UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number             811-07434                    

The Stratton Funds, Inc.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

150 South Warner Road, Suite 460

King of Prussia, PA 19406-2826

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Michelle Whalen, Assistant Vice President

The Stratton Funds, Inc.

150 South Warner Road, Suite 460

King of Prussia, PA 19406-2826

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  610-941-0888

Date of fiscal year end:   December 31

Date of reporting period:   December 31, 2013

 

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

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


LOGO


 

DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDER:

 

With the S&P 500 ® Index posting its best total return in 16 years, equity investors cheered as 2013 drew to a close. Stocks were increasingly embraced as the year progressed, driven by ongoing economic growth, improved monetary and fiscal policy visibility, and subdued inflation. In addition, developments throughout the year persistently highlighted the relative attractiveness of U.S. equities versus other asset classes, particularly fixed income and emerging market equities. Both spaces had been prime beneficiaries of investor interest and asset flows over the past decade. Fixed income instruments (and “bond like” equities to an extent) suffered during 2013 as long term interest rates rose from historically low levels, while emerging market equities were generally hampered by slowing economic growth and elevated inflation. Slowing growth in emerging markets also weighed on commodities. On the opposite end of the return spectrum, due to their greater domestic exposure, U.S. small caps outperformed. As a result, overall performance leadership for the year can best be described as “pro-risk” and “U.S.-centric”.

 

Having endured several years of a relatively sluggish recovery hampered by ongoing deleveraging, fiscal drag, and a cloud of uncertainty that has hindered business confidence and investment, we believe that the U.S. economy is on the verge of shifting into a higher gear. Over the past year, the economy has created nearly 200,000 jobs per month, on average. The housing market continues to pick up steam, as does manufacturing activity which is benefitting as companies move production facilities back to the U.S. from abroad. The surge in domestic oil and gas production continues to help the economy on several fronts. Outside of the obvious job creation benefits within the energy industry, an abundant supply of low cost energy in the U.S. is helping to keep inflation in check for both consumers and businesses. In our view, the continuation of these and other favorable trends, particularly in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, will result in positive spillover effects for the rest of the domestic economy.

 

Following widespread positive performance in 2013, we expect that 2014 stock market leadership will likely be narrower, and overall returns more subdued, despite an improving economy. We believe that equities are discounting an acceleration of earnings and domestic economic growth in 2014, and we agree that the fundamental pieces are in place for this to occur. At the same time, valuations are benefitting from low inflation which is also helping to fuel growth. The combination of low correlation levels within the market and ongoing strength within the U.S. economy should continue to provide ample stock picking opportunities going forward. In our view, 2014 will likely be a year marked by greater differentiation, as we expect stock selection within portfolios to be the key driver of performance.

 

It is our sense that the non-professional investing public is currently uneasy, torn between chasing stocks after a strong run or investing in what we believe to be less attractive asset classes. It is our feeling, however, that the path of least resistance for stocks is still up. On balance, we expect that investors will continue to embrace stocks, especially in the face of a rising interest rate environment. Given our increased caution on the emerging markets, our general preference continues to be for domestically oriented companies with exposure to strong U.S. trends.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

LOGO

Gerald M. Van Horn, CFA

Chairman

 

January 31, 2014

 

Distributed by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, Berwyn, PA 19312.

Date of first use, February 2014. This report is to be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus.

All indices are unmanaged groupings of stocks that are not available for investment.

 

 

 

 

 

   


PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTARY

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund* — Shawn M. Gallagher, CFA, President

 

Capping off their best year since 2009, U.S. mid cap stocks wholly participated in the broad equity market gains of 2013. The Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund posted a total return, net of fees, of +37.79%. Comparatively, the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell Midcap ® Value Index, posted a total return of +33.46%. Within the mid cap equity universe, leadership for the year can be described as “pro-risk” and this was observed in the outperformance by stocks with characteristics such as high beta, high earnings growth, low dividend yield, and low market capitalization. In addition, sector leadership within the mid cap market in 2013 tended to be cyclical in nature, particularly for companies with greater domestic exposure. For additional color, the broader Russell 3000 ® Value Index posted a total return of +32.69%, and the S&P 500 ® Index posted a total return of +32.39% in 2013.

The Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund’s absolute performance during 2013 was led by its holdings in the Health Care and Producer Durables sectors, each of which posted returns greater than 50%, on average. Performance within these sectors was bolstered by the Fund’s two top contributing stocks for the year, Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V. (2.9%) and Actavis PLC (3.0%). The Fund’s holdings within the Materials & Processing sector and the Technology sector lagged during the year, primarily due to underperformance by Apple, Inc. (eliminated), Oracle Corp. (eliminated), Agrium, Inc. (1.4%), and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. (eliminated). Three of these four laggards were eliminated during the first half of 2013 as the Fund transitioned to its new mid cap value mandate (effective 5/1/13).

Outperformance versus the Russell Midcap ® Value Index during 2013 was driven primarily by widespread positive stock selection, although the overall sector allocation effect was also positive. Six of nine economic sectors posted positive stock selection results. Holdings within the Financial Services sector provided the most dramatic contribution to relative performance, led by SVB Financial Group (2.3%), Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (2.5%), Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (2.1%), and East West Bancorp, Inc. (2.4%). In addition, the Fund’s substantial underexposure to Utilities, the Index’s worst performing sector during the year, provided a significant boost to relative performance. Negative stock selection within Technology was a drag on relative performance for the year, and was driven by Apple, Inc. (eliminated), Oracle, Inc. (eliminated), and ON Semiconductor Corp. (eliminated).

Although we do not anticipate a repeat of 2013’s remarkable stock market returns, the Fund remains positioned for a relatively favorable equity environment as we expect domestic economic data to continue its positive trend. Additionally, we continue to expect the U.S. economy to exhibit relative stability versus the rest of the world. It is our expectation that decelerating emerging market growth, reduced Fed stimulus, excess U.S. labor market capacity, and growing U.S. energy production should work to keep inflation in check and support U.S. equity market valuations. We continue to favor companies and industries benefitting from domestic secular tailwinds, such as the housing recovery, the unconventional energy revolution, and an increasingly competitive manufacturing sector.

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund.

Portfolio holdings are as of 12/31/13. They are subject to change and risk at any time. The Fund invests primarily in stocks of mid cap companies which may be subject to greater earnings and price volatility in comparison to larger companies. Mid-sized companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, and may be dependent upon a particular niche of the market. The Fund may invest in undervalued stocks which may affect the Fund’s value if the stocks do not appreciate as anticipated or remain undervalued for longer than anticipated. The Fund may invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) which may be negatively affected by conditions in the real estate industry, such as declining property values due to unanticipated economic developments. Investors may incur a fee of 1.50% if shares are redeemed or exchanged within 120 days of purchase.

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.strattonfunds.com . The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

2


PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTARY

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund — Andrew T. DiZio, CFA, President

 

The inverse relationship between REIT stock prices and interest rates, as quantified by the ten-year U.S. Treasury yield, was the story of 2013 in the real estate market. While the direction of interest rates was important, we believe the magnitude of the increase, 125 basis points for the year and 140 basis points from the May low, was a bigger driver of REITs underperformance relative to the broader market. Despite these interest rate headwinds, the Stratton Real Estate Fund produced a net return of +2.35% in 2013, which compares to the +2.86% return of the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index, and +2.47% return of the MSCI U.S. REIT Index.

Within the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index, Lodging was the top performing property subsector of 2013. Pricing power associated with the short length of hotel “leases” (essentially one night) is expected to drive strong earnings growth in an economic recovery, limiting the effect of higher interest rates on valuations relative to other property types. On the other end of the lease length spectrum is Health Care, where operators typically rent buildings from REITs for a decade or longer. The inability of Health Care real estate owners to quickly increase rents in a recovery makes the subsector the most interest rate sensitive, a quality that was reflected in its 2013 underperformance.

The Fund’s performance relative to its index, the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index, was helped by stock selection within the Office/Industrial and Health Care subsectors, as well as a general overweight allocation to Lodging REITs. These positive factors were offset by negative stock selection within the Residential, Timber, and Retail subsectors.

The main changes to the Fund’s property subsector exposure in 2013 were increases in Lodging and Office/Industrial holdings and a decrease in Health Care. New purchases included Equity Residential (2.3%), Essex Property Trust, Inc. (1.8%), Post Properties, Inc. (1.7%), Hersha Hospitality Trust (1.6%), Chesapeake Lodging Trust (1.1%), and Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (1.1%). Notable sales included the Fund’s eliminations of HCP Inc., Universal Health Realty Income Trust, Taubman Centers, Inc., Home Properties, Inc., AvalonBay Communities, Inc., Lexington Realty Trust, and Regency Centers Corp.

The aforementioned duel between REITs and interest rates was the market’s focus in 2013. We believe this relationship will remain important in 2014, and while we expect a recovering U.S. economy to spur interest rates higher, we look for the velocity of the increase to slow from 2013’s 125 basis point rise. Though REITs have historically underperformed broad equity indices during periods of rising interest rates, they are beneficiaries of a concomitant improving economy and have still tended to appreciate while outperforming fixed income indices. Moreover, we believe the sector’s sell-off in the second half of 2013 was overdone. With that backdrop, we believe investors will return to real estate in 2014 and absolute performance will improve so long as the U.S. experiences some economic growth. Should there be any “cracks” in the U.S. recovery, we believe that interest rates would fall and REITs would relatively outperform other equities.

Portfolio holdings are as of 12/31/13. They are subject to change and risk at any time. The Fund may invest in REITs, which may be negatively affected by conditions in the real estate industry, such as declining property values due to unanticipated economic developments. The Fund may invest in debt securities which may fall in value if interest rates rise. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity due to currency fluctuations, political instability and other economic factors. Investors may incur a fee of 1.50% if shares are redeemed or exchanged within 120 days of purchase.

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.strattonfunds.com . The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

3


PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S COMMENTARY

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund — Gerald M. Van Horn, CFA, President

 

Spurred by continued improvement in domestic economic data as well as lackluster prospects internationally, domestic equities enjoyed a tremendous year in 2013 with broad equity benchmarks such as the Russell 3000 ® Value Index and the S&P 500 ® Index returning +32.69% and +32.39%, respectively. Performance along the size spectrum within the equity universe reflected the continued easing of investors’ risk posture as small caps outpaced their larger cap peers by over 600 basis points during the year. The Stratton Small Cap Value Fund posted a return of +39.24% for the calendar year compared to the Russell 2000 ® Value Index return of +34.52%. Within the small cap universe, Growth outperformed Value with a return of +43.30%, benefitting mostly from lower exposure to interest rate sensitive areas of the market.

The greatest contributors to the Fund’s absolute performance during 2013 included: Producer Durable holdings EnerSys, Inc. (3.1%), Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V. (2.9%), and United Rentals, Inc. (3.0%) as well as Health Care holding West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (2.7%) and Consumer Discretionary holding Jarden Corp. (2.6%). Only a handful of holdings created a drag on absolute performance, three of which (Titan International, Inc., Northern Oil & Gas, Inc., and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc.) were eliminated from the portfolio during the year.

The Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 ® Value Index, by 472 basis points in 2013. The greatest contributors to relative performance during the period were positive stock selection within the Financial Services, Producer Durables, Materials & Processing, Health Care and Energy sectors. In addition to this broadly-based positive stock selection within the portfolio, relative performance benefited from the Fund’s underexposure to the Financial sector and overexposure to the Producer Durable sector relative to its benchmark.

Negative stock selection within the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staple sectors were the lone drags on relative performance during the year. Underperformance of portfolio holdings within the Retail and Leisure industries as well as the portfolio’s underexposure to the Auto/Auto Parts and Media industries created the relative drag within the Consumer Discretionary sector while poor performance by Fund holding Dean Foods Co. (1.3%) hindered performance within the Consumer Staple sector.

Portfolio holdings are as of 12/31/13. They are subject to change and risk at any time. The Fund is suitable for those who are comfortable with the high degree of market risk and illiquidity concerns that may come with small cap stock investing. The Fund may invest in strategies that are considered risky or invest in stocks of companies that are undervalued which may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may invest in REITs, which may be negatively affected by conditions in the real estate industry, such as declining property values due to unanticipated economic developments. Investors may incur a fee of 1.50% if shares are redeemed or exchanged within 120 days of purchase.

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.strattonfunds.com . The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

4


FUND HIGHLIGHTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund*

 

       December 31, 2013      June 30, 2013         

Net Assets

     $67,936,995         $58,101,829        

Net Asset Value Per Share

     $51.63         $43.19        

Shares Outstanding

     1,315,838         1,345,207        

 

Semi-Annual Portfolio Changes

New Holdings (% of Net Assets)

  

Eliminated Holdings

Avery Dennison Corp. (1.6%)

     

Cameron International Corp.

Generac Holdings, Inc. (2.3%)

     

CVS Caremark Corp.

KeyCorp (2.0%)

     

Energen Corp.

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (1.3%)

     

ON Semiconductor Corp.

     

Union Pacific Corp.

 

Sector Categories (% of Net Assets)

                   

Industrial

  

14.3%

  

Technology

  

8.0%

  

Chemicals

  

2.0%

  

Banking/Financial

  

13.5%

  

REITs

  

7.6%

  

Utilities

  

2.0%

  

Health Care

  

12.9%

  

Basic Materials

  

4.7%

  

Aerospace/Defense

  

1.9%

  

Energy

  

10.9%

  

Consumer Staples

  

3.7%

  

Construction

  

1.8%

  

Retailing

  

9.1%

  

Insurance/Services

  

2.5%

  

Consumer Services

  

1.6%

  

 

Ten Largest Holdings**

                          
         Market Value          % of NA       

Actavis PLC

       $  2,016,000          3.0%       

Fiserv, Inc.

       2,007,700          3.0%       

Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V.

       1,995,360          2.9%       

Phillips 66

       1,851,120          2.7%       

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

       1,725,750          2.5%       

Torchmark Corp.

       1,719,300          2.5%       

United Rentals, Inc.

       1,714,900          2.5%       

Mylan, Inc.

       1,692,600          2.5%       

East West Bancorp, Inc.

       1,608,620          2.4%       

PTC, Inc.

       1,592,550          2.3%       
         $17,923,900          26.3%       

  *Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund.

**Excludes short-term holdings.

Portfolio holdings are subject to change, risk and may not represent current compositions of the portfolio.

 

5


FUND HIGHLIGHTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund

 

       December 31, 2013      June 30, 2013         

Net Assets

     $78,589,045         $87,468,046        

Net Asset Value Per Share

     $29.86         $31.56        

Shares Outstanding

     2,632,232         2,771,739        

 

Semi-Annual Portfolio Changes

New Holdings (% of Net Assets)

  

Eliminated Holdings

Chesapeake Lodging Trust (1.1%)

     

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc.

Essex Property Trust, Inc. (1.8%)

     

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (1.1%)

     

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

     

Home Properties, Inc.

     

Taubman Centers, Inc.

     

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

 

Sector Categories (% of Net Assets)

         

Regional Malls

     18.1%      

Industrial

  

5.8%

  

Apartments

     13.6%      

Storage

  

5.1%

  

Lodging

     12.9%      

Net Lease

  

4.3%

  

Office

     11.6%      

Diversified

  

4.1%

  

Shopping Centers

     11.5%      

Timber

  

1.4%

  

Health Care

     9.0%            

 

Ten Largest Holdings*

                      
       Market Value         % of NA        

Simon Property Group, Inc.

     $5,592,945         7.1%        

SL Green Realty Corp.

     2,771,400         3.5%        

The Macerich Co.

     2,650,050         3.4%        

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

     2,317,200         2.9%        

General Growth Properties, Inc.

     2,308,050         2.9%        

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

     2,268,500         2.9%        

CubeSmart

     2,231,600         2.8%        

Acadia Realty Trust

     2,172,625         2.8%        

Kimco Realty Corp.

     2,172,500         2.8%        

UDR, Inc.

     2,101,500         2.7%        
       $26,586,370         33.8%        

*Excludes short-term holdings.

Portfolio holdings are subject to change, risk and may not represent current compositions of the portfolio.

 

6


FUND HIGHLIGHTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

 

 

 

       December 31, 2013      June 30, 2013         

Net Assets

     $1,161,329,024         $981,133,733        

Net Asset Value Per Share

     $73.31         $63.85        

Shares Outstanding

     15,841,618         15,366,329        

 

Semi-Annual Portfolio Changes

New Holdings (% of Net Assets)

  

Eliminated Holdings

Dean Foods Co. (1.3%)

    

Arbitron, Inc.

Generac Holdings, Inc. (1.7%)

    

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.

Trinity Industries, Inc. (1.3%)

    

Titan International, Inc.

 

Sector Categories (% of Net Assets)

                   

Industrial

     18.0%      

Basic Materials

  

5.1%

  

Business Services

  

1.6%

  

Banking/Financial

     17.7%      

REITs

  

4.9%

  

Capital Goods

  

1.6%

  

Technology

     13.0%      

Health Care

  

4.9%

  

Construction

  

1.4%

  

Energy

     6.4%      

Consumer Staples

  

3.2%

  

Insurance/Services

  

1.2%

  

Retailing

     6.0%      

Consumer Durable

  

2.6%

        

Utilities

     5.7%      

Aerospace/Defense

  

2.1%

        

 

Ten Largest Holdings*

                      
       Market Value         % of NA        

EnerSys, Inc.

     $36,411,755         3.1%        

United Rentals, Inc.

     35,244,391         3.0%        

Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V.

     34,095,714         2.9%        

Belden, Inc.

     32,731,070         2.8%        

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     31,015,732         2.7%        

PolyOne Corp.

     30,789,850         2.7%        

Jarden Corp.

     30,368,250         2.6%        

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.

     29,387,240         2.5%        

MasTec, Inc.

     27,975,600         2.4%        

PAREXEL International Corp.

     25,752,600         2.2%        
       $313,772,202         26.9%        

*Excludes short-term holdings.

Portfolio holdings are subject to change, risk and may not represent current compositions of the portfolio.

 

7


DISCUSSION OF INVESTMENT PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund*

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund seeks, as its primary objective, long-term growth of capital with current income from interest and dividends as a secondary objective. Stratton Management Company believes that investing in value-oriented common stocks with lower price-to-earnings ratios and lower price-to-cash flow ratios can produce above-average returns while lowering risk and preserving capital.

Stratton Management Company employs a two-part investment process that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitatively, management focuses on valuation, earnings momentum and, as a confirming factor, relative price strength. Fundamental valuation is the largest component of the quantitative aspect of the investment process and focuses on each company’s valuation relative to its peers. Qualitatively, management seeks to identify business catalysts which will serve to drive future earnings growth, increase investor interest and expand valuation. The portfolio typically contains between 45 and 55 holdings that meet the above criteria. The final selection of stocks for the portfolio of the Mid Cap Value Fund is made by Shawn M. Gallagher, CFA, President of the Fund.

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

STRATTON MID CAP VALUE FUND, THE RUSSELL MIDCAP ® VALUE INDEX 1 ,

THE RUSSELL MIDCAP ® INDEX 2 AND THE RUSSELL 3000 ® VALUE INDEX 3

TEN YEAR PERFORMANCE (12/31/03 - 12/31/13) 4

 

LOGO

  *

Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund.

  1  

The Russell Midcap ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap ® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  2

The Russell Midcap ® Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell Midcap ® Index is a subset of the Russell 1000 ® Index. It includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  3

The Russell 3000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 3000 ® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 3000 ® Index is comprised of the 3000 largest companies in the U.S. equity market and represents approximately 98% (as of December 31, 2013) of the investable U.S. equity market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  4

Effective May 1, 2013, the benchmark of the Fund was changed from the Russell 3000 ® Value Index to the Russell Midcap ® Value Index. The Fund’s broad-based securities market index was changed to provide a more accurate comparison of the Fund’s performance against the returns of an index comprised of securities with similar characteristics to those of the Fund. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  5

The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus. Refer to the Financial Highlights for a more current expense ratio.

 

8


DISCUSSION OF INVESTMENT PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund seeks total return through investment in real estate securities. In pursuing total return, the Fund will emphasize both capital appreciation and current income. Under normal conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its assets (measured at the time of purchase) in common stocks and other equity securities of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), real estate related companies, or in companies which own significant real estate assets at the time of purchase (“real estate companies”). REITs are companies that own interests in real estate or in real estate related loans or other interests, and their revenue primarily consists of rent derived from owned, income producing real estate properties and capital gains from the sale of such properties. A real estate company generally derives at least 50% of its revenue from the ownership, construction, financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate, or has at least 50% of its assets in such real estate.

Stratton Management Company employs an investment process that uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures, including underlying real estate values, earnings multiples, geographic and tenant concentrations, balance sheet metrics, company strategies, and management track record. This process is applied to REITs and other real estate companies with the goal of identifying the most attractive securities on a relative valuation basis within each sector. Prior to investing, management seeks to identify business catalysts which will serve to drive future earnings growth, increase investor interest, and expand valuation. The portfolio contains an average of 40 to 50 holdings. The final selection of stocks for the portfolio of the Real Estate Fund is made by Andrew T. DiZio, CFA, President of the Fund.

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

STRATTON REAL ESTATE FUND,

THE S&P 500 ® INDEX 1 AND THE FTSE NAREIT ALL EQUITY REITs INDEX 2

TEN YEAR PERFORMANCE (12/31/03 - 12/31/13)

 

LOGO

  1  

The S&P 500 ® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered to be representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  2  

The FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index is an unmanaged market-capitalization-weighted index of all tax-qualified equity REITs listed on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ that have 50% or more of their gross invested book assets invested directly or indirectly in the equity ownership of real estate. As of December 31, 2013, the FTSE NAREIT All Equity REITs Index was comprised of 141 REITs. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  3  

The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus. Refer to the Financial Highlights for a more current expense ratio.

 

9


DISCUSSION OF INVESTMENT PROCESS AND PERFORMANCE

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

 

The investment objective of Stratton Small Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its assets (measured at the time of purchase) in common stock and securities convertible into common stock of small capitalization companies. Small cap companies include companies with market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, that are below the market capitalization of the largest company in the Russell 2000 ® Index. The Fund invests in those small cap stocks which the management of the Fund believes are underpriced based on traditional measures of valuation such as price-to-cash flow and price-to-earnings ratios.

Stratton Management Company employs a two-part investment process that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitatively, management focuses on valuation, earnings momentum and, as a confirming factor, relative price strength. Fundamental valuation is the largest component of the quantitative aspect of the investment process and focuses on each company’s valuation relative to its peers. Qualitatively, management seeks to identify business catalysts which will serve to drive future earnings growth, increase investor interest and expand valuation. The portfolio typically contains between 55 and 75 holdings that meet the above criteria. The final selection of stocks for the portfolio of the Small Cap Value Fund is made by Gerald M. Van Horn, CFA, President of the Fund.

Portfolio holdings typically become candidates for sale due to excessive valuation relative to their peers or deterioration in earnings visibility. The Fund will typically experience below-average turnover due to the longer-term nature of its investment process.

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN

STRATTON SMALL CAP VALUE FUND,

THE RUSSELL 2000 ® VALUE INDEX 1 AND THE RUSSELL 2000 ® INDEX 2

TEN YEAR PERFORMANCE (12/31/03 - 12/31/13)

 

LOGO

  1  

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 2000 ® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  2  

The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index comprised of the smallest 2000 companies in the Russell 3000 ® Index, representing approximately 10% of the Russell 3000 ® Index total market capitalization. The Russell 3000 ® Index is comprised of the 3000 largest companies in the U.S. equity market and represents approximately 98% (as of December 31, 2013) of the investable U.S. equity market. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

  3  

The Fund’s annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus. Refer to the Financial Highlights for a more current expense ratio.

 

10


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund*

 

    

Number of
Shares

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 
COMMON STOCKS – 96.5%      

Aerospace/Defense – 1.9%

     

Moog, Inc. Class A†

     19,000       $ 1,290,860   
     

 

 

 

Banking/Financial – 13.5%

     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.†

     6,500         1,409,720   

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

     15,000         1,725,750   

East West Bancorp, Inc.

     46,000         1,608,620   

First Republic Bank/CA

     28,000         1,465,800   

KeyCorp

     103,000         1,382,260   

SVB Financial Group†

     15,000         1,572,900   
     

 

 

 
        9,165,050   
     

 

 

 

Basic Materials – 4.7%

     

Agrium, Inc.

     10,700         978,836   

Avery Dennison Corp.

     21,000         1,053,990   

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

     5,100         1,188,504   
     

 

 

 
        3,221,330   
     

 

 

 

Chemicals – 2.0%

     

Westlake Chemical Corp.

     11,000         1,342,770   
     

 

 

 

Construction – 1.8%

     

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.†

     31,000         1,248,680   
     

 

 

 

Consumer Services – 1.6%

     

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.†

     38,000         1,087,560   
     

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 3.7%

     

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

     17,000         1,194,250   

Energizer Holdings, Inc.

     12,000         1,298,880   
     

 

 

 
        2,493,130   
     

 

 

 

Energy – 10.9%

     

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

     32,000         1,240,320   

Continental Resources, Inc.†

     14,000         1,575,280   

Ensco PLC Class A

     16,000         914,880   

Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp.†

     76,000         851,960   

Phillips 66

     24,000         1,851,120   

Superior Energy Services, Inc.†

     37,000         984,570   
     

 

 

 
        7,418,130   
     

 

 

 

Health Care – 12.9%

     

Actavis PLC†

     12,000         2,016,000   

Becton, Dickinson & Co.

     7,000         773,430   

Mylan, Inc.†

     39,000         1,692,600   

PerkinElmer, Inc.

     29,000         1,195,670   

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

     14,000         1,558,900   

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

     16,000         1,491,040   
     

 

 

 
        8,727,640   
     

 

 

 
    

Number of
Shares

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 

Industrial – 14.3%

     

Actuant Corp. Class A

     24,000       $ 879,360   

Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V.

     24,000         1,995,360   

Generac Holdings, Inc.

     27,000         1,529,280   

MasTec, Inc.†

     44,000         1,439,680   

Trinity Industries, Inc.

     20,000         1,090,400   

United Rentals, Inc.†

     22,000         1,714,900   

WESCO International, Inc.†

     12,000         1,092,840   
     

 

 

 
        9,741,820   
     

 

 

 

Insurance/Services – 2.5%

     

Torchmark Corp.

     22,000         1,719,300   
     

 

 

 

REITs – 7.6%

     

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

     18,000         1,042,740   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

     33,000         1,193,610   

Kimco Realty Corp.

     55,000         1,086,250   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

     68,000         830,960   

RLJ Lodging Trust

     41,900         1,019,008   
     

 

 

 
        5,172,568   
     

 

 

 

Retailing – 9.1%

     

ANN, Inc.†

     31,000         1,133,360   

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.†

     18,000         1,445,400   

Cabela’s, Inc.†

     15,000         999,900   

Macy’s, Inc.

     25,000         1,335,000   

VF Corp.

     20,000         1,246,800   
     

 

 

 
        6,160,460   
     

 

 

 

Technology – 8.0%

     

Fiserv, Inc.†

     34,000         2,007,700   

NetApp, Inc.

     23,000         946,220   

PTC, Inc.†

     45,000         1,592,550   

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.†

     31,000         885,360   
     

 

 

 
        5,431,830   
     

 

 

 

Utilities – 2.0%

     

Southwest Gas Corp.

     24,000         1,341,840   
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $44,832,074)

        65,562,968   
     

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 2013 (continued)

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund*

 

    

Principal
Amount

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.5%      

BNY Mellon Cash Reserve
0.01%, due 01/02/14

   $ 2,396,690       $ 2,396,690   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost$2,396,690)

        2,396,690   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 100.0%
(Cost $47,228,764**)

        67,959,658   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — 0.0%

  

     (22,663
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  

   $ 67,936,995   
     

 

 

 

 

 

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

  * Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund
  † Non-income producing security
** Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $47,228,764 and net unrealized appreciation is as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 20,999,388   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (268,494
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 20,730,894   
  

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund

 

    

Number of
Shares

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 
COMMON STOCKS – 97.4%      

Apartments – 13.6%

     

American Campus Communities, Inc.

     30,000       $ 966,300   

Camden Property Trust

     30,000         1,706,400   

Education Realty Trust, Inc.

     150,000         1,323,000   

Equity Residential

     35,000         1,815,450   

Essex Property Trust, Inc.

     10,000         1,435,100   

Post Properties, Inc.

     30,000         1,356,900   

UDR, Inc.

     90,000         2,101,500   
     

 

 

 
        10,704,650   
     

 

 

 

Diversified – 4.1%

     

Digital Realty Trust, Inc.

     30,000         1,473,600   

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.

     72,000         1,779,120   
     

 

 

 
        3,252,720   
     

 

 

 

Health Care – 9.0%

     

Health Care REIT, Inc.

     33,000         1,767,810   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

     160,000         1,955,200   

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

     50,000         1,490,000   

Ventas, Inc.

     33,000         1,890,240   
     

 

 

 
        7,103,250   
     

 

 

 

Industrial – 5.8%

     

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

     40,000         2,317,200   

First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.

     130,000         2,268,500   
     

 

 

 
        4,585,700   
     

 

 

 

Lodging – 12.9%

     

Chesapeake Lodging Trust

     35,000         885,150   

Hersha Hospitality Trust

     225,000         1,253,250   

LaSalle Hotel Properties

     45,000         1,388,700   

Marriott International, Inc. Class A

     40,000         1,974,400   

RLJ Lodging Trust

     75,000         1,824,000   

Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.

     25,000         1,044,500   

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

     131,414         1,760,947   
     

 

 

 
        10,130,947   
     

 

 

 

Net Lease – 4.3%

     

National Retail Properties, Inc.

     50,000         1,516,500   

WP Carey, Inc.

     30,000         1,840,500   
     

 

 

 
        3,357,000   
     

 

 

 

Office – 11.6%

     

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.

     30,000         1,908,600   

Brandywine Realty Trust

     125,000         1,761,250   

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

     50,000         1,808,500   

Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc.

     40,000         874,800   

SL Green Realty Corp.

     30,000         2,771,400   
     

 

 

 
        9,124,550   
     

 

 

 
    

Number of
Shares

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 

Regional Malls – 18.1%

     

General Growth Properties, Inc.

     115,000       $ 2,308,050   

Glimcher Realty Trust

     185,000         1,731,600   

The Macerich Co.

     45,000         2,650,050   

Simon Property Group, Inc.

     36,757         5,592,945   

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

     60,000         1,921,200   
     

 

 

 
        14,203,845   
     

 

 

 

Shopping Centers – 11.5%

     

Acadia Realty Trust

     87,500         2,172,625   

DDR Corp.

     126,264         1,940,678   

Equity One, Inc.

     50,000         1,122,000   

Federal Realty Investment Trust

     16,000         1,622,560   

Kimco Realty Corp.

     110,000         2,172,500   
     

 

 

 
        9,030,363   
     

 

 

 

Storage – 5.1%

     

CubeSmart

     140,000         2,231,600   

Sovran Self Storage, Inc.

     27,000         1,759,590   
     

 

 

 
        3,991,190   
     

 

 

 

Timber – 1.4%

     

Rayonier, Inc.

     25,000         1,052,500   
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $64,978,350)

        76,536,715   
     

 

 

 
    

Principal
Amount

        

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 2.4%

  

  

BNY Mellon Cash Reserve
0.01%, due 01/02/14

   $ 1,914,982         1,914,982   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $1,914,982)

        1,914,982   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 99.8%
(Cost $66,893,332*)

        78,451,697   

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 0.2%

        137,348   
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

      $ 78,589,045   
     

 

 

 

 

 

* Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $67,009,745 and net unrealized appreciation is as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

      $ 15,597,090   

Gross unrealized depreciation

        (4,155,138
     

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

      $ 11,441,952   
     

 

 

 
 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 2013

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

 

     Number of
Shares
     Market Value
(Note 1)
 
COMMON STOCKS – 95.4%      

Aerospace/Defense – 2.1%

     

Moog, Inc. Class A†

     361,925       $ 24,589,185   
     

 

 

 

Banking/Financial – 17.7%

     

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.†

     135,500         29,387,240   

Community Bank System, Inc.

     391,500         15,534,720   

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

     270,000         4,733,100   

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

     380,000         11,320,200   

IBERIABANK Corp.

     225,600         14,178,960   

MB Financial, Inc.

     426,600         13,689,594   

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

     923,221         13,645,206   

Signature Bank†

     235,000         25,243,700   

SVB Financial Group†

     239,000         25,061,540   

Umpqua Holdings Corp.

     713,741         13,661,003   

United Bankshares, Inc.

     351,000         11,038,950   

Webster Financial Corp.

     410,600         12,802,508   

Wintrust Financial Corp.

     322,000         14,850,640   
     

 

 

 
        205,147,361   
     

 

 

 

Basic Materials – 5.1%

     

Compass Minerals International, Inc.

     113,000         9,045,650   

PolyOne Corp.

     871,000         30,789,850   

Silgan Holdings, Inc.

     418,000         20,072,360   
     

 

 

 
        59,907,860   
     

 

 

 

Business Services – 1.6%

     

Cardtronics, Inc.†

     426,575         18,534,684   
     

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 1.6%

     

Oshkosh Corp.

     362,000         18,237,560   
     

 

 

 

Construction – 1.4%

     

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.†

     400,000         16,112,000   
     

 

 

 

Consumer Durable – 2.6%

     

Jarden Corp.†

     495,000         30,368,250   
     

 

 

 

Consumer Staples – 3.2%

     

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

     307,300         21,587,825   

Dean Foods Co.†

     900,000         15,471,000   
     

 

 

 
        37,058,825   
     

 

 

 

Energy – 6.4%

     

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.†

     323,400         14,058,198   

Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

     519,600         20,139,696   

Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.†

     404,000         18,087,080   

Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp.†

     1,086,000         12,174,060   

Superior Energy Services, Inc.†

     376,678         10,023,401   
     

 

 

 
        74,482,435   
     

 

 

 

Health Care – 4.9%

     

PAREXEL International Corp.†

     570,000         25,752,600   
     Number of
Shares
     Market Value
(Note 1)
 

Health Care – continued

     

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

     632,200       $ 31,015,732   
     

 

 

 
        56,768,332   
     

 

 

 

Industrial – 18.0%

     

Actuant Corp. Class A

     495,000         18,136,800   

Chicago Bridge & Iron Co. N.V.

     410,100         34,095,714   

Crane Co.

     338,150         22,740,587   

EnerSys, Inc.

     519,500         36,411,755   

Generac Holdings, Inc.

     350,000         19,824,000   

MasTec, Inc.†

     855,000         27,975,600   

Trinity Industries, Inc.

     280,000         15,265,600   

United Rentals, Inc.†

     452,141         35,244,391   
     

 

 

 
        209,694,447   
     

 

 

 

Insurance/Services – 1.2%

     

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

     505,200         13,670,712   
     

 

 

 

REITs – 4.9%

     

Highwoods Properties, Inc.

     382,264         13,826,489   

Home Properties, Inc.

     212,700         11,404,974   

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

     1,187,000         14,505,140   

SL Green Realty Corp.

     188,000         17,367,440   
     

 

 

 
        57,104,043   
     

 

 

 

Retailing – 6.0%

     

Aaron’s, Inc.

     449,250         13,207,950   

ANN, Inc.†

     378,498         13,837,887   

Brinker International, Inc.

     395,000         18,304,300   

Cabela’s, Inc.†

     320,439         21,360,464   

The Jones Group, Inc.

     200,000         2,992,000   
     

 

 

 
        69,702,601   
     

 

 

 

Technology – 13.0%

     

Anixter International, Inc.

     261,700         23,511,128   

Belden, Inc.

     464,600         32,731,070   

CACI International, Inc. Class A†

     191,000         13,985,020   

NetScout Systems, Inc.†

     500,000         14,795,000   

ON Semiconductor Corp.†

     1,490,800         12,284,192   

PTC, Inc.†

     715,000         25,303,850   

RF Micro Devices, Inc.†

     1,797,000         9,272,520   

Solera Holdings, Inc.

     270,000         19,105,200   
     

 

 

 
        150,987,980   
     

 

 

 

Utilities – 5.7%

     

Avista Corp.

     455,986         12,854,245   

El Paso Electric Co.

     386,281         13,562,326   

Portland General Electric Co.

     363,500         10,977,700   

Southwest Gas Corp.

     276,110         15,437,310   
 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 2013 (continued)

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

 

    

Number of
Shares

    

Market Value
(Note 1)

 

Utilities – continued

     

UNS Energy Corp.

     225,300       $ 13,484,205   
     

 

 

 
        66,315,786   
     

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks
(Cost $569,333,643)

        1,108,682,061   
     

 

 

 
    

Principal
Amount

        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 3.5%      

BNY Mellon Cash Reserve
0.01%, due 01/02/14

   $ 40,370,461         40,370,461   
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments
(Cost $40,370,461)

        40,370,461   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments — 98.9%
(Cost $609,704,104*)

        1,149,052,522   

Other Assets Less Liabilities — 1.1%

        12,276,502   
     

 

 

 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

      $ 1,161,329,024   
     

 

 

 

 

 

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

Non-income producing security
* Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $609,704,104 and net unrealized appreciation is as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

   $ 541,059,414   

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (1,710,996
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation

   $ 539,348,418   
  

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

December 31, 2013

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund*
    Real Estate
Fund
     Small Cap Value
Fund
 

ASSETS:

       

Investments in securities at value (cost $47,228,764, $66,893,332 and $609,704,104, respectively) (Note1)

   $ 67,959,658      $ 78,451,697       $ 1,149,052,522   

Dividends receivable

     59,892        413,972         2,278,682   

Receivable for shares sold

     1,500        4,457         1,104,530   

Receivable for investment securities sold

                    11,167,549   

Prepaid expenses

     12,004        18,269         34,743   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

     68,033,054        78,888,395         1,163,638,026   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

       

Payable for shares redeemed

     5,688        195,997         1,113,307   

Accrued Advisory fees

     42,144        42,021         869,978   

Accrued Audit fees

     27,500        33,100         42,400   

Accrued Accounting/Administration services fees

     7,888        7,897         55,167   

Accrued Transfer Agent fees

     7,214        12,593         124,766   

Accrued Printing and Postage expenses

     2,314        3,201         65,576   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,311        4,541         37,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     96,059        299,350         2,309,002   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

       

Applicable to 1,315,838; 2,632,232 and 15,841,618 shares outstanding, respectively 1

   $ 67,936,995      $ 78,589,045       $ 1,161,329,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share 2

   $ 51.63      $ 29.86       $ 73.31   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

SOURCE OF NET ASSETS:

       

Paid-in capital

   $ 58,520,281      $ 61,357,219       $ 622,479,789   

Undistributed net investment income

            1,117,955           

Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments

     (11,314,180     4,555,506         (499,183

Net unrealized appreciation on investments

     20,730,894        11,558,365         539,348,418   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 67,936,995      $ 78,589,045       $ 1,161,329,024   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund
1  

Mid Cap Value Fund: $0.10 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; Real Estate Fund: $ 1.00 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; Small Cap Value Fund: $0.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized.

2  

Redemption price may vary based on length of time held (Note 1).

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund*
    Real Estate
Fund
    Small CapValue
Fund
 

INCOME:

      

Dividends

   $ 677,619      $ 2,185,086      $ 11,296,861   

Interest

     785        856        12,981   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Income

     678,404        2,185,942        11,309,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

      

Advisory fees (Note 2)

     449,204        542,328        9,046,889   

Accounting/Administration services fees

     83,388        83,435        594,093   

Audit fees

     27,500        33,100        42,400   

Custodian fees

     10,969        14,933        108,774   

Directors’ fees

     6,238        9,303        104,459   

Legal fees

     3,960        5,279        61,538   

Miscellaneous expenses

     12,198        9,911        86,318   

Printing and Postage expenses

     7,053        10,458        188,408   

Registration fees

     25,228        26,685        44,591   

Taxes other than income taxes

     4,801        6,826        75,609   

Transfer Agent fees

     62,140        102,743        1,164,531   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     692,679        845,001        11,517,610   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income (Loss)

     (14,275     1,340,941        (207,768
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:

      

Net realized gain on investments

     4,849,799        4,671,946        36,804,487   

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     14,356,455        (3,974,614     291,077,367   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments

     19,206,254        697,332        327,881,854   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

   $ 19,191,979      $ 2,038,273      $ 327,674,086   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

17


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

     Mid Cap Value Fund*     Real Estate Fund  
     Year Ended
12/31/13
    Year Ended
12/31/12
    Year Ended
12/31/13
    Year Ended
12/31/12
 

OPERATIONS:

        

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (14,275   $ 287,815      $ 1,340,941      $ 1,219,431   

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

     4,849,799        (188,100     4,671,946        5,172,719   

Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     14,356,455        7,534,632        (3,974,614     7,539,622   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

     19,191,979        7,634,347        2,038,273        13,931,772   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

        

From net investment income ($0.00, $0.21, $0.15 and $0.38 per share, respectively)

            (290,327     (421,306     (1,031,699

From realized gains on investments ($0.00, $0.00, $0.67 and $1.56 per share, respectively)

                   (1,746,059     (4,233,112
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

            (290,327     (2,167,365     (5,264,811
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS 1

     (3,951,646     (7,021,913     (5,368,952     (2,909,265
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REDEMPTION FEES

     80        187        6,290        2,258   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

     15,240,413        322,294        (5,491,754     5,759,954   

NET ASSETS:

        

Beginning of year

     52,696,582        52,374,288        84,080,799        78,320,845   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year (including undistributed net investment income of $0, $0, $1,117,955 and $198,340, respectively)

   $ 67,936,995      $ 52,696,582      $ 78,589,045      $ 84,080,799   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Small Cap Value Fund  
     Year Ended
12/31/13
    Year Ended
12/31/12
 

OPERATIONS:

    

Net investment income (loss)

   $ (207,768   $ 1,013,098   

Net realized gain on investments

     36,804,487        36,798,663   

Net increase in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments

     291,077,367        75,698,413   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

     327,674,086        113,510,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

    

From net investment income ($0.00 and $0.08 per share, respectively)

            (1,232,308

From realized gains on investments ($3.53 and $1.79 per share, respectively)

     (54,312,844     (26,576,675
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

     (54,312,844     (27,808,983
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS 1

     58,173,210        (27,655,824
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

REDEMPTION FEES

     69,967        33,080   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Increase in Net Assets

     331,604,419        58,078,447   

NET ASSETS:

    

Beginning of Year

     829,724,605        771,646,158   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 1,161,329,024      $ 829,724,605   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund
1  

A summary of capital share transactions is on the following page.

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18


CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

 

     Mid Cap Value Fund*  
     Year Ended 12/31/13     Year Ended 12/31/12  
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Shares issued

     29,311      $ 1,268,747        16,585      $ 592,993   

Shares reinvested from net investment income distributions

                   6,532        240,652   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     29,311        1,268,747        23,117        833,645   

Shares redeemed

     (119,995     (5,220,393     (220,610     (7,855,558
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease

     (90,684   $ (3,951,646     (197,493   $ (7,021,913
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Real Estate Fund  
     Year Ended 12/31/13     Year Ended 12/31/12  
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Shares issued

     153,461      $ 5,030,038        182,696      $ 5,483,348   

Shares reinvested from net investment income and capital gains distributions

     59,827        1,787,365        146,735        4,269,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     213,288        6,817,403        329,431        9,752,792   

Shares redeemed

     (385,689     (12,186,355     (427,397     (12,662,057
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Decrease

     (172,401   $ (5,368,952     (97,966   $ (2,909,265
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Small Cap Value Fund  
     Year Ended 12/31/13     Year Ended 12/31/12  
     Shares     Value     Shares     Value  

Shares issued

     3,106,040      $ 203,246,571        2,370,529      $ 126,816,890   

Shares reinvested from net investment income and capital gains distributions

     714,665        49,183,280        467,649        25,140,788   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,820,705        252,429,851        2,838,178        151,957,678   

Shares redeemed

     (2,962,293     (194,256,641     (3,351,803     (179,613,502
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease)

     858,412      $ 58,173,210        (513,625   $ (27,655,824
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

19


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

December 31, 2013

 

Note 1. – Significant Accounting Policies

Stratton Mutual Funds (the “Funds”) consist of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc. (“Mid Cap Value Fund”) (formerly known as Stratton Multi-Cap Fund), Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc. (“Real Estate Fund”) and The Stratton Funds, Inc., which operates as a series, consisting of Stratton Small Cap Value Fund (“Small Cap Value Fund”). The Funds are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as open-end management investment companies. The Funds offer diversified portfolios.

Investments in the Funds normally consist of common stock and securities convertible into or exchangeable into common stock. Each Fund has specific investment objectives:

The objective of Mid Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital, with current income from interest and dividends as a secondary objective.

The objective of Real Estate Fund is to seek total return through investment in real estate securities.

The objective of Small Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

Due to the inherent risk of investments there can be no assurance that the objectives of the Funds will be met.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

A. Security Valuation – Securities listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange are valued at their last sale price on the exchange where the securities are principally traded or, if there has been no sale on that date, at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the official closing price if carried in the National Market Issues section by NASDAQ; other over-the-counter securities are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices obtained from a principal market maker. All other securities and assets, for which no quotations are readily available, are valued at their “fair value” as determined in good faith by the Advisor, subject to the oversight of the Boards of Directors of the Funds. Some of the more common reasons that may necessitate that a security be valued at “fair value” include: the security’s trading has been halted or suspended; the security has been de-listed from a national exchange; or the security has not been traded for an extended period of time.

B. Fair Value Measurements – Various inputs are used in determining the fair value of investments which are as follows:

Level 1 - Inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access at the measurement date

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly, including inputs in markets that are not considered to be active

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available (including the Funds’ 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.

 

20


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2013

 

The summary of inputs used to value each Fund’s net assets as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund
     Real Estate
Fund
     Small Cap Value
Fund
 

Level 1 - Quoted prices *

   $ 67,959,658       $ 78,451,697       $ 1,149,052,522   

Level 2 - Significant observable inputs

                       

Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs

                       
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Market Value of Investments

   $ 67,959,658       $ 78,451,697       $ 1,149,052,522   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  *

The breakdown of each Fund’s investments into major categories is disclosed in its Schedule of Investments.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Funds did not recognize any transfers to/from Level 1 or 2.

In June 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-8 “Investment Companies: Amendments to the Scope, Measurement and Disclosure Requirements” that creates a two-tiered approach to assess whether an entity is an investment company. The guidance will also require an investment company to measure noncontrolling ownership interests in other investment companies at fair value and will require additional disclosures relating to investment company status, any changes thereto and information about financial support provided or contractually required to be provided to any of the investment company’s investees. The guidance is effective for financial statements with fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is evaluating the impact of this guidance on the Funds’ financial statement disclosures.

C. Determination of Gains or Losses on Sales of Securities – Gains or losses on the sale of securities are calculated for accounting and tax purposes on the identified cost basis.

D. Federal Income Taxes – It is the Funds’ policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for the four-year period ended December 31, 2013, and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal and state income and federal 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.

E. Use of Estimates in Financial Statements – In preparing financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

21


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2013

 

F. Other – Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and dividend income on the ex-dividend date.

G. Distributions to Shareholders – Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character of distributions paid to shareholders is determined by reference to income as determined for income tax purposes, after giving effect to temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, rather than income as determined for financial reporting purposes.

H. REITs – The Funds make certain investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. Accordingly, a portion of the Funds’ distributions may be designated as a return of capital.

I. Redemption/Exchange Fee – The Funds may impose a redemption fee of 1.50% on shares that are redeemed within 120 days of purchase. The charge is assessed on an amount equal to the net asset value of the shares at the time of redemption. The redemption fee is deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable to the redeeming shareholder. The redemption fees returned to the assets of the Funds are reflected in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Certain exceptions to the redemption fee may apply as more fully described in the Funds’ Prospectus.

Note 2. – During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Funds paid advisory fees to Stratton Management Company (the “Advisor”) as follows: Mid Cap Value Fund – $449,204; Real Estate Fund – $542,328; Small Cap Value Fund – $9,046,889. Management services are provided by the Advisor under agreements whereby the Advisor furnishes all investment advice, office space and facilities to the Funds and pays the salaries of the Funds’ officers. In return for these services, Mid Cap Value Fund, Real Estate Fund and Small Cap Value Fund pay to the Advisor a monthly management fee at annual rates of 0.75%, 0.625% and 0.90% of each Fund’s respective average daily net assets.

The officers and Directors of the Funds who are also officers, directors or employees of the Advisor receive no direct compensation from the Funds for services to them. Each Director who is not an officer, director or employee of the Advisor receives $3,000 for each meeting attended and an annual retainer of $9,000.

The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the Funds’ custodian. Foreside Funds Distributors LLC serves as the Funds’ principal underwriter for the limited purpose of acting as statutory underwriter to facilitate the registration of shares of each Fund. BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. serves as the Funds’ administrator, fund accounting services provider and transfer agent.

 

22


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2013

 

Note 3. – Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund
     Real Estate
Fund
     Small Cap Value
Fund
 

Cost of purchases

   $ 13,788,887       $ 14,683,830       $ 87,160,017   

Proceeds of sales

   $ 17,316,366       $ 19,136,790       $ 126,844,143   

Note 4. – Distributions to Shareholders

The tax character of distributions paid during 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

     Mid Cap Value Fund      Real Estate Fund      Small Cap Value Fund  
           2013            2012      2013      2012      2013      2012  

Distributions paid from:

                 

Ordinary income

   $       $ 290,327       $ 425,119       $ 1,031,699       $       $ 1,022,857   

Long-term capital gain

                     1,742,246         4,233,112         54,312,844         26,786,126   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Distributions

   $       $ 290,327       $ 2,167,365       $ 5,264,811       $ 54,312,844       $ 27,808,983   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund
    Real Estate
Fund
     Small Cap Value
Fund
 

Undistributed net investment income

   $      $ 1,117,955       $   

Undistributed realized capital gains

            4,671,919           

Capital loss carryforward

     (11,264,289               

Deferred qualified late-year losses

     (49,891             (499,183

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     20,730,894        11,441,952         539,348,418   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Accumulated Earnings

   $ 9,416,714      $ 17,231,826       $ 538,849,235   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) are attributable primarily to the deferral of losses on wash sales.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Mid Cap Value Fund utilized capital loss carry forwards in the amount of $4,899,690.

As of December 31, 2013, Mid Cap Value Fund had pre-enactment net capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of $5,500,079 and $5,764,210, which are available to reduce future required distributions of net capital gains to shareholders. These amounts are available through 2017 and 2018, respectively. Real Estate Fund and Small Cap Value Fund did not have capital loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes.

 

23


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

December 31, 2013

 

Under the Act, any capital loss, as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, that is realized after October 31 of a Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Mid Cap Value Fund had deferred short-term qualified late-year capital losses of $49,891 and the Small Cap Value Fund had deferred long-term qualified late-year capital losses of $499,183 for the year ending December 31, 2013. The Real Estate Fund had no deferred qualified late-year losses for the year ending December 31, 2013.

Note 5. – Reclassification

Permanent differences, incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013, resulting from differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified at year end to undistributed net investment income, accumulated realized gain (loss) and paid-in capital as follows:

 

     Mid Cap Value
Fund
    Real Estate
Fund
    Small Cap Value
Fund
 

Decrease paid-in capital

   $ (14,275   $      $ (207,768

Increase (Decrease) undistributed net investment income

   $ 14,275      $ (20   $ 207,768   

Increase accumulated net realized gain (loss)

   $      $ 20      $   

Note 6. – Indemnification

Under the Funds’ organizational documents, their officers and Directors are indemnified against certain liability arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts with their vendors and others that provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

Note 7. – Subsequent Events

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the Financial Statements.

 

24


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund *

 

The table below sets forth financial data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 37.47      $ 32.65      $ 37.20      $ 33.13      $ 26.70   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 ) 1       0.19 1       0.13 1       0.11 1       0.17   

Redemption fees

     2       2       2       2       2  

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

     14.17        4.84        (4.53     4.07        6.46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total From Investment Operations

     14.16        5.03        (4.40     4.18        6.63   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

          

Dividends (from net investment income)

            (0.21     (0.15     (0.11     (0.17

Distributions (from capital gains)

                                   

Distributions (in excess of net investment income)

                                 (0.03
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

            (0.21     (0.15     (0.11     (0.20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 51.63      $ 37.47      $ 32.65      $ 37.20      $ 33.13   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

     37.79     15.40     (11.84 %)      12.64     24.84

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

   $ 67,937      $ 52,697      $ 52,374      $ 70,826      $ 73,020   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.16     1.21     1.18     1.14     1.19

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

     (0.02 %)      0.54     0.36     0.34     0.54

Portfolio turnover rate

     24.21     63.11     33.56     30.74     30.91

 

 

* Formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund
1  

Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the year.

2  

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

25


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Stratton Real Estate Fund

 

The table below sets forth financial data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 29.98      $ 26.98      $ 26.49      $ 21.87      $ 17.19   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income

     0.49 1       0.44 1       0.41 1       0.46 1       0.59   

Redemption fees

     2       2       2       2       0.01   

Net gains (losses) on securities (both realized and unrealized)

     0.21        4.50        0.99        4.46        4.83   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total From Investment Operations

     0.70        4.94        1.40        4.92        5.43   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

          

Dividends (from net investment income)

     (0.15     (0.38     (0.60     (0.30     (0.59

Distributions (from capital gains)

     (0.67     (1.56     (0.31              

Return of capital

                                 (0.16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

     (0.82     (1.94     (0.91     (0.30     (0.75
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 29.86      $ 29.98      $ 26.98      $ 26.49      $ 21.87   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

     2.35     18.61     5.35     22.60     33.90

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

   $ 78,589      $ 84,081      $ 78,321      $ 78,189      $ 74,307   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.97     1.01     1.03     1.04     1.13

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

     1.55     1.47     1.53     1.92     3.61

Portfolio turnover rate

     17.75     27.62     14.66     7.16     19.08

 

 

1  

Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the year.

2  

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

 

The table below sets forth financial data for a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year presented.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

   $ 55.38      $ 49.79      $ 49.62      $ 40.37      $ 34.25   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income From Investment Operations

          

Net investment income (loss)

     (0.01 ) 1       0.07 1       (0.06 ) 1       (0.04 ) 1       (0.04

Redemption fees

     2       2       2       2       0.01   

Net gains on securities (both realized and unrealized)

     21.47        7.39        0.23        9.29        6.15   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total From Investment Operations

     21.46        7.46        0.17        9.25        6.12   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less Distributions

          

Dividends (from net investment income)

            (0.08                     

Distributions (from capital gains)

     (3.53     (1.79                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Distributions

     (3.53     (1.87                     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

   $ 73.31      $ 55.38      $ 49.79      $ 49.62      $ 40.37   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Return

     39.24     15.10     0.34     22.91     17.87

Ratios/Supplemental Data

          

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

   $ 1,161,329      $ 829,725      $ 771,646      $ 855,494      $ 855,576   

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.15     1.19     1.20     1.22     1.28

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.02 %)      0.12     (0.11 %)      (0.10 %)      (0.12 %) 

Portfolio turnover rate

     9.18     11.02     15.58     6.47     23.53

 

 

1  

Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during the year.

2  

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

27


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders and Boards of Directors of the Stratton Mutual Funds:

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc. (formerly Stratton Multi-Cap Fund, Inc.), Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc. and Stratton Small Cap Value Fund, a series of shares of The Stratton Funds, Inc., including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2013, the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Funds are not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2013, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc., Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc. and Stratton Small Cap Value Fund, as of December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

February 21, 2014

 

28


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

(unaudited)

Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc., Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc. and The Stratton Funds, Inc. (collectively, the “Companies”), is set forth below. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Companies’ Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-472-4266. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each Director and officer for purposes of business relating to the Companies is c/o Stratton Management Co., 150 South Warner Road, Suite 460, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

 

Name, Age and

Position(s) with Funds

   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served 1
  

  Principal Occupation(s)  

  During Past 5 Years  

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex 2
Overseen
by Director
  

Other Directorships

Held by Director/Officer

During Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS*

Brian G. Peirce (55)

Director

   Since 2010    Mr. Peirce is President and CEO of Peirce-Phelps.    Three    Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Dist. Int. (national wholesale trade association); Affiliated Distributors (industrial wholesale purchasing group); Airline Hydraulics (distributor of pneumatic systems and devices)

Lois Rothenberger (63)

Director

   Since 2008    Ms. Rothenberger is Vice President of Finance and CFO of Meadowood Corporation, a non-profit retirement community.    Three    None

Frank Thomas (66)

Director

   Since 2003    Mr. Thomas is an attorney in private practice.    Three    None

Joel H. Wilson (65)

Director

   Since 2005    Mr. Wilson is Co-Owner and Principal of Kennedy Tool & Die, Inc.    Three    None

Harold L. Zuber, Jr. (64)

Director

   Since 2009    Mr. Zuber is a private investor.    Three    None

 

29


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Name, Age and

Position(s) with Funds

   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served 1
  

  Principal Occupation(s)  

  During Past 5 Years  

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex 2
Overseen
by Director
  

Other Directorships

Held by Director/Officer

During Past 5 Years

INTERESTED DIRECTORS**

Gerald M. Van Horn, CFA 3 (40)

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director, President of The Stratton Funds, Inc.

   Since 2013    Mr. Van Horn is Senior Vice President of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company.    Three    None

Bernard A. Francis, Jr. 3 (63)

Director

   Since 2008    Mr. Francis is Senior Vice President and Group Executive of Wealth Management of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and a Director of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company; Chairman of the Board and a Director of Semper Trust Co.; President and Chief Executive Officer of Valley Forge Asset Management Corp.; Chief Investment Officer of Susquehanna Trust and Investment Co.    Three    None
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS

Shawn M. Gallagher, CFA (33)

President of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc.

   Since 2012    Mr. Gallagher is Vice President of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company.    N/A    N/A

Andrew T. DiZio, CFA (33)

President of Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.

   Since 2012    Mr. DiZio is Vice President of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company. Prior to joining the advisor, he was Vice President at Janney Montgomery Scott where he served as a Real Estate Investment Trust sector analyst.    N/A    N/A

 

30


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Name, Age and

Position(s) with Funds

   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served 1
  

  Principal Occupation(s)  

  During Past 5 Years  

   Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex 2
Overseen
by Director
  

Other Directorships

Held by Director/Officer

During Past 5 Years

OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT DIRECTORS, continued

Lynne M. Cannon (58)

Chief Compliance Officer and

Chief Financial Officer

   Since 2010    Ms. Cannon is the Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company. Prior, she was Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.    N/A    Philadelphia Saddle Club; The Boarders and Stewards of the Monastery

Michelle A. Whalen (44)

Assistant Vice President

   Since 2011    Ms. Whalen is an employee of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company.    N/A    N/A

Patricia L. Sloan (60)

Secretary and Treasurer

   Mid Cap Value
Sec. 1980
Treas. 1990
Real Estate
Sec. 1990
Treas. 1984
Small Cap
Value
1993
   Ms. Sloan is an employee of the investment advisor, Stratton Management Company.    N/A    N/A

 

 

*

Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Companies as defined by the 1940 Act, as amended.

 

**

Directors who are “interested persons” of the Companies as defined by the 1940 Act, as amended.

 

1  

Each Director shall serve until the next meeting of shareholders for the election of Directors and until his/her successor shall have been elected and qualified, except in the event of his/her death, resignation or removal. Each officer is elected annually by the Directors and serves until his/her successor is duly chosen and qualified, or until his/her death, resignation or removal.

 

2  

The “Fund Complex” consists of Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc., Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc. and The Stratton Funds, Inc.

 

3  

Mr. Van Horn is an “interested person” of the Companies by reason of his positions with the advisor. Mr. Francis is an “interested person” of the Companies by reason of his positions with Susquehanna Bancshares Inc., the parent company of the advisor.

 

31


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Disclosure of Fund Expenses

As a shareholder of the Funds, you may incur two types of costs: (1) redemption fees if you redeem or exchange shares within 120 days of purchase; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

Each example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period July 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013.

Actual Expenses

The first line of each table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the numbers in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Six Month Period Ending 12/31/13” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

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

 

32


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Mid Cap Value Fund

 

       Beginning
Account Value
7/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
12/31/13
  

Expenses Paid
During Six Month
Period Ending

12/31/13*

Actual

   $1,000.00    $1,195.40    $6.31

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $1,000.00    $1,019.46    $5.80

*    Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.14% multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Real Estate Fund

 

       Beginning
Account Value
7/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
12/31/13
  

Expenses Paid
During Six Month
Period Ending

12/31/13*

Actual

   $1,000.00    $   967.40    $4.86

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $1,000.00    $1,020.27    $4.99

*    Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.98% multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Small Cap Value Fund

 

        
       Beginning
Account Value
7/1/13
   Ending
Account Value
12/31/13
  

Expenses Paid
During Six Month
Period Ending

12/31/13*

Actual

   $1,000.00    $1,186.40    $6.28

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $1,000.00    $1,019.46    $5.80

*    Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.14% multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

33


SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

(unaudited)

 

General Information on the Funds

Requests for a Prospectus, application, financial information (including past performance figures or any additional information on the Funds), and the available programs may be directed to the Funds’ toll free number at 1-800-472-4266 or by visiting our website at www.strattonfunds.com .

Share Price Information

The Funds’ daily net asset values (“NAV”) can be found on our website at www.strattonfunds.com . Ticker symbols for Mid Cap Value Fund, Real Estate Fund and Small Cap Value Fund are STRGX, STMDX and STSCX, respectively.

Minimum Investment

The minimum amount for the initial purchase of shares of each Fund is $2,000 for shares purchased in non-retirement accounts. Subsequent purchases may be made in amounts of $100 or more. The minimum amount for the initial purchase of shares of each Fund is $500 for shares purchased in retirement accounts. There is no minimum amount for subsequent purchases of Fund shares in retirement accounts.

Redemption/Exchange Fees

The Funds may assess a redemption fee of 1.50% of the total redemption proceeds if shares are sold or exchanged within 120 days after the purchase date. This fee is retained by the Funds to offset the brokerage commissions, market impact and other costs associated with fluctuations in Fund asset levels and cash flow caused by short-term trading. For purposes of determining whether the redemption fee applies, the shares that have been held the longest will be redeemed first. The Funds, in their discrection, are authorized to waive the redemption fee as set forth in the Funds’ Prospectus.

Dividends and Distributions

The Funds have made certain investments in REITs that pay dividends to their shareholders based on available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed a REIT’s taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion of such dividends being designated as a return of capital. The Funds intend to include the gross dividends from such REITs in their distributions to their shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of each Fund’s distributions to shareholders may be reclassified as a return of capital at the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, Forms 1099-DIV for the Funds may not be available until March. The Real Estate Fund may declare and pay dividends, if any, on a semi-annual basis; however, it may declare and pay dividends more frequently. The Mid Cap Value and Small Cap Value Funds may declare and pay dividends, if any, from net investment income semi-annually and annually, respectively. Each Fund will make distributions from net realized gains, if any, once a year, but may make distributions on a more frequent basis so as to avoid incurring any Fund level income or excise taxes, or for other reasons. Any distribution paid necessarily reduces a Fund’s NAV per share by the amount of the distribution. Unless a shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash, distributions will be reinvested in additional shares of the appropriate Fund.

Available Programs

Automatic Investment Plan

Shares of a Fund may be purchased in non-retirement accounts through our Automatic Investment Plan. This plan provides a convenient method by which investors may have monies debited directly from their checking, savings or bank money market accounts for investment in a Fund. Participation in this plan requires a $2,000 initial minimum balance and a minimum monthly investment of $100. Only an account maintained at a domestic financial institution that is an Automated Clearing House member may participate in the plan.

 

34


SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (continued)

 

(unaudited)

 

Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan

Shares of a Fund may be automatically redeemed through our Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. Participation in this plan requires a minimum account balance of $10,000 and a minimum monthly withdrawal of $50.

Retirement and Education Plans

Shares of the Funds are available for purchase through individual retirement accounts, other retirement plans and education savings accounts. Applications for these plans and further details about procedures to be followed are available by calling 1-800-472-4266, or by visiting the Funds’ website at www.strattonfunds.com .

Proxy Voting

For free information regarding how the Funds voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, or to obtain a free copy of the Funds’ complete proxy voting policies and procedures, call 1-800-472-4266, or visit the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

Each Fund files a schedule of investments with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Each Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . The Forms N-Q also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

Existing Shareholder Account Services

Shareholders seeking information regarding their accounts (including additional purchase or redemption requests) and other Fund services can access their accounts on line at www.strattonfunds.com , or call 1-800-472-4266 or write the transfer agent at the following addresses:

 

via First Class Mail

  

via Express Delivery

Stratton Mutual Funds

  

Stratton Mutual Funds

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

  

c/o BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

P. O. Box 9801

  

4400 Computer Drive

Providence, RI 02940

  

Westborough, MA 01581

Investment Portfolio Activities

Questions regarding any of the Funds’ investment portfolios should be directed to the Funds’ Advisor:

Stratton Management Company

150 South Warner Road, Suite 460

King of Prussia, PA 19406

Please do not send account-related correspondence, including transaction requests, to the Advisor. Doing so may delay the processing of your account-related request.

 

35


DIVIDEND NOTICES (unaudited)

 

December 31, 2013

 

All percentages are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item it is the intention of the Funds to report the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

     Percentage of Ordinary Dividend
Income Qualifying for the 70%
Corporate Dividend and the
maximum 15% Tax Rate on
Qualified Dividends for Non-
Corporate Taxpayers Received
Deduction

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc.

   0.00%

Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.

   2.38%

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

   0.00%
     Percentage of Ordinary Dividend
Income Qualifying for the
Dividend Received Deduction

for Corporate Taxpayers

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc.

   0.00%

Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.

   1.76%

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

   0.00%
     Percentage of Net Income
Distributions paid representing
the amount of Qualifying
Interest Income as created by
The American Jobs Creation

Act of 2004

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc.

   0.00%

Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.

   0.06%

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

   0.00%
     Percentage of Short-Term
Capital Gain Distributions paid
representing the amount of
Qualifying Short-Term

Capital Gain as created by
The American Jobs Creation
Act of 2004

Stratton Mid Cap Value Fund, Inc.

      0.00%

Stratton Real Estate Fund, Inc.

   100.00%

Stratton Small Cap Value Fund

      0.00%

 

36


LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

  (c)

There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

 

  (d)

The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Registrant’s Board of Directors has determined that it does not have an “audit committee financial expert” serving on its audit committee. While Registrant believes that each of the members of its audit committee has sufficient knowledge of accounting principles and financial statements to serve on the audit committee, none has the requisite attributes to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $41,200 in 2012 and $42,400 in 2013.


Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item are $1,000 in 2012 and $1,000 in 2013. This represents the review of the semi-annual financial statements.

Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $3,000 in 2012 and $3,000 in 2013. These services are related to the preparation of federal and state income tax returns, and excise tax return, and the review of the distribution requirements for excise tax purposes.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 in 2012 and $0 in 2013.

 

  (e)(1)

Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

The Audit Committee will be responsible for evaluating the provision of non-audit services to the Company as required by Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “2002 Act”) and any pre-approval requests submitted by the independent accountants as required by Section 202 of the 2002 Act.

 

  (e)(2)

The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

  (b)

100%

 

  (c)

0%

 

  (d)

Not Applicable

 

  (f)

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than fifty percent.

 

  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $0 in 2012 and $0 in 2013.

 

  (h)

Not applicable.


Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

Item 6. Investments.

 

(a)

Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

(b)

Not applicable.

 

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

Not applicable.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.  Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

  (b)

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 second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

  (a)(2)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

(12.other) Not applicable.


SIGNATURES

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

 

(Registrant)

  

                            The Stratton Funds, Inc.

  

By (Signature and Title)*

      

/s/ Gerald M. Van Horn

    
      

Gerald M. Van Horn, Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

    

Date

  

March 4, 2014

    

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/ Gerald M. Van Horn

    
    

Gerald M. Van Horn, Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

    

Date

  

March 4, 2014

    

By (Signature and Title)*

    

/s/ Lynne M. Cannon

    
    

Lynne M. Cannon, Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial officer)

    

Date

  

March 4, 2014

    

 

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.