A new topology for a buck-boost switching regulator is provided herein. Embodiments provide an efficient buck-boost switching regulator that provides a regulated output voltage from an unregulated input voltage. Embodiments include a buck-boost switching regulator topology, where the operating mode is determined separately from the pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signal. This topology, in one embodiment, provides a better transient response than typical buck-boost switching regulator topologies, where PWM control circuitry and operating mode circuitry are combined. Furthermore, embodiments provide a buck-boost switching regulator that allows for high efficiency when the output voltage is close to the input voltage.