N-CSRS 1 d717768dncsrs.htm FORM N-CSRS Form N-CSRS
Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSRS

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-09253

 

 

Wells Fargo Funds Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Alexander Kymn

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

525 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94105

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 800-222-8222

Date of fiscal year end: July 31

 

 

Registrant is making a filing for 11 of its series:

Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund, Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund, Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund, Wells Fargo Growth Fund, Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund, Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund, Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund, Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund, Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund, Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund, and Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund.

Date of reporting period: January 31, 2019

 

 

 


Table of Contents
ITEM 1.

REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    13  

Statement of operations

    14  

Statement of changes in net assets

    15  

Financial highlights

    16  

Notes to financial statements

    21  

Other information

    26  

Appendix A

    30  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Michael T. Smith, CFA®

Christopher J. Warner, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (WFCGX)   7-31-2007     -3.24       10.05       14.45       2.64       11.36       15.13       1.27       1.12  
 
Class C (WFCCX)   7-31-2007     0.97       10.54       14.28       1.97       10.54       14.28       2.02       1.87  
 
Class R6 (WFCRX)3   11-30-2012                       2.91       11.84       15.67       0.84       0.61  
 
Administrator Class (WFCDX)   6-30-2003                       2.80       11.53       15.37       1.19       0.95  
 
Institutional Class (WWCIX)   4-8-2005                       3.04       11.82       15.65       0.94       0.71  
 
Russell 1000® Growth Index4                         0.24       12.97       16.86              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20195  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     7.87  

Microsoft Corporation

     7.09  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     6.02  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

     5.26  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     4.69  

Waste Connections Incorporated

     3.55  

Union Pacific Corporation

     3.03  

The Home Depot Incorporated

     2.90  

First Data Corporation Class A

     2.51  

Salesforce.com Incorporated

     2.39  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20196

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectus, which include the impact of 0.01% in acquired fund fees and expenses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 1.11% for Class A, 1.86% for Class C, 0.60% for Class R6, 0.94% for Administrator Class, and 0.70% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

4 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

6 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 976.75      $ 5.28        1.06

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.86      $ 5.40        1.06

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 973.67      $ 9.00        1.81

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,016.08      $ 9.20        1.81

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 978.95      $ 2.99        0.60

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.18      $ 3.06        0.60

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 977.35      $ 4.68        0.94

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.47      $ 4.79        0.94

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 979.03      $ 3.49        0.70

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.68      $ 3.57        0.70

 

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 98.42%

          

Communication Services: 11.39%

          
Entertainment: 3.85%           

Activision Blizzard Incorporated

          21,300      $ 1,006,212  

Netflix Incorporated †

          4,400        1,493,800  

Nintendo Company Limited ADR

          33,500        1,247,540  
             3,747,552  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 7.54%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          5,208        5,863,635  

Tencent Holdings Limited ADR

          33,050        1,474,361  
             7,337,996  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 16.07%

          
Auto Components: 1.56%           

Aptiv plc

          19,200        1,519,296  
          

 

 

 
Automobiles: 1.18%           

Ferrari NV

          9,100        1,149,330  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 10.43%           

Alibaba Group Holding Limited ADR †

          6,050        1,019,365  

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          4,455        7,656,938  

MercadoLibre Incorporated †

          4,050        1,474,200  
             10,150,503  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 2.90%           

The Home Depot Incorporated

          15,383        2,823,242  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 0.77%

          
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.77%           

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

          5,250        747,180  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 5.28%

          
Capital Markets: 5.28%           

Intercontinental Exchange Incorporated

          28,075        2,155,037  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          21,000        1,690,500  

S&P Global Incorporated

          6,763        1,296,129  
             5,141,666  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 16.21%

          
Biotechnology: 2.69%           

Celgene Corporation †

          19,350        1,711,701  

Exact Sciences Corporation †

          10,050        905,304  
             2,617,005  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 7.05%           

Align Technology Incorporated †

          4,600      $ 1,145,170  

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          53,200        2,029,580  

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation †

          8,850        1,508,217  

Intuitive Surgical Incorporated †

          1,400        733,096  

Medtronic plc

          16,400        1,449,596  
             6,865,659  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 5.26%           

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          18,947        5,119,479  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 1.21%           

Illumina Incorporated †

          4,200        1,175,118  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 10.78%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 0.99%           

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated †

          4,300        964,146  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 5.50%           

Cintas Corporation

          10,100        1,893,851  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          41,330        3,453,535  
             5,347,386  
          

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment: 1.26%           

Rockwell Automation Incorporated

          7,250        1,229,020  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 3.03%           

Union Pacific Corporation

          18,550        2,950,749  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 31.20%

          
Communications Equipment: 1.80%           

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

          14,950        1,747,805  
          

 

 

 
IT Services: 16.40%           

Black Knight Incorporated †

          27,950        1,374,861  

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

          18,850        1,970,391  

First Data Corporation Class A †

          99,050        2,441,583  

FleetCor Technologies Incorporated †

          6,800        1,372,308  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

          23,150        2,054,794  

Shopify Incorporated Class A †

          4,800        808,656  

Total System Services Incorporated

          15,350        1,375,514  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          33,820        4,566,038  
             15,964,145  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 0.79%           

Infineon Technologies AG ADR

          34,750        773,535  
          

 

 

 
Software: 12.21%           

Autodesk Incorporated †

          8,100        1,192,320  

Microsoft Corporation

          66,081        6,900,839  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Software (continued)          

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

                                  15,330      $ 2,329,700  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

         6,630        1,458,733  
            11,881,592  
         

 

 

 

Materials: 5.78%

         
Chemicals: 4.51%          

Air Products & Chemicals Incorporated

         13,000        2,137,070  

The Sherwin-Williams Company

         5,350        2,255,132  
            4,392,202  
         

 

 

 
Construction Materials: 1.27%          

Vulcan Materials Company

         12,100        1,229,965  
         

 

 

 

Real Estate: 0.94%

         
Equity REITs: 0.94%          

SBA Communications Corporation †

         5,000        912,650  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $57,662,769)

            95,787,221  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                      
Short-Term Investments: 2.34%          
Investment Companies: 2.34%          

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        2,277,652        2,277,652        
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $2,277,652)

            2,277,652  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $59,940,421)     100.76        98,064,873  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (0.76        (737,200
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 97,327,673  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

ADR

American depositary receipt

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC *

    1,332,367       11,684,172       13,016,539       0     $ (1,160   $ 0     $ 7,140     $ 0    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    922,555       20,633,116       19,278,019       2,277,652       0       0       12,482       2,277,652    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (1,160   $ 0     $ 19,622     $ 2,277,652       2.34
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  *

No longer held at the end of the period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     13  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $57,662,769)

  $ 95,787,221  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $2,277,652)

    2,277,652  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    12,171  

Receivable for dividends

    20,974  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    58,401  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    98,156,419  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable for investments purchased

    654,674  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    73,560  

Management fee payable

    25,701  

Administration fees payable

    15,274  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,799  

Distribution fee payable

    1,809  

Due to custodian bank

    631  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    54,298  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    828,746  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 97,327,673  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 52,504,319  

Total distributable earnings

    44,823,354  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 97,327,673  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 75,246,122  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    9,322,846  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $8.07  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $8.56  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 2,963,659  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    542,047  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $5.47  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 2,069,858  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    195,791  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $10.57  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 4,706,093  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    484,099  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $9.72  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 12,341,941  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    1,176,710  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $10.49  

 

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $2,615)

  $ 408,256  

Income from affiliated securities

    13,609  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    421,865  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    390,574  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    83,810  

Class C

    3,131  

Class R6

    1,048  

Administrator Class

    3,567  

Institutional Class

    10,604  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    99,774  

Class C

    3,728  

Administrator Class

    6,860  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    11,183  

Custody and accounting fees

    12,098  

Professional fees

    25,493  

Registration fees

    55,200  

Shareholder report expenses

    16,083  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    12,611  

Other fees and expenses

    6,450  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    742,214  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (188,324
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    553,890  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (132,025
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    10,551,534  

Affiliated securities

    (1,160
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    10,550,374  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (14,448,191
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (3,897,817
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,029,842
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     15  
    

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

       

Net investment loss

    $ (132,025     $ (105,891

Net realized gains on investments

      10,550,374         84,278,242  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (14,448,191       (34,428,399
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (4,029,842       49,743,952  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (45,016,507       (10,659,612

Class C

      (1,770,673       (475,651

Class R4

      N/A         (1,544 )2 

Class R6

      (4,194,378       (16,512,790

Administrator Class

      (2,839,109       (2,322,996

Institutional Class

      (7,429,013       (2,869,464
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (61,249,680       (32,842,057
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    261,725       2,772,894       324,772       5,663,591  

Class C

    136,150       797,139       51,472       773,137  

Class R6

    21,407       286,048       429,937       8,300,687  

Administrator Class

    18,359       223,173       98,501       1,847,357  

Institutional Class

    65,637       793,641       180,220       3,556,665  
 

 

 

 
      4,872,895         20,141,437  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    5,508,288       44,139,774       642,270       10,449,869  

Class C

    301,972       1,666,667       30,860       437,693  

Class R4

    N/A       N/A       0 2       0 2  

Class R6

    89,812       934,429       905,002       16,500,487  

Administrator Class

    291,982       2,801,545       131,868       2,308,838  

Institutional Class

    716,926       7,403,250       155,432       2,828,945  
 

 

 

 
      56,945,665         32,525,832  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (981,678     (10,631,637     (560,818     (9,909,912

Class C

    (101,146     (1,016,596     (62,592     (954,216

Class R4

    N/A       N/A       (974 )2      (18,521 )2 

Class R6

    (396,164     (4,594,611     (8,922,240     (178,495,590

Administrator Class

    (113,534     (1,258,403     (1,169,379     (22,013,800

Institutional Class

    (547,905     (7,899,700     (661,462     (12,665,267
 

 

 

 
      (25,400,947       (224,057,306
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      36,417,613         (171,390,037
 

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

      (28,861,909       (154,488,142
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      126,189,582         280,677,724  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 97,327,673       $ 126,189,582  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $0. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

2 

For the period from August 1, 2017 to November 13, 2017. Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R4 shares were liquidated and the class was subsequently closed. Class R4 shares are no longer offered by the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $19.03       $17.56       $15.12       $17.38       $21.31       $19.87  

Net investment loss

    (0.02 )1      (0.06 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.07 )1      (0.10 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.85     4.06       2.90       0.04       2.09       3.79  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.87     4.00       2.87       0.01       2.02       3.69  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.02     0.00       0.00       (0.02

Net realized gains

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.41     (2.27     (5.95     (2.23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.43     (2.27     (5.95     (2.25

Net asset value, end of period

    $8.07       $19.03       $17.56       $15.12       $17.38       $21.31  

Total return2

    (2.32 )%      25.83     19.52     0.75     11.00     19.09

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.39     1.26     1.24     1.24     1.27     1.26

Net expenses

    1.06     1.06     1.06     1.06     1.11     1.11

Net investment loss

    (0.30 )%      (0.32 )%      (0.21 )%      (0.18 )%      (0.39 )%      (0.46 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    12     40     59     85     114     94

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $75,246       $86,285       $72,511       $77,648       $17,126       $18,561  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.41       $15.58       $13.54       $15.92       $20.12       $18.98  

Net investment loss

    (0.05 )1      (0.16 )1      (0.13 )1      (0.13 )1      (0.20 )1      (0.24 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.80     3.52       2.58       0.02       1.95       3.61  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.85     3.36       2.45       (0.11     1.75       3.37  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.41     (2.27     (5.95     (2.23

Net asset value, end of period

    $5.47       $16.41       $15.58       $13.54       $15.92       $20.12  

Total return2

    (2.63 )%      24.89     18.65     0.00     10.15     18.21

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    2.14     2.01     1.99     1.99     2.02     2.01

Net expenses

    1.81     1.81     1.81     1.81     1.86     1.86

Net investment loss

    (1.07 )%      (1.07 )%      (0.95 )%      (0.98 )%      (1.14 )%      (1.20 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    12     40     59     85     114     94

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $2,964       $3,365       $2,888       $3,415       $4,212       $4,628  

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.55       $19.52       $16.70       $18.87       $22.56       $20.85  

Net investment income

    0.02 1       0.04 1       0.04       0.04 1       0.02       0.00 1,2  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.91     4.52       3.24       0.06       2.24       4.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.89     4.56       3.28       0.10       2.26       4.00  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.05     0.00       0.00       (0.06

Net realized gains

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.41     (2.27     (5.95     (2.23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.46     (2.27     (5.95     (2.29

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.57       $21.55       $19.52       $16.70       $18.87       $22.56  

Total return3

    (2.11 )%      26.13     20.18     1.20     11.54     19.71

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.95     0.82     0.81     0.81     0.79     0.78

Net expenses

    0.60     0.60     0.60     0.60     0.60     0.60

Net investment income

    0.18     0.19     0.23     0.23     0.11     0.01

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    12     40     59     85     114     94

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $2,070       $10,360       $157,462       $140,581       $153,009       $142,754  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.71       $18.87       $16.20       $18.43       $22.22       $20.61  

Net investment loss

    (0.01 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.01 )1      (0.01 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.05 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.89     4.40       3.12       0.05       2.19       3.93  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.90     4.37       3.11       0.04       2.16       3.88  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.03     0.00       0.00       (0.04

Net realized gains

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.41     (2.27     (5.95     (2.23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.44     (2.27     (5.95     (2.27

Net asset value, end of period

    $9.72       $20.71       $18.87       $16.20       $18.43       $22.22  

Total return2

    (2.27 )%      26.01     19.68     0.88     11.22     19.35

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.31     1.17     1.16     1.16     1.11     1.09

Net expenses

    0.94     0.94     0.94     0.93     0.90     0.90

Net investment loss

    (0.18 )%      (0.18 )%      (0.04 )%      (0.09 )%      (0.16 )%      (0.24 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    12     40     59     85     114     94

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $4,706       $5,950       $23,144       $31,064       $34,886       $67,830  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.47       $19.44       $16.65       $18.84       $22.54       $20.84  

Net investment income

    0.00 1,2       0.01 1       0.02 1       0.03 1       0.02 1       0.01 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.89     4.55       3.22       0.05       2.23       4.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.89     4.56       3.24       0.08       2.25       4.01  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.04     0.00       0.00       (0.08

Net realized gains

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.41     (2.27     (5.95     (2.23
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (10.09     (2.53     (0.45     (2.27     (5.95     (2.31

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.49       $21.47       $19.44       $16.65       $18.84       $22.54  

Total return3

    (2.10 )%      26.25     20.00     1.09     11.50     19.76

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.05     0.93     0.91     0.91     0.84     0.82

Net expenses

    0.70     0.70     0.70     0.68     0.65     0.65

Net investment income

    0.05     0.05     0.13     0.16     0.09     0.05

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    12     40     59     85     114     94

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $12,342       $20,229       $24,653       $23,670       $22,578       $49,816  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     21  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R4 shares were liquidated and the class was subsequently closed. Class R4 shares are no longer offered by the Fund. Information for Class R4 shares reflected in the financial statements represents activity through November 13, 2017.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $60,019,299 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 39,105,883  

Gross unrealized losses

     (1,060,309

Net unrealized gains

   $ 38,045,574  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     23  

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 11,085,548      $ 0      $ 0      $ 11,085,548  

Consumer discretionary

     15,642,371        0        0        15,642,371  

Energy

     747,180        0        0        747,180  

Financials

     5,141,666        0        0        5,141,666  

Health care

     15,777,261        0        0        15,777,261  

Industrials

     10,491,301        0        0        10,491,301  

Information technology

     30,367,077        0        0        30,367,077  

Materials

     5,622,167        0        0        5,622,167  

Real estate

     912,650        0        0        912,650  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     2,277,652        0        0        2,277,652  

Total assets

   $ 98,064,873      $ 0      $ 0      $ 98,064,873  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.30% and declining to 0.20% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.11% for Class A shares, 1.86% for Class C shares, 0.60% for Class R6 shares, 0.94% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.70% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $1,797 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $13,618,307 and $39,847,687, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     25  

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $10,659,612  

Class C

     475,651  

Class R4

     1,544

Class R6

     16,512,790  

Administrator Class

     2,322,996  

Institutional Class

     2,869,464  

 

*

For the period from August 1, 2017 to November 13, 2017.

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risks result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     27  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A

Isaiah Harris, Jr.3

(Born 1952)

  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A

David F. Larcker

(Born 1950)

  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A

Timothy J. Penny

(Born 1951)

  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A

James G. Polisson

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A

Pamela Wheelock

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund     29  

Officers

 

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    

Jeremy DePalma1

(Born 1974)

  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    

Alexander Kymn

(Born 1973)

  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Capital Growth Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320768 03-19

SA200/SAR200 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    16  

Statement of operations

    17  

Statement of changes in net assets

    18  

Financial highlights

    19  

Notes to financial statements

    25  

Other information

    30  

Appendix A

    34  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE      MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Justin Carr, CFA®

Greg W. Golden, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019*

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (EVSAX)   2-28-1990     -11.53       8.82       13.40       -6.12       10.12       14.07       0.83       0.83  
 
Class C (EVSTX)   6-30-1999     -7.87       9.28       13.22       -6.87       9.28       13.22       1.58       1.58  
 
Class R (EVSHX)3   9-30-2015                       -6.40       9.83       13.77       1.08       1.08  
 
Class R6 (EVSRX)4   9-30-2015                       -5.74       10.58       14.54       0.40       0.40  
 
Administrator Class (EVSYX)   2-21-1995                       -6.01       10.25       14.26       0.75       0.74  
 
Institutional Class (EVSIX)5   7-30-2010                       -5.81       10.53       14.51       0.50       0.48  
 
S&P 500 Index6                         -2.31     10.96       15.00              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R, Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. The use of derivatives may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20197  

Microsoft Corporation

     3.99  

Apple Incorporated

     3.81  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     3.15  

Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated Class B

     2.35  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C

     1.91  

Johnson & Johnson

     1.89  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     1.84  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     1.83  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

     1.76  

Facebook Incorporated Class A

     1.68  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20198
LOGO
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

*

Historical performance shown for all classes of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010, is based on the performance of the Fund’s predecessor, Evergreen Enhanced S&P 500 Fund.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 0.87% for Class A, 1.62% for Class C, 1.12% for Class R, 0.43% for Class R6, 0.74% for Administrator Class, and 0.48% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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

 

4 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

5 

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

 

6 

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

8 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 952.63      $ 4.13        0.84

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.97      $ 4.28        0.84

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 949.02      $ 7.81        1.59

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.19      $ 8.08        1.59

Class R

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 951.23      $ 5.36        1.09

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.71      $ 5.55        1.09

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 954.50      $ 2.02        0.41

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,023.14      $ 2.09        0.41

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 953.36      $ 3.64        0.74

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.48      $ 3.77        0.74

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 953.97      $ 2.36        0.48

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.79      $ 2.45        0.48

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     9  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 99.26%

 

        

Communication Services: 9.59%

          
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 2.88%

 

        

AT&T Incorporated

          583,623      $ 17,543,707  

Verizon Communications Incorporated

          339,450        18,690,117  
             36,233,824  
          

 

 

 
Entertainment: 0.90%

 

The Walt Disney Company

          37,728        4,207,427  

Twenty-First Century Fox Incorporated Class A

          143,304        7,066,320  
             11,273,747  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 5.44%

 

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          20,582        23,173,068  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          21,538        24,044,377  

Facebook Incorporated Class A †

          126,399        21,069,449  
             68,286,894  
          

 

 

 
Media: 0.37%

 

Comcast Corporation Class A

          128,087        4,684,142  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 9.81%

 

Automobiles: 0.84%

 

Ford Motor Company

          898,784        7,909,299  

General Motors Company

          69,005        2,692,575  
             10,601,874  
          

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.62%

 

Chipotle Mexican Grill Incorporated †

          5,266        2,788,926  

Starbucks Corporation

          73,626        5,016,876  
             7,805,802  
          

 

 

 
Household Durables: 0.61%

 

Garmin Limited

          52,828        3,654,641  

Pulte Group Incorporated

          144,091        4,007,171  
             7,661,812  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 3.16%

 

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          23,056        39,627,039  
          

 

 

 
Multiline Retail: 1.05%

 

Kohl’s Corporation

          60,120        4,129,643  

Macy’s Incorporated

          195,257        5,135,259  

Target Corporation

          52,909        3,862,357  
             13,127,259  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 2.46%

 

Best Buy Company Incorporated

          127,725        7,566,429  

Lowe’s Companies Incorporated

          33,191        3,191,647  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Specialty Retail (continued)

 

The Home Depot Incorporated

          87,770      $ 16,108,428  

The TJX Companies Incorporated

          81,782        4,067,019  
             30,933,523  
          

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 1.07%

 

Nike Incorporated Class B

          164,355        13,457,387  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 6.55%

 

Beverages: 0.87%

 

Molson Coors Brewing Company Class B

          127,624        8,501,035  

PepsiCo Incorporated

          21,722        2,447,418  
             10,948,453  
          

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing: 2.43%

 

The Kroger Company

          282,745        8,010,166  

Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated

          142,561        13,661,621  

Walgreens Boots Alliance Incorporated

          122,846        8,876,852  
             30,548,639  
          

 

 

 
Food Products: 1.45%

 

Cal-Maine Foods Incorporated

          138,144        5,826,914  

Kellogg Company

          34,026        2,007,874  

Lamb Weston Holdings Incorporated

          49,119        3,551,304  

Tyson Foods Incorporated Class A

          110,607        6,848,785  
             18,234,877  
          

 

 

 
Household Products: 1.17%

 

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

          75,228        8,378,895  

The Procter & Gamble Company

          66,092        6,375,895  
             14,754,790  
          

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.63%

 

Altria Group Incorporated

          90,331        4,457,835  

Philip Morris International Incorporated

          44,239        3,394,016  
             7,851,851  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 6.37%

 

Energy Equipment & Services: 1.25%

 

Helmerich & Payne Incorporated

          148,364        8,306,900  

Schlumberger Limited

          168,394        7,444,699  
             15,751,599  
          

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 5.12%

 

Chevron Corporation

          164,408        18,849,377  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

          313,429        22,968,077  

Kinder Morgan Incorporated

          523,921        9,482,970  

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

          78,869        5,225,860  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     11  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (continued)

 

ONEOK Incorporated

          120,369      $ 7,728,893  
             64,255,177  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 13.59%

 

Banks: 5.06%

 

Bank of America Corporation

          607,345        17,291,112  

Citigroup Incorporated

          242,547        15,634,580  

Citizens Financial Group Incorporated

          84,887        2,879,367  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          213,767        22,124,885  

Popular Incorporated

          104,200        5,690,362  
             63,620,306  
          

 

 

 
Capital Markets: 1.52%

 

Evercore Partners Incorporated Class A

          71,610        6,405,515  

State Street Corporation

          100,619        7,133,887  

Waddell & Reed Financial Incorporated Class A

          325,520        5,572,902  
             19,112,304  
          

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 0.96%

 

Capital One Financial Corporation

          88,354        7,120,449  

Synchrony Financial

          161,988        4,866,120  
             11,986,569  
          

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 2.35%

 

Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated Class B †

          143,774        29,551,308  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 3.40%

 

AFLAC Incorporated

          174,985        8,346,785  

Everest Reinsurance Group Limited

          32,130        7,038,077  

MetLife Incorporated

          216,226        9,875,041  

Prudential Financial Incorporated

          98,330        9,060,126  

The Progressive Corporation

          124,594        8,383,930  
             42,703,959  
          

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance: 0.30%

 

MGIC Investment Corporation †

          299,981        3,743,763  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 15.74%

 

Biotechnology: 2.87%

 

AbbVie Incorporated

          155,734        12,503,883  

Amgen Incorporated

          65,210        12,201,443  

Gilead Sciences Incorporated

          162,278        11,361,083  
             36,066,409  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 2.38%

 

Abbott Laboratories

          165,296        12,063,302  

Baxter International Incorporated

          118,074        8,559,184  

Medtronic plc

          104,148        9,205,642  
             29,828,128  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Health Care Providers & Services: 4.33%

 

AmerisourceBergen Corporation

          31,995      $ 2,667,423  

Anthem Incorporated

          42,369        12,837,807  

CVS Health Corporation

          140,206        9,190,503  

Humana Incorporated

          13,137        4,059,202  

McKesson Corporation

          47,957        6,150,485  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          72,075        19,474,665  
             54,380,085  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.26%

 

Illumina Incorporated †

          11,857        3,317,470  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 5.90%

 

Allergan plc

          28,871        4,156,847  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

          157,669        7,784,119  

Eli Lilly & Company

          99,046        11,871,654  

Johnson & Johnson

          178,363        23,736,548  

Merck & Company Incorporated

          233,917        17,410,442  

Pfizer Incorporated

          215,970        9,167,927  
             74,127,537  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 8.46%

 

Aerospace & Defense: 1.60%

 

Lockheed Martin Corporation

          12,511        3,624,312  

Raytheon Company

          49,862        8,215,263  

The Boeing Company

          7,055        2,720,549  

United Technologies Corporation

          46,468        5,486,477  
             20,046,601  
          

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 0.55%

 

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Incorporated

          80,236        6,962,078  
          

 

 

 
Airlines: 0.41%

 

United Continental Holdings Incorporated †

          59,775        5,216,564  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 0.74%

 

Waste Management Incorporated

          97,145        9,293,862  
          

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering: 1.04%

 

Fluor Corporation

          176,626        6,459,213  

KBR Incorporated

          196,720        3,383,584  

Quanta Services Incorporated

          90,707        3,205,585  
             13,048,382  
          

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment: 0.31%

 

Eaton Corporation plc

          51,036        3,891,495  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 0.62%

 

Honeywell International Incorporated

          54,226        7,788,480  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     13  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Machinery: 1.28%

 

Caterpillar Incorporated

          68,226      $ 9,084,974  

Cummins Incorporated

          20,775        3,056,210  

Paccar Incorporated

          59,346        3,888,350  
             16,029,534  
          

 

 

 
Professional Services: 0.78%

 

Manpower Incorporated

          72,624        5,739,475  

Robert Half International Incorporated

          62,838        4,048,652  
             9,788,127  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 0.49%

 

CSX Corporation

          45,501        2,989,416  

Norfolk Southern Corporation

          19,034        3,192,763  
             6,182,179  
          

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.64%

 

W.W. Grainger Incorporated

          27,266        8,054,104  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 20.24%

 

Communications Equipment: 1.46%

 

Cisco Systems Incorporated

          388,766        18,384,744  
          

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 0.30%

 

Amphenol Corporation Class A

          42,123        3,703,454  
          

 

 

 
IT Services: 3.91%

 

Accenture plc Class A

          76,685        11,774,982  

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Class A

          37,346        2,602,269  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

          37,478        7,912,730  

Total System Services Incorporated

          84,888        7,606,814  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          142,762        19,274,298  
             49,171,093  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 4.12%

 

Advanced Micro Devices Incorporated †

          122,902        3,000,038  

Broadcom Incorporated

          26,456        7,096,822  

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation

          366,242        5,079,777  

Intel Corporation

          394,979        18,611,410  

Micron Technology Incorporated †

          245,677        9,389,775  

Texas Instruments Incorporated

          54,951        5,532,467  

Xilinx Incorporated

          27,282        3,053,947  
             51,764,236  
          

 

 

 
Software: 5.76%

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated †

          17,948        4,447,873  

Fortinet Incorporated †

          34,586        2,648,250  

Intuit Incorporated

          30,147        6,506,326  

Microsoft Corporation

          480,181        50,145,302  

Oracle Corporation

          110,371        5,543,935  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Software (continued)

 

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

          20,605      $ 3,131,342  
             72,423,028  
          

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 4.69%

 

Apple Incorporated

          287,613        47,870,308  

HP Incorporated

          351,081        7,734,314  

NetApp Incorporated

          51,239        3,267,511  
             58,872,133  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 2.13%

 

Chemicals: 0.77%

 

CF Industries Holdings Incorporated

          60,859        2,656,495  

LyondellBasell Industries NV Class A

          81,325        7,072,835  
             9,729,330  
          

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 0.29%

 

Avery Dennison Corporation

          35,110        3,667,240  
          

 

 

 
Metals & Mining: 0.61%

 

Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated

          654,137        7,614,155  
          

 

 

 
Paper & Forest Products: 0.46%

 

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation

 

     237,150        5,781,717  
          

 

 

 

Real Estate: 4.06%

 

Equity REITs: 3.43%

 

American Tower Corporation

 

     64,119        11,082,328  

Crown Castle International Corporation

 

     79,293        9,282,039  

Kimco Realty Corporation

 

     222,262        3,780,677  

Prologis Incorporated

 

     141,994        9,820,305  

Weyerhaeuser Company

 

     345,768        9,072,952  
             43,038,301  
          

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.63%

 

CBRE Group Incorporated Class A †

 

     174,399        7,978,754  
          

 

 

 

Utilities: 2.72%

 

Electric Utilities: 1.25%

 

Exelon Corporation

 

     187,078        8,934,845  

Otter Tail Corporation

 

     61,399        2,974,782  

The Southern Company

 

     78,533        3,816,704  
             15,726,331  
          

 

 

 
Gas Utilities: 0.48%

 

UGI Corporation

 

     106,106        6,051,225  
          

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities: 0.99%

 

CenterPoint Energy Incorporated

 

     237,423        7,341,115  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     15  

      

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Multi-Utilities (continued)

 

DTE Energy Company

 

     43,440      $ 5,115,060  
            12,456,175  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $986,868,646)

 

          1,247,139,849  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                      
Short-Term Investments: 0.36%

 

       
Investment Companies: 0.36%

 

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        4,483,539        4,483,539  
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $4,483,539)

 

          4,483,539  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $991,352,185)     99.62        1,251,623,388  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    0.38          4,778,622  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 1,256,402,010  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
   

Net

change in
unrealized
gains

(losses)

    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    9,015,872       152,691,959       157,224,292       4,483,539     $ 0     $ 0     $ 61,586     $ 4,483,539       0.36

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $986,868,646)

  $ 1,247,139,849  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $4,483,539)

    4,483,539  

Receivable for investments sold

    4,271,930  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    1,762,559  

Receivable for dividends

    1,645,279  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    222,783  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,259,525,939  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    2,519,434  

Management fee payable

    347,975  

Administration fees payable

    134,341  

Distribution fees payable

    27,880  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,567  

Due to custodian bank

    515  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    91,217  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    3,123,929  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 1,256,402,010  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,006,728,072  

Total distributable earnings

    249,673,938  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 1,256,402,010  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 430,062,714  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    27,238,689  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $15.79  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $16.75  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 46,823,663  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    3,223,821  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $14.52  

Net assets – Class R

  $ 3,011,418  

Shares outstanding – Class R1

    188,895  

Net asset value per share – Class R

    $15.94  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 382,619,094  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    23,645,392  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $16.18  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 58,743,789  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    3,615,704  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $16.25  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 335,141,332  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    20,927,158  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $16.01  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     17  
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $5,575)

  $ 15,649,285  

Income from affiliated securities

    61,586  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    15,710,871  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    2,372,321  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    478,227  

Class C

    52,048  

Class R

    3,440  

Class R6

    61,393  

Administrator Class

    50,679  

Institutional Class

    251,407  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    569,318  

Class C

    61,962  

Class R

    4,095  

Administrator Class

    96,859  

Distribution fees

 

Class C

    185,886  

Class R

    4,095  

Custody and accounting fees

    30,246  

Professional fees

    26,921  

Registration fees

    55,200  

Shareholder report expenses

    59,715  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    40,376  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    4,415,278  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (54,204
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    4,361,074  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    11,349,797  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized losses on investments

    (10,849,257

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (68,537,957
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (79,387,214
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (68,037,417
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Statement of changes in net assets
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

 

 

Net investment income

    $ 11,349,797       $ 18,267,289  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

      (10,849,257       58,671,899  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (68,537,957       83,409,567  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (68,037,417       160,348,755  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

     

Class A

      (27,282,105       (20,704,762

Class C

      (2,771,228       (2,046,966

Class R

      (201,547       (86,235

Class R6

      (25,476,362       (10,400,864

Administrator Class

      (3,946,556       (4,178,646

Institutional Class

      (24,186,334       (18,508,153
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (83,864,132       (55,926,626
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

 

Class A

    1,133,921       18,565,288       3,025,519       51,764,763  

Class C

    423,926       6,135,011       374,010       5,918,031  

Class R

    13,300       228,771       106,436       1,833,037  

Class R6

    2,744,398       43,118,288       31,753,862       558,773,061  

Administrator Class

    239,895       4,099,451       801,468       14,055,574  

Institutional Class

    3,245,754       55,710,559       9,147,678       158,493,564  
 

 

 

 
      127,857,368         790,838,030  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

   

Class A

    1,648,190       25,532,516       1,131,935       19,445,471  

Class C

    177,775       2,524,825       117,892       1,860,460  

Class R

    12,744       199,335       4,876       84,764  

Class R6

    1,506,629       23,955,923       589,809       10,399,263  

Administrator Class

    235,868       3,758,071       230,133       4,058,515  

Institutional Class

    1,264,383       19,892,703       851,853       14,861,788  
 

 

 

 
      75,863,373         50,710,261  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

   

Class A

    (2,697,692     (44,905,060     (5,686,039     (97,150,526

Class C

    (610,781     (9,023,660     (852,666     (13,443,380

Class R

    (21,620     (332,190     (48,086     (836,247

Class R6

    (5,136,299     (86,368,650     (10,312,522     (185,383,377

Administrator Class

    (2,036,223     (35,432,152     (1,497,144     (26,145,921

Institutional Class

    (6,497,757     (107,626,453     (8,454,555     (147,923,158
 

 

 

 
      (283,688,165       (470,882,609
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      (79,967,424       370,665,682  
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (231,868,973       475,088,811  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      1,488,270,983         1,013,182,172  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 1,256,402,010       $ 1,488,270,983  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $18,219,041. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.70       $16.30       $14.50       $15.45       $16.29       $16.27  

Net investment income

    0.12       0.24       0.22       0.21       0.21       0.19  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.99     1.90       1.94       0.47       1.60       2.35  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.87     2.14       2.16       0.68       1.81       2.54  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.15     (0.15     (0.19     (0.16     (0.24

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44     (2.49     (2.28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.04     (0.74     (0.36     (1.63     (2.65     (2.52

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.79       $17.70       $16.30       $14.50       $15.45       $16.29  

Total return1

    (4.74 )%      13.28     15.12     5.22     12.01     17.00

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.84     0.83     0.85     0.87     0.89     0.93

Net expenses

    0.84     0.83     0.85     0.87     0.89     0.92

Net investment income

    1.44     1.33     1.45     1.60     1.43     1.27

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52     53     71

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $430,063       $480,602       $467,491       $412,629       $331,123       $305,577  

 

 

 

1 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $16.28       $15.04       $13.45       $14.50       $15.47       $15.58  

Net investment income

    0.05       0.09       0.10       0.14       0.13       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.91     1.76       1.79       0.38       1.48       2.23  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.86     1.85       1.89       0.52       1.61       2.31  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.05     (0.02     (0.09     (0.13     (0.09     (0.14

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44     (2.49     (2.28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.90     (0.61     (0.30     (1.57     (2.58     (2.42

Net asset value, end of period

    $14.52       $16.28       $15.04       $13.45       $14.50       $15.47  

Total return1

    (5.10 )%      12.41     14.27     4.43     11.18     16.10

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.59     1.58     1.60     1.62     1.64     1.68

Net expenses

    1.59     1.58     1.60     1.62     1.64     1.67

Net investment income

    0.69     0.58     0.69     0.82     0.66     0.51

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52     53     71

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $46,824       $52,647       $54,054       $46,801       $20,680       $10,913  

 

 

 

1

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R   2018     2017     20161  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.88       $16.51       $14.77       $14.62  

Net investment income

    0.10 2       0.18 2       0.17 2       0.13 2  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.00     1.94       1.99       1.72  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.90     2.12       2.16       1.85  

Distributions to shareholders from

       

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.16     (0.21     (0.26

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.04     (0.75     (0.42     (1.70

Net asset value, end of period

    $15.94       $17.88       $16.51       $14.77  

Total return3

    (4.88 )%      12.97     14.86     13.56

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

       

Gross expenses

    1.09     1.08     1.10     1.12

Net expenses

    1.09     1.08     1.10     1.12

Net investment income

    1.19     1.04     1.10     1.12

Supplemental data

       

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $3,011       $3,298       $2,001       $201  

 

 

 

1 

For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2016

 

2 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

    Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     20161  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $18.17       $16.71       $14.86       $14.62  

Net investment income

    0.19       0.30 2       0.28 2       0.22 2  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.05     1.97       1.99       1.72  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.86     2.27       2.27       1.94  

Distributions to shareholders from

       

Net investment income

    (0.28     (0.22     (0.21     (0.26

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.13     (0.81     (0.42     (1.70

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.18       $18.17       $16.71       $14.86  

Total return3

    (4.55 )%      13.78     15.56     14.24

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

       

Gross expenses

    0.41     0.40     0.42     0.44

Net expenses

    0.41     0.40     0.42     0.43

Net investment income

    1.87     1.71     1.77     1.88

Supplemental data

       

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $382,619       $445,678       $41,770       $4,024  

 

 

 

1 

For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2016

 

2

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     23  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $18.17       $16.71       $14.85       $15.80       $16.60       $16.47  

Net investment income

    0.14 1       0.25 1       0.25 1       0.24 1       0.25 1       0.25 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.02     1.97       1.98       0.48       1.63       2.35  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.88     2.22       2.23       0.72       1.88       2.60  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.17     (0.16     (0.23     (0.19     (0.19

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44     (2.49     (2.28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.04     (0.76     (0.37     (1.67     (2.68     (2.47

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.25       $18.17       $16.71       $14.85       $15.80       $16.60  

Total return2

    (4.66 )%      13.40     15.24     5.36     12.20     17.12

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.77     0.78     0.74     0.76

Net expenses

    0.74     0.74     0.74     0.74     0.73     0.74

Net investment income

    1.53     1.42     1.60     1.71     1.58     1.56

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52     53     71

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $58,744       $94,058       $94,294       $116,807       $63,544       $50,498  

 

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $17.98       $16.55       $14.72       $15.66       $16.47       $16.43  

Net investment income

    0.16       0.28       0.27 1       0.28 1       0.30       0.26 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.02     1.95       1.98       0.47       1.61       2.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.86     2.23       2.25       0.75       1.91       2.63  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.26     (0.21     (0.21     (0.25     (0.23     (0.31

Net realized gains

    (0.85     (0.59     (0.21     (1.44     (2.49     (2.28
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.11     (0.80     (0.42     (1.69     (2.72     (2.59

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.01       $17.98       $16.55       $14.72       $15.66       $16.47  

Total return2

    (4.60 )%      13.65     15.51     5.64     12.55     17.48

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.51     0.50     0.52     0.54     0.47     0.50

Net expenses

    0.48     0.48     0.48     0.48     0.47     0.48

Net investment income

    1.80     1.67     1.76     1.96     1.86     1.63

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    30     73     60     52     53     71

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $335,141       $411,988       $353,573       $163,674       $109,901       $91,144  

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     25  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $990,492,785 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 287,923,883  

Gross unrealized losses

     (26,793,280

Net unrealized gains

   $ 261,130,603  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     27  

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
unobservable inputs
(Level 3)
     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 120,478,607      $ 0      $ 0      $ 120,478,607  

Consumer discretionary

     123,214,696        0        0        123,214,696  

Consumer staples

     82,338,610        0        0        82,338,610  

Energy

     80,006,776        0        0        80,006,776  

Financials

     170,718,209        0        0        170,718,209  

Health care

     197,719,629        0        0        197,719,629  

Industrials

     106,301,406        0        0        106,301,406  

Information technology

     254,318,688        0        0        254,318,688  

Materials

     26,792,442        0        0        26,792,442  

Real estate

     51,017,055        0        0        51,017,055  

Utilities

     34,233,731        0        0        34,233,731  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     4,483,539        0        0        4,483,539  

Total assets

   $ 1,251,623,388      $ 0      $ 0      $ 1,251,623,388  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.35% and declining to 0.28% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.34% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.25% and declining to 0.15% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C, Class R

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 0.87% for Class A shares, 1.62% for Class C shares, 1.12% for Class R shares, 0.43% for Class R6 shares, 0.74% for Administrator Class, and 0.48% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fees

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C and Class R shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Distribution fees are charged to Class C and Class R shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $6,136 from the sale of Class A shares and $31 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, Class R, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $411,337,078 and $565,246,170, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     29  

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

   $ 4,337,310      $ 16,367,452  

Class C

     71,920        1,975,046  

Class R

     19,170        67,065  

Class R6

     2,941,311        7,459,553  

Administrator Class

     938,093        3,240,553  

Institutional Class

     5,006,239        13,501,914  

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has early adopted the removal and modification disclosures, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     31  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth (Born 1957)   Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A
Jane A. Freeman (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3 (Born 1952)   Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation
Judith M. Johnson3 (Born 1949)   Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker (Born 1950)   Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

32   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951)   Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund     33  

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974)   Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
Alexander Kymn (Born 1973)   Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    
Michael H. Whitaker (Born 1967)   Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

34   Wells Fargo Disciplined U.S. Core Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320769 03-19

SA203/SAR203 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    12  

Statement of operations

    13  

Statement of changes in net assets

    14  

Financial highlights

    15  

Notes to financial statements

    19  

Other information

    24  

Appendix A

    28  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Michael T. Smith, CFA®

Christopher J. Warner, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (STAEX)   12-29-2000     -3.08       10.18       14.44       2.88       11.48       15.12       1.26       1.21  
 
Class C (WECCX)   12-29-2000     1.21       10.66       14.28       2.21       10.66       14.28       2.01       1.96  
 
Administrator Class (WECDX)   4-8-2005                       3.21       11.75       15.41       1.18       1.01  
 
Institutional Class (WFCIX)   4-8-2005                       3.40       11.95       15.63       0.93       0.81  
 
Russell 1000® Growth Index3                         0.24       12.97       16.86              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Administrator Class and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk, focused portfolio risk, and smaller-company securities risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20194  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     8.43  

Microsoft Corporation

     7.78  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     5.56  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

     5.49  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     5.44  

Waste Connections Incorporated

     3.95  

Union Pacific Corporation

     3.41  

The Home Depot Incorporated

     3.23  

Salesforce.com Incorporated

     3.08  

The Sherwin-Williams Company

     2.89  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20195
LOGO
 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses, which include the impact of 0.01% in acquired fund fees and expenses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 1.20% for Class A, 1.95% for Class C, 1.00% for Administrator Class, and 0.80% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

5 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 976.40      $ 5.98        1.20

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.16      $ 6.11        1.20

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 973.07      $ 9.70        1.95

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.38      $ 9.91        1.95

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 978.09      $ 4.99        1.00

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.16      $ 5.09        1.00

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 978.24      $ 3.99        0.80

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 99.98%

          

Communication Services: 12.36%

          
Entertainment: 4.20%           

Activision Blizzard Incorporated

          33,400      $ 1,577,816  

Netflix Incorporated †

          5,900        2,003,050  

Nintendo Company Limited ADR

          45,200        1,683,248  
             5,264,114  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 8.16%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          6,199        6,979,392  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          1,150        1,283,826  

Tencent Holdings Limited ADR

          44,300        1,976,223  
             10,239,441  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 17.61%

          
Auto Components: 1.68%           

Aptiv plc

          26,600        2,104,858  
          

 

 

 
Automobiles: 1.43%           

Ferrari NV

          14,200        1,793,460  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 11.27%           

Alibaba Group Holding Limited ADR †

          7,800        1,314,222  

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          6,153        10,575,345  

MercadoLibre Incorporated †

          6,200        2,256,800  
             14,146,367  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 3.23%           

The Home Depot Incorporated

          22,083        4,052,893  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 7.14%

          
Capital Markets: 7.14%           

Intercontinental Exchange Incorporated

          43,315        3,324,859  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          36,300        2,922,150  

S&P Global Incorporated

          14,178        2,717,214  
             8,964,223  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 13.63%

          
Biotechnology: 1.82%           

Celgene Corporation †

          25,779        2,280,410  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 6.32%           

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          88,800        3,387,720  

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation †

          13,400        2,283,628  

Medtronic plc

          25,500        2,253,945  
             7,925,293  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Health Care Providers & Services: 5.49%           

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          25,500      $ 6,890,100  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 9.89%

          
Commercial Services & Supplies: 6.48%           

Cintas Corporation

          16,900        3,168,919  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          59,360        4,960,122  
             8,129,041  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 3.41%           

Union Pacific Corporation

          26,900        4,278,983  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 30.78%

          
Communications Equipment: 2.00%           

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

          21,500        2,513,565  
          

 

 

 
IT Services: 16.08%           

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

          25,100        2,623,703  

First Data Corporation Class A †

          145,800        3,593,970  

FleetCor Technologies Incorporated †

          10,400        2,098,824  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

          33,200        2,946,832  

Total System Services Incorporated

          23,200        2,078,952  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          50,558        6,825,836  
             20,168,117  
          

 

 

 
Software: 12.70%           

Microsoft Corporation

          93,500        9,764,205  

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

          25,400        3,860,038  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

          10,500        2,310,210  
             15,934,453  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 6.77%

          
Chemicals: 5.33%           

Air Products & Chemicals Incorporated

          18,600        3,057,654  

The Sherwin-Williams Company

          8,600        3,625,072  
             6,682,726  
          

 

 

 
Construction Materials: 1.44%           

Vulcan Materials Company

          17,800        1,809,370  
          

 

 

 

Real Estate: 1.80%

          
Equity REITs: 1.80%           

SBA Communications Corporation †

          12,400        2,263,372  
          

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $77,098,829)

             125,440,786  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name   Yield                               Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments: 1.98%

         
Investment Companies: 1.98%          

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        2,487,948      $ 2,487,948  
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $2,487,948)

            2,487,948        
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $79,586,777)     101.96        127,928,734  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (1.96        (2,459,231
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 125,469,503  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

ADR

American depositary receipt

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
   

Shares

sold

   

Shares,

end of

period

   

Net

realized

gains

(losses)

   

Net
change in

unrealized

gains

(losses)

    Income
from
affiliated
securities
   

Value,

end

of period

   

% of

net
assets

 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC *

    2,171,758       21,676,529       23,848,287       0     $ (1,003   $ 0     $ 18,851     $ 0    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    2,588,003       25,951,309       26,051,364       2,487,948       0       0       28,050       2,487,948    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (1,003   $ 0     $ 46,901     $ 2,487,948       1.98
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  *

No longer held at the end of the period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $77,098,829)

  $ 125,440,786  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $2,487,948)

    2,487,948  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    183,596  

Receivable for dividends

    28,975  

Receivable for securities lending income

    288  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    139,307  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    128,280,900  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable for investments purchased

    2,526,856  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    154,993  

Management fee payable

    54,492  

Administration fees payable

    14,701  

Distribution fee payable

    2,229  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,209  

Due to custodian bank

    546  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    55,371  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,811,397  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 125,469,503  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 73,272,412  

Total distributable earnings

    52,197,091  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 125,469,503  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 14,238,564  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    2,018,426  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $7.05  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $7.48  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 3,722,892  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    901,389  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $4.13  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 2,674,782  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    345,632  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $7.74  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 104,833,265  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    12,815,064  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $8.18  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     13  
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $3,807)

  $ 539,995  

Income from affiliated securities

    32,359  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    572,354  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    493,007  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    16,207  

Class C

    3,850  

Administrator Class

    1,802  

Institutional Class

    77,340  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    19,294  

Class C

    4,583  

Administrator Class

    3,465  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    13,750  

Custody and accounting fees

    7,009  

Professional fees

    22,893  

Registration fees

    30,246  

Shareholder report expenses

    17,644  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,741  

Other fees and expenses

    6,248  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    729,079  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (110,917
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    618,162  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (45,808
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    9,549,243  

Affiliated securities

    (1,003
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    9,548,240  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (13,170,545
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (3,622,305
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (3,668,113
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Statement of changes in net assets
    

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

       

Net investment loss

    $ (45,808     $ (234,390

Net realized gains on investments

      9,548,240         29,720,347  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (13,170,545       10,190,328  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (3,668,113       39,676,285  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (3,430,850       (2,526,049

Class C

      (1,168,306       (946,756

Administrator Class

      (567,258       (597,659

Institutional Class

      (23,115,769       (24,176,044
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (28,282,183       (28,246,508
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    272,920       2,232,943       742,375       6,708,296  

Class C

    114,398       476,747       68,071       431,126  

Administrator Class

    15,813       118,981       8,610       83,829  

Institutional Class

    547,899       4,817,729       829,379       8,252,736  
 

 

 

 
      7,646,400         15,475,987  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    460,780       3,073,403       267,712       2,179,176  

Class C

    298,728       1,168,031       168,269       942,309  

Administrator Class

    77,421       566,717       65,748       573,324  

Institutional Class

    2,976,015       23,004,591       2,647,483       24,092,788  
 

 

 

 
      27,812,742         27,787,597  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (443,475     (3,444,550     (706,902     (6,353,582

Class C

    (98,663     (443,905     (189,968     (1,213,972

Administrator Class

    (50,698     (436,832     (155,500     (1,499,494

Institutional Class

    (3,170,028     (28,529,442     (5,501,471     (55,332,910
 

 

 

 
      (32,854,729       (64,399,958
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      2,604,413         (21,136,374
 

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

      (29,345,883       (9,706,597
 

 

 

 

Net assets

       

Beginning of period

      154,815,386         164,521,983  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 125,469,503       $ 154,815,386  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $0. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     15  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $9.43       $9.09       $8.96       $13.74       $14.13       $12.52  

Net investment loss

    (0.02 )1      (0.04 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.04 )1      (0.08 )1      (0.09 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.32     2.23       1.49       (0.14     1.65       2.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.34     2.19       1.46       (0.18     1.57       2.28  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.04     (1.85     (1.33     (4.60     (1.96     (0.67

Net asset value, end of period

    $7.05       $9.43       $9.09       $8.96       $13.74       $14.13  

Total return2

    (2.36 )%      27.35     19.39     (0.07 )%      12.14     18.40

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.30     1.25     1.22     1.28     1.24     1.25

Net expenses

    1.20     1.20     1.20     1.20     1.23     1.24

Net investment loss

    (0.39 )%      (0.49 )%      (0.33 )%      (0.36 )%      (0.55 )%      (0.66 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     36     59     79     126     100

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $14,239       $16,301       $12,953       $18,498       $26,197       $41,708  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $6.46       $6.80       $7.09       $11.93       $12.61       $11.32  

Net investment loss

    (0.03 )1      (0.08 )1      (0.07 )1      (0.09 )1      (0.16 )1      (0.17 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.26     1.59       1.11       (0.15     1.44       2.13  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.29     1.51       1.04       (0.24     1.28       1.96  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.04     (1.85     (1.33     (4.60     (1.96     (0.67

Net asset value, end of period

    $4.13       $6.46       $6.80       $7.09       $11.93       $12.61  

Total return2

    (2.69 )%      26.43     18.46     (0.76 )%      11.21     17.60

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    2.05     2.00     1.97     2.03     1.99     2.00

Net expenses

    1.95     1.95     1.95     1.95     1.99     1.99

Net investment loss

    (1.15 )%      (1.22 )%      (1.08 )%      (1.11 )%      (1.32 )%      (1.41 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     36     59     79     126     100

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $3,723       $3,792       $3,676       $4,845       $6,914       $6,747  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.12       $9.62       $9.38       $14.13       $14.45       $12.78  

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.01 )1      0.01 1       (0.05 )1      (0.06 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.33     2.38       1.58       (0.16     1.69       2.42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.34     2.35       1.57       (0.15     1.64       2.36  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.02

Net realized gains

    (2.04     (1.85     (1.33     (4.60     (1.96     (0.67
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.04     (1.85     (1.33     (4.60     (1.96     (0.69

Net asset value, end of period

    $7.74       $10.12       $9.62       $9.38       $14.13       $14.45  

Total return2

    (2.19 )%      27.55     19.71     0.16     12.38     18.77

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.22     1.16     1.14     1.14     1.05     1.06

Net expenses

    1.00     1.00     1.00     1.00     0.99     1.00

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.19 )%      (0.28 )%      (0.12 )%      0.06     (0.32 )%      (0.42 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     36     59     79     126     100

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $2,675       $3,068       $3,695       $5,254       $42,776       $48,560  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $10.57       $9.95       $9.65       $14.39       $14.65       $12.95  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 1,2       (0.01 )1      0.00 1,2       0.00 1,2       (0.01 )1      (0.03 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.35     2.49       1.64       (0.14     1.71       2.45  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.35     2.48       1.64       (0.14     1.70       2.42  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       (0.01     (0.01     0.00       0.00       (0.05

Net realized gains

    (2.04     (1.85     (1.33     (4.60     (1.96     (0.67
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.04     (1.86     (1.34     (4.60     (1.96     (0.72

Net asset value, end of period

    $8.18       $10.57       $9.95       $9.65       $14.39       $14.65  

Total return3

    (2.18 )%      28.01     19.87     0.27     12.63     18.98

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.97     0.92     0.89     0.95     0.81     0.82

Net expenses

    0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01     (0.08 )%      0.05     0.04     (0.09 )%      (0.22 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    10     36     59     79     126     100

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $104,833       $131,655       $144,199       $162,935       $221,801       $618,502  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     19  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $79,509,623 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 49,564,004  

Gross unrealized losses

     (1,144,893

Net unrealized gains

   $ 48,419,111  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     21  

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

    

Quoted prices

(Level 1)

     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 15,503,555      $ 0      $ 0      $ 15,503,555  

Consumer discretionary

     22,097,578        0        0        22,097,578  

Financials

     8,964,223        0        0        8,964,223  

Health care

     17,095,803        0        0        17,095,803  

Industrials

     12,408,024        0        0        12,408,024  

Information technology

     38,616,135        0        0        38,616,135  

Materials

     8,492,096        0        0        8,492,096  

Real estate

     2,263,372        0        0        2,263,372  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     2,487,948        0        0        2,487,948  

Total assets

   $ 127,928,734      $ 0      $ 0      $ 127,928,734  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.30% and declining to 0.20% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.20% for Class A shares, 1.95% for Class C shares, 1.00% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.80% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $2,309 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $13,780,664 and $36,751,657, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     23  

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
       Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $           0          $  2,526,049  

Class C

     0          946,756  

Administrator Class

     0          597,659  

Institutional Class

     159,467          24,016,577  

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risks result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has early adopted the removal and modification disclosures, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     25  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A

Isaiah Harris, Jr.3

(Born 1952)

  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A

David F. Larcker

(Born 1950)

  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A

Timothy J. Penny

(Born 1951)

  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A

James G. Polisson

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A

Pamela Wheelock

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund     27  

Officers

 

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    

Jeremy DePalma1

(Born 1974)

  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    

Alexander Kymn

(Born 1973)

  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Endeavor Select Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320770 03-19

SA205/SAR205 1-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Growth Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    14  

Statement of operations

    15  

Statement of changes in net assets

    16  

Financial highlights

    17  

Notes to financial statements

    22  

Other information

    27  

Appendix A

    31  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Growth Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Joseph M. Eberhardy, CFA®, CPA

Thomas C. Ognar, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (SGRAX)   2-24-2000     -3.30       8.78       16.96       2.59       10.08       17.66       1.18       1.16  
 
Class C (WGFCX)   12-26-2002     0.84       9.25       16.78       1.84       9.25       16.78       1.93       1.91  
 
Class R6 (SGRHX)3   9-30-2015                       3.04       10.57       18.19       0.75       0.70  
 
Administrator Class (SGRKX)   8-30-2002                       2.80       10.30       17.94       1.10       0.96  
 
Institutional Class (SGRNX)   2-24-2000                       3.00       10.53       18.17       0.85       0.75  
 
Russell 3000® Growth Index4                         0.03       12.57       16.77              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk and smaller-company securities risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20195  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     8.00  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     6.36  

Microsoft Corporation

     3.99  

Microchip Technology Incorporated

     3.64  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

     3.31  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     3.19  

MarketAxess Holdings Incorporated

     2.39  

Burlington Stores Incorporated

     2.31  

Monolithic Power Systems Incorporated

     2.14  

Apple Incorporated

     1.99  

 

Sector distribution as of January 31, 20196
LOGO
 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at the amounts shown. 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

4 

The Russell 3000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 3000® Index companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

6 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 966.24      $ 5.75        1.16

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.36      $ 5.90        1.16

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 962.62      $ 9.45        1.91

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.58      $ 9.70        1.91

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 968.39      $ 3.47        0.70

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.68      $ 3.57        0.70

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 967.32      $ 4.76        0.96

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.37      $ 4.89        0.96

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 968.14      $ 3.72        0.75

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.42      $ 3.82        0.75

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 99.02%

          

Communication Services: 9.93%

          
Entertainment: 1.11%           

Activision Blizzard Incorporated

          87,480      $ 4,132,555  

Electronic Arts Incorporated †

          89,770        8,280,385  

Netflix Incorporated †

          94,340        32,028,430  

Take-Two Interactive Software Incorporated †

          18,900        1,994,895  
             46,436,265  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 8.82%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          235,835        265,524,268  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          22,090        24,660,613  

Eventbrite Incorporated Class A †«

          362,677        10,883,937  

Facebook Incorporated Class A †

          404,800        67,476,112  
             368,544,930  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 16.45%

          
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.66%           

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Incorporated †

          130,530        15,114,069  

Grand Canyon Education Incorporated †

          133,950        12,449,313  
             27,563,382  
          

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 1.59%           

Carnival Corporation

          417,050        24,013,739  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Limited †

          477,000        24,532,110  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited

          148,500        17,827,425  
             66,373,274  
          

 

 

 
Household Durables: 1.08%           

Roku Incorporated †«

          999,200        44,914,040  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 8.00%           

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          194,470        334,241,423  
          

 

 

 
Leisure Products: 0.01%           

Yeti Holdings Incorporated †«

          28,780        489,548  
          

 

 

 
Multiline Retail: 0.48%           

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Incorporated †

          258,400        20,199,128  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 4.63%           

Burlington Stores Incorporated †

          562,150        96,526,777  

Five Below Incorporated †

          271,175        33,552,483  

The Home Depot Incorporated

          159,710        29,311,576  

ULTA Beauty Incorporated †

          116,800        34,096,256  
             193,487,092  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Consumer Staples: 2.88%

          
Beverages: 1.97%           

Constellation Brands Incorporated Class A

          132,910      $ 23,081,151  

The Coca-Cola Company

          1,232,800        59,334,664  
             82,415,815  
          

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.12%           

Costco Wholesale Corporation

          23,770        5,101,755  
          

 

 

 
Personal Products: 0.79%           

The Estee Lauder Companies Incorporated Class A

          239,960        32,735,343  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 0.95%

          
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.95%           

Concho Resources Incorporated †

          330,150        39,565,176  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 6.21%

          
Capital Markets: 5.61%           

BlackRock Incorporated

          25,800        10,709,064  

CME Group Incorporated

          43,610        7,949,231  

MarketAxess Holdings Incorporated

          465,521        99,979,945  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          831,340        66,922,870  

The Charles Schwab Corporation

          1,039,250        48,605,723  
             234,166,833  
          

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance: 0.60%           

LendingTree Incorporated †«

          85,260        25,265,948  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 8.33%

          
Biotechnology: 3.32%           

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          224,400        27,592,224  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          24,600        2,905,260  

Neurocrine Biosciences Incorporated †

          161,040        14,206,949  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          30,100        12,921,027  

Sage Therapeutics Incorporated †

          82,300        11,735,157  

Sarepta Therapeutics Incorporated †

          62,600        8,745,846  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          316,600        60,442,106  
             138,548,569  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 2.38%           

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          1,577,020        60,163,313  

Novocure Limited †

          617,900        30,277,100  

Stryker Corporation

          51,000        9,056,070  
             99,496,483  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Technology: 1.48%           

Veeva Systems Incorporated Class A †

          567,550        61,897,003  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.18%           

PRA Health Sciences Incorporated †

          69,750      $ 7,391,408  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 0.97%           

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated †«

          386,005        11,263,626  

Zoetis Incorporated

          340,970        29,377,975  
             40,641,601  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 13.65%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 1.66%           

The Boeing Company

          179,980        69,403,888  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 3.99%           

Casella Waste Systems Incorporated Class A †

          666,980        20,089,438  

Copart Incorporated †

          699,770        35,429,355  

KAR Auction Services Incorporated

          686,290        35,693,943  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          901,505        75,329,758  
             166,542,494  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 0.53%           

Roper Industries Incorporated

          78,690        22,289,729  
          

 

 

 
Machinery: 1.57%           

Fortive Corporation

          121,960        9,145,780  

Milacron Holdings Corporation †(l)

          4,080,535        56,556,215  
             65,701,995  
          

 

 

 
Professional Services: 1.02%           

ASGN Incorporated †

          300,300        18,915,897  

CoStar Group Incorporated †

          60,300        23,561,622  
             42,477,519  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 4.52%           

CSX Corporation

          1,092,480        71,775,936  

Norfolk Southern Corporation

          361,490        60,636,333  

Union Pacific Corporation

          354,360        56,368,045  
             188,780,314  
          

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 0.36%           

SiteOne Landscape Supply Incorporated †

          279,900        14,918,670  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 38.14%

          
IT Services: 13.02%           

Euronet Worldwide Incorporated †

          259,800        29,879,598  

Global Payments Incorporated

          561,970        63,097,992  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

          655,770        138,452,720  

MongoDB Incorporated †«

          288,620        26,656,943  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

          893,590        79,315,048  

Shopify Incorporated Class A †

          185,110        31,185,482  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
IT Services (continued)           

Square Incorporated Class A †

          245,900      $ 17,544,965  

Twilio Incorporated Class A †«

          169,630        18,883,212  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          988,410        133,445,234  

WEX Incorporated †

          33,300        5,372,289  
             543,833,483  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 7.92%           

Microchip Technology Incorporated «

          1,893,690        152,195,865  

Monolithic Power Systems Incorporated

          707,270        89,512,091  

NVIDIA Corporation

          50,700        7,288,125  

Texas Instruments Incorporated

          812,180        81,770,282  
             330,766,363  
          

 

 

 
Software: 15.21%           

Adobe Systems Incorporated †

          74,520        18,467,546  

Anaplan Incorporated †

          233,839        7,340,206  

BlackLine Incorporated †

          298,330        14,194,541  

Dropbox Incorporated Class A †«

          1,375,000        33,976,250  

Envestnet Incorporated †

          1,477,370        80,147,323  

Microsoft Corporation

          1,597,650        166,842,590  

Mimecast Limited †

          812,600        30,529,382  

New Relic Incorporated †

          191,260        19,441,579  

Pivotal Software Incorporated Class A †

          1,900,464        35,139,579  

Proofpoint Incorporated †

          446,690        45,504,310  

RealPage Incorporated †

          301,200        16,797,924  

SailPoint Technologies Holdings Incorporated †

          793,871        22,665,017  

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

          146,780        22,306,157  

SendGrid Incorporated †

          439,400        23,762,752  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

          81,190        17,863,424  

Splunk Incorporated †

          176,400        22,021,776  

Tableau Software Incorporated Class A †

          75,900        9,703,056  

Talend SA ADR †

          448,800        16,695,360  

The Ultimate Software Group Incorporated †

          117,820        32,173,107  
             635,571,879  
          

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 1.99%           

Apple Incorporated

          500,140        83,243,302  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 2.48%

          
Chemicals: 2.48%           

Linde plc

          287,360        46,842,554  

PolyOne Corporation

          1,751,663        56,701,330  
             103,543,884  
          

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $2,146,894,196)

             4,136,548,536  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     13  

    

 

 

Security name   Yield                               Shares      Value  

Short-Term Investments: 7.31%

         
Investment Companies: 7.31%          

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC (l)(r)(u)

    2.57        253,225,707      $ 253,251,030  

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33          51,925,610        51,925,610  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $305,172,300)

            305,176,640        
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $2,452,066,496)     106.33        4,441,725,176  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (6.33        (264,380,362
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 4,177,344,814  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

«

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(r)

The investment is a non-registered investment company purchased with cash collateral received from securities on loan.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

ADR

American depositary receipt

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Common Stocks

                 

Industrials

                 

Machinery

                 

Milacron Holdings Corporation †

    3,945,835       134,700       0       4,080,535     $ 0     $ (27,975,984   $ 0     $ 56,556,215       1.35

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC

    149,251,008       644,399,009       540,424,310       253,225,707       (2,709     0       2,710,420       253,251,030    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    17,742,561       410,497,979       376,314,930       51,925,610       0       0       310,326       51,925,610    
                  305,176,640       7.31
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (2,709   $ (27,975,984   $ 3,020,746     $ 361,732,855       8.66
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities (including $247,729,020 of securities loaned), at value (cost $2,076,955,986)

  $ 4,079,992,321  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $375,110,510)

    361,732,855  

Receivable for investments sold

    5,320,942  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    2,539,377  

Receivable for dividends

    968,475  

Receivable for securities lending income

    68,279  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    4,450,622,249  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable upon receipt of securities loaned

    253,242,554  

Payable for investments purchased

    12,601,530  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    3,456,901  

Management fee payable

    2,163,369  

Administration fees payable

    550,550  

Distribution fee payable

    92,917  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,793  

Due to custodian bank

    1,377  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    1,165,444  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    273,277,435  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 4,177,344,814  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 2,079,505,104  

Total distributable earnings

    2,097,839,710  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 4,177,344,814  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 1,906,910,643  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    63,016,332  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $30.26  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $32.11  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 152,775,990  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    6,914,224  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $22.10  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 269,903,109  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    6,934,189  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $38.92  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 473,642,216  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    13,399,333  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $35.35  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 1,374,112,856  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    35,407,349  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $38.81  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     15  
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $43,908)

  $ 15,958,004  

Income from affiliated securities

    719,482  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    16,677,486  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    15,595,558  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    2,121,678  

Class C

    178,481  

Class R6

    38,512  

Administrator Class

    331,674  

Institutional Class

    970,548  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    2,525,807  

Class C

    212,477  

Administrator Class

    636,764  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    637,431  

Custody and accounting fees

    79,293  

Professional fees

    25,686  

Registration fees

    60,494  

Shareholder report expenses

    126,027  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    12,610  

Other fees and expenses

    43,107  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    23,596,147  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (1,305,858
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    22,290,289  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (5,612,803
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    342,732,800  

Affiliated securities

    (2,079
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    342,730,721  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    (472,479,827

Affiliated securities

    (27,975,984
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (500,455,811
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (157,725,090
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (163,337,893
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Statement of changes in net assets
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

     

Net investment loss

    $ (5,612,803     $ (13,576,427

Net realized gains on investments

      342,730,721         745,731,324  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (500,455,811       402,450,351  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (163,337,893       1,134,605,248  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

     

Class A

      (355,696,811       (505,431,285

Class C

      (37,666,442       (57,934,182

Class R6

      (36,585,868       (16,966,960

Administrator Class

      (78,768,918       (138,040,210

Institutional Class

      (211,847,451       (379,819,630
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (720,565,490       (1,098,192,267
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    1,325,180       44,346,842       2,597,711       97,664,924  

Class C

    585,986       13,182,812       567,969       15,881,145  

Class R6

    1,600,879       66,442,536       4,402,138       197,214,825  

Administrator Class

    915,634       36,427,313       2,015,636       86,044,136  

Institutional Class

    2,764,677       117,978,723       8,063,218       384,247,586  
 

 

 

 
      278,378,226         781,052,616  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    12,007,591       343,056,893       14,511,944       482,812,377  

Class C

    1,566,352       32,721,099       1,880,250       49,281,340  

Class R6

    995,813       36,576,208       415,977       16,959,366  

Administrator Class

    2,333,920       77,882,902       3,626,546       136,757,066  

Institutional Class

    5,586,200       204,566,633       9,008,188       366,543,153  
 

 

 

 
      694,803,735         1,052,353,302  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (5,726,612     (191,146,573     (10,001,358     (381,655,936

Class C

    (1,349,749     (33,163,610     (2,374,317     (73,235,128

Class R6

    (771,520     (33,830,844     (758,315     (34,584,223

Administrator Class

    (2,708,061     (107,183,368     (7,153,909     (302,587,215

Institutional Class

    (6,988,141     (296,613,297     (18,199,975     (827,075,266
 

 

 

 
      (661,937,692       (1,619,137,768
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      311,244,269         214,268,150  
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (572,659,114       250,681,131  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      4,750,003,928         4,499,322,797  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 4,177,344,814       $ 4,750,003,928  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $0. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $38.67       $40.38       $42.28       $49.50       $49.99       $46.74  

Net investment loss

    (0.07 )1      (0.12     (0.19 )1      (0.20 )1      (0.29 )1      (0.32 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.63     9.49       5.61       (0.99     7.03       5.34  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.70     9.37       5.42       (1.19     6.74       5.02  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (6.71     (11.08     (7.32     (6.03     (7.23     (1.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $30.26       $38.67       $40.38       $42.28       $49.50       $49.99  

Total return2

    (3.38 )%      27.66     15.95     (1.69 )%      15.01     10.77

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.18     1.18     1.17     1.15     1.18     1.18

Net expenses

    1.16     1.16     1.16     1.14     1.18     1.18

Net investment loss

    (0.41 )%      (0.45 )%      (0.49 )%      (0.49 )%      (0.59 )%      (0.64 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     37     42     38     35     42

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $1,906,911       $2,142,855       $1,950,551       $2,582,955       $1,465,643       $2,047,410  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $30.33       $34.05       $37.07       $44.51       $45.95       $43.41  

Net investment loss

    (0.16 )1      (0.33     (0.41 )1      (0.46 )1      (0.60 )1      (0.64 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.36     7.69       4.71       (0.95     6.39       4.95  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.52     7.36       4.30       (1.41     5.79       4.31  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (6.71     (11.08     (7.32     (6.03     (7.23     (1.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $22.10       $30.33       $34.05       $37.07       $44.51       $45.95  

Total return2

    (3.74 )%      26.73     15.05     (2.44 )%      14.16     9.96

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.93     1.93     1.92     1.90     1.93     1.93

Net expenses

    1.91     1.91     1.91     1.89     1.93     1.93

Net investment loss

    (1.16 )%      (1.19 )%      (1.23 )%      (1.24 )%      (1.34 )%      (1.39 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     37     42     38     35     42

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $152,776       $185,346       $205,607       $321,032       $465,833       $560,481  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     20161  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $47.53       $47.13       $47.90       $48.97  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01 2       (0.01 )2      (0.02 )2      (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.91     11.49       6.57       4.98  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.90     11.48       6.55       4.96  

Distributions to shareholders from

       

Net realized gains

    (6.71     (11.08     (7.32     (6.03

Net asset value, end of period

    $38.92       $47.53       $47.13       $47.90  

Total return3

    (3.16 )%      28.26     16.49     10.89

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

       

Gross expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.74     0.74

Net expenses

    0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70

Net investment income (loss)

    0.04     (0.02 )%      (0.05 )%      (0.23 )% 

Supplemental data

       

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     37     42     38

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $269,903       $242,838       $49,454       $30,906  

 

 

1 

For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2016

 

2 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $43.89       $44.40       $45.66       $52.86       $52.80       $49.16  

Net investment loss

    (0.04 )1      (0.11 )1      (0.11 )1      (0.14 )1      (0.20 )1      (0.23

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.79     10.68       6.17       (1.03     7.49       5.64  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.83     10.57       6.06       (1.17     7.29       5.41  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (6.71     (11.08     (7.32     (6.03     (7.23     (1.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $35.35       $43.89       $44.40       $45.66       $52.86       $52.80  

Total return2

    (3.27 )%      27.90     16.20     (1.53 )%      15.28     11.04

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.10     1.10     1.09     1.07     1.02     1.02

Net expenses

    0.96     0.96     0.96     0.96     0.96     0.96

Net investment loss

    (0.21 )%      (0.24 )%      (0.27 )%      (0.31 )%      (0.37 )%      (0.42 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     37     42     38     35     42

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $473,642       $564,391       $637,987       $1,528,288       $2,349,359       $3,359,480  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $47.43       $47.07       $47.87       $54.99       $54.54       $50.63  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 1,2       (0.02 )1      (0.04 )1      (0.05 )1      (0.09 )1      (0.13

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.91     11.46       6.56       (1.04     7.77       5.81  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.91     11.44       6.52       (1.09     7.68       5.68  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (6.71     (11.08     (7.32     (6.03     (7.23     (1.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $38.81       $47.43       $47.07       $47.87       $54.99       $54.54  

Total return3

    (3.19 )%      28.21     16.44     (1.31 )%      15.53     11.26

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.85     0.85     0.84     0.82     0.76     0.75

Net expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00     (0.03 )%      (0.08 )%      (0.10 )%      (0.17 )%      (0.21 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     37     42     38     35     42

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $1,374,113       $1,614,575       $1,655,724       $2,398,134       $3,863,196       $2,975,721  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Growth Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     23  

of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $2,452,304,077 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 2,020,048,182  

Gross unrealized losses

     (30,627,083

Net unrealized gains

   $ 1,989,421,099  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 414,981,195      $ 0      $ 0      $ 414,981,195  

Consumer discretionary

     687,267,887        0        0        687,267,887  

Consumer staples

     120,252,913        0        0        120,252,913  

Energy

     39,565,176        0        0        39,565,176  

Financials

     259,432,781        0        0        259,432,781  

Health care

     347,975,064        0        0        347,975,064  

Industrials

     570,114,609        0        0        570,114,609  

Information technology

     1,593,415,027        0        0        1,593,415,027  

Materials

     103,543,884        0        0        103,543,884  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     51,925,610        253,251,030        0        305,176,640  

Total assets

   $ 4,188,474,146      $ 253,251,030      $ 0      $ 4,441,725,176  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.80% and declining to 0.555% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.45% and declining to 0.30% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     25  

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.16% for Class A shares, 1.91% for Class C shares, 0.70% for Class R6 shares, 0.96% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.75% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $13,879 from the sale of Class A shares and $88 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $1,051,180,277 and $1,503,277,903, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $505,431,285  

Class C

     57,934,182  

Class R6

     16,966,960  

Administrator Class

     138,040,210  

Institutional Class

     379,819,630  

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risk result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. REDEMPTION IN-KIND

After the close of business on July 12, 2018, the Fund redeemed assets through an in-kind redemption. In the redemption transaction, the Fund issued securities with a value of $75,847,965 and cash in the amount of $271,155. The redemption in-kind by a shareholder of the Institutional Class represented 1.54% of the Fund and is reflected on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     27  

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
William R. Ebsworth
(Born 1957)
  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A
Jane A. Freeman
(Born 1953)
  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3
(Born 1952)
  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker
(Born 1950)
  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     29  
Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
Olivia S. Mitchell
(Born 1953)
  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny
(Born 1951)
  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson
(Born 1959)
  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock
(Born 1959)
  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    
Andrew Owen
(Born 1960)
  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1
(Born 1974)
  Treasurer, since 2012  

Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009.

Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC

from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team

within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.

   
Alexander Kymn
(Born 1973)
  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    
Michael H. Whitaker
(Born 1967)
  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    
David Berardi
(Born 1975)
  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

Appendix A (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Growth Fund     31  

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320771 03-19

SA206/SAR206 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    13  

Statement of operations

    14  

Statement of changes in net assets

    15  

Financial highlights

    16  

Notes to financial statements

    22  

Other information

    27  

Appendix A

    31  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1 

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Miguel E. Giaconi, CFA®

Jean-Baptiste Nadal, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019*

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (EIVAX)   8-1-2006     -8.97       6.23       12.64       -3.42       7.49       13.31       1.18       1.11  
 
Class C (EIVCX)   8-1-2006     -5.10       6.69       12.46       -4.10       6.69       12.46       1.93       1.86  
 
Class R (EIVTX)3   3-1-2013                       -3.55       7.24       13.04       1.43       1.36  
 
Class R6 (EIVFX)4   11-30-2012                       -2.20       8.07       13.80       0.75       0.65  
 
Administrator Class (EIVDX)5   7-30-2010                       -3.21       7.69       13.52       1.10       0.95  
 
Institutional Class (EIVIX)   8-1-2006                       -2.99       7.97       13.74       0.85       0.70  
 
Russell 1000® Value Index6                         -4.81       8.33       13.39              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R, Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk and focused portfolio risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20197  

Cisco Systems Incorporated

     3.61  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C

     3.57  

Comcast Corporation Class A

     3.03  

Mondelez International Incorporated Class A

     3.02  

Dollar Tree Incorporated

     2.97  

Merck & Company Incorporated

     2.90  

Microsoft Corporation

     2.85  

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

     2.79  

AerCap Holdings NV

     2.70  

US Bancorp

     2.70  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20198

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

*

Historical performance shown for all classes of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010, is based on the performance of the Fund’s predecessor, Evergreen Intrinsic Value Fund.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at the amounts shown. 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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

 

4 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

5 

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

 

6 

The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

8 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 966.55      $ 5.45        1.10

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.66      $ 5.60        1.10

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 962.83      $ 9.20        1.86

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.83      $ 9.45        1.86

Class R

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 965.28      $ 6.74        1.36

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.35      $ 6.92        1.36

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 975.73      $ 3.24        0.65

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.93      $ 3.31        0.65

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 967.94      $ 4.71        0.95

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.42      $ 4.84        0.95

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 968.59      $ 3.47        0.70

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.68      $ 3.57        0.70

 

 

1 

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     9  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 98.67%

          

Communication Services: 11.04%

          
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 2.45%           

Verizon Communications Incorporated

          362,400      $ 19,953,744  
          

 

 

 
Entertainment: 1.99%           

The Walt Disney Company

          145,800        16,259,616  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 3.57%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          26,100        29,137,257  
          

 

 

 
Media: 3.03%           

Comcast Corporation Class A

          676,800        24,750,576  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 5.62%

          
Multiline Retail: 2.97%           

Dollar Tree Incorporated †

          250,500        24,255,915  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 2.65%           

Advance Auto Parts Incorporated

          135,500        21,571,600  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 8.12%

          
Beverages: 2.25%           

Anheuser-Busch InBev NV ADR «

          240,100        18,353,244  
          

 

 

 
Food Products: 5.87%           

ConAgra Foods Incorporated

          324,200        7,015,688  

Mondelez International Incorporated Class A

          532,700        24,642,702  

Nestle SA ADR

          186,000        16,226,640  
             47,885,030  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 8.73%

          
Energy Equipment & Services: 2.41%           

Schlumberger Limited

          266,900        11,799,649  

TechnipFMC plc

          344,300        7,905,128  
             19,704,777  
          

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 6.32%           

Chevron Corporation

          170,800        19,582,220  

Concho Resources Incorporated †

          112,400        13,470,016  

EOG Resources Incorporated

          186,200        18,471,040  
             51,523,276  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 22.64%

          
Banks: 10.30%           

Bank of America Corporation

          724,100        20,615,127  

BB&T Corporation

          435,800        21,267,040  

CIT Group Incorporated

          435,200        20,101,888  

US Bancorp

          430,200        22,009,032  
             83,993,087  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Capital Markets: 3.64%           

Intercontinental Exchange Incorporated

          216,900      $ 16,649,245  

UBS Group AG «

          1,006,900        13,049,424  
             29,698,669  
          

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 1.96%

 

        

Synchrony Financial

          533,600        16,029,344  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 6.74%

 

        

American International Group Incorporated

          383,300        16,570,059  

Aon plc

          135,300        21,137,919  

The Allstate Corporation

          196,300        17,248,881  
             54,956,859  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 13.81%

          
Biotechnology: 2.52%

 

        

Gilead Sciences Incorporated

          292,800        20,498,927  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 3.49%

 

        

Abbott Laboratories

          224,500        16,384,010  

Medtronic plc

          136,800        12,091,752  
             28,475,762  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 2.48%

 

        

Cigna Corporation

          101,300        20,240,753  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 5.32%

 

        

Eli Lilly & Company

          164,700        19,740,942  

Merck & Company Incorporated

          318,000        23,668,740  
             43,409,682  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 10.23%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 2.20%

 

        

General Dynamics Corporation

          104,700        17,921,499  
          

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 1.75%

 

        

United Parcel Service Incorporated Class B

          135,100        14,239,540  
          

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment: 0.91%

 

        

Sensata Technologies Holding plc †

          156,100        7,414,750  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 2.67%

 

        

Honeywell International Incorporated

          151,700        21,788,671  
          

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 2.70%

 

        

AerCap Holdings NV †

          466,600        22,051,516  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 13.58%

          
Communications Equipment: 6.39%

 

        

Cisco Systems Incorporated

          622,400        29,433,296  

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

          194,400        22,727,304  
             52,160,600  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     11  

      

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
IT Services: 2.04%

 

       

Accenture plc Class A

                                  108,300      $ 16,629,465  
         

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 1.38%          

NXP Semiconductors NV

         128,900        11,218,167  
         

 

 

 
Software: 2.85%          

Microsoft Corporation

         222,700        23,256,561  
         

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.92%          

Apple Incorporated

         45,300        7,539,732  
         

 

 

 

Materials: 2.30%

         
Construction Materials: 2.30%          

Vulcan Materials Company

         184,800        18,784,920  
         

 

 

 

Real Estate: 0.51%

         
Equity REITs: 0.51%          

Crown Castle International Corporation

         35,500        4,155,630  
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 2.09%

         
Electric Utilities: 2.09%          

NextEra Energy Incorporated

         95,200        17,038,896  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $656,245,572)

            804,898,065        
         

 

 

 
    Yield                      
Short-Term Investments: 4.72%          
Investment Companies: 4.72%          

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC (l)(r)(u)

    2.57        30,355,880        30,358,915  

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33          8,181,622        8,181,622  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $38,540,537)

            38,540,537  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $694,786,109)     103.39        843,438,602  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (3.39        (27,690,577
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 815,748,025  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

«

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(r)

The investment is a non-registered investment company purchased with cash collateral received from securities on loan.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

ADR

American depositary receipt

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:    

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC

    22,455,104       88,601,006       80,700,230       30,355,880     $ 1,459     $ 0     $ 261,575     $ 30,358,915    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    9,615,845       86,651,353       88,085,576       8,181,622       0       0       91,914       8,181,622    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 1,459     $ 0     $ 353,489     $ 38,540,537       4.72
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     13  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities (including $29,715,148 of securities on loan), at value (cost $656,245,572)

  $ 804,898,065  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $38,540,537)

    38,540,537  

Receivable for investments sold

    3,443,464  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    41,493  

Receivable for dividends

    667,941  

Receivable for securities lending income

    8,970  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    847,600,470  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable upon receipt of securities loaned

    30,356,135  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    756,031  

Management fee payable

    372,672  

Administration fees payable

    105,490  

Distribution fees payable

    10,790  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,714  

Due to custodian bank

    1,563  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    247,050  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    31,852,445  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 815,748,025  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 648,207,489  

Total distributable earnings

    167,540,536  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 815,748,025  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 263,588,830  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    22,639,409  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $11.64  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $12.35  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 17,293,064  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    1,523,440  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $11.35  

Net assets – Class R

  $ 73,857  

Shares outstanding – Class R1

    6,293  

Net asset value per share – Class R

    $11.74  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 104,648  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    9,154  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $11.43  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 431,033,356  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    35,227,591  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $12.24  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 103,654,270  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    8,859,879  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $11.70  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $154,486)

  $ 7,960,840  

Income from affiliated securities

    186,285  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    8,147,125  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    3,013,661  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    291,456  

Class C

    19,773  

Class R

    78  

Class R6

    119  

Administrator Class

    293,377  

Institutional Class

    81,667  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    334,600  

Class C

    23,539  

Class R

    93  

Administrator Class

    561,703  

Distribution fees

 

Class C

    70,618  

Class R

    93  

Custody and accounting fees

    17,721  

Professional fees

    22,573  

Registration fees

    50,425  

Shareholder report expenses

    45,369  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    14,719  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    4,852,674  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (564,134
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    4,288,540  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    3,858,585  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    26,113,695  

Affiliated securities

    1,459  
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    26,115,154  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (61,182,428
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (35,067,274
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (31,208,689
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     15  
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

       

Net investment income

    $ 3,858,585       $ 8,762,212  

Net realized gains on investments

      26,115,154         72,505,918  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (61,182,428       27,765,454  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (31,208,689       109,033,584  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (20,592,244       (23,575,879

Class C

      (1,289,606       (1,660,929

Class R

      (5,465       (4,009

Class R6

      (8,549       (208,873

Administrator Class

      (32,970,858       (36,749,268

Institutional Class

      (9,914,802       (12,727,579
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (64,781,524       (74,926,537
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    186,753       2,281,228       331,519       4,190,768  

Class C

    36,664       443,053       19,728       240,572  

Class R

    279       3,439       1,671       20,842  

Class R6

    2,270       26,150       12,234       151,356  

Administrator Class

    117,883       1,523,154       128,470       1,686,875  

Institutional Class

    148,724       1,885,853       594,996       7,543,156  
 

 

 

 
      6,162,877         13,833,569  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    1,707,185       19,644,349       1,816,483       22,389,992  

Class C

    110,426       1,234,002       131,832       1,579,351  

Class R

    372       4,310       220       2,728  

Class R6

    65       713       16,488       201,277  

Administrator Class

    2,569,095       31,093,192       2,684,570       34,693,107  

Institutional Class

    740,566       8,584,300       901,012       11,188,786  
 

 

 

 
      60,560,866         70,055,241  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (1,446,992     (17,725,467     (3,243,108     (40,904,939

Class C

    (189,620     (2,204,789     (349,959     (4,293,957

Class R

    0       0       (33     (423

Class R4

    N/A       N/A       (1,342 )2      (17,226 )2 

Class R6

    (192,709     (2,574,138     (21,179     (269,458

Administrator Class

    (1,766,644     (22,783,528     (3,402,317     (44,953,219

Institutional Class

    (2,475,636     (28,633,076     (3,859,490     (48,539,311
 

 

 

 
      (73,920,998       (138,978,533
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      (7,197,255       (55,089,723
 

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

      (103,187,468       (20,982,676
 

 

 

 

Net assets

       

Beginning of period

      918,935,493         939,918,169  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 815,748,025       $ 918,935,493  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $7,412,219. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

2 

For the period from August 1, 2017 to November 13, 2017. Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R4 shares were liquidated and the class was subsequently closed. Class R4 shares are no longer offered by the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.05       $12.61       $12.01       $13.73       $13.60       $12.52  

Net investment income

    0.04       0.11       0.12 1       0.13       0.10       0.07  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.49     1.39       1.43       (0.42     1.09       1.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.45     1.50       1.55       (0.29     1.19       1.60  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.12     (0.06     (0.14     (0.11     (0.07     (0.06

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.96     (1.06     (0.95     (1.43     (1.06     (1.52

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.64       $13.05       $12.61       $12.01       $13.73       $13.60  

Total return2

    (3.34 )%      12.43     13.50     (1.73 )%      9.19     13.09

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.18     1.18     1.17     1.17     1.20     1.21

Net expenses

    1.10     1.10     1.10     1.10     1.16     1.16

Net investment income

    0.76     0.83     0.95     1.12     0.75     0.53

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $263,589       $289,683       $293,599       $318,543       $372,443       $391,028  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $12.69       $12.31       $11.74       $13.45       $13.36       $12.35  

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01     0.01 1       0.02 1       0.03       0.00 2       (0.03

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.47     1.37       1.40       (0.41     1.08       1.50  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.48     1.38       1.42       (0.38     1.08       1.47  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.02     0.00       (0.04     (0.01     0.00       (0.00

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.86     (1.00     (0.85     (1.33     (0.99     (0.46

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.35       $12.69       $12.31       $11.74       $13.45       $13.36  

Total return3

    (3.72 )%      11.65     12.58     (2.47 )%      8.42     12.24

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.94     1.93     1.93     1.93     1.96     1.97

Net expenses

    1.86     1.86     1.86     1.86     1.91     1.91

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.00 )%      0.08     0.20     0.37     0.00     (0.22 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $17,293       $19,874       $21,727       $28,756       $36,098       $36,654  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.15       $12.70       $12.09       $13.81       $13.66       $12.55  

Net investment income

    0.03       0.05       0.08 1       0.10       0.05       0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.50     1.44       1.45       (0.43     1.12       1.54  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.47     1.49       1.53       (0.33     1.17       1.57  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.10     (0.04     (0.11     (0.07     (0.03     0.00  

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.94     (1.04     (0.92     (1.39     (1.02     (0.46

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.74       $13.15       $12.70       $12.09       $13.81       $13.66  

Total return2

    (3.47 )%      12.21     13.22     (1.99 )%      8.96     12.77

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.44     1.44     1.44     1.44     1.47     1.49

Net expenses

    1.36     1.36     1.36     1.36     1.40     1.41

Net investment income

    0.50     0.56     0.69     0.86     0.50     0.26

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $74       $74       $48       $43       $41       $28  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $12.92       $12.49       $11.90       $13.62       $13.60       $12.56  

Net investment income

    0.09 1       0.16       0.17 1       0.17       0.17 1       0.14 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.43     1.39       1.42       (0.40     1.08       1.47  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.34     1.55       1.59       (0.23     1.25       1.61  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.31     (0.12     (0.19     (0.17     (0.24     (0.11

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.15     (1.12     (1.00     (1.49     (1.23     (0.57

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.43       $12.92       $12.49       $11.90       $13.62       $13.60  

Total return2

    (2.43 )%      12.96     14.03     (1.30 )%      9.74     13.19

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.75     0.75     0.74     0.74

Net expenses

    0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65

Net investment income

    1.41     1.31     1.40     1.47     1.25     1.10

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $105       $2,578       $2,397       $2,842       $169       $150  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.68       $13.17       $12.51       $14.25       $14.08       $12.95  

Net investment income

    0.06       0.13       0.14 1       0.15       0.13       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.51     1.47       1.49       (0.43     1.14       1.58  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.45     1.60       1.63       (0.28     1.27       1.68  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.15     (0.09     (0.16     (0.14     (0.11     (0.09

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.99     (1.09     (0.97     (1.46     (1.10     (0.55

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.24       $13.68       $13.17       $12.51       $14.25       $14.08  

Total return2

    (3.21 )%      12.63     13.66     (1.58 )%      9.42     13.36

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.11     1.10     1.10     1.10     1.06     1.06

Net expenses

    0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95

Net investment income

    0.91     0.98     1.10     1.27     0.95     0.74

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $431,033       $469,464       $459,650       $470,152       $529,293       $534,641  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $13.14       $12.68       $12.08       $13.80       $13.67       $12.58  

Net investment income

    0.07 1       0.22       0.17 1       0.18       0.15       0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.50     1.35       1.43       (0.41     1.11       1.53  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.43     1.57       1.60       (0.23     1.26       1.66  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.17     (0.11     (0.19     (0.17     (0.14     (0.11

Net realized gains

    (0.84     (1.00     (0.81     (1.32     (0.99     (0.46
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.01     (1.11     (1.00     (1.49     (1.13     (0.57

Net asset value, end of period

    $11.70       $13.14       $12.68       $12.08       $13.80       $13.67  

Total return2

    (3.14 )%      12.96     13.88     (1.27 )%      9.66     13.64

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.86     0.85     0.85     0.85     0.79     0.79

Net expenses

    0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70

Net investment income

    1.17     1.24     1.36     1.52     1.20     0.99

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    8     21     27     34     29     23

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $103,654       $137,263       $162,480       $215,175       $255,565       $244,378  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding.

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards (“FASB”) Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R4 shares were liquidated and the class was closed. Class R4 shares are no longer offered by the Fund. Information for Class R4 shares reflected in the financial statements represents activity through November 13, 2017.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     23  

fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $694,606,172 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 186,477,457  

Gross unrealized losses

     (37,645,027

Net unrealized gains

   $ 148,832,430  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 90,101,193      $ 0      $ 0      $ 90,101,193  

Consumer discretionary

     45,827,515        0        0        45,827,515  

Consumer staples

     66,238,274        0        0        66,238,274  

Energy

     71,228,053        0        0        71,228,053  

Financials

     184,677,959        0        0        184,677,959  

Health care

     112,625,124        0        0        112,625,124  

Industrials

     83,415,976        0        0        83,415,976  

Information technology

     110,804,525        0        0        110,804,525  

Materials

     18,784,920        0        0        18,784,920  

Real estate

     4,155,630        0        0        4,155,630  

Utilities

     17,038,896        0        0        17,038,896  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     8,181,622        30,358,915        0        38,540,537  

Total assets

   $ 813,079,687      $ 30,358,915      $ 0      $ 843,438,602  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.69% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.35% and declining to 0.25% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C, Class R

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     25  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.11% for Class A shares, 1.86% for Class C shares, 1.36% for Class R shares, 0.65% for Class R6 chares, 0.95% for Administrator Class shares and 0.70% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fees

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C and Class R shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Distribution fees are charged to Class C and Class R shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $1,763 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, Class R and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $69,951,720 and $138,873,684, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
       Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $1,516,748          $22,059,131  

Class C

     0          1,660,929  

Class R

     163          3,846  

Class R6

     23,745          185,128  

Administrator Class

     3,138,315          33,610,953  

Institutional Class

     1,366,652          11,360,927  

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     27  

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Other information (unaudited)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or

investment company

directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3 (Born 1952)   Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker (Born 1950)   Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     29  

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or

investment company

directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951)   Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
 

Position held and

length of service

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    
Andrew Owen (Born 1960)   President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974)   Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
Alexander Kymn (Born 1973)   Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

Appendix A (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Intrinsic Value Fund     31  

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320772 03-19

SA207/SAR207 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    13  

Statement of operations

    14  

Statement of changes in net assets

    15  

Financial highlights

    16  

Notes to financial statements

    22  

Other information

    27  

Appendix A

    31  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

John R. Campbell, CFA®

Jeff C. Moser, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (EGOAX)   12-17-2007     -12.48       7.84       12.61       -7.13       9.12       13.28       1.18       1.08  
 
Class C (EGOCX)   12-17-2007     -8.86       8.31       12.43       -7.86       8.31       12.43       1.93       1.83  
 
Class R (EGOHX)3   9-30-2015                       -7.37       8.86       13.01       1.43       1.33  
 
Class R6 (EGORX)4   9-30-2015                       -6.77       10.26       14.10       0.75       0.65  
 
Administrator Class (WFLLX)5   7-16-2010                       -7.05       9.30       13.49       1.10       0.97  
 
Institutional Class (EGOIX)   12-17-2007                       -6.75       9.63       13.78       0.85       0.67  
 
S&P 500 Index6                         -2.31       10.96       15.00              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R, Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk and focused portfolio risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20197  

Zebra Technologies Corporation Class A

     2.61  

Apple Incorporated

     2.58  

VMware Incorporated Class A

     2.56  

Microsoft Corporation

     2.51  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

     2.40  

The Home Depot Incorporated

     2.37  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

     2.36  

NetApp Incorporated

     2.35  

Costco Wholesale Corporation

     2.33  

The Progressive Corporation

     2.33  

 

Sector distribution as of January 31, 20198

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at the amounts shown. 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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

 

4 

Historical performance shown for Class R6 shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Institutional Class shares, adjusted to reflect higher expenses applicable to Class R6 shares.

 

5 

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

 

6 

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash and cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

8 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 935.36      $ 5.27        1.08

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.76      $ 5.50        1.08

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 931.30      $ 8.91        1.83

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.98      $ 9.30        1.83

Class R

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 934.33      $ 6.48        1.33

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.50      $ 6.77        1.33

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 937.17      $ 3.17        0.65

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.93      $ 3.31        0.65

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 935.66      $ 4.73        0.97

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.32      $ 4.94        0.97

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 937.42      $ 3.27        0.67

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.83      $ 3.41        0.67

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 98.92%

 

Communication Services: 2.09%

          
Interactive Media & Services: 2.09%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          19,096      $ 21,318,202  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 10.06%

          
Auto Components: 1.86%           

Lear Corporation

          123,312        18,981,416  
          

 

 

 
Multiline Retail: 3.90%           

Macy’s Incorporated

          635,913        16,724,512  

Target Corporation

          316,534        23,106,982  
     39,831,494  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 4.30%           

The Home Depot Incorporated

          131,480        24,130,524  

The TJX Companies Incorporated

          396,611        19,723,465  
     43,853,989  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 6.19%

          
Food & Staples Retailing: 6.19%           

Casey’s General Stores Incorporated

          144,961        18,653,581  

Costco Wholesale Corporation

          110,915        23,805,686  

Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated

          215,409        20,642,644  
     63,101,911  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 7.02%

          
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.02%           

Chevron Corporation

          142,937        16,387,727  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

          268,415        19,669,451  

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

          255,938        16,958,452  

Valero Energy Corporation

          211,360        18,561,635  
     71,577,265  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 11.69%

          
Banks: 5.95%           

Bank of America Corporation

          726,507        20,683,654  

Citizens Financial Group Incorporated

          459,158        15,574,639  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          236,328        24,459,948  
     60,718,241  
          

 

 

 
Capital Markets: 1.87%           

Evercore Partners Incorporated Class A

          213,521        19,099,453  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 3.87%           

Prudential Financial Incorporated

          170,615        15,720,466  

The Progressive Corporation

          352,728        23,735,067  
     39,455,533  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Health Care: 17.55%

 

Biotechnology: 5.15%           

AbbVie Incorporated

          179,032      $ 14,374,479  

Amgen Incorporated

          93,951        17,579,172  

Exelixis Incorporated †

          874,158        20,603,904  
     52,557,555  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 2.20%           

Baxter International Incorporated

          310,337        22,496,329  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 6.33%           

Centene Corporation †

          166,578        21,750,089  

Encompass Health Corporation

          279,880        18,707,182  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          89,113        24,078,333  
     64,535,604  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 2.07%           

Agilent Technologies Incorporated

          277,050        21,069,653  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 1.80%           

Johnson & Johnson

          138,368        18,414,013  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 9.00%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 1.67%           

Northrop Grumman Corporation

          61,921        17,062,332  
          

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering: 1.93%           

EMCOR Group Incorporated

          301,957        19,696,655  
          

 

 

 
Machinery: 3.70%           

Allison Transmission Holdings Incorporated

          429,289        20,893,496  

Cummins Incorporated

          114,750        16,880,873  
     37,774,369  
          

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 1.70%           

Applied Industrial Technologies Incorporated

          292,829        17,279,839  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 23.53%

          
Communications Equipment: 2.10%           

Cisco Systems Incorporated

          453,920        21,465,877  
          

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 4.26%           

Jabil Circuit Incorporated

          629,175        16,767,514  

Zebra Technologies Corporation Class A †

          153,464        26,641,350  
     43,408,864  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 5.19%           

Intel Corporation

          410,287        19,332,723  

NVIDIA Corporation

          107,539        15,458,731  

ON Semiconductor Corporation †

          907,348        18,183,254  
     52,974,708  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Software: 5.07%          

Microsoft Corporation

         245,484      $ 25,635,894  

VMware Incorporated Class A

         172,670        26,085,257  
     51,721,151  
         

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 6.91%          

Apple Incorporated

         158,330        26,352,445  

HP Incorporated

         918,023        20,224,047  

NetApp Incorporated

         375,122        23,921,530  
     70,498,022  
         

 

 

 

Materials: 3.83%

         
Chemicals: 1.64%          

Huntsman Corporation

         762,464        16,751,334  
         

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 2.19%          

Avery Dennison Corporation

         213,314        22,280,647  
         

 

 

 

Real Estate: 6.11%

         
Equity REITs: 4.11%          

American Tower Corporation

         134,653        23,273,425  

Prologis Incorporated

         269,251        18,621,399  
     41,894,824  
         

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development: 2.00%          

CBRE Group Incorporated Class A †

         447,083        20,454,047  
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 1.85%

         
Multi-Utilities: 1.85%          

CenterPoint Energy Incorporated

         611,210        18,898,613  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $819,056,606)

 

     1,009,171,940  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                                         
Short-Term Investments: 1.03%          
Investment Companies: 1.03%          

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        10,550,830        10,550,830        
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $10,550,830)

            10,550,830  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $829,607,436)     99.95        1,019,722,770  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    0.05          462,296  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 1,020,185,066  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC *

    0       47,671,858       47,671,858       0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 45,138     $ 0    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    10,016,109       78,197,811       77,663,090       10,550,830       0       0       119,476       10,550,830    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ 0     $ 0     $ 164,614     $ 10,550,830       1.03
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  *

No longer held at the end of the period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     13  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $819,056,606)

  $ 1,009,171,940  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $10,550,830)

    10,550,830  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    1,696,014  

Receivable for dividends

    525,182  

Receivable for securities lending income

    679  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    49,846  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,021,994,491  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    1,202,880  

Management fee payable

    439,657  

Administration fees payable

    131,807  

Distribution fees payable

    32,329  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,752  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,809,425  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 1,020,185,066  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 812,219,703  

Total distributable earnings

    207,965,363  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 1,020,185,066  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 321,912,196  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    18,742,913  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $17.18  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $18.23  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 52,058,412  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    3,078,068  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $16.91  

Net assets – Class R

  $ 1,977,196  

Shares outstanding – Class R1

    114,973  

Net asset value per share – Class R

    $17.20  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 12,278,088  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    712,458  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $17.23  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 19,148,795  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    1,101,174  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $17.39  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 612,810,379  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    35,512,607  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $17.26  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends

  $ 13,477,095  

Income from affiliated securities

    125,139  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    13,602,234  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    3,736,915  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    359,122  

Class C

    59,887  

Class R

    2,098  

Class R6

    2,105  

Administrator Class

    14,390  

Institutional Class

    425,621  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    427,527  

Class C

    71,294  

Class R

    2,498  

Administrator Class

    27,423  

Distribution fees

 

Class C

    213,883  

Class R

    2,498  

Custody and accounting fees

    29,238  

Professional fees

    23,489  

Registration fees

    60,492  

Shareholder report expenses

    75,615  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,745  

Interest expense

    588  

Other fees and expenses

    13,990  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    5,560,418  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (831,181
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    4,729,237  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    8,872,997  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains on investments

    43,356,371  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (125,896,735
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (82,540,364
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (73,667,367
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     15  
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

     

Net investment income

    $ 8,872,997       $ 10,468,177  

Net realized gains on investments

      43,356,371         93,764,997  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (125,896,735       76,367,116  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (73,667,367       180,600,290  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (37,574,345       (6,205,749

Class C

      (5,864,767       (697,513

Class R

      (218,389       (24,344

Class R6

      (1,664,230       (13,463

Administrator Class

      (2,269,291       (646,297

Institutional Class

      (74,264,283       (14,330,177
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (121,855,305       (21,917,543
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    948,467       17,871,076       1,110,773       22,158,115  

Class C

    292,683       5,232,031       379,357       7,444,081  

Class R

    6,558       120,789       64,450       1,271,370  

Class R6

    104,741       2,028,627       768,314       15,462,838  

Administrator Class

    28,526       541,281       183,497       3,604,364  

Institutional Class

    5,677,817       103,069,924       7,081,551       141,445,213  
 

 

 

 
      128,863,728         191,385,981  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    2,156,895       36,026,156       301,834       5,924,919  

Class C

    305,503       4,991,915       30,164       580,958  

Class R

    12,855       214,625       1,208       23,747  

Class R6

    23,922       403,097       644       12,693  

Administrator Class

    133,494       2,258,572       31,853       632,062  

Institutional Class

    4,092,477       68,868,016       658,543       12,996,677  
 

 

 

 
      112,762,381         20,171,056  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (1,699,502     (32,065,018     (2,398,895     (47,209,115

Class C

    (530,867     (9,551,188     (828,652     (16,059,336

Class R

    (2,564     (46,682     (43,438     (851,162

Class R6

    (143,866     (2,709,382     (48,034     (992,474

Administrator Class

    (269,644     (5,361,478     (768,837     (15,531,475

Institutional Class

    (7,229,912     (132,216,132     (9,084,266     (179,681,555
 

 

 

 
      (181,949,880       (260,325,117
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      59,676,229         (48,768,080
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (135,846,443       109,914,667  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      1,156,031,509         1,046,116,842  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 1,020,185,066       $ 1,156,031,509  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $5,856,737. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.82       $18.01       $15.13       $15.81       $14.30       $12.13  

Net investment income

    0.12       0.15       0.15       0.10       0.06       0.06 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.55     3.01       2.85       (0.60     1.50       2.20  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.43     3.16       3.00       (0.50     1.56       2.26  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.16     (0.13     (0.12     (0.05     (0.05     (0.09

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13     0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.21     (0.35     (0.12     (0.18     (0.05     (0.09

Net asset value, end of period

    $17.18       $20.82       $18.01       $15.13       $15.81       $14.30  

Total return2

    (6.46 )%      17.66     19.94     (3.18 )%      10.99     18.58

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.18     1.18     1.19     1.20     1.26     1.29

Net expenses

    1.08     1.10     1.14     1.14     1.14     1.14

Net investment income

    1.42     0.73     0.82     0.80     0.35     0.47

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51     44     61

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $321,912       $360,937       $329,974       $359,971       $97,041       $26,685  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.44       $17.70       $14.87       $15.61       $14.17       $12.05  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.06       (0.00 )1      0.00 2       0.00 2,3       (0.06 )3      (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.54     2.96       2.83       (0.61     1.50       2.15  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.48     2.96       2.83       (0.61     1.44       2.14  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.02

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13     0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13     0.00       (0.02

Net asset value, end of period

    $16.91       $20.44       $17.70       $14.87       $15.61       $14.17  

Total return4

    (6.87 )%      16.78     19.03     (3.90 )%      10.16     17.73

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.93     1.93     1.94     1.95     2.01     2.04

Net expenses

    1.83     1.85     1.89     1.89     1.89     1.89

Net investment income (loss)

    0.66     (0.02 )%      0.07     0.02     (0.38 )%      (0.30 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51     44     61

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $52,058       $61,529       $60,697       $71,512       $53,076       $8,624  

 

 

1 

Amount is more than $(0.005).

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

4 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R   2018     2017     20161  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.81       $18.04       $15.17       $14.66  

Net investment income

    0.10       0.12       0.13       0.06  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.55     2.99       2.84       0.66  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.45     3.11       2.97       0.72  

Distributions to shareholders from

       

Net investment income

    (0.11     (0.12     (0.10     (0.08

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.16     (0.34     (0.10     (0.21

Net asset value, end of period

    $17.20       $20.81       $18.04       $15.17  

Total return2

    (6.57 )%      17.37     19.64     4.90

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

       

Gross expenses

    1.43     1.43     1.44     1.46

Net expenses

    1.33     1.34     1.39     1.39

Net investment income

    1.18     0.48     0.51     0.52

Supplemental data

       

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $1,977       $2,042       $1,369       $26  

 

 

1 

For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2016

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     20161  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.92       $18.09       $15.24       $14.66  

Net investment income

    0.18       0.22 2       0.25 2       0.20  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.59     3.04       3.33       0.62  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.41     3.26       3.58       0.82  

Distributions to shareholders from

       

Net investment income

    (0.23     (0.21     (0.73     (0.11

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.28     (0.43     (0.73     (0.24

Net asset value, end of period

    $17.23       $20.92       $18.09       $15.24  

Total return3

    (6.28 )%      18.16     24.01     5.57

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

       

Gross expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.76     0.77

Net expenses

    0.65     0.65     0.68     0.68

Net investment income

    1.82     1.08     1.62     1.31

Supplemental data

       

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $12,278       $15,225       $122       $2,449  

 

 

1 

For the period from September 30, 2015 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2016

 

2 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $21.05       $18.21       $15.18       $15.87       $14.34       $12.16  

Net investment income

    0.15 1       0.17 1       0.16 1       0.15       0.10       0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.59     3.05       2.87       (0.62     1.50       2.20  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.44     3.22       3.03       (0.47     1.60       2.29  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.17     (0.16     (0.00 )2      (0.09     (0.07     (0.11

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13     0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.22     (0.38     (0.00 )2      (0.22     (0.07     (0.11

Net asset value, end of period

    $17.39       $21.05       $18.21       $15.18       $15.87       $14.34  

Total return3

    (6.43 )%      17.81     19.99     (2.98 )%      11.28     18.83

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.10     1.10     1.10     1.12     1.11     1.11

Net expenses

    0.97     0.98     1.00     0.96     0.90     0.90

Net investment income

    1.50     0.86     1.00     0.95     0.61     0.63

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51     44     61

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $19,149       $25,444       $32,091       $57,879       $83,692       $6,849  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $20.95       $18.12       $15.23       $15.91       $14.35       $12.16  

Net investment income

    0.17       0.23       0.18       0.18 1       0.14 1       0.11 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.57     3.03       2.91       (0.62     1.50       2.21  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.40     3.26       3.09       (0.44     1.64       2.32  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.24     (0.21     (0.20     (0.11     (0.08     (0.13

Net realized gains

    (2.05     (0.22     0.00       (0.13     0.00       0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (2.29     (0.43     (0.20     (0.24     (0.08     (0.13

Net asset value, end of period

    $17.26       $20.95       $18.12       $15.23       $15.91       $14.35  

Total return2

    (6.26 )%      18.16     20.43     (2.75 )%      11.51     19.21

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.85     0.85     0.86     0.87     0.84     0.85

Net expenses

    0.67     0.68     0.70     0.70     0.66     0.66

Net investment income

    1.82     1.15     1.23     1.22     0.86     0.83

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    20     33     50     51     44     61

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $612,810       $690,855       $621,864       $412,678       $63,235       $5,775  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     23  

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $829,766,698 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 226,930,430  

Gross unrealized losses

     (36,974,358

Net unrealized gains

   $ 189,956,072  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 21,318,202      $ 0      $ 0      $ 21,318,202  

Consumer discretionary

     102,666,899        0        0        102,666,899  

Consumer staples

     63,101,911        0        0        63,101,911  

Energy

     71,577,265        0        0        71,577,265  

Financials

     119,273,227        0        0        119,273,227  

Health care

     179,073,154        0        0        179,073,154  

Industrials

     91,813,195        0        0        91,813,195  

Information technology

     240,068,622        0        0        240,068,622  

Materials

     39,031,981        0        0        39,031,981  

Real estate

     62,348,871        0        0        62,348,871  

Utilities

     18,898,613        0        0        18,898,613  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     10,550,830        0        0        10,550,830  

Total assets

   $ 1,019,722,770      $ 0      $ 0      $ 1,019,722,770  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.68% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.35% and declining to 0.30% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C, Class R

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     25  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.08% for Class A shares, 1.83% for Class C shares, 1.33% for Class R shares, 0.65% for Class R6 shares, 0.97% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.67% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fees

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C and Class R shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Distribution fees are charged to Class C and Class R shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $6,900 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, Class R, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $212,010,530 and $263,522,576, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, the Fund had average borrowings outstanding of $16,897 (on an annualized basis) at an average rate of 3.48% and paid interest in the amount of $588.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

   $ 2,344,339      $ 3,861,410  

Class C

     0        697,513  

Class R

     8,939        15,405  

Class R6

     6,623        6,840  

Administrator Class

     275,902        370,395  

Institutional Class

     7,110,676        7,219,501  

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     27  

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Other information (unaudited)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A

Isaiah Harris, Jr.3

(Born 1952)

  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A

David F. Larcker

(Born 1950)

  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     29  
Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A

Timothy J. Penny

(Born 1951)

  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A

James G. Polisson

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A

Pamela Wheelock

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    

Jeremy DePalma1

(Born 1974)

  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    

Alexander Kymn

(Born 1973)

  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2 

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

Appendix A (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Core Fund     31  

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320773 03-19

SA208/SAR208 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    13  

Statement of operations

    14  

Statement of changes in net assets

    15  

Financial highlights

    16  

Notes to financial statements

    23  

Other information

    28  

Appendix A

    32  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1 

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4 

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7 

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Joseph M. Eberhardy, CFA®, CPA

Bob Gruendyke, CFA®

Thomas C. Ognar, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (STAFX)3   7-30-2010     -4.69       9.54       14.72       1.12       10.85       15.40       1.17       1.07  
 
Class C (STOFX)4   7-30-2010     -0.63       10.01       14.55       0.37       10.01       14.55       1.92       1.82  
 
Class R (STMFX)5   6-15-2012                       0.85       10.56       15.14       1.42       1.32  
 
Class R4 (SLGRX)6   11-30-2012                       1.38       11.17       15.71       0.89       0.80  
 
Class R6 (STFFX)7   11-30-2012                       1.54       11.33       15.82       0.74       0.65  
 
Administrator Class (STDFX)8   7-30-2010                       1.24       10.98       15.53       1.09       0.95  
 
Institutional Class (STNFX)9   7-30-2010                       1.44       11.24       15.76       0.84       0.75  
 
Russell 1000® Growth Index10                         0.24       12.97       16.86              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R, Class R4, Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 201911  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     8.57  

Microsoft Corporation

     6.99  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     5.04  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

     3.87  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     3.64  

Texas Instruments Incorporated

     3.48  

Microchip Technology Incorporated

     3.44  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C

     3.32  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated

     2.66  

The Charles Schwab Corporation

     2.60  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 201912

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at the amounts shown. 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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

 

4 

Historical performance shown for Class C shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of the former Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class C shares.

 

5 

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

 

6 

Historical performance shown for Class R4 shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Institutional Class shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class R4 shares.

 

7 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

8 

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

 

9 

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

 

10 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

11 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

12 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 969.25      $ 5.31        1.07

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.81      $ 5.45        1.07

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 965.58      $ 9.02        1.82

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,016.03      $ 9.25        1.82

Class R

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 967.89      $ 6.55        1.32

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.55      $ 6.72        1.32

Class R4

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 970.57      $ 3.97        0.80

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 971.36      $ 3.23        0.65

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.93      $ 3.31        0.65

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 969.77      $ 4.72        0.95

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.42      $ 4.84        0.95

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 970.83      $ 3.73        0.75

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.42      $ 3.82        0.75

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     9  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 99.09%

 

Communication Services: 12.50%

 

Entertainment: 2.06%

 

Activision Blizzard Incorporated

          97,880      $ 4,623,851  

Electronic Arts Incorporated †

          43,700        4,030,888  

Netflix Incorporated †

          31,220        10,599,190  
             19,253,929  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 10.44%

 

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          41,930        47,208,568  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          27,870        31,113,232  

Facebook Incorporated Class A †

          96,170        16,030,577  

Match Group Incorporated «

          28,400        1,519,116  

Twitter Incorporated †

          57,800        1,939,768  
             97,811,261  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 15.51%

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 2.73%

 

Carnival Corporation

          197,040        11,345,563  

Marriott International Incorporated Class A

          60,200        6,894,706  

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Limited †

          77,500        3,985,825  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited

          27,700        3,325,385  
             25,551,479  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 8.56%

 

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          46,680        80,230,316  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 4.22%

 

Burlington Stores Incorporated †

          89,700        15,402,387  

O’Reilly Automotive Incorporated †

          3,200        1,102,912  

The Home Depot Incorporated

          85,960        15,776,239  

ULTA Beauty Incorporated †

          24,800        7,239,616  
             39,521,154  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 3.83%

 

Beverages: 2.18%

 

Constellation Brands Incorporated Class A

          15,790        2,742,091  

The Coca-Cola Company

          366,480        17,638,682  
             20,380,773  
          

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.29%

 

Costco Wholesale Corporation

          12,810        2,749,410  
          

 

 

 
Personal Products: 1.36%

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Incorporated Class A

          93,640        12,774,369  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Energy: 0.98%

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.98%

 

Concho Resources Incorporated †

          76,740      $ 9,196,522  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 5.22%

 

Capital Markets: 4.47%

 

BlackRock Incorporated

          12,200        5,063,976  

CME Group Incorporated

          25,030        4,562,468  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          98,000        7,889,000  

The Charles Schwab Corporation

          521,490        24,390,087  
             41,905,531  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 0.75%

 

The Progressive Corporation

          104,070        7,002,870  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 10.15%

 

Biotechnology: 2.81%

 

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          46,400        5,705,344  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Incorporated †

          38,200        3,750,094  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          9,500        4,078,065  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          66,990        12,789,061  
             26,322,564  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 4.46%

 

Abbott Laboratories

          117,490        8,574,420  

Baxter International Incorporated

          112,490        8,154,400  

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          418,340        15,959,671  

Stryker Corporation

          51,300        9,109,341  
             41,797,832  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 0.23%

 

Humana Incorporated

          7,000        2,162,930  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 1.04%

 

Agilent Technologies Incorporated

          127,870        9,724,514  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 1.61%

 

Zoetis Incorporated

          174,390        15,025,442  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 12.71%

 

Aerospace & Defense: 2.05%

 

The Boeing Company

          49,840        19,219,301  
          

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 0.37%

 

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Incorporated

          40,200        3,488,154  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 2.68%

 

KAR Auction Services Incorporated

          144,950        7,538,850  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          209,980        17,545,929  
             25,084,779  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     11  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Industrial Conglomerates: 1.27%           

3M Company

          12,260      $ 2,455,678  

Roper Industries Incorporated

          33,430        9,469,382  
             11,925,060  
          

 

 

 
Machinery: 0.94%

 

Fortive Corporation

          117,460        8,808,325  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 5.40%

 

CSX Corporation

 

        292,800        19,236,960  

Norfolk Southern Corporation

 

        101,270        16,987,030  

Union Pacific Corporation

 

        89,950        14,308,347  
             50,532,337  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 36.47%

 

IT Services: 13.88%

 

Global Payments Incorporated

 

        24,600        2,762,088  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

 

        171,480        36,204,572  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

 

        281,180        24,957,537  

Shopify Incorporated Class A †«

 

        43,130        7,266,111  

Square Incorporated Class A †

 

        114,370        8,160,300  

Visa Incorporated Class A

 

        252,330        34,067,073  

Worldpay Incorporated Class A †

 

        197,880        16,519,022  
             129,936,703  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 7.29%

 

Microchip Technology Incorporated «

 

        401,420        32,262,125  

NVIDIA Corporation

 

        23,800        3,421,250  

Texas Instruments Incorporated

 

        323,920        32,612,266  
             68,295,641  
          

 

 

 
Software: 13.22%

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated †

 

        47,940        11,880,491  

Microsoft Corporation

 

        627,100        65,488,053  

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

 

        83,680        12,716,850  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

 

        49,920        10,983,398  

Splunk Incorporated †

 

        66,180        8,261,911  

The Ultimate Software Group Incorporated †

 

        38,570        10,532,310  

VMware Incorporated Class A

 

        26,310        3,974,652  
             123,837,665  
          

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 2.08%

 

Apple Incorporated

 

        117,140        19,496,782  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 1.37%

 

Chemicals: 1.37%

 

Air Products & Chemicals Incorporated

 

        12,020        1,975,968  

Linde plc

 

        66,540        10,846,685  
             12,822,653  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  

Real Estate: 0.35%

 

Real Estate Management & Development: 0.35%

 

CBRE Group Incorporated Class A †

 

       71,100      $ 3,252,825  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $483,543,856)

 

     928,111,121  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                      
Short-Term Investments: 4.04%

 

Investment Companies: 4.04%

 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC (l)(r)(u)

    2.57        25,842,507        25,845,091  

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33                                       11,987,303        11,987,303  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $37,832,394)

 

     37,832,394  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $521,376,250)     103.13        965,943,515  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (3.13        (29,345,193
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 936,598,322  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

«

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(r)

The investment is a non-registered investment company purchased with cash collateral received from securities on loan.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC

    38,751,625       109,649,791       122,558,909       25,842,507     $ (794   $ 0     $ 368,794     $ 25,845,091    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    10,229,653       96,225,914       94,468,264       11,987,303       0       0       79,159       11,987,303    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (794   $ 0     $ 447,953     $ 37,832,394       4.04
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     13  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities (including $25,319,903 of securities loaned), at value (cost $483,543,856)

  $ 928,111,121  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $37,832,394)

    37,832,394  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    418,132  

Receivable for dividends

    401,055  

Receivable for securities lending income

    7,709  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    46,880  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    966,817,291  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable upon receipt of securities loaned

    25,844,438  

Payable for investments purchased

    3,346,443  

Management fee payable

    437,023  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    308,914  

Administration fees payable

    107,398  

Distribution fees payable

    9,113  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,436  

Due to custodian bank

    470  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    162,734  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    30,218,969  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 936,598,322  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 470,631,797  

Total distributable earnings

    465,966,525  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 936,598,322  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 484,438,966  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    12,544,926  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $38.62  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $40.98  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 13,296,248  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    384,991  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $34.54  

Net assets – Class R

  $ 5,151,004  

Shares outstanding – Class R1

    137,463  

Net asset value per share – Class R

    $37.47  

Net assets – Class R4

  $ 2,094,114  

Share outstanding – Class R41

    52,519  

Net asset value per share – Class R4

    $39.87  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 296,321,255  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    7,383,052  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $40.14  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 60,514,173  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    1,545,345  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $39.16  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 74,782,562  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    1,871,558  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $39.96  

 

 

1

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $9,592)

  $ 5,140,069  

Income from affiliated securities

    129,075  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    5,269,144  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    3,425,678  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    536,537  

Class C

    15,226  

Class R

    5,876  

Class R4

    830  

Class R6

    46,715  

Administrator Class

    44,472  

Institutional Class

    54,934  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    638,734  

Class C

    18,126  

Class R

    6,768  

Class R4

    1,037  

Administrator Class

    84,337  

Distribution fees

 

Class C

    54,378  

Class R

    6,995  

Custody and accounting fees

    21,946  

Professional fees

    21,556  

Registration fees

    58,499  

Shareholder report expenses

    39,439  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    14,494  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    5,107,667  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (542,629
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    4,565,038  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    704,106  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    72,040,055  

Affiliated securities

    (794
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    72,039,261  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (106,459,160
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (34,419,899
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (33,715,793
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     15  
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

       

Net investment income

    $ 704,106       $ 137,464  

Net realized gains on investments

      72,039,261         234,857,518  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (106,459,160       33,368,008  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (33,715,793       268,362,990  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

 

Class A

      (111,706,240       (94,299,274

Class C

      (3,431,246       (2,995,367

Class R

      (1,280,121       (1,226,176

Class R4

      (455,047       (86,325

Class R6

      (66,047,400       (60,894,090

Administrator Class

      (14,492,251       (12,791,477

Institutional Class

      (18,149,003       (29,593,244
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (215,561,308       (201,885,953
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares       Shares  

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    224,486       10,132,532       350,829       17,319,919  

Class C

    51,192       1,804,809       45,353       2,068,446  

Class R

    41,872       1,682,545       59,909       2,827,726  

Class R4

    6,953       340,459       35,016       1,707,466  

Class R6

    362,237       17,021,547       1,558,098       79,758,923  

Administrator Class

    80,235       3,807,722       200,283       10,104,338  

Institutional Class

    161,465       7,427,190       238,407       12,259,125  
 

 

 

 
      42,216,804         126,045,943  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

 

Class A

    2,918,252       107,245,772       1,969,729       89,405,992  

Class C

    92,097       3,029,996       60,978       2,564,729  

Class R

    9,145       326,200       3,414       151,866  

Class R4

    11,893       451,084       1,781       82,592  

Class R6

    1,625,721       62,084,213       1,305,992       60,875,276  

Administrator Class

    388,367       14,470,567       278,848       12,776,830  

Institutional Class

    407,144       15,475,547       442,110       20,540,888  
 

 

 

 
      203,083,379         186,398,173  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

 

Class A

    (878,863     (38,604,383     (2,346,522     (122,033,744

Class C

    (83,221     (3,097,480     (91,221     (4,306,948

Class R

    (24,794     (993,647     (81,531     (3,970,677

Class R4

    (5,578     (260,695     (4,157     (212,862

Class R6

    (735,877     (34,913,734     (2,739,730     (142,658,457

Administrator Class

    (429,862     (19,788,850     (576,443     (29,889,749

Institutional Class

    (494,230     (22,701,424     (2,213,468     (110,506,781
 

 

 

 
      (120,360,213       (413,579,218
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      124,939,970         (101,135,102
 

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

      (124,337,131       (34,658,065
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      1,060,935,453         1,095,593,518  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 936,598,322       $ 1,060,935,453  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $112,534. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $52.01       $50.10       $46.05       $49.55       $45.30       $39.73  

Net investment loss

    (0.00 )1,2      (0.08     (0.03 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.01 )1      (0.06

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.17     12.56       6.39       (0.92     6.33       7.01  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.17     12.48       6.36       (0.95     6.32       6.95  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       0.00       (0.00 )3      0.00       0.00  

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38

Net asset value, end of period

    $38.62       $52.01       $50.10       $46.05       $49.55       $45.30  

Total return4

    (3.08 )%      27.98     14.60     (1.83 )%      14.35     17.69

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.18     1.17     1.17     1.16     1.20     1.22

Net expenses

    1.07     1.07     1.07     1.07     1.07     1.07

Net investment loss

    (0.01 )%      (0.16 )%      (0.06 )%      (0.06 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.17 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $484,439       $534,694       $516,410       $576,502       $184,504       $212,273  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is more than $(0.005).

 

3 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

4 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $47.97       $47.25       $43.88       $47.68       $43.99       $38.90  

Net investment loss

    (0.16 )1      (0.31     (0.35 )1      (0.32 )1      (0.42     (0.33

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.05     11.60       6.03       (0.93     6.18       6.80  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.21     11.29       5.68       (1.25     5.76       6.47  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38

Net asset value, end of period

    $34.54       $47.97       $47.25       $43.88       $47.68       $43.99  

Total return2

    (3.44 )%      27.03     13.74     (2.56 )%      13.47     16.81

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.93     1.92     1.91     1.91     1.95     1.97

Net expenses

    1.82     1.82     1.82     1.82     1.82     1.82

Net investment loss

    (0.76 )%      (0.90 )%      (0.81 )%      (0.75 )%      (0.77 )%      (0.89 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $13,296       $15,586       $14,640       $18,877       $22,839       $22,767  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $50.89       $49.34       $45.50       $49.11       $45.03       $39.59  

Net investment loss

    (0.06 )1      (0.20 )1      (0.14 )1      (0.10 )1      (0.16 )1      (0.15

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.14     12.32       6.29       (0.96     6.31       6.97  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.20     12.12       6.15       (1.06     6.15       6.82  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38

Net asset value, end of period

    $37.47       $50.89       $49.34       $45.50       $49.11       $45.03  

Total return2

    (3.21 )%      27.65     14.30     (2.08 )%      14.05     17.42

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.42     1.42     1.41     1.41     1.45     1.47

Net expenses

    1.32     1.32     1.32     1.32     1.32     1.32

Net investment loss

    (0.26 )%      (0.40 )%      (0.31 )%      (0.23 )%      (0.28 )%      (0.41 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $5,151       $5,661       $6,387       $8,218       $12,086       $12,295  

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R4   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $53.23       $50.94       $46.69       $50.23       $45.76       $40.05  

Net investment income

    0.06 1       0.05 1       0.11 1       0.13       0.07       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.20     12.81       6.50       (0.95     6.47       7.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.14     12.86       6.61       (0.82     6.54       7.19  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.05     (0.17     0.00       (0.10

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.36     (2.72     (2.07     (1.48

Net asset value, end of period

    $39.87       $53.23       $50.94       $46.69       $50.23       $45.76  

Total return2

    (2.94 )%      28.31     14.96     (1.54 )%      14.69     18.07

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.90     0.90     0.88     0.88     0.87     0.89

Net expenses

    0.80     0.80     0.80     0.78     0.75     0.75

Net investment income

    0.25     0.10     0.25     0.27     0.17     0.17

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $2,094       $2,089       $337       $8,400       $7,205       $2,129  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $53.49       $51.12       $46.82       $50.34       $45.82       $40.11  

Net investment income

    0.10 1       0.14       0.17       0.22       0.07 1       0.12  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.21     12.85       6.52       (0.97     6.56       7.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.11     12.99       6.69       (0.75     6.63       7.23  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.02     (0.05     (0.08     (0.22     (0.04     (0.14

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11.24     (10.62     (2.39     (2.77     (2.11     (1.52

Net asset value, end of period

    $40.14       $53.49       $51.12       $46.82       $50.34       $45.82  

Total return2

    (2.86 )%      28.51     15.09     (1.39 )%      14.88     18.25

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.74     0.73     0.72     0.74

Net expenses

    0.65     0.65     0.65     0.64     0.60     0.60

Net investment income

    0.40     0.27     0.36     0.39     0.13     0.29

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $296,321       $327,943       $307,048       $225,805       $117,741       $5,942  

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $52.54       $50.46       $46.32       $49.84       $45.50       $39.86  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.02       (0.01     0.05       0.05       0.05       (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.18     12.66       6.41       (0.94     6.36       7.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.16     12.65       6.46       (0.89     6.41       7.03  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       0.00       (0.01     (0.08     0.00       (0.01

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.32     (2.63     (2.07     (1.39

Net asset value, end of period

    $39.16       $52.54       $50.46       $46.32       $49.84       $45.50  

Total return1

    (3.02 )%      28.14     14.75     (1.71 )%      14.48     17.84

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.10     1.09     1.08     1.08     1.05     1.06

Net expenses

    0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95     0.95

Net investment income (loss)

    0.10     (0.03 )%      0.06     0.12     0.10     (0.02 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $60,514       $79,154       $80,937       $237,577       $262,535       $245,364  

 

 

1 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $53.31       $51.00       $46.74       $50.30       $45.80       $40.11  

Net investment income

    0.08 1       0.10 1       0.12 1       0.17 1       0.19 1       0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (2.21     12.80       6.51       (0.96     6.41       7.09  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.13     12.90       6.63       (0.79     6.60       7.20  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    0.00       (0.02     (0.06     (0.22     (0.03     (0.13

Net realized gains

    (11.22     (10.57     (2.31     (2.55     (2.07     (1.38
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (11.22     (10.59     (2.37     (2.77     (2.10     (1.51

Net asset value, end of period

    $39.96       $53.31       $51.00       $46.74       $50.30       $45.80  

Total return2

    (2.92 )%      28.37     14.98     (1.49 )%      14.82     18.16

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.85     0.84     0.83     0.83     0.78     0.79

Net expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.75     0.71     0.65     0.65

Net investment income

    0.31     0.18     0.27     0.37     0.40     0.28

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    27     34     40     31     26     35

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $74,783       $95,809       $169,836       $316,310       $534,975       $596,006  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     23  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $521,422,865 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 444,796,642  

Gross unrealized losses

     (275,992

Net unrealized gains

   $ 444,520,650  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     25  

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 117,065,190      $ 0      $ 0      $ 117,065,190  

Consumer discretionary

     145,302,949        0        0        145,302,949  

Consumer staples

     35,904,552        0        0        35,904,552  

Energy

     9,196,522        0        0        9,196,522  

Financials

     48,908,401        0        0        48,908,401  

Health care

     95,033,282        0        0        95,033,282  

Industrials

     119,057,956        0        0        119,057,956  

Information technology

     341,566,791        0        0        341,566,791  

Materials

     12,822,653        0        0        12,822,653  

Real estate

     3,252,825        0        0        3,252,825  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     11,987,303        25,845,091        0        37,832,394  

Total assets

   $ 940,098,424      $ 25,845,091      $ 0      $ 965,943,515  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.69% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.30% and declining to 0.20% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C, Class R

     0.21

Class R4

     0.08  

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.07% for Class A shares, 1.82% for Class C shares, 1.32% for Class R shares, 0.80% for Class R4 shares, 0.65% for Class R6 shares, 0.95% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.75% for Institutional Class shares. 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. 

Distribution fees

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C and Class R shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Distribution fees are charged to Class C and Class R shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Fund Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $1,488 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, Class R, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Class R4 is charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of its average daily net assets.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $265,709,463 and $352,784,072, respectively.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     27  

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

   $ 0      $ 94,299,274  

Class C

     0        2,995,367  

Class R

     0        1,226,176  

Class R4

     0        86,325  

Class R6

     368,832        60,525,258  

Administrator Class

     0        12,791,477  

Institutional Class

     76,634        29,516,610  

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risks result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     29  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
William R. Ebsworth (Born 1957)   Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A
Jane A. Freeman (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3 (Born 1952)   Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation
Judith M. Johnson3 (Born 1949)   Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker (Born 1950)   Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)
Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
Olivia S. Mitchell (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951)   Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund     31  

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    
Andrew Owen (Born 1960)   President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974)   Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
Alexander Kymn (Born 1973)   Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    
Michael H. Whitaker (Born 1967)   Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    
David Berardi (Born 1975)   Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

1 

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

32   Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320774 03-19

SA209/SAR209 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    15  

Statement of operations

    16  

Statement of changes in net assets

    17  

Financial highlights

    18  

Notes to financial statements

    23  

Other information

    28  

Appendix A

    32  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Dennis Bein, CFA®

Ryan Brown, CFA®

Harindra de Silva, Ph.D., CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (WLCAX)   3-31-2008     -12.52       4.72       10.69       -7.18       5.96       11.34       0.95       0.84  
 
Class C (WFLVX)   3-31-2008     -8.86       5.19       10.52       -7.86       5.19       10.52       1.70       1.59  
 
Class R6 (WTLVX)3   4-7-2017                       -6.72       6.43       11.85       0.52       0.41  
 
Administrator Class (WWIDX)   12-31-2001                       -7.11       6.13       11.58       0.87       0.76  
 
Institutional Class (WLCIX)   3-31-2008                       -6.81       6.39       11.83       0.62       0.51  
 
Russell 1000® Value Index4                         -4.81       8.33       13.39              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20195  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

     4.62  

Bank of America Corporation

     3.95  

The Procter & Gamble Company

     3.79  

Pfizer Incorporated

     3.77  

Cisco Systems Incorporated

     3.73  

Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated Class B

     3.32  

AT&T Incorporated

     3.11  

Agilent Technologies Incorporated

     2.32  

ConocoPhillips

     2.23  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

     2.15  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20196

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectus, which include the impact of 0.01% in acquired fund fees and expenses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 0.83% for Class A, 1.58% for Class C, 0.40% for Class R6, 0.75% for Administrator Class, and 0.50% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

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

 

4 

The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with lower price/book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

6 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 953.56      $ 4.09        0.83

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.02      $ 4.23        0.83

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 950.60      $ 7.77        1.58

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.24      $ 8.03        1.58

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 955.94      $ 1.97        0.40

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,023.19      $ 2.04        0.40

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 953.88      $ 3.69        0.75

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.42      $ 3.82        0.75

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 955.86      $ 2.46        0.50

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.68      $ 2.55        0.50

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     9  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 97.03%

          

Communication Services: 8.91%

          
Diversified Telecommunication Services: 4.58%           

AT&T Incorporated

          223,136      $ 6,707,468  

Verizon Communications Incorporated

          57,875        3,186,598  
             9,894,066  
          

 

 

 
Entertainment: 1.31%           

Viacom Incorporated Class B

          96,148        2,828,674  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 2.11%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          1,313        1,478,294  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          1,237        1,380,950  

Cars.com Incorporated †

          61,962        1,692,182  
             4,551,426  
          

 

 

 
Media: 0.91%           

Comcast Corporation Class A

          53,936        1,972,440  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 5.36%

          
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 3.03%           

Carnival Corporation

          2,549        146,771  

Las Vegas Sands Corporation

          41,093        2,398,187  

McDonald’s Corporation

          2,303        411,730  

Wingstop Incorporated

          6,181        405,783  

Yum China Holdings Incorporated

          87,192        3,178,148  
             6,540,619  
          

 

 

 
Household Durables: 0.54%           

Garmin Limited

          14,675        1,015,217  

MDC Holdings Incorporated

          4,996        164,518  
             1,179,735  
          

 

 

 
Leisure Products: 0.05%           

Callaway Golf Company

          6,373        103,816  
          

 

 

 
Multiline Retail: 1.07%           

Target Corporation

          31,726        2,315,998  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 0.24%           

Tiffany & Company

          5,843        518,449  
          

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 0.43%           

Nike Incorporated Class B

          9,702        794,400  

PVH Corporation

          1,197        130,605  
             925,005  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 8.47%

          
Beverages: 1.90%           

PepsiCo Incorporated

          36,503        4,112,793  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.19%           

Walgreens Boots Alliance Incorporated

          5,547      $ 400,826  
          

 

 

 
Food Products: 2.52%           

Cal-Maine Foods Incorporated

          1,905        80,353  

Ingredion Incorporated

          28,688        2,840,112  

The Kraft Heinz Company

          8,999        432,492  

Tyson Foods Incorporated Class A

          33,750        2,089,800  
             5,442,757  
          

 

 

 
Household Products: 3.79%           

The Procter & Gamble Company

          84,810        8,181,621  
          

 

 

 
Tobacco: 0.07%           

Universal Corporation

          2,766        159,598  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 7.85%

          
Energy Equipment & Services: 0.21%           

McDermott International Incorporated †

          51,551        454,680  
          

 

 

 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.64%           

Chevron Corporation

          32,793        3,759,717  

ConocoPhillips

          71,172        4,817,633  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

          63,466        4,650,788  

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

          16,170        1,071,424  

PBF Energy Incorporated Class A

          8,326        304,898  

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

          13,289        1,891,290  
             16,495,750  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 19.05%

          
Banks: 9.45%           

Bank of America Corporation

          299,285        8,520,644  

Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited

          4,001        140,235  

Citigroup Incorporated

          5,591        360,396  

Home Bancshares Incorporated

          6,524        119,454  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

          96,428        9,980,298  

PNC Financial Services Group Incorporated

          10,507        1,288,894  
             20,409,921  
          

 

 

 
Capital Markets: 2.59%           

Ameriprise Financial Incorporated

          16,326        2,066,872  

CME Group Incorporated

          10,534        1,920,138  

State Street Corporation

          22,436        1,590,712  

T. Rowe Price Group Incorporated

          125        11,683  
             5,589,405  
          

 

 

 
Consumer Finance: 1.32%           

Capital One Financial Corporation

          24,473        1,972,279  

Discover Financial Services

          13,036        879,800  
             2,852,079  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     11  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Diversified Financial Services: 3.32%           

Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated Class B †

          34,834      $ 7,159,780  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 2.28%           

CNO Financial Group Incorporated

          9,973        178,317  

Employers Holdings Incorporated

          15,654        663,260  

Kemper Corporation

          4,627        347,858  

Old Republic International Corporation

          120,553        2,429,143  

The Progressive Corporation

          19,363        1,302,936  
             4,921,514  
          

 

 

 
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance: 0.09%           

Capitol Federal Financial Incorporated

          15,832        203,758  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 16.39%

          
Biotechnology: 1.49%           

AbbVie Incorporated

          10,857        871,709  

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          18,767        2,307,590  

Genomic Health Incorporated †

          479        36,313  
             3,215,612  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 1.59%           

Baxter International Incorporated

          1,519        110,112  

Intuitive Surgical Incorporated †

          883        462,374  

Medtronic plc

          2,274        200,999  

West Pharmaceutical Services Incorporated

          24,559        2,659,003  
             3,432,488  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 2.29%           

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings †

          2,071        288,594  

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated

          1,833        160,113  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          16,656        4,500,451  
             4,949,158  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Technology: 0.23%           

Evolent Health Incorporated Class A †

          28,137        497,462  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 2.32%           

Agilent Technologies Incorporated

          65,880        5,010,174  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 8.47%           

Allergan plc

          17,528        2,523,681  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

          34,479        1,702,228  

Johnson & Johnson

          5,282        702,929  

Mallinckrodt plc †

          9,513        207,954  

Merck & Company Incorporated

          48,445        3,605,761  

Mylan NV †

          47,026        1,408,429  

Pfizer Incorporated

          191,886        8,145,561  
             18,296,543  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Industrials: 6.63%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 2.15%           

Moog Incorporated Class A

          4,260      $ 381,142  

Raytheon Company

          25,846        4,258,387  
             4,639,529  
          

 

 

 
Airlines: 1.87%           

Southwest Airlines Company

          71,211        4,041,936  
          

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering: 0.26%           

Comfort Systems Incorporated

          11,416        547,626  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 0.60%           

Honeywell International Incorporated

          9,071        1,302,868  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 1.75%           

Norfolk Southern Corporation

          22,502        3,774,485  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 7.88%

          
Communications Equipment: 3.73%           

Cisco Systems Incorporated

          170,153        8,046,535  
          

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 0.13%           

National Instruments Corporation

          6,542        289,287  
          

 

 

 
IT Services: 1.42%           

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

          14,463        3,053,573  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 1.50%           

Cabot Microelectronics Corporation

          6,436        655,764  

Intel Corporation

          49,827        2,347,848  

Skyworks Solutions Incorporated

          3,323        242,712  
             3,246,324  
          

 

 

 
Software: 1.10%           

Adobe Systems Incorporated †

          2,209        547,434  

Intuit Incorporated

          3,677        793,570  

Microsoft Corporation

          9,889        1,032,708  
             2,373,712  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 2.38%

          
Chemicals: 0.99%           

LyondellBasell Industries NV Class A

          8,142        708,110  

The Mosaic Company

          44,470        1,435,492  
             2,143,602  
          

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 0.02%           

International Paper Company

          910        43,161  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     13  

      

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Metals & Mining: 1.37%          

Newmont Mining Corporation

         23,003      $ 784,632  

Nucor Corporation

         35,334        2,163,854  
            2,948,486  
         

 

 

 

Real Estate: 6.10%

         
Equity REITs: 6.10%          

AvalonBay Communities Incorporated

         4,615        890,326  

CoreCivic Incorporated

         150,438        2,989,203  

Duke Realty Corporation

         14,266        417,138  

Equity Residential

         20,116        1,459,617  

Outfront Media Incorporated

         16,115        334,386  

Park Hotels & Resorts Incorporated

         19,139        575,510  

PS Business Parks Incorporated

         4,724        685,878  

Public Storage Incorporated

         5,895        1,252,805  

Senior Housing Properties Trust

         17,592        242,242  

The Geo Group Incorporated

         66,463        1,498,741  

VICI Properties Incorporated

         10,189        219,369  

Weingarten Realty Investors

         414        11,878  

Xenia Hotels & Resorts Incorporated

         138,769        2,604,694  
            13,181,787  
         

 

 

 

Utilities: 8.01%

         
Electric Utilities: 4.07%          

Avangrid Incorporated

         67,426        3,362,535  

Duke Energy Corporation

         27,256        2,392,532  

NextEra Energy Incorporated

         2,538        454,251  

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

         29,343        2,585,705  
            8,795,023  
         

 

 

 
Gas Utilities: 2.08%          

UGI Corporation

         78,659        4,485,923  
         

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities: 1.86%          

DTE Energy Company

         2,302        271,061  

MDU Resources Group Incorporated

         145,401        3,738,260  
            4,009,321  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $195,844,054)

            209,539,325  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                                         
Short-Term Investments: 2.45%          
Investment Companies: 2.45%          

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        5,282,073        5,282,073  
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $5,282,073)

            5,282,073        
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $201,126,127)     99.48        214,821,398  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    0.52          1,124,575  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 215,945,973  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

Futures Contracts

 

Description    Number of
contracts
     Expiration
date
     Notional
cost
     Notional
value
     Unrealized
gains
     Unrealized
losses
 

Long

                 

S&P 500 E-Mini Index

     43        3-15-2019      $ 5,540,219      $ 5,814,675      $ 274,456      $ 0  

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    4,171,660       23,393,833       22,283,420       5,282,073     $ 0     $ 0     $ 46,053     $ 5,282,073       2.45

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     15  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $195,844,054)

  $ 209,539,325  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $5,282,073)

    5,282,073  

Segregated cash for futures contracts

    572,733  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    2,436  

Receivable for dividends

    394,847  

Receivable for daily variation margin on open futures contracts

    274,558  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    98,099  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    216,164,071  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    72,644  

Management fee payable

    45,386  

Shareholder servicing fees payable

    43,214  

Administration fees payable

    35,871  

Professional fees payable

    13,455  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,391  

Distribution fee payable

    1,614  

Due to custodian bank

    153  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    3,370  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    218,098  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 215,945,973  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 212,193,881  

Total distributable earnings

    3,752,092  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 215,945,973  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 192,959,130  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    15,762,967  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $12.24  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $12.99  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 2,525,747  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    200,175  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $12.62  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 19,125  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    1,549  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $12.35  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 15,206,529  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    1,229,899  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $12.36  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 5,235,442  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    424,000  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $12.35  

 

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $25)

  $ 3,277,740  

Income from affiliated securities

    46,053  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    3,323,793  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    473,609  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    213,662  

Class C

    2,809  

Class R6

    3  

Administrator Class

    10,468  

Institutional Class

    9,436  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    254,360  

Class C

    3,344  

Administrator Class

    20,130  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    10,030  

Custody and accounting fees

    11,090  

Professional fees

    20,376  

Registration fees

    40,329  

Shareholder report expenses

    30,246  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Interest expense

    549  

Other fees and expenses

    6,732  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,118,263  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (155,392
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    962,871  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2,360,922  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized losses on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    (8,580,510

Futures contracts

    (414,825
 

 

 

 

Net realized losses on investments

    (8,995,335
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    (5,845,071

Futures contracts

    175,845  
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (5,669,226
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (14,664,561
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (12,303,639
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     17  
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

       

Net investment income

    $ 2,360,922       $ 3,343,736  

Net realized gains (losses) on investments

      (8,995,335       26,456,759  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (5,669,226       (6,608,842
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (12,303,639       23,191,653  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (22,107,555       (46,029,469

Class C

      (263,413       (659,195

Class R6

      (2,446       (6,656

Administrator Class

      (1,768,262       (3,673,062

Institutional Class

      (1,828,753       (3,556,512
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (25,970,429       (53,924,894
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    130,224       1,695,563       243,128       3,569,805  

Class C

    5,267       66,983       4,796       75,911  

Class R6

    0       0       297       5,000  

Administrator Class

    9,776       129,415       26,318       380,870  

Institutional Class

    22,465       319,784       128,944       1,889,629  
 

 

 

 
      2,211,745         5,921,215  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    1,760,655       21,527,593       3,111,809       44,581,220  

Class C

    19,718       246,346       42,242       618,917  

Class R6

    0       0       72       1,037  

Administrator Class

    140,900       1,740,415       250,317       3,619,530  

Institutional Class

    36,953       456,951       203,584       2,943,466  
 

 

 

 
      23,971,305         51,764,170  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (948,691     (12,688,315     (1,908,557     (28,835,984

Class C

    (22,339     (317,540     (48,634     (725,165

Class R6

    0       0       (369     (5,292

Administrator Class

    (68,543     (839,420     (227,193     (3,486,080

Institutional Class

    (843,330     (9,663,026     (104,675     (1,560,195
 

 

 

 
      (23,508,301       (34,612,716
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      2,674,749         23,072,669  
 

 

 

 

Total decrease in net assets

      (35,599,319       (7,660,572
 

 

 

 

Net assets

       

Beginning of period

      251,545,292         259,205,864  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 215,945,973       $ 251,545,292  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $792,952. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 8, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.46       $16.54       $14.58       $16.10       $16.82       $16.39  

Net investment income

    0.13       0.19       0.14       0.17       0.13 1       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.82     1.29       1.93       (0.41     0.78       2.04  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.69     1.48       2.07       (0.24     0.91       2.14  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.15     (0.18     (0.11     (0.16     (0.13     (0.09

Net realized gains

    (1.38     (3.38     0.00       (1.12     (1.50     (1.62
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.53     (3.56     (0.11     (1.28     (1.63     (1.71

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.24       $14.46       $16.54       $14.58       $16.10       $16.82  

Total return2

    (4.64 )%      9.39     14.24     (0.98 )%      5.72     13.68

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.96     0.94     1.09     1.24     1.27     1.28

Net expenses

    0.83     0.83     0.96     1.10     1.10     1.10

Net investment income

    1.99     1.28     0.91     1.19     0.76     0.61

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    108     258     221     50     71     59

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $192,959       $214,247       $221,207       $218,922       $104,453       $116,398  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.81       $16.86       $14.90       $16.41       $17.12       $16.70  

Net investment income (loss)

    0.09       0.08       0.03 1       0.06       0.00 2       (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.84     1.30       1.96       (0.40     0.80       2.07  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.75     1.38       1.99       (0.34     0.80       2.05  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.06     (0.05     (0.03     (0.05     (0.01     (0.01

Net realized gains

    (1.38     (3.38     0.00       (1.12     (1.50     (1.62
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.44     (3.43     (0.03     (1.17     (1.51     (1.63

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.62       $14.81       $16.86       $14.90       $16.41       $17.12  

Total return3

    (4.94 )%      8.49     13.40     (1.68 )%      4.92     12.83

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.71     1.69     1.84     1.99     2.02     2.03

Net expenses

    1.58     1.58     1.72     1.85     1.85     1.85

Net investment income (loss)

    1.23     0.55     0.16     0.44     0.01     (0.14 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    108     258     221     50     71     59

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $2,526       $2,926       $3,356       $3,674       $4,488       $4,659  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is less than $0.005.

 

3 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.59       $16.66       $16.14  

Net investment income

    0.17       0.26       0.03 2  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.83     1.30       0.49  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.66     1.56       0.52  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.20     (0.25     0.00  

Net realized gains

    (1.38     (3.38     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.58     (3.63     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.35       $14.59       $16.66  

Total return3

    (4.41 )%      9.88     3.22

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    0.54     0.51     0.49

Net expenses

    0.40     0.40     0.40

Net investment income

    2.40     1.73     0.52

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    108     258     221

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $19       $23       $26  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from April 7, 2017 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.59       $16.66       $14.68       $16.20       $16.93       $16.47  

Net investment income

    0.14 1       0.20       0.16 1       0.20       0.17       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.83     1.30       1.94       (0.41     0.78       2.05  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.69     1.50       2.10       (0.21     0.95       2.20  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.16     (0.19     (0.12     (0.19     (0.18     (0.12

Net realized gains

    (1.38     (3.38     0.00       (1.12     (1.50     (1.62
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.54     (3.57     (0.12     (1.31     (1.68     (1.74

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.36       $14.59       $16.66       $14.68       $16.20       $16.93  

Total return2

    (4.61 )%      9.44     14.35     (0.79 )%      5.95     13.94

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.88     0.86     1.01     1.16     1.12     1.12

Net expenses

    0.75     0.75     0.87     0.93     0.85     0.85

Net investment income

    2.07     1.37     1.01     1.35     1.01     0.86

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    108     258     221     50     71     59

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $15,207       $16,744       $18,296       $24,164       $30,177       $36,002  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $14.58       $16.65       $14.66       $16.17       $16.91       $16.44  

Net investment income

    0.15       0.24       0.19 1       0.21 1       0.20 1       0.18 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.81     1.30       1.94       (0.38     0.78       2.05  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.66     1.54       2.13       (0.17     0.98       2.23  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.23     (0.14     (0.22     (0.22     (0.14

Net realized gains

    (1.38     (3.38     0.00       (1.12     (1.50     (1.62
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (1.57     (3.61     (0.14     (1.34     (1.72     (1.76

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.35       $14.58       $16.65       $14.66       $16.17       $16.91  

Total return2

    (4.41 )%      9.77     14.61     (0.54 )%      6.14     14.16

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.63     0.62     0.74     0.91     0.85     0.85

Net expenses

    0.50     0.50     0.61     0.74     0.65     0.65

Net investment income

    2.15     1.60     1.21     1.52     1.23     1.10

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    108     258     221     50     71     59

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $5,235       $17,606       $16,321       $9,343       $1,483       $863  

 

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     23  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities and futures contracts that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Futures contracts

The Fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Futures contracts are agreements between the Fund and a counterparty to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity, financial instrument or currency at specified price and on a specified date. The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts in order to gain exposure to, or protect against, changes in security values. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are the imperfect correlation between changes in market values of securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts, and the possibility of an illiquid market. Futures contracts are generally entered into on a regulated futures exchange and cleared through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange. With futures contracts, there is minimal counterparty risk to the Fund since futures contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures contracts against default.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Upon entering into a futures contracts, the Fund is required to deposit either cash or securities (initial margin) with the broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are paid to or from the broker each day equal to the daily changes in the contract value. Such payments are recorded as unrealized gains or losses and, if any, shown as variation margin receivable (payable) in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Should the Fund fail to make requested variation margin payments, the broker can gain access to the initial margin to satisfy the Fund’s payment obligations. When the contracts are closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $200,139,176 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 19,946,155  

Gross unrealized losses

     (5,263,933

Net unrealized gains

   $ 14,682,222  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     25  

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 19,246,606      $ 0      $ 0      $ 19,246,606  

Consumer discretionary

     11,583,622        0        0        11,583,622  

Consumer staples

     18,297,595        0        0        18,297,595  

Energy

     16,950,430        0        0        16,950,430  

Financials

     41,136,457        0        0        41,136,457  

Health care

     35,401,437        0        0        35,401,437  

Industrials

     14,306,444        0        0        14,306,444  

Information technology

     17,009,431        0        0        17,009,431  

Materials

     5,135,249        0        0        5,135,249  

Real Estate

     13,181,787        0        0        13,181,787  

Utilities

     17,290,267        0        0        17,290,267  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     5,282,073        0        0        5,282,073  
     214,821,398              214,821,398  

Futures contracts

     274,456                          274,456  

Total assets

   $ 215,095,854      $ 0      $ 0      $ 215,095,854  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

Futures contracts are reported at their cumulative unrealized gains (losses) at measurement date as reported in the table following the Portfolio of Investments. For futures contracts the current day’s variation margin is reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. All other assets and liabilities are reported at their market value at measurement date.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.40% and declining to 0.33% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.25% and declining to 0.15% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. Prior to November 1, 2018, Analytic Investors, LLC served as the subadviser and received an annual fee from Funds Management at the same rates. On November 1, 2018, Analytic Investors, LLC was consolidated into WellsCap.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 0.83% for Class A shares, 1.58% for Class C shares, 0.40% for Class R6 shares, 0.75% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.50% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $975 from the sale of Class A. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $249,587,974 and $272,034,287, respectively.

6. DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, the Fund entered into futures contracts to gain market exposure. The Fund had an average notional amount of $5,164,942 in long futures contracts during the six months ended January 31, 2019.

The fair value, realized gains or losses and change in unrealized gains or losses, if any, on derivative instruments are reflected in the corresponding financial statement captions.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     27  

7. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, the Fund had average borrowings outstanding of $14,718 (on an annualized basis) at an average interest rate of 3.73% and paid interest in the amount of $549.

8. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
       Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $2,599,881          $43,429,588  

Class C

     11.926          647,269  

Class R6

     420          6,236  

Administrator Class

     218,142          3,454,920  

Institutional Class

     253,844          3,302,668  

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     29  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A

Isaiah Harris, Jr.3

(Born 1952)

  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A

David F. Larcker

(Born 1950)

  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A

Timothy J. Penny

(Born 1951)

  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A

James G. Polisson

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A

Pamela Wheelock

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund     31  

Officers

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    

Jeremy DePalma1

(Born 1974)

  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    

Alexander Kymn

(Born 1973)

  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

32   Wells Fargo Large Company Value Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320775 03-19

SA210/SAR210 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    14  

Statement of operations

    15  

Statement of changes in net assets

    16  

Financial highlights

    17  

Notes to financial statements

    22  

Other information

    26  

Appendix A

    30  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Dennis Bein, CFA®

Ryan Brown, CFA®

Harindra de Silva, Ph.D., CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 2019

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios1 (%)  
        1 year     Since
inception
    1 year     Since
inception
    Gross     Net2  
 
Class A (WLVLX)   10-31-2016     -7.82       4.73       -2.19       7.52       1.56       0.74  
 
Class C (WLVKX)   10-31-2016     -3.87       6.74       -2.87       6.74       2.31       1.49  
 
Class R6 (WLVJX)   10-31-2016                 -1.74       8.00       1.13       0.31  
 
Administrator Class (WLVDX)   10-31-2016                 -2.09       7.60       1.48       0.66  
 
Institutional Class (WLVOX)   10-31-2016                 -1.83       7.88       1.23       0.41  
 
Russell 1000® Index3                   -2.17       13.49              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to smaller-company securities risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20194  

Waste Management Incorporated

     2.49  

The Procter & Gamble Company

     2.47  

NextEra Energy Incorporated

     2.46  

PepsiCo Incorporated

     2.42  

CME Group Incorporated

     2.33  

Merck & Company Incorporated

     2.29  

VICI Properties Incorporated

     2.25  

The Hershey Company

     2.25  

Sysco Corporation

     2.17  

Costco Wholesale Corporation

     2.13  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20195
LOGO
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectus, which include the impact of 0.01% in acquired fund fees and expenses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

2 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 0.73% for Class A, 1.48% for Class C, 0.30% for Class R6, 0.65% for Administrator Class, and 0.40% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

3 

The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 92% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

5 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 983.99      $ 4.00        0.80

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 981.43      $ 7.74        1.55

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.39      $ 7.88        1.55

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 986.86      $ 1.85        0.37

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,023.34      $ 1.89        0.37

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 985.01      $ 3.60        0.72

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.58      $ 3.67        0.72

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 985.97      $ 2.35        0.47

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,022.84      $ 2.40        0.47

 

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 96.97%

 

Communication Services: 3.49%

          
Entertainment: 2.59%           

Cinemark Holdings Incorporated

          9,381      $ 383,871  

The Madison Square Garden Company Class A †

          1,857        516,060  
     899,931  
          

 

 

 
Media: 0.90%           

Cable One Incorporated

          184        162,719  

Sirius XM Holdings Incorporated

          25,733        150,023  
     312,742  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 3.88%

          
Diversified Consumer Services: 0.74%           

H&R Block Incorporated

          10,825        255,362  
          

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 1.45%           

Darden Restaurants Incorporated

          868        91,079  

Hilton Grand Vacations Incorporated †

          13,662        414,505  
     505,584  
          

 

 

 
Household Durables: 1.23%           

NVR Incorporated †

          160        425,600  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 0.20%           

ULTA Beauty Incorporated †

          242        70,645  
          

 

 

 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 0.26%           

Carter’s Incorporated

          1,102        91,356  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 22.84%

          
Beverages: 3.69%           

Keurig Dr Pepper Incorporated

          3,629        98,781  

PepsiCo Incorporated

          7,476        842,321  

The Coca-Cola Company

          7,126        342,974  
     1,284,076  
          

 

 

 
Food & Staples Retailing: 4.31%           

Costco Wholesale Corporation

          3,458        742,191  

Sysco Corporation

          11,852        756,750  
     1,498,941  
          

 

 

 
Food Products: 6.45%           

Bunge Limited

          50        2,753  

Flowers Foods Incorporated

          9,853        193,710  

Ingredion Incorporated

          2,020        199,980  

Lamb Weston Holdings Incorporated

          7,725        558,517  

The Hershey Company

          7,365        781,426  

Tyson Foods Incorporated Class A

          8,206        508,115  
     2,244,501  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Household Products: 5.47%

 

Colgate-Palmolive Company

          9,683      $ 626,296  

The Clorox Company

          2,823        418,877  

The Procter & Gamble Company

          8,922        860,705  
     1,905,878  
          

 

 

 
Tobacco: 2.92%           

Altria Group Incorporated

          10,700        528,045  

Philip Morris International Incorporated

          6,349        487,095  
     1,015,140  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 0.23%

          
Energy Equipment & Services: 0.23%           

Baker Hughes Incorporated

          3,465        81,670  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 16.97%

          
Banks: 0.16%           

First Citizens BancShares Corporation Class A

          135        55,017  
          

 

 

 
Capital Markets: 5.92%           

CBOE Holdings Incorporated

          6,519        608,027  

CME Group Incorporated

          4,455        812,057  

FactSet Research Systems Incorporated

          1,042        227,812  

Intercontinental Exchange Incorporated

          1,732        132,948  

MarketAxess Holdings Incorporated

          902        193,723  

Morningstar Incorporated

          687        85,291  
     2,059,858  
          

 

 

 
Diversified Financial Services: 0.27%           

AXA Equitable Holdings Incorporated

          405        7,509  

Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated Class B †

          424        87,149  
     94,658  
          

 

 

 
Insurance: 5.27%           

American Financial Group Incorporated

          5,506        525,217  

American National Insurance Company

          379        52,753  

Aon plc

          682        106,549  

Arch Capital Group Limited †

          6,753        198,201  

Mercury General Corporation

          3,451        178,417  

Old Republic International Corporation

          10,458        210,729  

The Progressive Corporation

          8,335        560,862  
     1,832,728  
          

 

 

 
Mortgage REITs: 5.35%           

AGNC Investment Corporation

          15,735        281,814  

Annaly Capital Management Incorporated

          35,362        369,179  

Chimera Investment Corporation

          12,137        230,967  

MFA Financial Incorporated

          55,154        404,279  

Starwood Property Trust Incorporated

          8,023        177,148  

Two Harbors Investment Corporation

          27,325        398,672  
     1,862,059  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Health Care: 7.26%

          
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 1.74%           

ICU Medical Incorporated †

          830      $ 206,504  

IDEXX Laboratories Incorporated †

          1,134        241,292  

Varian Medical Systems Incorporated †

          1,189        156,984  
     604,780  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 1.62%           

Humana Incorporated

          1,824        563,598  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 1.61%           

Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated Class A †

          2,236        558,709  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 2.29%           

Merck & Company Incorporated

          10,725        798,262  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 10.60%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 4.19%           

BWX Technologies Incorporated

          6,993        324,615  

Lockheed Martin Corporation

          1,927        558,233  

Northrop Grumman Corporation

          136        37,475  

Raytheon Company

          3,258        536,788  
     1,457,111  
          

 

 

 
Air Freight & Logistics: 0.88%           

Expeditors International of Washington Incorporated

          4,435        307,345  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 4.42%           

ADT Incorporated

          2,494        18,007  

Republic Services Incorporated

          8,478        650,347  

Waste Management Incorporated

          9,072        867,918  
     1,536,272  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 0.33%           

Honeywell International Incorporated

          791        113,611  
          

 

 

 
Machinery: 0.33%           

The Toro Company

          1,951        116,085  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 0.45%           

Schneider National Incorporated Class B

          7,416        157,516  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 15.43%

          
Communications Equipment: 1.52%           

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

          4,536        530,304  
          

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 1.42%           

National Instruments Corporation

          11,172        494,026  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
IT Services: 6.49%           

Amdocs Limited

          10,754      $ 600,934  

Automatic Data Processing Incorporated

          3,728        521,324  

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

          11,321        556,201  

Genpact Limited

          12,749        380,303  

Jack Henry & Associates Incorporated

          1,493        199,390  
     2,258,152  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 1.21%

 

Maxim Integrated Products Incorporated

          3,725        202,156  

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

          2,506        218,097  
     420,253  
          

 

 

 
Software: 4.79%           

Aspen Technology Incorporated †

          2,000        193,260  

Cadence Design Systems Incorporated †

          4,764        228,815  

CDK Global Incorporated

          6,652        325,349  

Symantec Corporation

          20,398        428,766  

Synopsys Incorporated †

          5,253        490,368  
     1,666,558  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 2.60%

          
Chemicals: 0.52%           

Valvoline Incorporated

          8,208        181,479  
          

 

 

 
Containers & Packaging: 0.39%           

Ardagh Group SA

          4,415        53,510  

Avery Dennison Corporation

          791        82,620  
     136,130  
          

 

 

 
Metals & Mining: 1.69%           

Newmont Mining Corporation

          12,726        434,084  

Royal Gold Incorporated

          1,746        152,548  
     586,632  
          

 

 

 

Real Estate: 3.60%

          
Equity REITs: 3.60%           

Apple Hospitality REIT Incorporated

          15,864        260,328  

Equity Commonwealth

          3,215        104,037  

Outfront Media Incorporated

          4,980        103,335  

VICI Properties Incorporated

          36,399        783,670  
     1,251,370  
          

 

 

 

Utilities: 10.07%

          
Electric Utilities: 6.82%           

American Electric Power Company Incorporated

          2,997        237,123  

Avangrid Incorporated

          1,784        88,968  

Hawaiian Electric Industries Incorporated

          8,736        324,892  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     13  

    

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Electric Utilities (continued)          

NextEra Energy Incorporated

         4,782      $ 855,882  

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

         7,372        649,621  

Xcel Energy Incorporated

         4,132        216,351  
     2,372,837  
         

 

 

 
Gas Utilities: 0.42%          

UGI Corporation

         2,569        146,510  
         

 

 

 
Multi-Utilities: 2.83%          

Ameren Corporation

         1,347        93,401  

CenterPoint Energy Incorporated

         3,079        95,203  

CMS Energy Corporation

         8,189        426,974  

DTE Energy Company

                                  3,144        370,206  
     985,784  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $32,529,833)

 

     33,739,070  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                      
Short-Term Investments: 2.92%          
Investment Companies: 2.92%          

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33        1,016,458        1,016,458  
         

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,016,458)

 

     1,016,458        
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $33,546,291)     99.89        34,755,528  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    0.11          38,438  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 34,793,966  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment companies

                 

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    922,225       5,942,273       5,848,040       1,016,458     $ 0     $ 0     $ 9,549     $ 1,016,458       2.92

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (cost $32,529,833)

  $ 33,739,070  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $1,016,458)

    1,016,458  

Receivable for dividends

    28,476  

Receivable from manager

    12,385  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    2,075  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    85,495  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    34,883,959  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Shareholder report expenses payable

    45,768  

Professional fees payable

    30,152  

Custodian and accounting fees payable

    7,680  

Administration fees payable

    3,710  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,506  

Distribution fee payable

    137  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    40  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    89,993  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 34,793,966  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 33,714,381  

Total distributable earnings

    1,079,585  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 34,793,966  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 1,263,811  

Shares outstanding – Class A¹

    119,877  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $10.54  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A²

    $11.18  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 221,773  

Shares outstanding – Class C¹

    21,106  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $10.51  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 1,058,679  

Shares outstanding – Class R6¹

    100,480  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $10.54  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 105,755  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class¹

    10,042  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $10.53  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 32,143,948  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class¹

    3,049,842  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $10.54  

 

 

 

¹

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

²

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     15  
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $220)

  $ 492,818  

Income from affiliated securities

    9,549  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    502,367  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    73,874  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    1,354  

Class C

    211  

Class R6

    171  

Administrator Class

    74  

Institutional Class

    22,228  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    1,612  

Class C

    251  

Administrator Class

    142  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    753  

Custody and accounting fees

    6,414  

Professional fees

    26,890  

Registration fees

    44,933  

Shareholder report expenses

    25,204  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    4,573  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    219,774  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (130,228
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    89,546  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    412,821  
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains on investments

    539,423  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1,490,557
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (951,134
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (538,313
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Statement of changes in net assets
    

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended
July 31, 2018¹
 

Operations

 

 

Net investment income

    $ 412,821       $ 709,204  

Net realized gains on investments

      539,423         1,575,047  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (1,490,557       219,615  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (538,313       2,503,866  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

     

Class A

      (97,183       (39,204

Class C

      (13,678       (2,805

Class R6

      (88,854       (41,008

Administrator Class

      (8,480       (3,707

Institutional Class

      (2,610,423       (1,251,431
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (2,818,618       (1,338,155
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    12,356       139,406       36,479       411,267  

Class C

    6,977       77,744       7,545       83,872  

Institutional Class

    58,188       630,999       321,940       3,618,353  
 

 

 

 
      848,149         4,113,492  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    8,338       88,821       3,092       35,640  

Class C

    567       5,999       3       37  

Institutional Class

    50,399       537,420       25,951       299,171  
 

 

 

 
      632,240         334,848  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (14,350     (153,841     (23,744     (260,000

Class C

    (2,683     (31,181     (1,331     (15,125

Class R

    N/A       N/A       (10,037 )²      (114,115 )² 

Institutional Class

    (132,867     (1,516,334     (227,303     (2,583,866
 

 

 

 
      (1,701,356       (2,973,106
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      (220,967       1,475,234  
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (3,577,898       2,640,945  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      38,371,864         35,730,919  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 34,793,966       $ 38,371,864  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Undistributed net investment income at July 31, 2018 was $364,175. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

²

For the period from August 1, 2017 to November 13, 2017. Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R shares were liquidated and the class was subsequently closed. Class R shares are no longer offered by the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.56       $11.21       $10.00  

Net investment income

    0.10       0.16       0.13  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.29     0.54       1.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.19     0.70       1.25  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.18     (0.17     (0.04

Net realized gains

    (0.65     (0.18     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.83     (0.35     (0.04

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.54       $11.56       $11.21  

Total return2

    (1.60 )%      6.32     12.53

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    1.51     1.55     1.61

Net expenses

    0.80     0.83     0.82

Net investment income

    1.93     1.53     1.78

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    45     75     39

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $1,264       $1,312       $1,096  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from October 31, 2016 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.49       $11.16       $10.00  

Net investment income

    0.05       0.08       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.27     0.52       1.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.22     0.60       1.19  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.11     (0.09     (0.03

Net realized gains

    (0.65     (0.18     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.76     (0.27     (0.03

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.51       $11.49       $11.16  

Total return2

    (1.86 )%      5.45     11.91

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    2.26     2.31     2.40

Net expenses

    1.55     1.58     1.58

Net investment income

    1.22     0.76     1.03

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    45     75     39

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $222       $187       $112  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from October 31, 2016 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.58       $11.24       $10.00  

Net investment income

    0.13       0.22       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.29     0.52       1.11  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.16     0.74       1.29  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.23     (0.22     (0.05

Net realized gains

    (0.65     (0.18     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.88     (0.40     (0.05

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.54       $11.58       $11.24  

Total return2

    (1.31 )%      6.70     12.94

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    1.08     1.12     1.22

Net expenses

    0.37     0.40     0.40

Net investment income

    2.35     1.96     2.19

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    45     75     39

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $1,059       $1,164       $1,129  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from October 31, 2016 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.55       $11.21       $10.00  

Net investment income

    0.11       0.18       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.29     0.53       1.10  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.18     0.71       1.25  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.19     (0.19     (0.04

Net realized gains

    (0.65     (0.18     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.84     (0.37     (0.04

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.53       $11.55       $11.21  

Total return2

    (1.50 )%      6.36     12.57

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    1.43     1.47     1.57

Net expenses

    0.72     0.75     0.75

Net investment income

    2.00     1.61     1.87

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    45     75     39

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $106       $116       $113  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from October 31, 2016 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     20171  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.58       $11.23       $10.00  

Net investment income

    0.13       0.20       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.30     0.54       1.12  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.17     0.74       1.28  

Distributions to shareholders from

     

Net investment income

    (0.22     (0.21     (0.05

Net realized gains

    (0.65     (0.18     0.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.87     (0.39     (0.05

Net asset value, end of period

    $10.54       $11.58       $11.23  

Total return2

    (1.40 )%      6.64     12.82

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

     

Gross expenses

    1.17     1.22     1.31

Net expenses

    0.47     0.50     0.50

Net investment income

    2.25     1.87     2.09

Supplemental data

     

Portfolio turnover rate

    45     75     39

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $32,144       $35,593       $33,169  

 

 

 

 

1 

For the period from October 31, 2016 (commencement of class operations) to July 31, 2017

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

Effective at the close of business on November 13, 2017, Class R shares were liquidated and the class was subsequently closed. Class R shares are no longer offered by the Fund. Information for Class R shares reflected in the financial statements represents activity through November 13, 2017.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

 


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     23  

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $33,428,590 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 2,624,577  

Gross unrealized losses

     (1,297,639

Net unrealized gains

   $ 1,326,938  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 1,212,673      $ 0      $ 0      $ 1,212,673  

Consumer discretionary

     1,348,547        0        0        1,348,547  

Consumer staples

     7,948,536        0        0        7,948,536  

Energy

     81,670        0        0        81,670  

Financials

     5,904,320        0        0        5,904,320  

Health care

     2,525,349        0        0        2,525,349  

Industrials

     3,687,940        0        0        3,687,940  

Information technology

     5,369,293        0        0        5,369,293  

Materials

     904,241        0        0        904,241  

Real estate

     1,251,370        0        0        1,251,370  

Utilities

     3,505,131        0        0        3,505,131  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     1,016,458        0        0        1,016,458  

Total assets

   $ 34,755,528      $ 0      $ 0      $ 34,755,528  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

 


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”), is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.40% and declining to 0.33% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.20% and declining to 0.12% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. Prior to November 1, 2018, Analytic Investors, LLC served as the subadviser and received an annual fee from Funds Management at the same rates. On November 1, 2018, Analytic Investors, LLC was consolidated into WellsCap.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 0.73% for Class A shares, 1.48% for Class C shares, 0.30% for Class R6 shares, 0.65% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.40% for Institutional Class shares. 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. Prior to December 1, 2018, the Fund’s expenses were capped at 0.83% for Class A shares, 1.58% for Class C shares, 0.40% for Class R6, 0.75% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.50% for Institutional Class.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. Funds Distributor did not receive any front-end or contingent deferred sales charges from Class A or Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the respective average daily net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     25  

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $15,979,149 and $18,687,363, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net investment
income
      

Net realized

gains

 

Class A

   $ 19,083        $ 20,121  

Class C

     941          1,864  

Class R6

     22,574          18,434  

Administrator Class

     1,865          1,842  

Institutional Class

     119,172          586,361  

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

9. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     27  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

William R. Ebsworth

(Born 1957)

  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A

Jane A. Freeman

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A

Isaiah Harris, Jr.3

(Born 1952)

  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation

Judith M. Johnson3

(Born 1949)

  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A

David F. Larcker

(Born 1950)

  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service*

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer  

Current other

public company or
investment company
directorships

Olivia S. Mitchell

(Born 1953)

  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A

Timothy J. Penny

(Born 1951)

  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A

James G. Polisson

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A

Pamela Wheelock

(Born 1959)

  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund     29  

Officers

 

Name and

year of birth

 

Position held and

length of service

  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    

Jeremy DePalma1

(Born 1974)

  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    

Alexander Kymn

(Born 1973)

  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    

Michael H. Whitaker

(Born 1967)

  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Low Volatility U.S. Equity Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320776 03-19

SA270/SAR270 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    13  

Statement of operations

    14  

Statement of changes in net assets

    15  

Financial highlights

    16  

Notes to financial statements

    21  

Other information

    26  

Appendix A

    30  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

    

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Michael T. Smith, CFA®

Christopher J. Warner, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 20191

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios2 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net3  
 
Class A (EKOAX)   4-29-1968     -4.34       8.59       15.35       1.50       9.88       16.03       1.28       1.28  
 
Class C (EKOCX)   8-2-1993     -0.27       9.06       15.16       0.73       9.06       15.16       2.03       2.03  
 
Class R (EKORX)   10-10-2003                       1.25       9.62       15.74       1.53       1.53  
 
Administrator Class (EOMYX)   1-13-1997                       1.69       10.11       16.29       1.20       1.10  
 
Institutional Class (EKONX)4   7-30-2010                       1.94       10.39       16.54       0.95       0.85  
 
Russell 3000® Growth Index5                         0.03       12.57       16.77              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk and smaller-company securities risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20196  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     6.75  

Microsoft Corporation

     6.64  

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

     4.18  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     4.07  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     3.94  

Waste Connections Incorporated

     2.54  

Union Pacific Corporation

     2.36  

First Data Corporation Class A

     2.03  

EPAM Systems Incorporated

     1.97  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated

     1.83  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20197

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Historical performance shown for all classes of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010, is based on the performance of the Fund’s predecessor, Evergreen Omega Fund.

 

2 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

3 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at 1.30% for Class A, 2.05% for Class C, 1.55% for Class R, 1.10% for Administrator Class, and 0.85% 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

4 

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

 

5 

The Russell 3000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 3000® Index companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

7 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 969.03      $ 6.40        1.29

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,018.70      $ 6.56        1.29

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 965.44      $ 10.11        2.04

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,014.92      $ 10.36        2.04

Class R

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 968.07      $ 7.59        1.53

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,017.49      $ 7.78        1.53

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 970.13      $ 5.46        1.10

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.66      $ 5.60        1.10

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 971.32      $ 4.22        0.85

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.92      $ 4.33        0.85

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     9  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 100.34%

          

Communication Services: 10.66%

          
Entertainment: 4.07%           

Netflix Incorporated †

          32,200      $ 10,931,900  

Nintendo Company Limited ADR

          249,538        9,292,795  

Take-Two Interactive Software Incorporated †

          98,900        10,438,895  
             30,663,590  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 6.59%           

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          26,400        29,723,496  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          8,685        9,695,673  

Tencent Holdings Limited ADR

          230,600        10,287,066  
             49,706,235  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 18.62%

          
Auto Components: 1.58%           

Aptiv plc

          150,300        11,893,239  
          

 

 

 
Automobiles: 0.83%           

Ferrari NV

          49,900        6,302,370  
          

 

 

 
Diversified Consumer Services: 2.59%           

Adtalem Global Education Incorporated †

          214,400        10,484,160  

Bright Horizons Family Solutions Incorporated †

          78,157        9,049,799  
             19,533,959  
          

 

 

 
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 2.83%           

Chipotle Mexican Grill Incorporated †

          21,500        11,386,615  

Vail Resorts Incorporated

          52,902        9,959,331  
             21,345,946  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 9.28%           

Alibaba Group Holding Limited ADR †

          47,000        7,919,030  

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          29,600        50,874,408  

MercadoLibre Incorporated †

          30,700        11,174,800  
             69,968,238  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 1.51%           

The Home Depot Incorporated

          61,900        11,360,507  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 0.82%

          
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.82%           

Pioneer Natural Resources Company

          43,400        6,176,688  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 4.35%

          
Capital Markets: 3.04%           

Intercontinental Exchange Incorporated

          168,800        12,957,088  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          123,702        9,958,011  
             22,915,099  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Consumer Finance: 1.31%           

SLM Corporation

          921,100      $ 9,864,981  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 15.37%

          
Biotechnology: 3.09%           

Celgene Corporation †

          148,775        13,160,637  

Exact Sciences Corporation †

          80,400        7,242,432  

Sarepta Therapeutics Incorporated †

          20,500        2,864,055  
             23,267,124  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 5.08%           

Align Technology Incorporated †

          34,200        8,514,090  

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          279,600        10,666,740  

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation †

          56,300        9,594,646  

Medtronic plc

          108,000        9,546,120  
             38,321,596  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 5.58%           

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

          116,700        31,532,340  

WellCare Health Plans Incorporated †

          38,200        10,561,536  
             42,093,876  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.97%           

Illumina Incorporated †

          26,200        7,330,498  
          

 

 

 
Pharmaceuticals: 0.65%           

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated †«

          166,377        4,854,881  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 10.85%

          
Aerospace & Defense: 1.26%           

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated †

          42,200        9,462,084  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 3.89%           

Cintas Corporation

          54,000        10,125,540  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          229,522        19,178,858  
             29,304,398  
          

 

 

 
Electrical Equipment: 1.41%           

Rockwell Automation Incorporated

          62,800        10,645,856  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 2.36%           

Union Pacific Corporation

          111,800        17,784,026  
          

 

 

 
Trading Companies & Distributors: 1.93%           

SiteOne Landscape Supply Incorporated †

          105,500        5,623,150  

Univar Incorporated †

          429,828        8,953,317  
             14,576,467  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     11  

    

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Information Technology: 35.14%

          
Communications Equipment: 1.70%           

Motorola Solutions Incorporated

          109,900      $ 12,848,409  
          

 

 

 
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 2.01%           

Littelfuse Incorporated

          32,200        5,658,184  

Zebra Technologies Corporation Class A †

          54,800        9,513,280  
             15,171,464  
          

 

 

 
IT Services: 19.15%           

Black Knight Incorporated †

          246,100        12,105,659  

EPAM Systems Incorporated †

          104,741        14,818,757  

Euronet Worldwide Incorporated †

          85,400        9,821,854  

Fidelity National Information Services Incorporated

          84,200        8,801,426  

First Data Corporation Class A †

          619,900        15,280,535  

Gartner Incorporated †

          59,700        8,112,633  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

          155,600        13,811,056  

Shopify Incorporated Class A †«

          50,600        8,524,582  

Total System Services Incorporated

          114,000        10,215,540  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          227,404        30,701,814  

WEX Incorporated †

          75,302        12,148,472  
             144,342,328  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 0.76%           

Infineon Technologies AG ADR

          258,800        5,760,888  
          

 

 

 
Software: 11.52%           

Autodesk Incorporated †

          49,500        7,286,400  

Microsoft Corporation

          479,400        50,063,742  

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

          80,800        12,279,176  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

          53,300        11,727,066  

The Ultimate Software Group Incorporated †

          20,000        5,461,400  
             86,817,784  
          

 

 

 

Materials: 3.91%

          
Chemicals: 3.03%           

Ingevity Corporation †

          103,900        9,773,873  

The Sherwin-Williams Company

          31,100        13,109,272  
             22,883,145  
          

 

 

 
Construction Materials: 0.88%           

Vulcan Materials Company

          65,000        6,607,250  
          

 

 

 

Real Estate: 0.62%

          
Equity REITs: 0.62%           

SBA Communications Corporation †

          25,600        4,672,768  
          

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $515,964,643)

             756,475,694  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

    

 

 

Security name   Yield                               Shares      Value  
Short-Term Investments: 2.74%          
Investment Companies: 2.74%          

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC (l)(r)(u)

    2.57        12,131,527      $ 12,132,740  

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33          8,496,291        8,496,291  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $20,629,031)

 

     20,629,031        
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $536,593,674)     103.08        777,104,725  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (3.08        (23,195,545
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 753,909,180  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

«

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(r)

The investment is a non-registered investment company purchased with cash collateral received from securities on loan.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

ADR

American depositary receipt

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC

    6,508,449       94,620,463       88,997,385       12,131,527     $ (3,860   $ 0     $ 172,108     $ 12,132,740    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    5,594,599       87,542,327       84,640,635       8,496,291       0       0       71,246       8,496,291    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (3,860   $ 0     $ 243,354     $ 20,629,031       2.74
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     13  
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities (including $11,857,400 of securities loaned), at value (cost $515,964,643)

  $ 756,475,694  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $20,629,031)

    20,629,031  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    211,141  

Receivable for dividends

    21,638  

Receivable for securities lending income

    6,233  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    64,981  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    777,408,718  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable upon receipt of securities loaned

    12,136,565  

Payable for investments purchased

    9,712,201  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    861,471  

Management fee payable

    471,203  

Administration fees payable

    122,619  

Distribution fees payable

    33,060  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,530  

Due to custodian bank

    463  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    159,426  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    23,499,538  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 753,909,180  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 501,257,432  

Total distributable earnings

    252,651,748  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 753,909,180  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 609,740,814  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    12,982,513  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $46.97  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $49.84  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 51,886,195  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    1,695,307  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $30.61  

Net assets – Class R

  $ 6,205,383  

Shares outstanding – Class R1

    140,554  

Net asset value per share – Class R

    $44.15  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 23,249,767  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    451,406  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $51.51  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 62,827,021  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    1,180,206  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $53.23  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $14,377)

  $ 2,285,605  

Income from affiliated securities

    102,874  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    2,388,479  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    3,056,617  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    663,158  

Class C

    59,484  

Class R

    6,674  

Administrator Class

    15,296  

Institutional Class

    41,192  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    789,473  

Class C

    70,814  

Class R

    7,704  

Administrator Class

    28,209  

Distribution fees

 

Class C

    212,441  

Class R

    7,945  

Custody and accounting fees

    21,383  

Professional fees

    26,303  

Registration fees

    42,636  

Shareholder report expenses

    60,494  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    10,565  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    5,131,478  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (45,390
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    5,086,088  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (2,697,609
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    26,835,513  

Affiliated securities

    (3,860
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    26,831,653  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (50,404,153
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (23,572,500
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (26,270,109
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of changes in net assets   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     15  
     Six months ended
January 31, 2019
(unaudited)
    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

     

Net investment loss

    $ (2,697,609     $ (5,063,493

Net realized gains on investments

      26,831,653         102,987,066  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (50,404,153       85,525,118  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (26,270,109       183,448,691  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

       

Class A

      (68,419,305       (78,031,973

Class C

      (8,678,201       (10,985,719

Class R

      (707,933       (974,995

Administrator Class

      (2,403,661       (2,304,666

Institutional Class

      (6,323,228       (6,956,178
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (86,532,328       (99,253,531
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

       

Class A

    262,117       13,012,930       362,012       18,469,654  

Class C

    61,850       1,907,713       55,872       2,013,265  

Class R

    19,279       872,696       59,297       2,898,358  

Administrator Class

    17,211       998,035       59,693       3,308,304  

Institutional Class

    125,838       7,309,385       204,162       11,775,351  
 

 

 

 
      24,100,759         38,464,932  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

       

Class A

    1,458,710       65,102,208       1,554,465       74,101,364  

Class C

    288,212       8,392,731       318,920       10,604,105  

Class R

    9,582       402,155       11,375       514,829  

Administrator Class

    44,842       2,194,127       39,989       2,065,019  

Institutional Class

    123,606       6,249,540       123,732       6,562,759  
 

 

 

 
      82,340,761         93,848,076  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

       

Class A

    (839,766     (41,657,646     (1,588,303     (81,411,378

Class C

    (287,332     (9,519,264     (456,893     (16,729,771

Class R

    (32,634     (1,634,137     (59,515     (2,895,636

Administrator Class

    (17,076     (905,325     (66,020     (3,608,448

Institutional Class

    (129,658     (7,264,547     (429,386     (24,161,795
 

 

 

 
      (60,980,919       (128,807,028
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      45,460,601         3,505,980  
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (67,341,836       87,701,140  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      821,251,016         733,549,876  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 753,909,180       $ 821,251,016  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Accumulated net investment loss at July 31, 2018 was $23,665. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $54.77       $49.43       $42.73       $48.29       $49.99       $47.97  

Net investment loss

    (0.17 )1      (0.32 )1      (0.22 )1      (0.19 )1      (0.28 )1      (0.49

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.82     12.57       8.07       (1.44     5.12       8.28  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.99     12.25       7.85       (1.63     4.84       7.79  

Distributions to shareholders from

         

Net realized gains

    (5.81     (6.91     (1.15     (3.93     (6.54     (5.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $46.97       $54.77       $49.43       $42.73       $48.29       $49.99  

Total return2

    (3.10 )%      26.86     18.88     (3.07 )%      10.65     16.58

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    1.29     1.28     1.28     1.28     1.32     1.32

Net expenses

    1.29     1.28     1.28     1.28     1.30     1.30

Net investment loss

    (0.68 )%      (0.63 )%      (0.50 )%      (0.47 )%      (0.58 )%      (0.84 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     48     76     84     94     101

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $609,741       $662,751       $581,967       $573,304       $685,005       $724,071  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $38.02       $36.47       $32.07       $37.55       $40.56       $40.15  

Net investment loss

    (0.25 )1      (0.50 )1      (0.41 )1      (0.39 )1      (0.51 )1      (0.65 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.35     8.96       5.96       (1.16     4.04       6.83  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.60     8.46       5.55       (1.55     3.53       6.18  

Distributions to shareholders from

         

Net realized gains

    (5.81     (6.91     (1.15     (3.93     (6.54     (5.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $30.61       $38.02       $36.47       $32.07       $37.55       $40.56  

Total return2

    (3.46 )%      25.88     18.00     (3.75 )%      9.79     15.73

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    2.04     2.03     2.03     2.03     2.07     2.07

Net expenses

    2.04     2.03     2.03     2.03     2.05     2.05

Net investment loss

    (1.42 )%      (1.38 )%      (1.24 )%      (1.22 )%      (1.33 )%      (1.59 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     48     76     84     94     101

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $51,886       $62,074       $62,543       $74,337       $99,100       $108,073  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $51.92       $47.30       $41.04       $46.66       $48.62       $46.90  

Net investment loss

    (0.22 )1      (0.43 )1      (0.30 )1      (0.29 )1      (0.39 )1      (0.53 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.74     11.96       7.71       (1.40     4.97       8.02  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (1.96     11.53       7.41       (1.69     4.58       7.49  

Distributions to shareholders from

         

Net realized gains

    (5.81     (6.91     (1.15     (3.93     (6.54     (5.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $44.15       $51.92       $47.30       $41.04       $46.66       $48.62  

Total return2

    (3.19 )%      26.53     18.58     (3.30 )%      10.38     16.30

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    1.53     1.53     1.53     1.53     1.57     1.57

Net expenses

    1.53     1.53     1.53     1.53     1.55     1.55

Net investment loss

    (0.92 )%      (0.88 )%      (0.72 )%      (0.71 )%      (0.83 )%      (1.09 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     48     76     84     94     101

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $6,205       $7,494       $6,298       $10,122       $17,199       $20,095  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $59.39       $52.99       $45.65       $51.20       $52.50       $50.00  

Net investment loss

    (0.14 )1      (0.25 )1      (0.12 )1      (0.12 )1      (0.17 )1      (0.31 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.93     13.56       8.61       (1.50     5.41       8.58  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.07     13.31       8.49       (1.62     5.24       8.27  

Distributions to shareholders from

         

Net realized gains

    (5.81     (6.91     (1.15     (3.93     (6.54     (5.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $51.51       $59.39       $52.99       $45.65       $51.20       $52.50  

Total return2

    (2.99 )%      27.07     19.08     (2.84 )%      10.91     16.89

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    1.20     1.20     1.20     1.19     1.15     1.15

Net expenses

    1.10     1.10     1.10     1.08     1.05     1.05

Net investment loss

    (0.49 )%      (0.45 )%      (0.25 )%      (0.27 )%      (0.33 )%      (0.59 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     48     76     84     94     101

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $23,250       $24,140       $19,754       $38,039       $86,756       $115,281  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $61.10       $54.21       $46.55       $52.01       $53.10       $50.40  

Net investment loss

    (0.07 )1      (0.11 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.00 )2      (0.04 )1      (0.24

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (1.99     13.91       8.84       (1.53     5.49       8.71  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (2.06     13.80       8.81       (1.53     5.45       8.47  

Distributions to shareholders from

         

Net realized gains

    (5.81     (6.91     (1.15     (3.93     (6.54     (5.77

Net asset value, end of period

    $53.23       $61.10       $54.21       $46.55       $52.01       $53.10  

Total return3

    (2.87 )%      27.39     19.40     (2.61 )%      11.20     17.17

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

         

Gross expenses

    0.96     0.95     0.95     0.95     0.90     0.89

Net expenses

    0.85     0.85     0.85     0.83     0.80     0.80

Net investment loss

    (0.24 )%      (0.20 )%      (0.06 )%      (0.01 )%      (0.09 )%      (0.36 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    24     48     76     84     94     101

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $62,827       $64,792       $62,987       $76,980       $87,085       $49,960  

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is more than $(0.005).

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     21  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income from foreign securities is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $536,209,336 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 253,010,536  

Gross unrealized losses

     (12,115,147

Net unrealized gains

   $ 240,895,389  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     23  

lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

     Quoted prices
(Level 1)
     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 80,369,825      $ 0      $ 0      $ 80,369,825  

Consumer discretionary

     140,404,259        0        0        140,404,259  

Energy

     6,176,688        0        0        6,176,688  

Financials

     32,780,080        0        0        32,780,080  

Health care

     115,867,975        0        0        115,867,975  

Industrials

     81,772,831        0        0        81,772,831  

Information technology

     264,940,873        0        0        264,940,873  

Materials

     29,490,395        0        0        29,490,395  

Real estate

     4,672,768        0        0        4,672,768  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     8,496,291        12,132,740        0        20,629,031  

Total assets

   $ 764,971,985      $ 12,132,740      $ 0      $ 777,104,725  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.80% and declining to 0.555% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.78% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.45% and declining to 0.30% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C, Class R

     0.21

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.30% for Class A shares, 2.05% for Class C shares, 1.55% for Class R shares, 1.10% for Administrator Class shares, and 0.85% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fees

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C and Class R shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Distribution fees are charged to Class C and Class R shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares and 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class R shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $7,830 from the sale of Class A shares and $24 in contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, Class R, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $184,631,778 and $220,192,633, respectively.

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     25  

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $78,031,973  

Class C

     10,985,719  

Class R

     974,995  

Administrator Class

     2,304,666  

Institutional Class

     6,956,178  

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risk result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     27  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
William R. Ebsworth
(Born 1957)
  Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A
Jane A. Freeman
(Born 1953)
  Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3
(Born 1952)
  Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation
Judith M. Johnson3
(Born 1949)
  Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker
(Born 1950)
  Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)
Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
Olivia S. Mitchell
(Born 1953)
  Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny
(Born 1951)
  Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson
(Born 1959)
  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock
(Born 1959)
  Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund     29  

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    
Andrew Owen
(Born 1960)
  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1
(Born 1974)
  Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
Alexander Kymn
(Born 1973)
  Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    
Michael H. Whitaker
(Born 1967)
  Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    
David Berardi
(Born 1975)
  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Omega Growth Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320777 03-19

SA211/SAR211 01-19

 


Table of Contents

Semi-Annual Report

January 31, 2019

 

LOGO

 

Wells Fargo

Premier Large Company Growth Fund

 

LOGO

 

 

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.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Reduce clutter. Save trees.

Sign up for electronic delivery of prospectuses and shareholder reports at wellsfargo.com/advantagedelivery

Contents

 

 

 

Letter to shareholders

    2  

Performance highlights

    6  

Fund expenses

    8  

Portfolio of investments

    9  
Financial statements  

Statement of assets and liabilities

    14  

Statement of operations

    15  

Statement of changes in net assets

    16  

Financial highlights

    17  

Notes to financial statements

    23  

Other information

    28  

Appendix A

    32  

 

The views expressed and any forward-looking statements are as of January 31, 2019, unless otherwise noted, and are those of the Fund managers and/or Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Discussions of individual securities, or the markets generally, or any Wells Fargo Fund are not intended as individual recommendations. Future events or results may vary significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. The views expressed are subject to change at any time in response to changing circumstances in the market. Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC and the Fund disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any views expressed or forward-looking statements.

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE



Table of Contents

 

2   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors.

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to offer you this semi-annual report for the Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund for the six-month period that ended January 31, 2019. Higher short-term interest rates, inflation concerns, trade tensions, slowing economic growth outside the U.S., and geopolitical events contributed to investment market volatility throughout the period.

For the period, U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index,1 fell 3.00% and international stocks, as measured by the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net),2 declined 6.34%. Based on the MSCI EM Index (Net),3 emerging market stocks lost 2.60%. For bond investors, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index4 added 2.71% while the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index5 gained 1.37%. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index6 added 2.05%, and the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index7 gained 1.02%.

Investors appeared to shake off lingering concerns during the third quarter.

Favorable third-quarter economic indicators and corporate earnings reports encouraged domestic stock investors. U.S. trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada made progress. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®8 reached its highest level in 18 years during September. Several U.S. equity market indices reached records during August. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points (bps; 100 bps equal 1.00%) to a target range of between 2.00% and 2.25% in September 2018. For the quarter that ended September 30, the S&P 500 Index added 7.71%.

Investors in international markets were not as reassured. Tensions between the U.S. and China increased when the U.S. imposed an additional $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. China responded with $60 billion in tariffs on U.S. products. In addition, economic growth in China drew renewed concerns. The Bank of England, having raised its monetary policy rate to 0.50% in November 2017, increased the rate again in August 2018 to 0.75%. During the three-month period that ended September 30, 2018, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net) gained 0.71% while the MSCI EM Index (Net) declined 1.09%.

 

 

 

1 

The S&P 500 Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation. It is a market-value-weighted index with each stock’s weight in the index proportionate to its market value. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

2 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index (ACWI) ex USA Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. Source: MSCI. MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed, or produced by MSCI. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

3 

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) is a free-float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure large- and mid-cap equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI EM Index (Net) consists of the following 24 emerging market country indices: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

4 

The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment-grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage pass-throughs), asset-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

5 

The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index is an unmanaged index that provides a broad-based measure of the global investment-grade fixed-income markets excluding the U.S. dollar-denominated debt market. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

6 

The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of long-term tax-exempt bonds with a minimum credit rating of Baa. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

7 

The ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of domestic and Yankee high-yield bonds. The index tracks the performance of high-yield securities traded in the U.S. bond market. You cannot invest directly in an index. Copyright 2019. ICE Data Indices, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

8 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® measures the degree of optimism on the state of the U.S. economy that consumers are expressing through their activities of savings and spending. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

Letter to shareholders (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     3  

In bond markets, U.S. bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, were flat. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index fell 1.74% during the quarter that ended September 30, 2018.

Conflicting data unsettled markets during the fourth quarter.

Negative stock market performance during October and December bracketed a mildly positive November for the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net). As interest rates and bond yields gained during October, stock markets struggled. December’s S&P 500 Index performance was the worst since 1931. Globally, fixed-income investments fared better than stocks during the last two months of the year.

November’s U.S. midterm elections shifted control of the House of Representatives from Republicans to Democrats, presaging potential partisan disputes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that third-quarter U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized 3.4% rate, lower than second-quarter GDP growth. Brexit efforts stalled in the U.K. ahead of the March 2019 deadline. The People’s Bank of China cut reserve requirement ratios and accelerated infrastructure spending and tax cuts, and the value of the yuan declined to low levels last seen in 2008. Oil prices fell.

After the Fed increased the federal funds rate by 25 bps to a target range of between 2.25% and 2.50% in December 2018—the ninth such increase since the Fed began raising rates three years ago from near zero—it softened its outlook for further interest rate increases in 2019.

The market climbs a wall of worry.

Investors entered 2019 with reasons to be concerned. A partial U.S. government shutdown driven by partisan disputes over spending and immigration policies extended into January. Globally, economic signals were uneven. Investors expected high levels of stock market volatility to continue, as measured by the VIX9.

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry. The S&P 500 Index gained 8.01% for the month that ended January 31, 2019, its best monthly performance in 30 years. Returns for the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (Net), the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate ex-USD Index also were positive.

Don’t let short-term uncertainty derail long-term investment goals.

Periods of investment uncertainty can present challenges, but experience has taught us that maintaining long-term investment goals can be an effective way to plan for the future. To help you create a sound strategy based on your personal goals and risk tolerance, Wells Fargo Funds offers more than 100 mutual funds spanning a wide range of asset classes and investment styles. Although diversification cannot guarantee an investment profit or prevent losses, we believe it can be an effective way to manage investment risk and potentially smooth out overall portfolio performance. We encourage investors to know their investments and to understand that appropriate levels of risk-taking may unlock opportunities.

 

 

 

 

January’s returns tended to support the investing adage that the market climbs a wall of worry.

 

 

 

 

 

9 

The Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index (VIX) is a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. It represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period. You cannot invest directly in an index.


Table of Contents

 

4   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Letter to shareholders (unaudited)

Thank you for choosing to invest with Wells Fargo Funds. We appreciate your confidence in us and remain committed to helping you meet your financial needs.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Andrew Owen

President

Wells Fargo Funds

 

 

 

For further information about your Fund, contact your investment professional, visit our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or call us directly at 1-800-222-8222.


Table of Contents

 

This page is intentionally left blank.


Table of Contents

 

6   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Performance highlights (unaudited)

Investment objective

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Manager

Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC

Subadviser

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

Portfolio managers

Joseph M. Eberhardy, CFA® , CPA

Bob Gruendyke, CFA®

Thomas C. Ognar, CFA®

Average annual total returns (%) as of January 31, 20191

 

        Including sales charge     Excluding sales charge     Expense ratios2 (%)  
    Inception date   1 year     5 year     10 year     1 year     5 year     10 year     Gross     Net3  
 
Class A (EKJAX)   1-20-1998     -3.87       8.94       15.06       2.01       10.23       15.73       1.15       1.11  
 
Class C (EKJCX)   1-22-1998     0.30       9.42       14.87       1.30       9.42       14.87       1.90       1.86  
 
Class R4 (EKJRX)4   11-30-2012                       2.34       10.57       16.10       0.87       0.80  
 
Class R6 (EKJFX)5   11-30-2012                       2.45       10.75       16.20       0.72       0.65  
 
Administrator Class (WFPDX)6   7-16-2010                       2.11       10.38       15.88       1.07       1.00  
 
Institutional Class (EKJYX)   6-30-1999                       2.39       10.69       16.17       0.82       0.70  
 
Russell 1000® Growth Index7                         0.24       12.97       16.86              

Figures quoted represent past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder may pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance shown without sales charges would be lower if sales charges were reflected. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website, wellsfargofunds.com.

Index returns do not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities, any mutual fund fees or expenses, or any taxes. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

For Class A shares, the maximum front-end sales charge is 5.75%. For Class C shares, the maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 1.00%. Performance including a contingent deferred sales charge assumes the sales charge for the corresponding time period. Class R4, Class R6, Administrator Class, and Institutional Class shares are sold without a front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.

Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and general market and economic conditions. Certain investment strategies tend to increase the total risk of an investment (relative to the broader market). The Fund is exposed to foreign investment risk. Consult the Fund’s prospectus for additional information on these and other risks.

 

 

Please see footnotes on page 7.


Table of Contents

 

Performance highlights (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     7  
Ten largest holdings (%) as of January 31, 20198  

Amazon.com Incorporated

     7.53  

Alphabet Incorporated Class A

     6.40  

Microsoft Corporation

     4.48  

Visa Incorporated Class A

     3.79  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

     3.55  

Microchip Technology Incorporated

     2.89  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated

     2.88  

The Boeing Company

     2.35  

Texas Instruments Incorporated

     2.06  

Union Pacific Corporation

     2.00  
Sector distribution as of January 31, 20199

 

LOGO

 

 

 

 

 

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

 

1 

Historical performance shown for all classes of the Fund prior to July 19, 2010, is based on the performance of the Fund’s predecessor, Evergreen Large Company Growth Fund.

 

2 

Reflects the expense ratios as stated in the most recent prospectuses. The expense ratios shown are subject to change and may differ from the annualized expense ratios shown in the financial highlights of this report.

 

3 

The manager has contractually committed through November 30, 2019, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the expenses of each class after fee waivers at the amounts shown. 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. Without this cap, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. The expense ratio paid by an investor is the net expense ratio (the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waivers) as stated in the prospectuses.

 

4 

Historical performance shown for Class R4 shares prior to their inception reflects the performance of Institutional Class shares, adjusted to reflect the higher expenses applicable to Class R4 shares.

 

5 

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, returns for Class R6 shares would be higher.

 

6 

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

 

7 

The Russell 1000® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000 companies with higher price/book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

8 

The ten largest holdings, excluding cash, cash equivalents and any money market funds, are calculated based on the value of the investments divided by total net assets of the Fund. Holdings are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.

 

9 

Amounts are calculated based on the total long-term investments of the Fund. These amounts are subject to change and may have changed since the date specified.


Table of Contents

 

8   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Fund expenses (unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and contingent deferred sales charges (if any) on redemptions and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution (12b-1) and/or shareholder servicing fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The “Actual” line of the 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 number in the “Actual” line under the heading entitled “Expenses paid during period” for your applicable class of shares to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The “Hypothetical” line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the 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 Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

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

 

     Beginning
account value
8-1-2018
     Ending
account value
1-31-2019
     Expenses
paid during
the period¹
     Annualized net
expense ratio
 

Class A

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 972.10      $ 5.52        1.11

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,019.61      $ 5.65        1.11

Class C

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 968.62      $ 9.23        1.86

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,015.83      $ 9.45        1.86

Class R4

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 973.19      $ 3.98        0.80

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.17      $ 4.08        0.80

Class R6

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 973.51      $ 3.23        0.65

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.93      $ 3.31        0.65

Administrator Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 972.53      $ 4.97        1.00

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,020.16      $ 5.09        1.00

Institutional Class

           

Actual

   $ 1,000.00      $ 973.46      $ 3.48        0.70

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

   $ 1,000.00      $ 1,021.68      $ 3.57        0.70

 

 

1

Expenses paid is equal to the annualized net expense ratio of each class multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (to reflect the one-half-year period).


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     9  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  

Common Stocks: 99.71%

 

Communication Services: 11.84%

 

Entertainment: 2.95%

 

Activision Blizzard Incorporated

          115,930      $ 5,476,533  

Live Nation Incorporated †

          346,790        18,556,733  

Netflix Incorporated †

          63,800        21,660,100  

Take-Two Interactive Software Incorporated †

          191,260        20,187,493  
             65,880,859  
          

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services: 8.89%

 

Alphabet Incorporated Class A †

          126,850        142,819,147  

Alphabet Incorporated Class C †

          19,348        21,599,527  

Facebook Incorporated Class A †

          114,010        19,004,327  

Match Group Incorporated «

          277,300        14,832,777  
             198,255,778  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary: 15.46%

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 2.31%

 

Planet Fitness Incorporated Class A †

          355,230        20,574,922  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited

          247,980        29,769,999  

Vail Resorts Incorporated

          5,870        1,105,086  
             51,450,007  
          

 

 

 
Household Durables: 0.61%

 

Roku Incorporated †«

          304,870        13,703,907  
          

 

 

 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 7.98%

 

Amazon.com Incorporated †

          97,760        168,023,045  

Farfetch Limited Class A †

          243,051        4,897,478  

MercadoLibre Incorporated †

          13,700        4,986,800  
             177,907,323  
          

 

 

 
Specialty Retail: 4.56%

 

Burlington Stores Incorporated †

          213,710        36,696,144  

Five Below Incorporated †

          136,360        16,871,823  

O’Reilly Automotive Incorporated †

          70,640        24,346,782  

Ross Stores Incorporated

          24,000        2,210,880  

The Home Depot Incorporated

          6,330        1,161,745  

ULTA Beauty Incorporated †

          69,700        20,346,824  
             101,634,198  
          

 

 

 

Consumer Staples: 2.88%

 

Beverages: 1.76%

 

Constellation Brands Incorporated Class A

          71,420        12,402,797  

The Coca-Cola Company

          557,070        26,811,779  
             39,214,576  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

10   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Food & Staples Retailing: 0.47%

 

Costco Wholesale Corporation

          49,380      $ 10,598,429  
          

 

 

 
Personal Products: 0.65%

 

The Estee Lauder Companies Incorporated Class A

          105,570        14,401,859  
          

 

 

 

Energy: 0.36%

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 0.36%

 

Concho Resources Incorporated †

          66,130        7,925,019  
          

 

 

 

Financials: 5.06%

 

Capital Markets: 5.06%

 

CME Group Incorporated

          200,140        36,481,519  

MarketAxess Holdings Incorporated

          160,650        34,502,801  

Raymond James Financial Incorporated

          247,746        19,943,553  

The Charles Schwab Corporation

          469,230        21,945,887  
             112,873,760  
          

 

 

 

Health Care: 13.99%

 

Biotechnology: 4.82%

 

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          139,882        17,199,891  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Incorporated †

          34,300        3,367,231  

Fibrogen Incorporated †

          122,600        6,957,550  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          64,710        7,642,251  

Neurocrine Biosciences Incorporated †

          76,210        6,723,246  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          26,300        11,289,801  

Sage Therapeutics Incorporated †

          75,590        10,778,378  

Sarepta Therapeutics Incorporated †

          116,770        16,313,937  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated †

          142,970        27,294,403  
             107,566,688  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 3.69%

 

Abbott Laboratories

          422,750        30,852,295  

Boston Scientific Corporation †

          925,590        35,311,259  

Intuitive Surgical Incorporated †

          30,650        16,049,566  
             82,213,120  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Providers & Services: 0.40%

 

Centene Corporation †

          68,720        8,972,770  
          

 

 

 
Health Care Technology: 0.70%

 

Veeva Systems Incorporated Class A †

          142,130        15,500,698  
          

 

 

 
Life Sciences Tools & Services: 2.28%

 

Agilent Technologies Incorporated

          385,190        29,293,700  

PRA Health Sciences Incorporated †

          203,900        21,607,283  
             50,900,983  
          

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     11  

      

 

 

Security name                 Shares      Value  
Pharmaceuticals: 2.10%

 

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated †«

          255,470      $ 7,454,615  

Zoetis Incorporated

          458,368        39,492,987  
             46,947,602  
          

 

 

 

Industrials: 14.07%

 

Aerospace & Defense: 3.25%

 

HEICO Corporation

          236,882        20,016,529  

The Boeing Company

          136,120        52,490,594  
             72,507,123  
          

 

 

 
Commercial Services & Supplies: 3.25%

 

KAR Auction Services Incorporated

          227,417        11,827,958  

Rollins Incorporated

          561,955        20,927,204  

Waste Connections Incorporated

          476,015        39,775,813  
             72,530,975  
          

 

 

 
Industrial Conglomerates: 1.05%

 

Roper Industries Incorporated

          82,550        23,383,113  
          

 

 

 
Machinery: 0.88%

 

Fortive Corporation

          261,425        19,604,261  
          

 

 

 
Professional Services: 2.25%

 

CoStar Group Incorporated †

          85,800        33,525,492  

TransUnion

          275,030        16,727,325  
             50,252,817  
          

 

 

 
Road & Rail: 3.39%

 

CSX Corporation

          134,200        8,816,940  

Norfolk Southern Corporation

          132,110        22,160,131  

Union Pacific Corporation

          280,260        44,580,958  
             75,558,029  
          

 

 

 

Information Technology: 33.59%

 

IT Services: 13.51%

 

Euronet Worldwide Incorporated †

          124,096        14,272,281  

Global Payments Incorporated

          167,130        18,765,356  

MasterCard Incorporated Class A

          375,110        79,196,974  

PayPal Holdings Incorporated †

          723,180        64,189,457  

Shopify Incorporated Class A †«

          88,130        14,847,261  

Square Incorporated Class A †

          102,328        7,301,103  

Visa Incorporated Class A

          626,230        84,547,312  

WEX Incorporated †

          113,240        18,269,009  
             301,388,753  
          

 

 

 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 5.69%

 

Microchip Technology Incorporated «

          803,140        64,548,362  

Monolithic Power Systems Incorporated

          129,150        16,345,224  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

12   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)

      

 

 

Security name                Shares      Value  
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (continued)

 

Texas Instruments Incorporated

         456,150      $ 45,925,182  
            126,818,768  
         

 

 

 
Software: 13.99%

 

Adobe Systems Incorporated †

         154,169        38,206,162  

Dropbox Incorporated Class A †«

         809,800        20,010,158  

Microsoft Corporation

         957,620        100,004,257  

Pivotal Software Incorporated Class A †

         536,236        9,915,004  

Proofpoint Incorporated †

         214,760        21,877,601  

RealPage Incorporated †

         249,850        13,934,135  

Salesforce.com Incorporated †

         279,420        42,463,457  

ServiceNow Incorporated †

         152,680        33,592,654  

Splunk Incorporated †

         116,385        14,529,503  

The Ultimate Software Group Incorporated †

         64,092        17,501,602  
            312,034,533  
         

 

 

 
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 0.40%

 

Apple Incorporated

 

       52,750        8,779,710  
         

 

 

 

Materials: 1.26%

 

Chemicals: 1.26%          

Linde plc

 

       172,900        28,184,429  
         

 

 

 

Real Estate: 1.20%

 

Equity REITs: 0.69%

 

SBA Communications Corporation †

 

       83,800        15,296,014  
         

 

 

 
Real Estate Management & Development: 0.51%

 

CBRE Group Incorporated Class A †

 

       250,510        11,460,831  
         

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,254,692,373)

 

     2,223,746,932  
         

 

 

 
    Yield                                         
Short-Term Investments: 5.01%

 

Investment Companies: 5.01%

 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC (l)(r)(u)

    2.57        98,277,497        98,287,325  

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class (l)(u)

    2.33          13,592,723        13,592,723  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $111,880,048)

 

     111,880,048  
         

 

 

 

 

Total investments in securities (Cost $1,366,572,421)     104.72        2,335,626,980  

Other assets and liabilities, net

    (4.72        (105,368,654
 

 

 

      

 

 

 
Total net assets     100.00      $ 2,230,258,326  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Non-income-earning security

 

«

All or a portion of this security is on loan.

 

(l)

The issuer of the security is an affiliated person of the Fund as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

(r)

The investment is a non-registered investment company purchased with cash collateral received from securities on loan.

 

(u)

The rate represents the 7-day annualized yield at period end.

Abbreviations:

 

REIT

Real estate investment trust

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Portfolio of investments—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     13  

      

 

 

Investments in Affiliates

An affiliated investment is an investment in which the Fund owns at least 5% of the outstanding voting shares of the issuer or as a result of other relationships, such as the Fund and the issuer having the same investment manager. Transactions with issuers that were either affiliated persons of the Fund at the beginning of the period or the end of the period were as follows:

 

    Shares,
beginning of
period
    Shares
purchased
    Shares
sold
    Shares,
end of
period
    Net
realized
gains
(losses)
    Net
change in
unrealized
gains
(losses)
    Income
from
affiliated
securities
    Value,
end
of period
    % of
net
assets
 

Short-Term Investments

                 

Investment Companies

                 

Securities Lending Cash Investments LLC

    94,411,945       309,236,998       305,371,446       98,277,497     $ (2,806   $ 0     $ 1,185,984     $ 98,287,325    

Wells Fargo Government Money Market Fund Select Class

    9,566,578       225,319,341       221,293,196       13,592,723       0       0       118,261       13,592,723    
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
          $ (2,806   $ 0     $ 1,304,245     $ 111,880,048       5.01
         

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

14   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Statement of assets and liabilities—January 31, 2019 (unaudited)
         

Assets

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities (including $96,113,591 of securities loaned), at value (cost $1,254,692,373)

  $ 2,223,746,932  

Investments in affiliated securities, at value (cost $111,880,048)

    111,880,048  

Receivable for investments sold

    6,620,032  

Receivable for Fund shares sold

    1,479,349  

Receivable for dividends

    703,680  

Receivable for securities lending income

    24,627  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    114,012  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    2,344,568,680  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Payable upon receipt of securities loaned

    98,287,171  

Payable for investments purchased

    10,656,963  

Payable for Fund shares redeemed

    3,336,190  

Management fee payable

    1,062,244  

Administration fees payable

    293,224  

Distribution fee payable

    100,655  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable

    2,538  

Due to custodian bank

    265  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    571,104  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    114,310,354  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 2,230,258,326  
 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF

 

Paid-in capital

  $ 1,213,940,337  

Total distributable earnings

    1,016,317,989  
 

 

 

 

Total net assets

  $ 2,230,258,326  
 

 

 

 

COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE

 

Net assets – Class A

  $ 942,604,802  

Shares outstanding – Class A1

    77,205,558  

Net asset value per share – Class A

    $12.21  

Maximum offering price per share – Class A2

    $12.95  

Net assets – Class C

  $ 164,186,669  

Shares outstanding – Class C1

    18,192,049  

Net asset value per share – Class C

    $9.03  

Net assets – Class R4

  $ 3,746,288  

Share outstanding – Class R41

    292,715  

Net asset value per share – Class R4

    $12.80  

Net assets – Class R6

  $ 170,783,922  

Shares outstanding – Class R61

    13,155,392  

Net asset value per share – Class R6

    $12.98  

Net assets – Administrator Class

  $ 48,086,938  

Shares outstanding – Administrator Class1

    3,859,739  

Net asset value per share – Administrator Class

    $12.46  

Net assets – Institutional Class

  $ 900,849,707  

Shares outstanding – Institutional Class1

    69,654,897  

Net asset value per share – Institutional Class

    $12.93  

 

 

1 

The Fund has an unlimited number of authorized shares.

 

2 

Maximum offering price is computed as 100/94.25 of net asset value. On investments of $50,000 or more, the offering price is reduced.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Statement of operations—six months ended January 31, 2019 (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     15  
         

Investment income

 

Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $22,584)

  $ 9,135,006  

Income from affiliated securities

    303,609  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    9,438,615  
 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

Management fee

    8,001,272  

Administration fees

 

Class A

    1,048,317  

Class C

    196,442  

Class R4

    1,430  

Class R6

    27,713  

Administrator Class

    33,707  

Institutional Class

    645,865  

Shareholder servicing fees

 

Class A

    1,247,997  

Class C

    233,859  

Class R4

    1,788  

Administrator Class

    64,821  

Distribution fee

 

Class C

    701,578  

Custody and accounting fees

    60,494  

Professional fees

    27,197  

Registration fees

    65,662  

Shareholder report expenses

    106,418  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

    11,090  

Other fees and expenses

    26,853  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    12,502,503  

Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements

    (869,711
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    11,632,792  
 

 

 

 

Net investment loss

    (2,194,177
 

 

 

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS

 

Net realized gains (losses) on:

 

Unaffiliated securities

    134,466,715  

Affiliated securities

    (2,806
 

 

 

 

Net realized gains on investments

    134,463,909  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (211,430,091
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (76,966,182
 

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (79,160,359
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

16   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Statement of changes in net assets
    

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended
July 31, 20181
 

Operations

 

 

Net investment loss

    $ (2,194,177     $ (5,025,277

Net realized gains on investments

      134,463,909         395,034,238  

Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments

      (211,430,091       194,196,842  
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

      (79,160,359       584,205,803  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains

     

Class A

      (157,260,447       (227,679,727

Class C

      (37,119,006       (54,543,209

Class R4

      (524,816       (746,155

Class R6

      (27,912,392       (37,680,602

Administrator Class

      (7,935,426       (18,099,486

Institutional Class

      (149,877,161       (222,234,431
 

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

      (380,629,248       (560,983,610
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions

    Shares         Shares    

Proceeds from shares sold

 

Class A

    2,626,923       34,420,274       3,267,334       47,146,306  

Class C

    1,196,732       10,866,992       1,584,503       17,609,853  

Class R4

    32,705       395,164       75,453       1,179,600  

Class R6

    740,461       10,404,628       1,545,725       24,664,037  

Administrator Class

    217,733       2,857,902       561,343       8,469,670  

Institutional Class

    6,611,297       92,065,619       13,231,358       209,203,798  
 

 

 

 
      151,010,579         308,273,264  
 

 

 

 

Reinvestment of distributions

 

Class A

    12,562,848       146,357,178       15,972,127       209,554,313  

Class C

    3,761,731       32,426,128       4,459,739       46,202,895  

Class R4

    42,767       522,194       54,558       741,983  

Class R6

    2,036,360       25,210,147       2,631,345       36,154,683  

Administrator Class

    643,092       7,646,354       1,320,910       17,607,730  

Institutional Class

    11,058,800       136,355,009       14,695,591       201,476,557  
 

 

 

 
      348,517,010         511,738,161  
 

 

 

 

Payment for shares redeemed

 

Class A

    (7,407,256     (98,526,304     (14,159,720     (208,175,400

Class C

    (3,710,023     (35,465,687     (5,118,687     (60,638,200

Class R4

    (20,318     (336,252     (118,356     (1,890,437

Class R6

    (2,034,376     (27,856,630     (2,515,229     (39,250,052

Administrator Class

    (751,683     (10,672,637     (3,480,442     (50,915,269

Institutional Class

    (13,957,080     (187,795,572     (21,905,645     (330,565,468
 

 

 

 
      (360,653,082       (691,434,826
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

      138,874,507         128,576,599  
 

 

 

 

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

      (320,915,100       151,798,792  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

   

Beginning of period

      2,551,173,426         2,399,374,634  
 

 

 

 

End of period

    $ 2,230,258,326       $ 2,551,173,426  
 

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the SEC prospectively eliminated the requirement to parenthetically disclose undistributed net investment income at the end of the period and permitted the aggregation of distributions, with the exception of tax basis returns of capital. Accumulated net investment loss at July 31, 2018 was $18,243. The disaggregated distributions information for the year ended July 31, 2018 is included in Note 7, Distributions to Shareholders, in the notes to the financial statements.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     17  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS A   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.10       $15.34       $14.68       $16.28       $14.55       $12.57  

Net investment loss

    (0.02 )1      (0.05     (0.03 )1      (0.03     (0.03     (0.05

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.51     3.56       2.12       (0.52     1.97       2.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.53     3.51       2.09       (0.55     1.94       1.98  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.21       $15.10       $15.34       $14.68       $16.28       $14.55  

Total return2

    (2.79 )%      26.54     16.01     (3.22 )%      13.46     15.75

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.15     1.15     1.14     1.13     1.16     1.17

Net expenses

    1.11     1.11     1.11     1.11     1.12     1.12

Net investment loss

    (0.33 )%      (0.34 )%      (0.20 )%      (0.17 )%      (0.18 )%      (0.36 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $942,605       $1,048,632       $986,791       $1,697,746       $2,280,107       $1,908,455  

 

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

18   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS C   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $11.87       $12.86       $12.64       $14.27       $12.87       $11.20  

Net investment loss

    (0.06 )1      (0.13 )1      (0.12 )1      (0.12 )1      (0.13 )1      (0.14 )1 

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.42     2.89       1.77       (0.46     1.74       1.81  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.48     2.76       1.65       (0.58     1.61       1.67  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $9.03       $11.87       $12.86       $12.64       $14.27       $12.87  

Total return2

    (3.14 )%      25.68     15.05     (3.92 )%      12.65     14.91

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.90     1.90     1.89     1.88     1.91     1.92

Net expenses

    1.86     1.86     1.86     1.86     1.87     1.87

Net investment loss

    (1.08 )%      (1.09 )%      (0.95 )%      (0.92 )%      (0.93 )%      (1.11 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $164,187       $201,138       $206,026       $296,896       $388,290       $374,136  

 

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Total return calculations do not include any sales charges. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     19  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R4   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.69       $15.75       $15.00       $16.56       $14.75       $12.70  

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.00 )1,2      (0.00 )1,2      0.01 1       0.02 1       0.02       (0.01

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.53     3.69       2.17       (0.53     2.00       2.06  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.53     3.69       2.18       (0.51     2.02       2.05  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.80       $15.69       $15.75       $15.00       $16.56       $14.75  

Total return3

    (2.68 )%      27.06     16.30     (2.91 )%      13.82     16.14

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.87     0.87     0.86     0.85     0.83     0.84

Net expenses

    0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80     0.80

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.03 )%      (0.02 )%      0.09     0.13     0.13     (0.11 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $3,746       $3,727       $3,559       $3,988       $2,129       $765  

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Amount is more than $(0.005).

 

3 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

20   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended

January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
CLASS R6   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.87       $15.87       $15.08       $16.62       $14.77       $12.71  

Net investment income

    0.01 1       0.02 1       0.03 1       0.04 1       0.05       0.01  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.54     3.73       2.19       (0.53     2.01       2.05  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.53     3.75       2.22       (0.49     2.06       2.06  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.98       $15.87       $15.87       $15.08       $16.62       $14.77  

Total return2

    (2.65 )%      27.27     16.48     (2.78 )%      14.00     16.29

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.72     0.72     0.71     0.70     0.68     0.69

Net expenses

    0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65     0.65

Net investment income

    0.13     0.12     0.25     0.28     0.29     0.09

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $170,784       $196,934       $170,657       $179,198       $166,768       $163,871  

 

 

 

1

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Financial highlights   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     21  

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
ADMINISTRATOR CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.35       $15.52       $14.82       $16.41       $14.63       $12.62  

Net investment loss

    (0.02 )1      (0.03 )1      (0.01 )1      (0.00 )1,2      (0.00 )2      (0.02

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.51     3.61       2.14       (0.54     1.99       2.03  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.53     3.58       2.13       (0.54     1.99       2.01  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.46       $15.35       $15.52       $14.82       $16.41       $14.63  

Total return3

    (2.75 )%      26.70     16.14     (3.13 )%      13.73     15.93

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    1.07     1.07     1.06     1.04     1.00     1.00

Net expenses

    1.00     1.00     1.00     0.98     0.95     0.95

Net investment loss

    (0.22 )%      (0.22 )%      (0.06 )%      (0.02 )%      (0.01 )%      (0.19 )% 

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $48,087       $57,582       $82,998       $292,900       $1,129,970       $1,325,864  

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2

Amount is more than $(0.005).

 

3

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

22   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Financial highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout each period)

 

   

Six months ended
January 31, 2019

(unaudited)

    Year ended July 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014  

Net asset value, beginning of period

    $15.82       $15.84       $15.06       $16.61       $14.77       $12.71  

Net investment income

    0.01 1       0.01 1       0.02 1       0.03 1       0.03       0.01 1  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments

    (0.54     3.72       2.19       (0.53     2.02       2.05  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.53     3.73       2.21       (0.50     2.05       2.06  

Distributions to shareholders from

           

Net realized gains

    (2.36     (3.75     (1.43     (1.05     (0.21     0.00  

Net asset value, end of period

    $12.93       $15.82       $15.84       $15.06       $16.61       $14.77  

Total return2

    (2.65 )%      27.17     16.44     (2.85 )%      14.01     16.21

Ratios to average net assets (annualized)

           

Gross expenses

    0.82     0.82     0.81     0.80     0.74     0.74

Net expenses

    0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70     0.70

Net investment income

    0.08     0.07     0.19     0.23     0.23     0.07

Supplemental data

           

Portfolio turnover rate

    22     45     65     47     44     37

Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

    $900,850       $1,043,161       $949,344       $1,097,976       $1,313,281       $1,031,979  

 

 

 

1 

Calculated based upon average shares outstanding

 

2 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     23  

1. ORGANIZATION

Wells Fargo Fund Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust organized on March 10, 1999, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As an investment company, the Trust follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies. These financial statements report on the Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund (the “Fund”) which is a diversified series of the Trust.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following significant accounting policies, which are consistently followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Fund, are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities valuation

All investments are valued each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4 p.m. Eastern Time), although the Fund may deviate from this calculation time under unusual or unexpected circumstances.

Equity securities that are listed on a foreign or domestic exchange or market are valued at the official closing price or, if none, the last sales price. If no sale occurs on the principal exchange or market that day, a fair value price will be determined in accordance with the Fund’s Valuation Procedures.

Investments in registered open-end investment companies are valued at net asset value. Interests in non-registered investment companies that are redeemable at net asset value are fair valued normally at net asset value.

Investments which are not valued using any of the methods discussed above are valued at their fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Board of Trustees has established a Valuation Committee comprised of the Trustees and has delegated to it the authority to take any actions regarding the valuation of portfolio securities that the Valuation Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including determining the fair value of portfolio securities, unless the determination has been delegated to the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee at Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (“Funds Management”). The Board of Trustees retains the authority to make or ratify any valuation decisions or approve any changes to the Valuation Procedures as it deems appropriate. On a quarterly basis, the Board of Trustees receives reports on any valuation actions taken by the Valuation Committee or the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee which may include items for ratification.

Foreign currency translation

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. The values of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at rates provided by an independent foreign currency pricing source at a time each business day specified by the Wells Fargo Asset Management Pricing Committee. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are converted at the rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually paid or received. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities resulting from changes in exchange rates. The changes in net assets arising from changes in exchange rates of securities and the changes in net assets resulting from changes in market prices of securities are not separately presented. Such changes are included in net realized and unrealized gains or losses from investments.

Securities lending

The Fund may lend its securities from time to time in order to earn additional income in the form of fees or interest on securities received as collateral or the investment of any cash received as collateral. The Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. The Fund receives collateral in the form of cash or securities with a value at least equal to the value of the securities on loan. The value of the loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. In a securities lending transaction, the net asset value of the Fund will be affected by an increase or decrease in the value of the


Table of Contents

 

24   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

securities loaned and by an increase or decrease in the value of the instrument in which collateral is invested. The amount of securities lending activity undertaken by the Fund fluctuates from time to time. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the borrower, the Fund may be prevented from recovering the loaned securities or gaining access to the collateral or may experience delays or costs in doing so. In addition, the investment of any cash collateral received may lose all or part of its value. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

The Fund lends its securities through an unaffiliated securities lending agent. Cash collateral received in connection with its securities lending transactions is invested in Securities Lending Cash Investments, LLC (the “Securities Lending Fund”). The Securities Lending Fund is exempt from registration under Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act and is managed by Funds Management and is subadvised by Wells Capital Management Incorporated (“WellsCap”), an affiliate of Funds Management and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company (“Wells Fargo”). Funds Management receives an advisory fee starting at 0.05% and declining to 0.01% as the average daily net assets of the Securities Lending Fund increase. All of the fees received by Funds Management are paid to WellsCap for its services as subadviser. The Securities Lending Fund seeks to provide a positive return compared to the daily Fed Funds Open Rate by investing in high-quality, U.S. dollar-denominated short-term money market instruments. Securities Lending Fund investments are valued at the evaluated bid price provided by an independent pricing service. Income earned from investment in the Securities Lending Fund (net of fees and rebates), if any, is included in income from affiliated securities on the Statement of Operations.

Security transactions and income recognition

Securities transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gains or losses are recorded on the basis of identified cost.

Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Dividend income is recorded net of foreign taxes withheld where recovery of such taxes is not assured.

Distributions to shareholders

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and any net realized gains are recorded on the ex-dividend date and paid at least annually. Such distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations and may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Dividend sources are estimated at the time of declaration. The tax character of distributions is determined as of the Fund’s fiscal year end. Therefore, a portion of the Fund’s distributions made prior to the Fund’s fiscal year end may be categorized as a tax return of capital at year end.

Federal and other taxes

The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized capital gains (after reduction for capital loss carryforwards) sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes was required.

The Fund’s income and federal excise tax returns and all financial records supporting those returns for the prior three fiscal years are subject to examination by the federal and Delaware revenue authorities. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal, state, and foreign tax returns for all open tax years and does not believe that there are any uncertain tax positions that require recognition of a tax liability.

As of January 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of all investments for federal income tax purposes was $1,364,492,667 and the unrealized gains (losses) consisted of:

 

Gross unrealized gains

   $ 983,672,342  

Gross unrealized losses

     (12,538,029

Net unrealized gains

   $ 971,134,313  

Class allocations

The separate classes of shares offered by the Fund differ principally in applicable sales charges, distribution, shareholder servicing, and administration fees. Class specific expenses are charged directly to that share class. Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets of each class.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     25  

3. FAIR VALUATION MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements of investments are determined within a framework that has established a fair value hierarchy based upon the various data inputs utilized in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. The three-level hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Fund’s investments are classified within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs are summarized into three broad levels as follows:

 

 

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

 

 

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

 

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing investments in securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities as of January 31, 2019:

 

    

Quoted prices

(Level 1)

     Other significant
observable inputs
(Level 2)
    

Significant
unobservable inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

Assets

           

Investments in:

           

Common stocks

           

Communication services

   $ 264,136,637      $ 0      $ 0      $ 264,136,637  

Consumer discretionary

     344,695,435        0        0        344,695,435  

Consumer staples

     64,214,864        0        0        64,214,864  

Energy

     7,925,019        0        0        7,925,019  

Financials

     112,873,760        0        0        112,873,760  

Health care

     312,101,861        0        0        312,101,861  

Industrials

     313,836,318        0        0        313,836,318  

Information technology

     749,021,764        0        0        749,021,764  

Materials

     28,184,429        0        0        28,184,429  

Real estate

     26,756,845        0        0        26,756,845  

Short-term investments

           

Investment companies

     13,592,723        98,287,325        0        111,880,048  

Total assets

   $ 2,237,339,655      $ 98,287,325      $ 0      $ 2,335,626,980  

Additional sector, industry or geographic detail is included in the Portfolio of Investments.

At January 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers into/out of Level 3.

4. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Management fee

Funds Management, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo, is the manager of the Fund and provides advisory and fund-level administrative services under an investment management agreement. Under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is responsible for, among other services, implementing the investment objectives and strategies of the Fund, supervising the subadviser and providing fund-level administrative services in connection with the Fund’s operations. As compensation for its services under the investment management agreement, Funds Management is entitled to receive an annual management fee starting at 0.70% and declining to 0.505% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, the management fee was equivalent to an annual rate of 0.66% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.


Table of Contents

 

26   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Notes to financial statements (unaudited)

Funds Management has retained the services of a subadviser to provide daily portfolio management to the Fund. The fee for subadvisory services is borne by Funds Management. WellsCap is the subadviser to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from Funds Management at an annual rate starting at 0.35% and declining to 0.275% as the average daily net assets of the Fund increase.

Administration fees

Under a class-level administration agreement, Funds Management provides class-level administrative services to the Fund, which includes paying fees and expenses for services provided by the transfer agent, sub-transfer agents, omnibus account servicers and record-keepers. As compensation for its services under the class-level administration agreement, Funds Management receives an annual fee which is calculated based on the average daily net assets of each class as follows:

 

     Class-level
administration fee
 

Class A, Class C

     0.21

Class R4

     0.08  

Class R6

     0.03  

Administrator Class, Institutional Class

     0.13  

Funds Management has contractually waived and/or reimbursed management and administration fees to the extent necessary to maintain certain net operating expense ratios for the Fund. When each class of the Fund has exceeded its expense cap, Funds Management has waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses from fund level expenses on a proportionate basis and then from class specific expenses; otherwise, waivers and/or reimbursements are applied against class specific expenses before fund level expenses. Funds Management has committed through November 30, 2019 to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap the Fund’s expenses at 1.11% for Class A shares, 1.86% for Class C shares, 0.80% for Class R4 shares, 0.65% for Class R6 shares, 1.00% for Administrator Class, and 0.70% for Institutional Class shares. 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.

Distribution fee

The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class C shares of the Fund pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. A distribution fee is charged to Class C shares and paid to Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (“Funds Distributor”), the principal underwriter, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares.

In addition, Funds Distributor is entitled to receive the front-end sales charge from the purchase of Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of certain Class A shares. Funds Distributor is also entitled to receive the contingent deferred sales charges from redemptions of Class C shares. For the six months ended January 31, 2019, Funds Distributor received $19,668 from the sale of Class A shares. No contingent deferred sales charges were incurred by Class A and Class C shares for the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Shareholder servicing fees

The Trust has entered into contracts with one or more shareholder servicing agents, whereby Class A, Class C, and Administrator Class of the Fund are charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each respective class. Class R4 is charged a fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of its average daily net assets.

A portion of these total shareholder servicing fees were paid to affiliates of Wells Fargo.

Interfund transactions

The Fund may purchase or sell portfolio investment securities to certain other Wells Fargo affiliates pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act and under procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. The procedures have been designed to ensure that these interfund transactions, which do not incur broker commissions, are effected at current market prices.

5. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding U.S. government obligations (if any) and short-term securities, for the six months ended January 31, 2019 were $522,392,809 and $765,309,311, respectively.


Table of Contents

 

Notes to financial statements (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     27  

6. BANK BORROWINGS

The Trust (excluding the money market funds), Wells Fargo Master Trust and Wells Fargo Variable Trust are parties to a $280,000,000 revolving credit agreement whereby the Fund is permitted to use bank borrowings for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to fund shareholder redemption requests. Interest under the credit agreement is charged to the Fund based on a borrowing rate equal to the higher of the Federal Funds rate in effect on that day plus 1.25% or the overnight LIBOR rate in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, an annual commitment fee equal to 0.25% of the unused balance is allocated to each participating fund.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019, there were no borrowings by the Fund under the agreement.

7. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

Effective for all filings after November 4, 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to separately state the components of distributions to shareholders under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The amounts of distributions to shareholders for the year ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Net realized
gains
 

Class A

     $227,679,727  

Class C

     54,543,209  

Class R4

     746,155  

Class R6

     37,680,602  

Administrator Class

     18,099,486  

Institutional Class

     222,234,431  

8. CONCENTRATION RISK

Concentration risk result from exposure to a limited number of sectors. A fund that invests a substantial portion of its assets in any sector may be more affected by changes in that sector than would be a fund whose investments are not heavily weighted in any sector.

9. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, the officers and Trustees have been granted certain indemnification rights against certain liabilities that may arise out of performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts with service providers that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated.

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In August 2018, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. ASU 2018-13 updates the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by modifying or removing certain disclosures and adding certain new disclosures. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Management has adopted the removal and modification of disclosures early, as permitted, and will adopt the additional new disclosures at the effective date.


Table of Contents

 

28   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

PROXY VOTING INFORMATION

A description of the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-8222, visiting our website at wellsfargofunds.com, or visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com or by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION

The complete portfolio holdings for the Fund are publicly available monthly on the Fund’s website (wellsfargofunds.com), on a one-month delayed basis. In addition, top ten holdings information (excluding derivative positions) for the Fund is publicly available on the Fund’s website on a monthly, seven-day or more delayed basis. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q, which is available by visiting the SEC website at sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and at regional offices in New York City, at 233 Broadway, and in Chicago, at 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900. Information about the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     29  

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

Each of the Trustees and Officers1 listed in the table below acts in identical capacities for each fund in the Wells Fargo family of funds, which consists of 152 mutual funds comprising the Wells Fargo Funds Trust, Wells Fargo Variable Trust, Wells Fargo Master Trust and four closed-end funds (collectively the “Fund Complex”). This table should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information2. The mailing address of each Trustee and Officer is 525 Market Street, 12th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105. Each Trustee and Officer serves an indefinite term, however, each Trustee serves such term until reaching the mandatory retirement age established by the Trustees.

Independent Trustees

 

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
William R. Ebsworth (Born 1957)   Trustee, since 2015   Retired. From 1984 to 2013, equities analyst, portfolio manager, research director and chief investment officer at Fidelity Management and Research Company in Boston, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and retired in 2013 as Chief Investment Officer of Fidelity Strategic Advisers, Inc. where he led a team of investment professionals managing client assets. Prior thereto, Board member of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Co., Hong Kong Options Clearing Corp., the Thailand International Fund, Ltd., Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company, and Empire Fidelity Investments Life Insurance Company. Audit Committee Chair and Investment Committee Chair of the Vincent Memorial Hospital Endowment (non-profit organization). Mr. Ebsworth is a CFA® charterholder.   N/A
Jane A. Freeman (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2015; Chair Liaison, since 2018   Retired. From 2012 to 2014 and 1999 to 2008, Chief Financial Officer of Scientific Learning Corporation. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Freeman provided consulting services related to strategic business projects. Prior to 1999, Portfolio Manager at Rockefeller & Co. and Scudder, Stevens & Clark. Board member of the Harding Loevner Funds from 1996 to 2014, serving as both Lead Independent Director and chair of the Audit Committee. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Funds Trust from 2011 to 2012 and the chair of the Audit Committee. Ms. Freeman is a Board Member of The Ruth Bancroft Garden (non-profit organization). She is also an inactive Chartered Financial Analyst.   N/A
Isaiah Harris, Jr.3 (Born 1952)   Trustee, since 2009; Audit Committee Chairman, since 2019   Retired. Chairman of the Board of CIGNA Corporation since 2009, and Director since 2005. From 2003 to 2011, Director of Deluxe Corporation. Prior thereto, President and CEO of BellSouth Advertising and Publishing Corp. from 2005 to 2007, President and CEO of BellSouth Enterprises from 2004 to 2005 and President of BellSouth Consumer Services from 2000 to 2003. Emeritus member of the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of Iowa State University School of Business. Advisory Board Member, Palm Harbor Academy (private school). Advisory Board Member, Child Evangelism Fellowship (non-profit). Mr. Harris is a certified public accountant (inactive status).   CIGNA Corporation
Judith M. Johnson3 (Born 1949)   Trustee, since 2008; Audit Committee Chairman, from 2009 to 2018   Retired. Prior thereto, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Minneapolis Employees Retirement Fund from 1996 to 2008. Ms. Johnson is an attorney, certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant.   N/A
David F. Larcker (Born 1950)   Trustee, since 2009   James Irvin Miller Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University, Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative and Senior Faculty of The Rock Center for Corporate Governance since 2006. From 2005 to 2008, Professor of Accounting at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Prior thereto, Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2005.   N/A


Table of Contents

 

30   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Other information (unaudited)

Name and

year of birth

  Position held and
length of service*
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer   Current other
public company or
investment company
directorships
Olivia S. Mitchell (Born 1953)   Trustee, since 2006; Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, since 2018   International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Professor, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania since 1993. Director of Wharton’s Pension Research Council and Boettner Center on Pensions & Retirement Research, and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. Previously, Cornell University Professor from 1978 to 1993.   N/A
Timothy J. Penny (Born 1951)   Trustee, since 1996; Chairman, since 2018; Vice Chairman, from 2017 to 2018   President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a non-profit organization, since 2007. Member of the Board of Trustees of NorthStar Education Finance, Inc., a non-profit organization, since 2007.   N/A
James G. Polisson (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Retired. Chief Marketing Officer, Source (ETF) UK Services, Ltd, from 2015 to 2017. From 2012 to 2015, Principal of The Polisson Group, LLC, a management consulting, corporate advisory and principal investing company. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Russell Investments, Global Exchange Traded Funds from 2010 to 2012. Managing Director of Barclays Global Investors from 1998 to 2010 and Global Chief Marketing Officer for iShares and Barclays Global Investors from 2000 to 2010. Trustee of the San Francisco Mechanics’ Institute, a non-profit organization, from 2013 to 2015. Board member of the Russell Exchange Traded Fund Trust from 2011 to 2012. Director of Barclays Global Investors Holdings Deutschland GmbH from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Polisson is an attorney and has a retired status with the Massachusetts and District of Columbia Bar Associations.   N/A
Pamela Wheelock (Born 1959)   Trustee, since 2018; Advisory Board Member, from 2017 to 2018   Board member of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Rochester, Minnesota since 2019. Chief Operating Officer, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from 2017 to 2019. Vice President of University Services, University of Minnesota from 2012 to 2016. Prior thereto, on the Board of Directors, Governance Committee and Finance Committee for the Minnesota Philanthropy Partners (Saint Paul Foundation) from 2012 to 2018, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota from 2011 to 2012, Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012 and Board Director from 2003 to 2015. Vice President, Leadership and Community Engagement, Bush Foundation, Saint Paul, Minnesota (a private foundation) from 2009 to 2011. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Sports and Entertainment from 2004 to 2009 and Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. Executive Vice President of the Minnesota Wild Foundation from 2004 to 2008. Commissioner of Finance, State of Minnesota, from 1999 to 2002. Currently Board Chair of the Minnesota Wild Foundation since 2010.   N/A

 

*

Length of service dates reflect the Trustee’s commencement of service with the Trust’s predecessor entities, where applicable.


Table of Contents

 

Other information (unaudited)   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund     31  

Officers

 

Name and
year of birth
  Position held and
length of service
  Principal occupations during past five years or longer    

Andrew Owen

(Born 1960)

  President, since 2017   Executive Vice President of Wells Fargo & Company and Head of Affiliated Managers, Wells Fargo Asset Management, since 2014. In addition, Mr. Owen is currently President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2017. Prior thereto, Executive Vice President responsible for marketing, investments and product development for Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, from 2009 to 2014.    
Jeremy DePalma1 (Born 1974)   Treasurer, since 2012   Senior Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Senior Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010 and head of the Fund Reporting and Control Team within Fund Administration from 2005 to 2010.    
Alexander Kymn (Born 1973)   Secretary, since 2018; Chief Legal Officer, since 2018   Senior Company Counsel of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. since 2018 (previously Senior Counsel from 2007 to 2018). Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC from 2008 to 2014.    
Michael H. Whitaker (Born 1967)   Chief Compliance Officer, since 2016   Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer since 2016. Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Fidelity Investments from 2007 to 2016.    

David Berardi

(Born 1975)

  Assistant Treasurer, since 2009   Vice President of Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC since 2009. Vice President of Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2008 to 2010. Manager of Fund Reporting and Control for Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC from 2004 to 2010.    

 

 

 

 

1

Jeremy DePalma acts as Treasurer of 76 funds and Assistant Treasurer of 76 funds in the Fund Complex.

 

2

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-260-5969 or by visiting the website at wellsfargofunds.com.

 

3 

Mr. Harris became Chairman of the Audit Committee effective January 1, 2019.


Table of Contents

 

32   Wells Fargo Premier Large Company Growth Fund   Appendix A (unaudited)

SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN INTERMEDIARIES

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services & Raymond James affiliates (“Raymond James”)

Effective on or about March 1, 2019, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

 

   

Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

 

   

Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

   

A shareholder in the fund’s Class C shares will have their shares automatically exchanged at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the exchange is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

CDSC Waivers on Class A and C Shares Available at Raymond James

 

   

Death or disability of the shareholder.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

 

   

Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the Fund’s prospectus.

 

   

Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

 

   

Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

Front-end Load Discounts Available at Raymond James: Breakpoints, and/or Rights of Accumulation

 

   

Breakpoints as described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

   

Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

LOGO

For more information

More information about Wells Fargo Funds is available free upon request. To obtain literature, please write, visit the Fund’s website, or call:

Wells Fargo Funds

P.O. Box 219967

Kansas City, MO 64121-9967

Website: wellsfargofunds.com

Individual investors: 1-800-222-8222

Retail investment professionals: 1-888-877-9275

Institutional investment professionals: 1-866-765-0778

 

This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. If this report is used for promotional purposes, distribution of the report must be accompanied or preceded by a current prospectus. Before investing, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment. For a current prospectus and, if available, a summary prospectus, containing this information, call 1-800-222-8222 or visit the Fund’s website at wellsfargofunds.com. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Wells Fargo Asset Management (WFAM) is the trade name for certain investment advisory/management firms owned by Wells Fargo & Company. These firms include but are not limited to Wells Capital Management Incorporated and Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. Certain products managed by WFAM entities are distributed by Wells Fargo Funds Distributor, LLC (a broker/dealer and Member FINRA).

This material is for general informational and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to provide investment advice or a recommendation of any kind—including a recommendation for any specific investment, strategy, or plan.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED    NO BANK GUARANTEE     MAY LOSE VALUE

© 2019 Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

 

LOGO     

320778 03-19

SA212/SAR212 01-19

 


Table of Contents
ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.

INVESTMENTS

A Portfolio of Investments for each series of Wells Fargo Funds Trust is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees that have been implemented since the registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of this Item.


Table of Contents
ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) The President and Treasurer have concluded that the Wells Fargo Funds Trust (the “Trust”) disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) provide reasonable assurances that material information relating to the Trust is made known to them by the appropriate persons, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report.

(b) There were no significant changes in the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12.

DISCLOSURES OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 13.

EXHIBITS

(a)(1) Not applicable.

(a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.


Table of Contents

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.

 

Wells Fargo Funds Trust
By:   /s/ Andrew Owen
  Andrew Owen
  President
Date: March 27, 2019

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 date indicated.

 

Wells Fargo Funds Trust
By:   /s/ Andrew Owen
  Andrew Owen
  President
Date: March 27, 2019
By:   /s/ Jeremy DePalma
  Jeremy DePalma
  Treasurer
Date: March 27, 2019