Wayne County, NC, School Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/27 @ 100,
4.000%, 6/1/29

   $ 1,281,029  
1,000,000   

Winston-Salem State University Foundation LLC, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,103,010  
1,000,000   

Winston-Salem, NC, Transit Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series C, Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/30

     1,168,510  
1,165,000   

Winston-Salem, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 6/1/24

     1,388,983  
1,875,000   

Winston-Salem, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/25

     2,226,750  
1,000,000   

Winston-Salem, NC, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/28

     1,174,390  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $174,020,410)

     180,398,825  
     

 

 

 

Shares

           

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.9%

  
1,621,464   

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

     1,621,464  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $ 1,621,464)

     1,621,464  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.4%
(Cost $175,641,874)

     182,020,289  

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.6%

     1,085,163  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 183,105,452  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

G.O. — General Obligation

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

49


Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
  Schedule of Portfolio Investments
  December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

 

Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 97.9%

  
   South Carolina — 97.9%   
  $1,770,000     

Anderson County, SC, School District No. 2, Refunding, G.O., (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/24

   $ 2,092,069  
  1,515,000     

Anderson County, SC, School District No. 4, Refunding, G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/25 @ 100, (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/28

     1,799,002  
  1,190,000     

Anderson County, SC, School District No. 5, Advance Refunding, G.O., (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/23

     1,376,211  
  2,180,000     

Anderson County, SC, School District No. 5, Advance Refunding, G.O., (SCSDE), 4.000%, 3/1/30

     2,457,623  
  1,000,000     

Anderson Regional Joint Water System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/15/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/15/25

     1,102,200  
  1,000,000     

Beaufort County, SC, School District, Advance Refunding, G.O., (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/22

     1,129,430  
  1,000,000     

Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 3/1/24

     1,183,880  
  1,000,000     

Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 3/1/25

     1,203,640  
  1,185,000     

Berkeley County School District, School Improvements, G.O., Series A (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/20

     1,269,431  
  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

     1,115,470  
  1,000,000     

Charleston County, SC, Port, Airport & Marina
Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     1,148,730  
  1,500,000     

Charleston Educational Excellence Finance Corp., Charleston County School Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/21

     1,678,665  
  1,000,000     

Charleston Public Facilities Corp., Charleston City Project Series, Parking Facilities
Improvement Revenue, Callable 9/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 9/1/29

     1,233,650  
  1,355,000     

Coastal Carolina University, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/34

     1,542,437  
  1,295,000     

College of Charleston, University & College Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A,
Callable 4/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,420,693  
  1,000,000     

College of Charleston, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable
4/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 4/1/25

     1,158,070  
  1,000,000     

College of Charleston, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 4/1/27

     1,225,530  
  1,170,000     

Easley Combined Utility System, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/19 @ 100, (Assured
Guaranty), 5.000%, 12/1/24

     1,244,786  
  1,135,000     

East Richland County Public Service District,
Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 1/1/22

     1,222,633  
  1,000,000     

Florence County, SC, McLeod Regional Medical Center Project, Refunding Revenue,
Callable 11/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/28

     1,164,570  
  1,100,000     

Florence County, SC, McLeod Regional Medical Center Project, Refunding Revenue,
Callable 11/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/33

     1,259,962  
Principal
Amount
          Fair Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   South Carolina — (continued)   
$ 1,895,000     

Florence County, SC, Public Improvements, G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 6/1/20

   $ 1,997,974  
  1,350,000     

Fort Mill School District No. 4, Advance Refunding, G.O., Series D (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/22

     1,527,053  
  1,000,000     

Fort Mill School District No. 4, Advance Refunding, G.O., Series D (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/24

     1,182,600  
  1,640,000     

Georgetown County, SC, Advance Refunding Revenue, G.O., Callable 3/1/28 @ 100,
4.000%, 3/1/31

     1,854,774  
  1,000,000     

Greenville County, SC, School District Building
Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/22

     1,143,170  
  1,000,000     

Greenville Health System, Hospital System Board, Refunding Revenue, Callable 5/1/22
@ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/31

     1,118,370  
  1,415,000     

Greenville Health System, Hospital System Board, Series B, Callable 05/01/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/31

     1,616,722  
  1,000,000     

Greenwood County, SC, Self Regional Healthcare Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/24

     1,121,900  
  2,025,000     

Horry County, SC, School District, Refunding,
G.O., Series B (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/23

     2,346,206  
  1,000,000     

Kershaw County, SC, Kershaw County School
District Project, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/23

     1,157,390  
  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

     1,680,168  
  1,170,000     

Lexington County Health Services District, Inc. Lexington Medical Center, Callable 5/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/35

     1,334,783  
  500,000     

Lexington County Health Services District, Inc., Lexmed Obligated Group, Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/29

     592,500  
  785,000     

Lexington County, SC, Health Services District, Inc., Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/22

     875,707  
  1,000,000     

Lexington County, SC, School District No. 1, G.O., Series C (SCSDE), 5.000%, 2/1/21

     1,099,480  
  940,000     

Lexington, SC, Combined Waterworks & Sewer System Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/21 @100, 5.000%, 4/1/22

     1,029,065  
  1,000,000     

Lugoff-Elgin Water Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 7/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/30

     1,181,030  
  1,460,000     

Newberry, SC, Refunding Revenue (AGM), 5.000%, 4/1/24

     1,698,170  
  1,115,000     

Oconee County School District, School Improvements, G.O., Series A (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/24

     1,320,740  
  1,485,000     

Orangeburg County, SC, Correctional Facilities Improvements, Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds, Callable 12/1/27, 5.000%, 12/1/29

     1,756,131  
  1,570,000     

Orangeburg County, SC, School District No. 4, School Improvements Refunding, G.O., Series A (SCSDE), 5.000%, 3/1/24

     1,861,706  

 

 

 

Continued

 

50


Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   South Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,000,000     

Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Power System Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 1/1/22 @ 100, 4.000%, 1/1/23

     $1,069,660  
  1,000,000     

Renewable Water Resources Sewage System, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 1/1/20

     1,045,920  
  1,075,000     

Richland County, SC, School District No. 1, Refunding Bonds, G.O., Series A, Callable 9/1/21 @ 100, (SCSDE), 4.000%, 3/1/23

     1,156,034  
  1,000,000     

Rock Hill, SC, Combined Utility System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/22 @100 (AGM), 5.000%, 1/1/23

     1,114,210  
  1,000,000     

Rock Hill, SC, Hospital Fee Pledge, Refunding Revenue, Callable 4/1/23 @100, 5.000%, 4/1/33

     1,115,360  
  1,090,000     

Rock Hill, SC, Ltd. Obligations, Hospitality Fee Pledge, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 4/1/21

     1,190,040  
  1,500,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Cherokee School District No. 1, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/24

     1,765,785  
  1,135,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Colleton School District, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/20

     1,231,816  
  790,000     

SCAGO Educational Facilities Corp. for Union School District, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 12/1/21

     871,512  
  500,000     

SCAGO Public Facilities Corp. for Georgetown County, Georgetown County Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 12/1/19

     531,180  
  850,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, AnMed Health Project, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 2/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 2/1/29

     998,223  
  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

     1,137,380  
  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

     1,665,075  
  580,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Furman University, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 10/1/24

     682,051  
  500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A (AGM), 5.000%, 8/1/19

     521,425  
  500,000     

South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority, Palmetto Health, Refunding & Improvement Facilities Revenue, OID, 5.000%, 8/1/18

     508,635  
Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   South Carolina — (continued)   
  $1,150,000     

South Carolina Ports Authority, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/19

     $  1,205,764  
  500,000     

South Carolina Public Service Authority Obligations, Santee Cooper, Refunding Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 12/1/18

     515,865  
  1,490,000     

South Carolina Public Service Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, series A, Callable 6/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/26

     1,748,247  
  1,400,000     

South Carolina State Fiscal Accountability Authority, Department of Mental Health Project, Callable 04/01/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/37

     1,663,074  
  1,250,000     

South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 10/1/23

     1,454,725  
  1,500,000     

South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/25 @ 100, 4.000%, 10/1/30

     1,666,410  
  600,000     

Spartanburg Regional Health Services District, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 4/15/18 @ 100, (Assured Guaranty), 5.250%, 4/15/21

     606,528  
  1,360,000     

State of South Carolina, College Improvements, G.O., Series A (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 4/1/27

     1,702,761  
     

 

 

 
   Total Municipal Bonds
    (Cost $83,535,259)
     85,692,001  
     

 

 

 
Shares              
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 1.7%

  
  1,471,522      Federated Treasury Obligations Fund,     Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)      1,471,522  
     

 

 

 
   Total Money Market Fund
    (Cost $1,471,522)
     1,471,522  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.6%
(Cost $85,006,781)

     87,163,523  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.4%

     378,879  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $87,542,402  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

G.O. — General Obligation

OID — Original Issue Discount

SCAGO — South Carolina Association of Governmental Organizations

SCSDE — South Carolina School District Enhancement

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

51


Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 98.7%

  
   District of Columbia — 3.0%   
  $1,160,000     

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Port, Airport & Marina Improvement Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/23

   $ 1,261,210  
  625,000     

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 10/1/19 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/21

     661,619  
  755,000     

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Transit Improvements, Series B, Revenue Bonds, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/32

     912,229  
     

 

 

 
        2,835,058  
     

 

 

 
   Virginia — 95.7%   
  1,240,000     

Albemarle County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Public Improvements Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/27

     1,545,610  
  1,730,000     

Albemarle County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Albemarle County Project, Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,961,353  
  2,000,000     

Albemarle County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/20

     2,157,700  
  1,365,000     

Albemarle County, VA, School Improvements G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,693,678  
  1,000,000     

Alexandria, VA, Refunding G.O. (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 6/15/21

     1,112,250  
  1,500,000     

Arlington, VA, Public Improvements, G.O., Callable 8/15/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/15/30

     1,871,055  
  1,085,000     

Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel District, First Tier General Resolution, Highway Improvements, Revenue Bonds, Callable 7/1/26 @ 100 (AGM), 5.000%, 7/1/41

     1,260,781  
  1,770,000     

Chesapeake, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 8/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/30

     2,195,862  
  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

     1,151,447  
  1,145,000     

Culpeper County, VA, Economic Development Authority, VA Capital Projects, Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, 4.000%, 6/1/26

     1,266,152  
  1,450,000     

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Goodwin House Inc., Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/24 @ 102, 5.000%, 10/1/36

     1,629,597  
  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

     1,525,987  
  2,500,000     

Fairfax County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Laurel Hill Public Facilities Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 6/1/22

     2,830,925  
Principal
Amount
            Fair Value    
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Virginia — (continued)   
  $530,000     

Fairfax County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Inova Health System Project, Refunding Revenue, (AGM-CR), OID, 5.250%, 8/15/19

     $   551,333  
  1,000,000     

Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority, Mary Washington Healthcare Obligation Group, Refunding Revenue, Callable 6/15/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/15/26

     1,156,440  
  800,000     

Harrisonburg, VA, School Improvements, G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 7/15/23

     935,624  
  1,700,000     

Leesburg, VA, Refunding G.O., Callable 1/15/24 @ 100, (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 1/15/27

     1,893,341  
  1,000,000     

Leesburg, VA, Refunding G.O., Callable 1/15/25 @ 100, (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 1/15/27

     1,201,730  
  1,000,000     

Loudoun County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Public Improvements Revenue, Callable 12/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/27

     1,196,290  
  1,365,000     

Loudoun County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, 4.000%, 12/15/22

     1,508,639  
  1,000,000     

Lynchburg Economic Development Authority, Current Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.000%, 1/1/26

     1,189,180  
  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

     1,579,079  
  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

     2,728,755  
  1,250,000     

New River Valley Regional Jail Authority Correctional Facilities Improvement Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/27

     1,522,550  
  1,000,000     

Newport News, VA, General Water Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series B, 5.250%, 7/1/21

     1,118,500  
  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

     1,128,040  
  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

     1,140,380  
  1,000,000     

Norfolk, VA, Economic Development Authority, Sentara Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/24

     1,144,870  
  1,465,000     

Norfolk, VA, Economic Development Authority, Sentara Healthcare, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 11/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/36

     1,650,879  
  1,000,000     

Norfolk, VA, Public Improvements, G.O., Series A, Callable 10/1/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/30

     1,215,380  
  250,000     

Orange County Economic Development Authority, Current Refunding Revenue Bonds, Series A, 5.000%, 11/1/25

     300,873  
 

 

Continued

 

52


Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
   Virginia — (continued)   
  $1,160,000     

Poquoson, VA, Refunding G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 2/15/21

     $1,276,812  
  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

     1,954,813  
  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

     1,512,501  
  1,520,000     

Powhatan County Economic Development Authority, School Improvements, Callable 10/15/26 @100, 5.000%, 10/15/27

     1,847,347  
  1,150,000     

Prince William County, VA, County Facilities, Refunding Certificate of Participation, 5.000%, 10/1/21

     1,283,975  
  1,245,000     

Rappahannock Regional Jail Authority, Refunding Revenue, Callable 10/1/2025 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/26

     1,505,740  
  2,000,000     

Richmond, VA, Public Improvements, Refunding G.O., Series A, Callable 3/1/24 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 3/1/28

     2,357,540  
  1,250,000     

Richmond, VA, Public Utility Advance Refunding Revenue Bonds, Callable 1/15/26 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/15/27

     1,529,087  
  1,030,000     

Roanoke, VA, Public Improvements, Advance Refunding G.O., (State Aid Withholding), 4.000%, 4/1/26

     1,190,062  
  885,000     

Smyth County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Mountain States Health Alliance Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 7/1/20

     948,614  
  1,000,000     

Smyth County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Mountain States Health Alliance Refunding Revenue, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, OID, 5.000%, 7/1/23

     1,064,340  
  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

     1,709,668  
  1,220,000     

Spotsylvania County, VA, Economic Development Authority, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 6/1/22

     1,381,491  
  1,420,000     

Spotsylvania County, VA, Water & Sewer System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/28

     1,522,538  
    1,135,000     

Virginia Beach, VA, Public Improvements, G.O., Series A, Callable 4/1/22 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 4/1/23

     1,286,727  
  2,500,000     

Virginia College Building Authority, 21st Century College & Equipment, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 2/1/22

     2,815,250  
  1,750,000     

Virginia College Building Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 9/1/24 @100 (State Intercept), 4.000%, 9/1/25

     1,951,040  
  1,805,000     

Virginia College Building Authority, Public Higher Education Financing Program, Refunding Revenue, Series B, (State Intercept), 5.000%, 9/1/20

     1,957,324  
  2,000,000     

Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board, Federal Transportation Grant, Anticipation Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 9/15/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 9/15/31

     2,447,540  

  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

     $  2,112,015  

  1,500,000

  

Virginia Port Authority Commonwealth Port Fund, Port, Airport & Marina Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/20 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     1,616,955  

1,000,000

  

Virginia Public Building Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/28

     1,237,680  

2,000,000

  

Virginia Public Building Authority, Public Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 8/1/26

     2,224,440  

1,515,000

  

Virginia Public School Authority, Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 8/1/25 @ 100 (State Aid Withholding), 5.000%, 8/1/26

     1,836,650  

1,000,000

  

Virginia Resources Authority, Infrastructure Pooled Financing Program, Advance Refunding Revenue, Callable 11/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/32

     1,230,320  

  1,525,000

  

Western Regional Jail Authority, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 12/1/26

     1,850,725  

700,000

  

Winchester, VA, Economic Development Authority, Valley Health System Obligated Group, Hospital Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 1/1/22

     785,680  

920,000

  

Winchester, VA, Economic Development Authority, Valley Health System Obligated Group, Hospital Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 1/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/26

     1,062,545  
     

 

 

 
        90,863,699  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $90,848,249)

     93,698,757  
     

 

 

 

  Shares  

           

MONEY MARKET FUND — 0.7%

  

631,424

  

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

     631,424  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $631,424)

     631,424  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.4%
(Cost $91,479,673)

     94,330,181  

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.6%

     603,647  
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $94,933,828  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

CR — Custodial Receipts

G.O. — General Obligation

OID — Original Issue Discount    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

53


Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — 97.4%

  
  $1,060,000     

Berkeley County, WV, Building Commission, Judicial Center Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 9/1/21 @ 100, 4.500%, 9/1/23

     $1,152,686  
  1,085,000     

Berkeley County, WV, Building Commission, Lease Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/1/22 @ 100, 4.000%, 12/1/26

     1,165,474  
  1,500,000     

Berkeley County, WV, Public Service Sewer District, Miscellaneous Purposes Revenue, Series C, Callable 10/1/23 @ 100, (BAM), 4.500%, 10/1/32

     1,638,555  
  655,000     

Berkeley County, WV, Public Service Sewer District, Sewer Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 11/6/17 @100, 5.000%, 3/1/22

     656,762  
  1,080,000     

Braxton County, WV, Board of Education, Public School, Advance Refunding G.O., Callable 5/1/26 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/28

     1,283,602  
  1,090,000     

Charles Town, WV, Waterworks & Sewerage System, Water Utility Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 3/1/26 @100, (BAM), 4.500%, 3/1/36

     1,204,210  
  1,005,000     

Fairmont State University, WV, University & College Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,101,832  
  1,495,000     

Fairmont State University, WV, University & College Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series B, Callable 6/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/23

     1,639,043  
  1,100,000     

Fairmont, WV, Waterworks Refunding Revenue, Series D, Callable 7/1/19 @100, (AGM), 4.000%, 7/1/24

     1,123,243  
  1,390,000     

Marshall University, WV, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/26

     1,524,510  
  1,560,000     

Marshall University, WV, University & College Improvements Revenue, Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/27

     1,709,900  
  1,545,000     

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/20

     1,656,070  
  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

     1,127,300  
  675,000     

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/31

     747,299  
  965,000     

Monongalia County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Refunding G.O., Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 5.000%, 5/1/33

     1,067,522  
  915,000     

Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission, Health System Obligated Group Refunding Revenue, Callable 7/1/21 @ 100, OID, 6.250%, 7/1/31

     1,034,472  
  2,000,000     

Monongalia County, WV, Building Commission, Monongalia Health System Group Refunding Revenue, Callable 7/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/26

     2,348,580  

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  $1,000,000     

Ohio County, WV, Country Commission, Fort Henry Centre Financing District, Public Improvement, Tax Allocation, Callable 6/1/22 @ 100, 4.750%, 6/1/31

     $1,061,580  
  1,000,000     

Parkersburg, WV, Combined Waterworks & Sewerage System, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 8/1/21 @ 100, (BAM), 4.000%, 8/1/22

     1,067,280  
  1,210,000     

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/23

     1,299,238  
  1,165,000     

Pleasants County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., Callable 5/1/21 @ 100, 4.000%, 5/1/24

     1,249,358  
  1,655,000     

Preston County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/21

     1,770,949  
  1,285,000     

Princeton, WV, Princeton Community Hospital Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 5/1/22

     1,406,008  
  1,410,000     

Princeton, WV, Princeton Community Hospital Project, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 5/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 5/1/27

     1,525,973  
  1,005,000     

Putnam County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 5/1/19

     1,035,874  
  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

     1,058,140  
  500,000     

School Building Authority of West Virginia, Lottery Capital Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/24 @ 100, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     595,965  
  1,265,000     

School Building Authority of West Virginia, Lottery Capital Improvements Revenue, Callable 7/1/24 @ 100, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     1,506,084  
  1,675,000     

School Building Authority of West Virginia, School Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/25 @100, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     1,987,237  
  2,000,000     

State of West Virginia, Refunding G.O., 5.000%, 11/1/26

     2,470,520  
  1,295,000     

Wayne County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., Callable 6/1/24 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 6/1/25

     1,454,246  
  2,000,000     

West Virginia Commissioner Of Highways, Highway Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 9/1/21

     2,224,980  
  1,200,000     

West Virginia Commissioner Of Highways, Surface Transportation Improvements, Highway Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 9/1/27

     1,485,072  
  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

     3,382,200  
  3,685,000     

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

     4,151,116  
 

 

 

Continued

 

54


Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Principal  

  Amount  

             Fair Value     
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  $1,185,000     

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Lottery Recreational Facilities Improvements Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 7/1/27

     $1,454,232  
  1,145,000     

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Lottery Recreational Facilities Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/28

     1,390,992  
  1,050,000     

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Lottery Recreational Facilities Improvements Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/37

     1,239,504  
  1,015,000     

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, State Office Building 3, Public Improvements Revenue, Series D, Callable 6/1/25 @ 100, 5.000%, 6/1/26

     1,208,347  
  1,890,000     

West Virginia Economic Development Authority, The Diamond Project, Refunding Revenue, Callable 12/15/18 @ 100, 3.000%, 12/15/19

     1,913,228  
  1,000,000     

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Community & Technological Colleges Capital, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/29

     1,206,380  
  1,500,000     

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Community & Technological Colleges Capital, Advance Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 7/1/27 @ 100, 5.000%, 7/1/38

     1,761,165  
  1,000,000     

West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Higher Education Facilities, Refunding Revenue, Series A, 5.000%, 4/1/20

     1,070,050  
  945,000     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Charleston Area Medical Center Inc., Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Callable 9/1/24 @100, 5.000%, 9/1/25

     1,077,309  
  2,000,000     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, United Health System Obligation, Health, Hospital, Nursing Home Improvements Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 6/1/23 @ 100, OID, 5.375%, 6/1/38

     2,262,800  
  515,000     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Valley Health System Obligated Group, Refunding Revenue, 5.000%, 1/1/24

     604,924  
  630,000     

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority, Valley Health System Obligated Group, Refunding Revenue, Callable 1/1/24 @ 100, 5.000%, 1/1/26

     729,527  
  1,890,000     

West Virginia State Building Commission, Regional Jail Refunding Revenue, Series A, (AMBAC), 5.375%, 7/1/21

     2,080,058  
  1,000,000     

West Virginia State Water Development Authority, Loan Program II, Refunding Revenue, Series A-II, Callable 11/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/26

     1,161,240  
  2,525,000     

West Virginia State Water Development Authority, Loan Program II, Refunding Revenue, Series A-II, Callable 11/1/23 @ 100, 5.000%, 11/1/27

     2,926,122  

  Principal  

  Amount  

          Fair Value  
 

MUNICIPAL BONDS — (continued)

  
  $1,500,000     

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, 5.000%, 10/1/20

     $  1,629,615  
  1,750,000     

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements Revenue, Series B, Callable 10/1/21 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/30

     1,931,108  
  1,530,000     

West Virginia University, University Projects, University & College Improvements, Refunding Revenue, Series A, Callable 10/1/22 @ 100, 5.000%, 10/1/35

     1,698,621  
  520,000     

West Virginia Water Development Authority, Loan Program II, Refunding Revenue, Series A-II, 5.000%, 11/1/24

     609,305  
  1,000,000     

West Virginia Water Development Authority, Loan Program II, Refunding Revenue, Series A-II, 5.000%, 11/1/25

     1,188,440  
  2,205,000     

Wood County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 6/1/25

     2,487,879  
  1,295,000     

Wood County, WV, Board Of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., (West Virginia Board Commission), 4.000%, 6/1/26

     1,474,150  
  1,550,000     

Wood County, WV, Board of Education, Public School Improvements, G.O., Callable 6/1/27 @ 100, (West Virginia Board Commission), 3.000%, 6/1/29

     1,583,217  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Municipal Bonds
(Cost $84,896,975)

     87,601,093  
     

 

 

 

  Shares  

             
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.1%

  
    1,882,114     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

     1,882,114  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $1,882,114)

     1,882,114  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.5% (Cost $86,779,089)

     89,483,207  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.5%

     428,656  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

     $89,911,863  
     

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

AGM — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

AMBAC — American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.

BAM — Build America Mutual

G.O. — General Obligation

NATL — National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.

OID — Original Issue Discount

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

55


Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares             Fair Value  
 

EQUITY FUNDS — 36.4%

  
  69,210     

First Trust DJ Global Select Dividend Index Fund

   $ 1,822,991  
  45,976     

Global SuperDividend U.S. ETF

     1,176,986  
  117,504     

Global X MLP ETF

     1,158,589  
  238,957     

Madison Covered Call & Equity Income Fund

     2,186,456  
  25,276     

SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF

     1,790,805  
  13,099     

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF

     1,121,667  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $8,644,185)

     9,257,494  
     

 

 

 
 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 61.2%

  
  193,574     

Ashmore Emerging Markets Short Duration Fund

     1,968,646  
  82,297     

DoubleLine Total Return Bond Fund

     874,822  
  106,513     

Guggenheim Floating Rate Strategies Fund

     2,770,403  
  7,377     

iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF

     935,846  
  90,385     

Principal Preferred Securities Fund

     939,104  
  261,566     

Stone Ridge High Yield Reinsurance Risk Premium Fund

     2,435,183  
  163,761     

VanEck Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF

     4,904,642  
  22,910     

VanEck Vectors High-Yield Municipal Index ETF

     714,792  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Funds
(Cost $15,259,819)

     15,543,438  
     

 

 

 
  Shares             Fair Value  
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.2%

  
  553,658     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(a)

   $ 553,658  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $553,658)

     553,658  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 99.8%
(Cost $24,457,662)

     25,354,590  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.2%

     39,692  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 25,394,282  
     

 

 

 

 

(a) Represents the current yield as of report date.

ETF — Exchange Traded Fund

MLP — Master Limited Partnership

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

56


Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares             Fair Value  
 

EQUITY FUNDS — 65.0%

  
  715,428     

Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

   $ 8,384,811  
  210,234     

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     4,276,155  
  323,171     

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund, Institutional Shares(a)(b)

     3,160,613  
  171,383     

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     4,284,580  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $17,102,699)

     20,106,159  
     

 

 

 
 

FIXED INCOME FUND — 32.7%

  
  957,248     

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     10,137,257  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Fund
(Cost $9,924,706)

     10,137,257  
     

 

 

 
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.3%

  
  698,091     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

     698,091  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $698,091)

     698,091  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $27,725,496)

     30,941,507  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — (0.0)%

     9,276  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 30,950,783  
     

 

 

 

 

(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.
(b) Represents non-income producing security.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

57


Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund
    Schedule of Portfolio Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

  Shares             Fair Value  
 

EQUITY FUNDS — 81.0%

  
  698,268     

Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

   $ 8,183,701  
  212,079     

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     4,313,686  
  310,131     

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund, Institutional Shares(a)(b)

     3,033,080  
  171,226     

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     4,280,644  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Equity Funds
(Cost $16,771,431)

     19,811,111  
     

 

 

 
 

FIXED INCOME FUND — 16.6%

  
  382,776     

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares(a)

     4,053,594  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Fixed Income Fund
(Cost $4,087,991)

     4,053,594  
     

 

 

 
 

MONEY MARKET FUND — 2.4%

  
  587,767     

Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares, 1.13%(c)

     587,767  
     

 

 

 
  

Total Money Market Fund
(Cost $587,767)

     587,767  
     

 

 

 
 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $21,447,189)

     24,452,472  
 

Net Other Assets (Liabilities) — 0.0%

     3,714  
     

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

   $ 24,456,186  
     

 

 

 

 

(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.
(b) Represents non-income producing security.
(c) Represents the current yield as of report date.

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to the Schedules of Portfolio Investments.

 

58


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

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.

The Trust offers shares of Sterling Capital Behavioral Large Cap Value Equity Fund, Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund, Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, Sterling Capital SMID Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund, Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund, Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, Sterling Capital Short Duration 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 Diversified Income 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 Diversified Income 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 theTax-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. Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund was liquidated on January 26, 2018.

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 debt securities. Funds of Funds with exposure to underlying equity funds may include funds that invest in real estate related securities. In addition, underlying investment companies may invest in derivatives and may engage in long/short equity strategies and in option writing strategies. The Funds of Funds except for Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund currently invest only in other Funds that are part of the Sterling Capital Funds group of investment companies (not including cash sweep vehicles). Financial information for those Sterling Capital Funds is included in this report and also is available at www.sec.gov. Financial information for the other underlying Funds is available at www.sec.gov.

 

2.

Significant Accounting Policies:

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds. The policies are in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of these schedules 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 schedules and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities Valuation — Investments of the Sterling Capital Funds (the “Funds”) in securities traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market are valued at the closing price on the principal exchange or market (including the NASDAQ Closing Price for securities traded on NASDAQ), typically 4:00 PM ET 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 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. 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

 

59


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

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.

Fair value pricing may be used if events materially affecting the value of foreign securities occur between the time when the exchange on which they are traded closes and the time when the Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund’s net asset value is calculated; such securities may be valued at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board.

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 as follows:

• 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 a 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 period ended December 31, 2017, 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 December 31, 2017 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 Behavioral Large Cap Value Equity Fund

  $ 320,561,146(a   $       $—       $ 320,561,146  

Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund

    763,060,587(a                 763,060,587  

Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity Fund

    226,114,007(a                 226,114,007  

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund

    1,171,534,356(a                 1,171,534,356  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund

    1,611,017,333(a                 1,611,017,333  

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund

    33,439,138(a                 33,439,138  

Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund

    891,165(a     82,545,823(a           83,436,988  

Sterling Capital SMID Opportunities Fund

    9,342,607(a                 9,342,607  

Sterling Capital Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund

    69,032,754(a                 69,032,754  

Sterling Capital Stratton Real Estate Fund

    97,424,935(a                 97,424,935  

Sterling Capital Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

    1,181,894,871(a                 1,181,894,871  

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

    1,277,778(b     37,464,714(a           38,742,492  

Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund

    583,328(b     72,003,952(a           72,587,280  

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

    235,664(b     20,026,189(a           20,261,853  

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

    24,574,675(b     1,113,368,384(a           1,137,943,059  

Sterling Capital Corporate Fund

    321,178(b     27,678,007(a           27,999,185  

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

    455,638(b     38,234,422(a           38,690,060  

Sterling Capital Kentucky Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    285,164(b     11,796,685(a           12,081,849  

Sterling Capital Maryland Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    76,549(b     22,443,550(a           22,520,099  

Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    1,621,464(b     180,398,825(a           182,020,289  

Sterling Capital South Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    1,471,522(b     85,692,001(a           87,163,523  

Sterling Capital Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    631,424(b     93,698,757(a           94,330,181  

Sterling Capital West Virginia Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

    1,882,114(b     87,601,093(a           89,483,207  

Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund

    23,354,590(a                 23,354,590  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

    30,941,507(a                 30,941,507  

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

    24,452,472(a                 24,452,472  

 

60


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

     Level 1–
Quoted Prices
    Level 2–
Other Significant
Observable Inputs
    Level 3–
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
    Total  

Liabilities:

                        

Investments Sold Short

        

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund

   $ 7,058,953(a)                 $ 7,058,953  

Other Financial Instruments-

Written Options (Equity Risk)

        

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund (c)

     50,000                   50,000  

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund (c)

     449,960                   449,960  

 

  (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.

During the period ended December 31, 2017, the Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund had foreign common stock that was transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 due to the application at December 31, 2017 of fair value procedures resulting from volatility in U.S. markets after the close of foreign markets. The beginning of period value of the securities that transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 during the period amounted to $58,000,646 or 70.35% of net assets as of September 30, 2017. 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 period ended December 31, 2017 for the remaining funds.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — The Funds consider liquid assets deposited with a bank, and certain short term debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments represent amounts held with financial institutions that are readily accessible to pay Fund expenses or investments. The Funds may invest their excess cash in the Federated Treasury Obligations Fund or a similar money market fund or other short-term investment.

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).

Foreign Currency Translation — The accounting records of the Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the latest foreign exchange bid quotation (from an approved pricing vendor) to determine the fair value of investments, assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange, on the respective dates of such transactions. The Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments and foreign currencies.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts — The Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, the Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund, the Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund, the Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund, the Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund and the Sterling Capital Corporate Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (foreign currency exchange risk) in connection with planned purchases or sales of securities or to hedge the U.S. dollar value of Funds securities denominated in a particular currency. A foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. The Funds can be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar. In the event of default by the counterparty to the transaction, the Funds’ maximum amount of loss, as either the buyer or seller, is the unrealized gain of the contract. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are adjusted by the daily exchange rate of the underlying currency and any gains or losses are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized gains or losses until the contract settlement date. When the contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain (loss) equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

 

61


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

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 a 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, a 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 a Fund, and the income from these investments will generate income for a 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 a 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. The Funds did not hold any mortgage dollar rolls during the period.

Options Contracts — Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, and Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund write (sell) “covered” call options on securities and purchase options on securities to close out options previously written by them. Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund purchases put options, which gives a Fund the right to sell a specified amount of an underlying security at a specified price within a specified time. 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). Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund may invest in underlying funds that engage in options writing strategies (including cash-secured put writing and covered call writing).

The risk associated with purchasing an option is that a 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.

In writing an option, a Fund contracts 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, a 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 Fund and Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund invested in written options to economically hedge the downside exposure by collecting a premium when sold against the equity holding.

Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies — Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such risks include future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely affect investments in those countries. Certain foreign investments may also be subject to foreign withholding taxes.

Short Sales — Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund enters into short sale transactions in which it sells a security it may not hold in anticipation of a decline in the market price of that security. When the Fund makes a short sale, it will borrow the security sold short and deliver the security to the counterparty to which it sold the security short. An amount equal to the proceeds received by the Fund is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the market value of the short sale. The Fund is required to repay the counterparty any dividends received on the security sold short, which is shown as dividend expense in the Statements of Operations. The Fund may pay a fee on the assets borrowed from the counterparty, which is shown as service fees on securities sold

 

62


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

short in the Statements of Operations. The Fund maintains a segregated account of deposits of cash with the broker-dealer as collateral for the short sales. The Fund may receive interest on the cash collateral deposited with the broker-dealer. These positions are speculative and may be more risky than “long” positions because the cost of the replacement security or derivative is unknown. Short selling strategies typically reduce returns relative to “long only” strategies during rising equity markets, and involve risk of significant losses; potential loss on uncovered short positions is unlimited. Short selling strategies also involve significant transaction costs. Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund may invest in underlying funds that engage in long/short equity strategies.

When-Issued and Forward Commitments — The Funds may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. Sterling Capital Behavioral Large Cap Value Equity Fund, Sterling Capital Mid Value Fund, Sterling Capital Behavioral Small Cap Value Equity 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.

 

3. Investments in Affiliated Issuers:

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the shares of affiliated issuers during the period ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:

 

    Shares Held at
September 30,
2017
   Shares
Purchased
   Shares
Sold
   Shares Held at
December 31,
2017
   Value at
December 31,
2017

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                       

Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, Institutional Shares

      758,440        6,285        49,297        715,428      $ 8,384,811

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares

      209,374        18,451        17,591        210,234        4,276,155

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund, Institutional Shares

      337,412               14,241        323,171        3,160,613

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares

      165,887        12,489        6,993        171,383        4,284,580

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares

      958,185        3,784        4,721        957,248        10,137,257
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Affiliates

      2,429,298        41,009        92,843        2,377,464      $ 30,243,416
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                       

Sterling Capital Behavioral International Equity Fund, Institutional Shares

      742,596        6,134        50,462        698,268      $ 8,183,701

Sterling Capital Equity Income Fund, Institutional Shares

      199,299        18,613        5,833        212,079        4,313,686

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund, Institutional Shares

      313,902               3,771        310,131        3,033,080

Sterling Capital Special Opportunities Fund, Institutional Shares

      158,748        12,478               171,226        4,280,644

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund, Institutional Shares

      370,972        11,804               382,776        4,053,594
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Affiliates

      1,785,517        49,029        60,066        1,774,480      $ 23,864,705
   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

63


Sterling Capital Funds
    Notes to Schedules of Investments — (continued)
    December 31, 2017 (Unaudited)

 

4. 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.

 

5. Federal Tax Information:

It is the policy of each Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), by complying with the applicable provisions of the Code 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.

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.

Capital losses originating in taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 are permitted to be carried forward for eight taxable years; in the year to which they are carried forward, such losses are treated as short-term capital losses that first offset any short-term capital gains, and then offset any long-term capital gains. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, capital losses originating in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-2010 capital losses”) are carried forward indefinitely. Furthermore, post-2010 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, 2017, 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
Losses
   Long-term
Losses
   Amount    Expires

Sterling Capital Long/Short Equity Fund

       10,953,172        9,066,743              

Sterling Capital Ultra Short Bond Fund

       151,146        617,878              

Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund

       1,389,086        5,670,250              

Sterling Capital Short Duration Bond Fund

                     385,647        2019

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

       245,182        195,626              

Sterling Capital Intermediate U.S. Government Fund

                     37,850        2019

Sterling Capital Total Return Bond Fund

       1,012,447        4,236,420              

Sterling Capital Securitized Opportunities Fund

       1,364,379        295,776              

Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund

       1,170,468                     

Sterling Capital Diversified Income Fund

                     5,021,746        2018

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                     74,360        2018

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Balanced Fund

                     3,964,763        2019

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                     1,839,918        2018

Sterling Capital Strategic Allocation Growth Fund

                     4,640,596        2019

 

  * Post-2010 Capital Losses: Must be utilized prior to losses subject to expiration.

 

64


Item 2. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers 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 in this report is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this report 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 registrant’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 3. Exhibits.

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


SIGNATURES

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

(Registrant)    Sterling Capital Funds                                                                                              

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ James T. Gillespie                                                                             

                                                 James T. Gillespie, President

                                                 (principal executive officer)

Date    2/16/2018                                                                                                                               

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    2/16/2018                                                                                                                               

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Todd M. Miller                                                                                  

                                               Todd M. Miller, Treasurer

                                               (principal financial officer)

Date    2/16/2018