497K 1 specialmidcapvaluesumm.htm SPECIAL MID CAP VALUE FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUSES

Summary Prospectus
February 1, 2020

.

Wells Fargo Special Mid Cap Value Fund


Class/Ticker: Class A - WFPAX - Class C - WFPCX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundliterature@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”), dated February 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund’s SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus. 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-222-8222 or by enrolling at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery. 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-222-8222. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.

Investment Objective 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the aggregate in specified classes of certain Wells Fargo Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in “Share Class Features” and “Reductions and Waivers of Sales Charges” on pages 37 and 38 of the Prospectus and “Additional Purchase and Redemption Information” on page 67 of the Statement of Additional Information. Investors who purchase through certain intermediaries may be subject to different sales charge discounts than those outlined shares in these sections. Please see Appendix A on page 56 for further information.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) 

 

 

 

Class A 

Class C 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

5.75%

None 

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)

None1

1.00%

1. Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge but generally will be subject to a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed within 18 months from the date of purchase.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Class A

Class C

Management Fees

0.67%

0.67%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

0.75%

Other Expenses

0.48%

0.48%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.15%

1.90%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1

1.15%

1.90%

1. The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers at 1.16% for Class A, and 1.91% for Class C. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

1


 

Example of Expenses 

The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

 

Assuming Redemption at End of Period

 

Assuming No Redemption

After:

Class A

Class C

 

Class C

1 Year

$685

$293

 

$193

3 Years

$919

$597

 

$597

5 Years

$1,172

$1,026

 

$1,026

10 Years

$1,892

$2,222

 

$2,222

Portfolio Turnover 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies 

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

 

at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies.
 

We invest principally in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies, which we define as securities of companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Index was approximately $823.69 million to $78.72 billion, as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to change frequently.

We look for undervalued companies that we believe have the potential for above average capital appreciation with below average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives our search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess, a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. We regularly review the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated, or we identify a more attractive investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks 

An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks (in alphabetical order) briefly summarized below. 

Growth/Value Investing Risk. Securities that exhibit growth or value characteristics tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. 

Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. 

Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. 

2


 

Performance 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at wfam.com.

Calendar Year Total Returns for Class A as of 12/31 each year
(returns do not reflect sales charges and would be lower if they did)

.

Highest Quarter:
1st Quarter 2019

+15.95%

Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2011

-19.93%





Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2019 (returns reflect applicable sales charges)

 

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Class A (before taxes)

7/31/2007

27.34%

7.49%

12.07%

Class A (after taxes on distributions)

7/31/2007

26.10%

6.65%

11.09%

Class A (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)

7/31/2007

16.94%

5.72%

9.78%

Class C (before taxes)

7/31/2007

33.09%

7.95%

11.90%

Russell Midcap® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

 

27.06%

7.62%

12.41%

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. After-tax returns are shown for only one class of shares. After-tax returns for any other class will vary. 

3


 

Fund Management 

Manager 

Sub-Adviser 

Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since 

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

James M. Tringas, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Shane Zweck, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2019

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 

In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional. 

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

Minimum Initial Investment
Regular Accounts: $1,000
IRAs, IRA Rollovers, Roth IRAs: $250
UGMA/UTMA Accounts: $50
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans: No Minimum

Minimum Additional Investment
Regular Accounts, IRAs, IRA Rollovers, Roth IRAs: $100
UGMA/UTMA Accounts: $50
Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans: No Minimum

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: wfam.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222

Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information 

Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax-advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.

Payments to Intermediaries 

If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information. 

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

.

.

4

0203323/P3323

Summary Prospectus
February 1, 2020

.

Wells Fargo Special Mid Cap Value Fund


Class/Ticker: Class R - WFHHX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundliterature@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”), dated February 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund’s SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus. 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-222-8222 or by enrolling at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery. 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-222-8222. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.

Investment Objective 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees

0.67%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.25%

Other Expenses

0.48%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.40%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1

1.40%

1. The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers at 1.41% for Class R. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

1


 

Example of Expenses 

The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

After:

 

1 Year

$143

3 Years

$443

5 Years

$766

10 Years

$1,680

Portfolio Turnover 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies 

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

 

at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies.
 

We invest principally in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies, which we define as securities of companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Index was approximately $823.69 million to $78.72 billion, as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to change frequently.

We look for undervalued companies that we believe have the potential for above average capital appreciation with below average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives our search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess, a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. We regularly review the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated, or we identify a more attractive investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks 

An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks (in alphabetical order) briefly summarized below. 

Growth/Value Investing Risk. Securities that exhibit growth or value characteristics tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. 

Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. 

Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. 

2


 

Performance 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at wfam.com.

Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R as of 12/31 each year1

.

Highest Quarter:
1st Quarter 2019

+15.85%

Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2011

-20.00%





Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/20191

 

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Class R

9/30/2015

34.75%

8.50%

12.48%

Russell Midcap® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

 

27.06%

7.62%

12.41%

1. Historical performance shown for Class R shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the Institutional Class shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class R shares.

3


 

Fund Management 

Manager 

Sub-Adviser 

Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since 

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

James M. Tringas, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Shane Zweck, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2019

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 

Class R shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R shares generally are not available to retail accounts.

Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment
Class R: Eligible investors are not subject to a minimum initial investment (intermediaries may require different minimum investment amounts)

Minimum Additional Investment
Class R: None (intermediaries may require different minimum additional investment amounts)

Tax Information 

By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. 

Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.

Payments to Intermediaries 

If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information. 

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

.

.

4

0203645/P3645

Summary Prospectus
February 1, 2020

.

Wells Fargo Special Mid Cap Value Fund


Class/Ticker: Class R6 - WFPRX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundliterature@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”), dated February 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund’s SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus. 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-222-8222 or by enrolling at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery. 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-222-8222. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.

Investment Objective 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees

0.67%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.05%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

0.72%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1

0.72%

1. The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers at 0.73% for Class R6. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

1


 

Example of Expenses 

The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

After:

 

1 Year

$74

3 Years

$230

5 Years

$401

10 Years

$894

Portfolio Turnover 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies 

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

 

at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies.
 

We invest principally in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies, which we define as securities of companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Index was approximately $823.69 million to $78.72 billion, as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to change frequently.

We look for undervalued companies that we believe have the potential for above average capital appreciation with below average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives our search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess, a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. We regularly review the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated, or we identify a more attractive investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks 

An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks (in alphabetical order) briefly summarized below. 

Growth/Value Investing Risk. Securities that exhibit growth or value characteristics tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. 

Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. 

Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. 

2


 

Performance 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at wfam.com.

Calendar Year Total Returns for Class R6 as of 12/31 each year1

.

Highest Quarter:
1st Quarter 2019

+16.05%

Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2011

-19.88%





Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/20191

 

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Class R6

6/28/2013

35.68%

9.24%

13.22%

Russell Midcap® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

 

27.06%

7.62%

12.41%

1. Historical performance shown for Class R6 shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Institutional Class shares, and includes the higher expenses applicable to Institutional Class shares. If these expenses had not been included, the returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

3


 

Fund Management 

Manager 

Sub-Adviser 

Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since 

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

James M. Tringas, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Shane Zweck, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2019

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 

Class R6 shares generally are available only to certain retirement plans, including: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, target benefit plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Class R6 shares also are generally available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of the Fund. Class R6 shares also are available to funds of funds managed by Funds Management. Class R6 shares generally are not available to retail accounts but may be offered through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers to certain institutional and fee-based investors, and in each case, only if a dealer agreement is in place with Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC to offer Class R6 shares.

Institutions Purchasing Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment
Class R6: Eligible investors are not subject to a minimum initial investment (intermediaries may require different minimum investment amounts)

Minimum Additional Investment
Class R6: None (intermediaries may require different minimum additional investment amounts)

Tax Information 

By investing in a Fund through a tax-deferred retirement account, you will not be subject to tax on dividends and capital gains distributions from the Fund or the sale of Fund shares if those amounts remain in the tax-deferred account. 

Distributions taken from retirement plan accounts generally are taxable as ordinary income. For special rules concerning tax-deferred retirement accounts, including applications, restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your investment professional. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you and to obtain further information, consult your tax adviser.

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

.

.

4

0204662/P4662

Summary Prospectus
February 1, 2020

.

Wells Fargo Special Mid Cap Value Fund


Class/Ticker: Administrator Class - WFMDX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundliterature@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”), dated February 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund’s SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus. 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-222-8222 or by enrolling at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery. 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-222-8222. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.

Investment Objective 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees

0.67%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.40%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

1.07%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1

1.07%

1. The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers at 1.08% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

1


 

Example of Expenses 

The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

After:

 

1 Year

$109

3 Years

$340

5 Years

$590

10 Years

$1,306

Portfolio Turnover 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies 

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

 

at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies.
 

We invest principally in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies, which we define as securities of companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Index was approximately $823.69 million to $78.72 billion, as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to change frequently.

We look for undervalued companies that we believe have the potential for above average capital appreciation with below average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives our search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess, a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. We regularly review the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated, or we identify a more attractive investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks 

An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks (in alphabetical order) briefly summarized below. 

Growth/Value Investing Risk. Securities that exhibit growth or value characteristics tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. 

Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. 

Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. 

2


 

Performance 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at wfam.com.

Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year

.

Highest Quarter:
1st Quarter 2019

+15.91%

Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2011

-19.93%





Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2019

 

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Administrator Class (before taxes)

4/8/2005

35.18%

8.86%

12.86%

Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)

4/8/2005

33.88%

8.01%

11.87%

Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)

4/8/2005

21.62%

6.82%

10.47%

Russell Midcap® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

 

27.06%

7.62%

12.41%

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. 

3


 

Fund Management 

Manager 

Sub-Adviser 

Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since 

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

James M. Tringas, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Shane Zweck, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2019

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 

Administrator Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

Minimum Initial Investment
Administrator Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: wfam.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222
Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information 

Any distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax-advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific tax situation.

Payments to Intermediaries 

If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information. 

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

.

.

4

0203704/P3704

Summary Prospectus
February 1, 2020

.

Wells Fargo Special Mid Cap Value Fund


Class/Ticker: Institutional Class - WFMIX

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund’s prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund’s prospectus, reports to shareholders and other information about the Fund online at wellsfargofunds.com/reports. You can also get information at no cost by calling 1-800-222-8222, or by sending an email request to fundliterature@wellsfargo.com. The current prospectus (“Prospectus”) and statement of additional information (“SAI”), dated February 1, 2020, as supplemented from time to time, are incorporated by reference into this summary prospectus. The Fund’s SAI may be obtained, free of charge, in the same manner as the Prospectus. 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by new regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Wells Fargo Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports issued after this date will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report. 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically at any time by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 1-800-222-8222 or by enrolling at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery. 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-800-222-8222. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Wells Fargo Funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you are a direct investor, to all Wells Fargo Funds that you hold.

Investment Objective 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. 

Fees and Expenses

These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)

None

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

Management Fees

0.67%

Distribution (12b-1) Fees

0.00%

Other Expenses

0.15%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

0.82%

Fee Waivers

0.00%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1

0.82%

1. The Manager has contractually committed through January 31, 2021, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers at 0.83% for Institutional Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.

1


 

Example of Expenses 

The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

After:

 

1 Year

$84

3 Years

$262

5 Years

$455

10 Years

$1,014

Portfolio Turnover 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies 

Under normal circumstances, we invest:

 

at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies.
 

We invest principally in equity securities of medium-capitalization companies, which we define as securities of companies with market capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap® Index at the time of purchase. The market capitalization range of the Russell Midcap® Index was approximately $823.69 million to $78.72 billion, as of December 31, 2019, and is expected to change frequently.

We look for undervalued companies that we believe have the potential for above average capital appreciation with below average risk. Rigorous fundamental research drives our search for companies with favorable reward-to-risk ratios and that possess, a long-term competitive advantage provided by a durable asset base, strong balance sheets, and sustainable and superior cash flows. Typical investments include stocks of companies that are generally out of favor in the marketplace, or are undergoing reorganization or other corporate action that may create above-average price appreciation. We regularly review the investments of the portfolio and may sell a portfolio holding when a stock nears its price target, downside risks increase considerably, the company’s fundamentals have deteriorated, or we identify a more attractive investment opportunity.

Principal Investment Risks 

An investment in the Fund may lose money, is not a deposit of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks (in alphabetical order) briefly summarized below. 

Growth/Value Investing Risk. Securities that exhibit growth or value characteristics tend to perform differently and shift into and out of favor with investors depending on changes in market and economic sentiment and conditions. 

Management Risk. Investment decisions, techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by a Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments. 

Smaller Company Securities Risk. Securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies. 

2


 

Performance 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at wfam.com.

Calendar Year Total Returns for Institutional Class as of 12/31 each year

.

Highest Quarter:
1st Quarter 2019

+16.02%

Lowest Quarter:
3rd Quarter 2011

-19.88%





Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2019

 

Inception Date of Share Class

1 Year

5 Year

10 Year

Institutional Class (before taxes)

4/8/2005

35.53%

9.14%

13.16%

Institutional Class (after taxes on distributions)

4/8/2005

34.14%

8.21%

12.11%

Institutional Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)

4/8/2005

21.88%

7.03%

10.72%

Russell Midcap® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

 

27.06%

7.62%

12.41%

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. 

3


 

Fund Management 

Manager 

Sub-Adviser 

Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since 

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

James M. Tringas, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Bryant VanCronkhite, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Shane Zweck, CFA, Portfolio Manager / 2019

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares 

Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.

Minimum Investments

To Buy or Sell Shares

Minimum Initial Investment
Institutional Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Institutional Class: None

Mail: Wells Fargo Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: wfam.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222 

Contact your financial professional.

Tax Information 

Institutional Class shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.

Payments to Intermediaries 

If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information. 

Link to Prospectus

Link to SAI

.

.

4

0203138/P3138